The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1862-02-19
HIGHLY IMPORTANT FROM
THE SOUTH,

FELLOW CITIzENS: In few days the
Provisional Government of the Coufeder-
ate States will live only in history. With
it we shall deliver up the trust we have
endeavored to use for your benefit, to
those more directly selected by your
selves. The public record of our aets is
familiar to you, and requires 40 further
explanation at our hands. Of those mat.
ters which policy has required to be Sc.
cret. it would be improper now to speak
This. address, therefore, will have no per-
sonal reference. We are well assured that
there exists no necessity for us to arouse
your patriotism, nor to inspire your con-
6dence. We rejoice with you in the una
nimity of our State, in its resolution and
IS hopes. And We are proud with you
hat Georgia has bsen ILLUSTRATED" and
We doubt not will be illustrated again by
her sons in our holy struggle.
The first campaign is over; each party
rests in place, while the winters snow de.
clares an armistice from on high. The
results in the field are familiar 10 you, and
We will not recount them. To some ina
portant facts we call your attention:
First-The moderation of onr own
Government and the fanatical madness of
our enemies have dispersed all differences
Of opinion among our people, and united
them forever in the war of independence.
La few border States waning opposi.
tion is giving way before the stern logic
of daily developing facts. The worlds
history does not give parallel instance
of revolution based upon such unanim.
ity among the people.
Secoad-Oar enemy has exhibited an
energy, perseverance and an amount Of
resources which we had hardly expected
and disregard of Constitution and laws
which We can hardly credit. The result
of both, hewever, is, that power, which
is the characteristic element of despotism,
and renders it as formidable to its enemies
as it is destructive to it's subjects
Third--An immense army has been or
ganized for our destruction, which is be.
ing disciplined to the unthinking stolidi:y
of regulars With the exclusive posses.
sion 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 attempt will fol-
low in early spring, to crush US with 6
giant's grasp by a Simultaneous movement
along all our borders.
Fourth-With whatever alacrity oul
people may rush to arms, aud with what
ever energy our government may use itl
! resources, we cannot expect to cope witt
our enemy either in numbers. equipments
or munitions of war To provide agains,
these odds, We must look to desperate
courage, unainchng daring and universal
self sacrifice.
Fifth--The prospect of foreign inter.
ference is at least remote one. and
should not be relied on. If it comes, lei
it only be auxiliary to our own prepare
tions for freedom. To our God and our
selves alone we should look
These are stern facts, perhaps some o
them are unpalatable But we are de
ceived in you if you would have us to con
ceal them iu order to deceive you. Th
only question for us and for you is, as
nation and individually, what have We t,
do? We snswer,
i First-As a nation we should be uni
ted, forbearing to one another, frownini
upon all factious opposition and censori
Gus criticisms, and giving trustful an
generous confidence to those selected a
our leaders in the camp and the counc
chamber
Second should excite every nerv
and straip every muscle Of the body pol
tic to maintain our financial and militaT
2 healthfulness, and, by rapid aggressive az
D tion, make our enemies feel, OF sheir ow
!. 6resides, the horrors of war brought G
}, by themselves.
The most important matter for yo
however, is your individual duty. Wh.
can you dc?
The foot of the oppresssor is on Il
soil of Georgia. He comes with lust
= c his eye, poverty in his purse, and hell
!, :, his heart. He comes . robber and
y murderer How shall you meet hit
With the sword, at the Threshold WI
!. death for him or for yourself But me
:. than this--tet euery sooman have a tor
= and every child a tSrebrand the los
homes Of youth be made ashes. and
- fields Of our heritage be made desola
a Let blacknes, and ruin mark your depa
y ing steps. if depart you must, and let
'o desert mvre terrible than Sahara welcol
'e the Vandals. Let every city be level
!" by the aame. and every village be lost
" =, ashes Let your faithful slaves share 20
. fortune aud your crust. Trust wife a
children to the sure protection Of God
~ =, prsferring even for these loved ones I
- charnel house as home than loa,hso,
{ vassalags 10 q nation already sunk bell
the contempt of the civilized world. T
may he your terrible choice, and det
moe al once and without dissent as ht
L. Or and patriotism and duty to God
y, quire
a Fellow Cuizans: Lull not youssel,
"A into fatal security. Be prepared
"a .varv omeroencv This il onr onlv h,