The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-12-26
The Treason OF Jacob Thompson.

Jacob Thompson, Of Mississippi, was one
Of the constitutional advisers Of James Bu-
ehenan, and occupied in his cabinet the place
Of Secretary Of the Interior. When occupy
Ing that position he wrote the following let
ter, which was found in his private letter
book, upon the occupation Of Oxford by the
Union troops.
The Democratic sympathizers with treason
and secession, in our own midst, would show
better taste and more sound discretion, il
they would confne themselves, in their at
taeks upon those who violate the constitu-
ton, to such traitors as Thompson.
Private and CONFIDENTIAL
WASHINGTON. ID. c.. Nov. 90, 1860.
Mr. DEAR PETERSON The time has come
when every man who loves his state and coun-
try is required to take his share Of the res
possibility and perform his share Of duty
My allegiance is due to the State OF Missis.
sippi. and her destiny shall be my destiny
believe she ought 10 resist, and TO the bit
ter end. black republican rule. hope our
state will call convention to provide new
guards for our future safety, and, in the event
of call OF u convention. l want, il can, to
be member of that convention. l want to
90 MS member from our county, and want
you, Us NV friend. 10 see our friend lloyey
(or-) and our friend Lamar, and flour
editors are friendly to me, want you to see
them. and make such call on me. through
the columns of our papers, rs to make 1t ap.
parent that it is my duty to come home and
make common cause with my state.
Difficulties accumulate upon us here. As
long as am here shall shield and protect
the South. Whenever it shall come to pass
that shall think that can do no further good
here, shall return to my home. Buchanan
is the truest friend to the South have ever
known from the North. He is jewel and
man. But my duty now is with the South
want the cooperation Of the Southern
states. Geography makes separate and iso.
lated action bv Mississippi an absurdity. |
have some influence in our Southern sister
states. | wish to do oil can to secure their
sympathy and cooperation. a confederation
of the Southern states will be strong enough
to command the respect OF the world, and the
love and confidence OF our people ut home
South Carolina will 60; consider Georgia
and Florida rs certain Alabama probable.
Then Mississippi must so.
But want Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas,
Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia. and
Maryland will not stay behind long. | fear
Kentucky even more than do Missouri. IL
we are not too hasty and violent, these States
will all unite, because it will be their inter
est and their honor and feelings to do So
As soon Us our mechanics. our merchants,
our lawyers and our editors look the matter
in the face, and caleulat6 the consequences,
they will see their interest so strong in this
movement that fear they will be violent be-
yond control. The successful unresisted in
stallation OF Lincoln is the beginning of the
end of slavery.
The North is dependent on the South for
its prosperity. The South is not dependent
on the North for anything necessary to its
material welfare.
My dear sir. have written in confidence.
wish you to let me know whether am for
gotten at home. believe Tom Pegues ismy
friend. Write me soon and write me every
thing. Your friend, j. THOMPSON.
P.S. You can see Thomas and William
Thompson also. My engagements are 50 con.
slant cannot write much. J.T.