Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-06-05
BISHOP OTEY.

The Memphis appeal publishes long and eloquent
letter from Bishop 0ey of Tennessee native Of Vr-
pina) to VIM H. Seward. But will fall upon his ears
as did the inspired voice of Aaron upon the Of Pha
roah We extract the following graphic picture of the
military spirit Of the South
Sir believe me- when say that from the Chesapeake
to the banks of the Rio Grande is heard the martial
of preparation The laborer is quitting his fields the
professional man his office, the merchant his counting
ROOM and the pioneer of the wilderness is dropping his
axe and snatchng up his deadly rifle, all to array them
selves in the ranks of Our mountain tops and val
eys are pouring forth their hardy sons, while plains
are alive with armed men, eager Tor the strife OF battle
Even the free negro the unconscious representative OF
class whose alleged degradation and accomplishing
have reused into frenzy all the fierce passions OF
twenty millions of men in the North, comes forward
voluntarily and begs the favor of being allowed to fight
for the land where he tolls for his daily bread.
Our women, the daughters OF mothers who moulded
bullets and carried them hot in their aprons their hus
bands as they stood behind their stcckades and repealed
the assaults OF the mercess savage praccing them
selves in the use Of firearms aud forming voluntary
socaons to lint and bandsges for the wounded
condiments medicines and other comforts for the sick
aud tol-wOrn soldier!
Sir have been in this State forty years. The Indian
boundary line, when came to Tennessee was two hun
bred miles East of this place. 1t is twice that dis
lance West. IL is now kaow lot where have trav'
these Southwestern States from Fort Towson to Tabas
see-from Virginia to Texas and mingled freely with the
people all the ordinary circumstances OF social inter
course have had the best opportunities TO know them
intimately and think understand their character tho
roughly tell you, in all the soberness of truth that
wherever the invader shall attempt to pass the borders
of these States with hostile intent, he will be met by
living wall of men, with brave hearts and hand armed for
the strife of DEATH more difficult to pass than breast
works irowning with and brstng with bayonets,
more numerous than those which the ramparts oil
Burgess Numbers may overcome and destroy these mep,
but IN nv conscience declare, that do not believe
that the united strength of the North compel them
20 submission. You may kill them, but as Cambronne is
reported have replied in behalf OF the old guard to the
demand for surrender the bloody field OF Waterloo,
''they die they never surrender!
repeat that know this people; known their mpetu-
osity their reckless daring But know too and Others
who have fought by their side know sso that they can
be cool and steady veterans, when the occasion de-
mands Accustomed from childhood to the handling of
arms and practiced in their skilfu use in the chase,
which frequently involves dangerous encounters with for
mdabe wild beasts they acquire all the readiness OF at
tack and defence which marks the veteran in war, and
far activity than he possesses 1t is not to be de-
MED that the same qualities of solderhip distinguish the
troops of the Northern States where they have been
trained in similar schools of hardy discipline But this
admission suggests first and foremost the thought by no
means pleasing one to minds which are peace,
that an encounter between such troops must be proper
tionatey more destructive But be that as it may, the
GOODNESS and elaboration with which people are pre-
pairing for the conflict may we'll surprise any one and
knowing their temperament as do, l may add, their
cslmness fills with amaZement. They certainly In
spre high hopes as to the final result OF this unfortunate
difference disastrous the realization Of those hopes
must be to any who with hostile tread venture 10 violate
the sanctity Of our soil.