The Shasta courier., 1863-08-29
The Street Letter.

The Street Letter.
The following is an extract of letter now
in the hands of Judge Goodwin, of Mays
vile, written by Charles R. Street, formerly
of this town and editor of the Shasta Herald,
= his hscther, Henry c. Street, Buchanan s
Postmaster ct this place. The letter is dated
at San Francisco, December 25th, 1S60.-
The writer was at that time Port Warden at
San Francisco, and was well posted as to the
objects of the Democratic party at that date.
Several prominent citizens of Shasta have
seen and read the original previous to its be.
ing handed over to Mr. Goodwin, who know
it to be genuine and in the hand writ
ing of Mr.. Street:
s. l received to-day letter from John c.
Burch, M. c. 1t is a long letter, written for
publication, and though deploring the pros
poets of disunion, advocates California Join
ing with Oregon, Washington Territory, Ar
izonia, g., and establishing an independent
Government. Burch requested that l per-
NIT the San Francisco Herald to publish it,
and likewise furnish copy for the Shasta
Herald. On handing it to Mr.. Guthrie of the
Herald he questioned the propriety of pub
fishing 1t at present, and wishes to submit it
to the-iudgment of a number of gentlemen
who are organizing in behalf of Pacific Re
public This is told me in confidence. and |
have agreed to meet them to- morrow at 81
O'Clock and consider matters. Burch writes
that all the Representatives Of Oregon. Wash
ington Territory and Arizona are in favor of
the move. and that his letter enihodies their
views. lie also says that Latham had ar
rived and approces the letter. This is at va
rience with the statement of the Aita Calitor-
ma, correspondent of which says that La
than was opposed to separation and that he
had stated, not five hundred men in Califor-
MA would advocate separate government,
but all would abide by Union with the North
The word Of Rurch is, however, conclusive.
= 1t seems to me that the issue is bound to
come. think the plan is to shuttle along
through the Administration of Buchanan
without any decisive action, but as soon as
his term is out and Lincoln is inaugurated
a grand concerted movement will be made bv
the South. The question is weather [wheth-
er the issue Of separation should be precipi-
tated n0U or not. When it comes it will OBJ
1terate all other party lines. Democrat, Re
publican, &C.. will all go by the oard 1
don'f know how Downey stands on the issue,
but presume on some side contrary to me,
that seems to be the .tate. 1t is my opinion
that he is intrigue'ng for the U. S. Senator
ship, but | don't think he will succeed if not
he will, doubt not, be before the people in
some way next summer as a candidate for
Governor. lie is popular and would most
likely be elect over any one likely to be in
the field. If he is opposed to separation
from the Northern States and a decision by
the people on the measure is in any way con
nected with his election or nomination, it
might damage the project 1t seems tonne
likely that active disunion will cone about
the first Of March. IF California signifies in
any way that she will not desire to remain
with the North but go by herself, most likely
all our delegation in Congress will retire and
come home. The delegates from Oregon fin
part) and Washington T. would do the same.
when the question would be forced before the
Legislature of the State. But it seems to me
that it could do no more than submit the
question in some form to the people to decide.
presume, by appointing day for ain elec-
lion OF Delegates to meet on a certain day and
larry out the will of the people. The test
would come in electing men of known views
or UT against separation lrJm the North. l
know bnt little of the temper of the
Legislature. Possibly it might refuse under
my circumstances to call such a convention
,r tax any steps to leave the Union. Per.
laps its power to do so might be questioned,
heugh think not. One thing is certain
separation is revolution in any shape it can
be put up. The thing must be managed with
great care. To agitate it prematurely might
De disadvantage6us, but OF the other hand
he ,Qposition Press of all stripes are making
,apital and manufacturing opinion. ] can
Idly think that public sentiment is pretty
evenly divided not0 on the question, and the
.ction of the people will depend on events to
within the next three months, and
he way matters are managed. You would
10 we'll to feel around and ascertain the opin-
on of leading men in Shasta county. Dosh
aid to me he thought the people would
avor separation, and if recolect right said
lie favored it. | will keep you posted as far
Is l am able of events and purposes here,
Ind advise you to caution and secrecy"
Signed, c. R. STREET.