The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1862-07-24

shall lose, my memory VIII deScend TO the
end of time a synonym of the darkest and
worst passions of the human heart. So be
it deserve it all.
The only approach that I am able to
make toward a reparation of the terrible
injuries [ have inflicted upon the Ameri-
can nation is to make a clear and truthful
confession Of the course [ have been pur-
suing since childhood toward them, wish
ing and hoping thereby to save them from
future danger like that which now threat
ems them.
While yet boy, pursuing my studies
in Pennsylvania University, [ happened
ly colored and glowing history Of Napoleon
and his campaigns. The perusal Of this
volume fred my heart to the highest pitch
of ambition, and [ resolved to be the Bo-
naparte of the Western Hemisphere
Though comparatively young, | plainly
perceived that the requirement Of vast
amount of general information, unceasing
labor of mind, and some definite plan of
action were essential to the attainment OF
this object l commenced Immediately,
.hcrefofe, as base for all future opera
tions, a thorough study of all branches Of
science and literature which L thought
would aid me, and, at every opportunity
that presented itself, / would listen atten-
lively to the conversation, debates, or
speeches of men from whom l Judged |
might learn anything. soon became
convinced that the surest, and in fact the
only avenue to the favor of Americans,
was either that Of Politics or the Army.
Accordingly, at my own urgent request, |
was in 1924 removed from Pennsylvania
University and appointed cadet at West
Point. During the four years remained
in the latter institution, besides pursuing
the regular, allotted studies, [ bestowed
diligent attention upon others that L
deemed equally necessary to my iuten-
tions. Graduating, ard receiving the
brevet rank OF Second Lieutenant in June,
1928, | was ordered to the Frontier, where
for seven years / underwent the practical
education of a soldier Being satisfied at
the end OF this time that l had gained all
the military knowledge I required, / re-
signed my commission June 81, 1885,
and returned TO Mississippi, prolessedly
with the sole purpose of cultivating cot
ton. My real object, however, was to
secure that quiet and seclusion which
would enable me to master the subjects
of political history and economy, especial
y as applicable to the United States.
From the time I left the army until
1913, | was scarcely known beyond the
limits OF my own plantation. But in that
ycar-believins | was fully ready to put
to use the materials | had been accumu-
lating for twenty years. publicly ranged
myself under the banner OF the Democrat
ic Party, which party was at the time ac-
lively engaged in preparing for the ensu-
ing Presidential Campaign. My reasons
for choosing the Democratic party were,
lst. because | saw that in the coming
election it would gain the victory; and
I'd, because the term or name Democratic
is alone one that must always tickle and
please the ear of the Masses, where lie
the greatest number of votes Undoubt-
edly, the surest way of annihilating the
Democratic party, as a party, would be to
change its name, or divide it against it
self As some OF you, my countrymen,
doubtless remember, | made such headway
that [ was chosen Presidential Elector on
the Polk and Dallas ticket in 1874, and
tt4c JS'1l AOiiohii5 loOf> ny oSis III lux
House of Representatives. Now it was
that, after twenty years of labor, l was
about to have the opportunity I had so
ardently yearned for, and in the debates
that arose concerning the Oregon and
Tariff questions | took prominent part
But my most strenuous efforts were made
in regard to military affairs, and particu-
.arly the DIexican War preparations. In
July, 1916, the sword was put in my
grasp by my election as Colonel of the lst
regiment Of Mississippi Volunteers, better
known as the "Mississippi Rifles" Re
signing my scat in Congress, L accepted
the weapon which, though seemingly
drawn in defense OF my county, has really
always been unsheathed against her. At
the head of the Rifles, followed General
Tayl lor from the Rio Grande to Buena
Yista's strife; aud L sincerely now regret
that my bones were not lett whitening
beside those OF my brave Rifles upon that
terrible field.
But, miraculously unscathed by its
dangers, [ returned from the Mexican
Campaign only to apply myself more dill.
igently to the accomplishment of the
grand object of my life-the destruction
of the Uuion-upon the ruins of which
my intended throne was to have its found
ations. hoped to finally compass this
end BY the discreet agitation OF three