Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-07-19
MIR. Radser,a Letter


We have the pleasure of laying before our read
to-day the letter written about the LIST of June
last, by the Hon. George E. Badger, of this City,
to Mr.. Ely, of New York, and which was transmit
ted through Mr.. Stanly at Newbern, and read by
him. We are authorized to say that Mr.. Badger
has consented to publish the letter at the request OF
friend, in whose attachment to himself and in the
soundness of whose judgment be has every conf
dence-especally as this request was accompanied
by suggestion on the subject which had not occur
red to Mr.. Badger before, but which was decisive
with him in forming his purpose to give the letter
to the public
Mr.. ELY:-In your letter to Mr. Stanly, you pro-
posed to him the Office of cherishng the feeling of
Unionism" in North Carolina, and as that letter
came to my hands in an unsealed envelope directed
to my wife, take the liberty of setting you right
upon fact, and showing you what a hopeless task
you have suggested to Mr.. Stanly.
There is in North Carolina no Union feeling as
you suppose, and as is probably supposed by the
generality of Northern men, There lpGs in this
State very strong Union feeng-a strong love for
the Union established by forefathers-which in
duced the people, 10y very large and overwhelming
majority to vote down the purpose of seeding from
the Union on account of Mr.. Lncon's election;
and this was represented by immediate secessionsts
submissonists, ready to submit to any injury in
suit rather than resist wrong and stand in defence
Of our rights and honor. But as soon as Mr.. Lin
coins proclamation Of April, 1861, appeared offer
ing us the alternative of joining in armed nva-
sion of our Southern sister States for their subuga-
ton, under the pretence of executing the laws or
resistance to the authorities of the United States,
our position taken without moments hesita-
ton. Convention was promptly called and in
stantly, and without dissenting voice, that Con-
vention resolved to take our side with the already
seeded States, and share their fate for good evil
From that moment, however may have differed
in other things, in this there has been and there
is not, any difference 1t would, perhaps, be too
much to say, # l were to affirm that there was on
this subject an absolute unanimity; but there was
such an overwhelming predominance of Lublic SEN
tment, as to amount to what is called moral una
nimity-hence the people, with one heart sprung to
arms; Union men, that is, those who previously
had been Union men, not only among The first but
truth and justice require me to say-the Gerry first.
Hence the people have nearly sixty regiments not.
skeletons, but full regiments; and among them all
there is not one conscript or drafted man. Hence
we have freely taxed ourselves and have used our
credit in making large loans to sustain the war and
the spirit which has produced this has never tagged
and is now as high and active as at first
Mr.. Ely, think moment. We have been in
vaded by an enemy as unrelenting and ferocious as
the hOrdes under Attia and Alaric who overrun
der our people, to insult our women to emancipate
our slaves; and is now preparing to add new ele-
ment to this most atrOcous aggression. and involve
us in the direful horrors of servie war. He pro-
poses nothing less than entire destruction the
total desolaon Of our country, universal emancipa
ton; not from love of the slaves but from hatred
| to U.S. to crush us to "wipe out the South
to involve US in irremediable misery and hopeless
ruin.
Now, Mr.. Ely, if your own State of New York
were so invaded and so threatened, what would he
your feelings and purposes? From these YOU NAV
judge OF ours. We look with horror at the thought
of being again united in any political connexion
with the North. We would rather far that our
State should be Colony of England, or France, or
Sardinia The North may be able (though we be-
eve it not to conquer US, and even to keep us con-
quered; and if it should be the wise and good pur
pose of Almighty God that this should happen, we
shall endeavor to suffer with patience whatever evils
may beia u.s. Buta voluntary return any union with
the North, this cannot will not accept upon anu
terms; revival of Union scntiments-this is
mere impossibiity. | think, therefore Mr. Ely,
you would do well to advise Mr. Stanly to abandon
his enterprise He GOrernor of North Carolina ?
A Governor deriving his authority from the COM
mission of Mr. Linconi The very title is an insult
to US. Whence does Mr.. Lincoln derive his power
to appoint Governor of this State? The very ap-
pointment is an assumption of the rights of con-
queror over But we are not yet conquered
And do you think Mr.. Stanly's coming here in such
! a character, supported by Northern bayonets, is
mode to commend himself to our favor, to breathe
in the gentle sentiments of amity and peace to-
wards him or those who sent him here? Mr.. Ely
as you have opened correspondence with Mr.
Sanly, you had better, think you yourself will
believe after reading what have written, say this
to him.
If he wishes the honored name of Stanly to be-
come byword and reproach, and to be spoken
with scorn and hatred by North Carolinians hence
forth and forever let him prosecute his present mis-
sion. If he does not wish this-let him return
whence he came, and leave us to fight out this con-
test as best we may, without his interference
GEORGE E. BADGER.