Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-02-28
LETTER FROM WILLIAM PENN.
NuNnGn rwESrY-oNE.
wAsnIyeroN. Februay p. l802.

NuNBER TwENrY-oNg.
WASHINGTON, Februay 27, 1862
Triumph following so rapidly upon tri-
un,ph in the South have given prestige to
the national character, which will tell great
ly iu favor Of the Union cause, on the other
side of the Atlantic. However much Eng
land may desire a rupture with this country,
her rulers have too much political sagacity
not to perceive that any hostile demonstra-
tions on her part would be met by us with
degree of energy and courage superior to
anything that has yet been developed by
our brave troops in dealing with domestic
treason. The American navy, always the
secret dread of the English nation, has
already shown itself far in advance Of all
former exhibitions of yalor, including even
those by which it won its greatest glory and
renown over the mistress of the seas in
1872 and if urged on to further victories by
the bullying propensities or belligerent in
clinations of John Bull, will challenge the
admiration Of the world by its brilliant
achievements. All this the British Grown
and ministry have recently discovered, and
consequently strive to govern their passions
accordingly
Not among the least Of Englands iolies
was that master-stroke of stupidity-her
peremptory demand for the release of the
traitors Mason and Slidell. Supposing that
the naughty and hombastic manner in which
they claimed those rebels, would, Of course,
be refused by onr government, they thought
they could see in the near future an oppor-
tunity 10 prove their courage by making
that refusal q cause for war; but with "A
calm, cool, digniiied shrewdness, peculiar 10
the Yankee character, Mr. Secretary SEWARD
disarmed them of even pretext for hosiii-
quished unto English protection the two
1 worthless culprits who are now enjoying the
ieers and taunts of n disappointed war ars.
tocracy in Europe. Thus foied and out
wtted by the American Premier armed with
arguments and authorities in his favor which
the lords of Britain dare not even look at
without feeling a consciousness of shame
creep over them, they wisely conclude
though late, that it would be for the inter
ests Of the Crown to forego their disposition
for fight, and hence announce that they
will hereafter be governed by principles Of
strict neutrality. How much Russian sym.
pathy and friendship for this country had ID
do with assisting England to arrive at thi.
conclusion, We, of course can only conec
ture.
But let not that proud, defiant nation
think that She is rendered more safe from
castigation ut the proper time, by the Yam
KEGS, because OF this ieigned retreat from
her hostile attitude towards this country
Her ieers and insults will he remembered
and her base disregard Of the provisions oI
solemn treaties will be punished. Before
recognizing her assumed prerogative as the
guardian of civilization" her navy will be
tested by northern ships and American
Commodores, and her right Of protect
against "stone blockadesn will be respected
only as she may be able to defend it by ac
tual valor and superior prowess. The great
lesson of civilization has yet 10 be taught
her, and whether she will be a willing OIL
unwilling pupil, the United States of Ameri
ca will most assuredly be the teacher; ant
when that day shall come, tyrants will trem
BILE as they behold jewel after jewel droy
from the coronet of royalty TO be reset
therein no more forever while the Genius o
Liberty, meanwhile, will rise higher and high
er in her own grand temple amid the paudit
Of millions of people whose ransom from
political thraldom will open a new era il
the history Of human rights and republican
equality. WILLIAM PEYN.