Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-02-13
a Remarkable Address.

Howell Cobb, Robert Toombs, NJ. j. Craw.
ford, and Thomas r. r. Cobb, have issued an
address to the people of Georgia. Their
views Of the prospects of the rebels does NOT
seem very cheering. We copy the principal
part OF their remarkable paper =
First. The modification OF our own govern.
ment, and the tanatical madness of our enc.
mics, have dispersed all differences of opinion
among our people, and united them forever in
the war Of independence In few border
states waning opposition is giving way be.
lore the stern logic of daily developing facts.
Inc worlds history does not give a parallel
instance OF arevolution based upon such unan
unity among the people.
Second. Our enemy has exhibited an en-.
ergy, perseverance, and an amount of re.
sources, which we had hardly expected. and
disregard Of constitution and law which we
can hardly credit. The result of both, how.
ever is that power which is the characteristic
element of despotism, and renders il as formi-
dabie to It's enemies as it is destructive to its
subjects.
Ihird, An immense army has been organ.
lied tor our destruction, which is being dis
'clplined to the unthinking stolidity of regu-
lars. With the exclusive possession of the
seas, our enemy is enabled to throw upon the
shores OF every state the nucleus of an army;
and the threat is made, and doubtless the at.
tempt VIII follow in early spring, to crush us
with giants grasp by simultaneous move.
ment along our entire borders
Fourth, With whatever alacrty our people
may rush to arms, and whatever energy our
government may use its resources we cannot
expect to cope with our enemy, either in mum.
bers, equipments or munitions of war To
provide against these odds we must look to
desperate courage, unfnching daring, and
universal self-sacrifice.
"Fitth. The prospect of foreign interven-
ton is at least remote one, and should not be
relied on. II it comes, let it be only auxiliary
TO our own preparations for freedom. To our
God and ourselves alone we should look
"These are stern facts perhaps some of
them are unpalatabe. But we are deceived
in you if you would have us conceal them
from you in order to deceive you. The only
question Tor us and for you is-as a nation
and indiVidually-whath have we to do? We
answer
First AS a nation, we should be united,
torbearlng to one another, frowning upon ali
tactiOus opposition and censorial criticisms,
and giving trusttul and generous confidence
to those selected as our leaders in the camp
and council chamber.
Second. We should excite and strain eve
- uS4'e VI tIlo DOuy pOlllC 10 MAINTAIN our
financial and military healthfulness, and by
rapid aggressive action make our enemy feel
at their own tiresides the horrors of a war
brought on by themselves.
"Ihe most important matter for you, how.
ever, is your individual duty. What can you
do? The foot OF the oppressor is on the soil
of Georgia. He comes with lust in his eye,
poverty in his purse, and hell in his heart
He comes as a robber and murderer. How
shall you meet him? With the sword at the
threshold With death for him or for your.
self. But, more than this, let every woman
have torch, every child frebrand. Let the
loved homes Of our youth be made ashes, and
the fields of our heritage be made desoate.
Let blackness and ruin mark your departing
steps, if depart you must, and let a desert
more terrible than Sahara welcome the Van
dals Let every city be leyeled by the flame,
and every village be lost in ashes. Let your
faithful slaves share your fortune and your
crust. Trust wife and children to the sure
refuge and protection of God, preferring even
for those loved ones the charnel house as a
home than loathsome vassalage to a nation
already sunk below the contempt of the civ.
ilized world This may be your terrible
choice, and determine at once and without
dissent, as honor and patriotism and duty to
God require"