Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1863-10-01
How the South was Encouraged to
Rebel.
Letter of Frank. Pierce to Jen. Davis.

Gibbs of the 18th Illinois Vols, at
Natchez Miss. We believe the letter is
genuine 1t proves that the question
of recession was the subject Of discussion
between Northern and Southern Demo
cratic leaders as early as 1860, and that
the South would be aided in their trail
torous schemes by their sympathising
allies at the North, (Democrats.) We
doubt if Jeff Davis ever received more
positive assurance from his personal
Southern friends.
We condense the followidg remarks
from the Jouruaz, they are so much to
our liking: 1t will be noticed that in
this letter Pierce says not word against
the principle Of secession, utters no syl-
liable of rebuke to those who were con-
templating the measureless evils of dis
union, does not look with pale terror at
the mere suggestion Of civil war, but
with the GOODNESS and malignity with
which Satan, contemplating the Eden he
was about to ruin, remarks that sdisrup-
ton will certainly end in blood; but
then the fighting will not be along Ma
son and Dixon's line merely, but within
our own borders, in our streets, between
our own citizens p In other words, the
democratic" will assist you; it will fall
upon the Republicans; it will put fire
to the houses and knives to the Threats
of those who offend you; and new La
Vendee will be acted over again in all
our free States,
Pierce and his coadjutors are still
playing the same game and with the
same hands as Of old. Their peace cries
now are just as delusive as their prohers
of help were in the beginning, and are
doing no less injury. They are encour-
aging the rebels to prolong hopeless
resistance by the same false representa-
tons Of a possible northern support
which encouraged them to begin that re-
slstance in the outset Nothing appar-
emily has been learned by experience
no impression made upon them by that
grand outburst of enthusiasm on the fall
of Sumter, which consecrated the whole
Union; none by the gigantic prepara-
tons, the steady progress, the patient
endurance, the noble heroism, the ten
thousand sacrifices of the war; but still
they imagine, and still represent, that
the people will yet be brought round to
the worship Of that Moloch Of slavery
which for nearly eighty years has eaten
up their children.
But here is the letter, read itand con-
template Chow are the mighty fallen =
Clarendon Hotel, Jan. 6, 1860.
My DEAR FRIEND [ wrote you an
unsatisfactory note day or two since.
| have just had pleasant interview with
Mr.. Shepley, whose courage and fidelity
are equal to his learning and talents.
He says he would rather fight the battle
with you as the standard bearer, in 1860.
than under the auspices of any other
leader. The feeling and judgment of
Mr. 5. in this relation is, [ am confident,
rapidly gaining ground in New Eng
land. Our people are looking for "tie
Coming Man" One who is raised by
all the elements of his character above
the atmosphere ordinarily breathed by
politicians. A man really fitted for this
emergency by his ability, courage, broad
craftsmanship and patriotism. Col. Sew
mour (Thomas H.) arrived here this
morning, and expressed his views in
this relation in almost the identical
language used by Mr. Shepley. It is
true that in the present state of things
at Washington, and throughout the
country, no man can predict what changes
two or three months may bring forth.
Let me suggest that in the morning de-
bates OF Congress, full justice seems to
me not to have been done to the Dem
ocracy of the North I do not believe
that our friends at the South have any
just idea of the state Of feeling hurrying
at this moment to the pitch of intense
evaporation between those who respect
their political obligations, and those who
have apparently no impelling power but
that which fanatical passion on the sub
ject of domestic slavery imparts With
ont discussing the question Of right,-ot
abstract poaoer to secede, I hare ner-
en- belieUed that actual absorption of he
Union can occur aoithom blood and
II through the madness Of Northern 40
otitiontsts that dire calamity mast come.
the fighting ciH not be along Mason and
Diron's line merely. 1t aciH be acithin
oar cacn borders, IN oar o,cn streets, be-
t'ceen the t1co classes Of citizens to rhons
l haze referred Those uho defy lar
and scout constitutional 0l7ir0tio43s ar;T1