Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-01-11
Letter from e.. Butier King, of
GeOrgia.
SrAMFoRD. "a JUNG 20. 1853.

ROBERT II. WHITFIELD, Esq -DEAR SiR:-
Your tayor OF the 18th iIIst.. informing me that
1.-THE presentation by my friends of my name
candidate for Congress in the First Congressional
District of Georgia, has called forth paragraphs
in the Richmond papers TO the effect that
recoustructionist, etc, was forwarded from nv
home To this place, where propose 10 spend u
fortnight or three weeks
The friends who have thought proper TO use
my name in connection with the position referred
To. are pee fectly familiar with the sentiments
entertain on the subject of the war, End the con
ditions upon which would favor peare; and am
perfectly willing thar my views those subjects
shouio be equally well known TO the whole peO-
pie of the country.
A painful indispOsition which | now suffer will
prevent my addressing you at much length, OF
with much care. bat nope to be able devel-
ope my views sufficiently TO prevent any misap-
prehenson ia regard TO them.
Nv political record will clearly how that
have ever maintained the right of any Stat, OF
Eumber of States, TO withdraw from the Federal
Union aud form a new government for them
selves; and IL will further show that, after the
election OF Mr.. Lincoln to the Presidency, ad
vOcated the propriety and necessity of such a
course being pursued by the State of Georgia.
While advocated this measure. profoundly
regretted The necessity for it. Nothing but firm
conviction that constitutional rights would be
denied and violated by the Lincoln AlminiStra-
ton prompted ard induced me to recommend the
secession of nv State. And when the ordinance
OF secession WAS passed by our convention. in
dulged the hope and even the expectation that AT
no distant period measures would be adopted bv
the Federal Government whch would result in
such guarantees Of our rights within the Union as
would enable US 10 return to it,
My hopes were soon dissipated by the clash of
arms. and was behind none OF NV fellow citi
zeus in declaring that we must defend our coun
try TO the last | have given to the field
every male member of my family. AMI to the
soldiers grave two who we're most dear to me,
and although too far advanced in years to render
much military service, l am willing and deter
mined, il it becomes necessary to continue nv
feeble sssistancei in my country's defense
But war must eOd in peace; sooner or later
both parties must agree to terms upon which they
will lay aside their arms. The events OF the
past two wears should be sufficient to convince
every reasonable man. both North and South,
that il is impossible for the Federal government
to suLjugate our people: aud statesmen of the
South cannot fail to percieve that the Federal
governments cannot abandon the war. except on
a restoration OF the Union. without danger of the
further dismemberment OF the nation
Then, unless both parties can be Influenced by
the spirit OF concession ard compromise. When, y
in the language OF one OF our distinguished Sen
ators, "is this struggle to end?" No man can
answer as To the years; but he may safely answer.
Not until both parties are exhausted and ruin
ed-not until the North is reduced to a condition
worse than il would have been if she had quietly
aequieseed in our separation, and not until the
South is worse utf than she would have been by
| remaining in the Union under an abolition admin
istraton of the government"
These considerations would lead me to favor
any terms of peace that the South could with a
proper regard for her interests and honor, accept
The energy, sKill and blood Of our fathers
helped to achieve and establish the independence
OF the United States, and our own enterprise,
treasure aud ssatesmcn have helped to make the
nation one of the greatest and most powerful on
the globe. We have the same right 70 enjoy the
power and grandeur of that nation as the people
of the North Our States cut the Gordian knot
retired from the Union, and formed a new go=-
eminent, because and only because, our rights in
the Union, and under the Constitution we had
helped 70 establish were denied US. IL the people
of the North would now concede our rights, and
the Federal government secure them 10 us, The
danger with which were threatened bv remain
ing ia the Union. and the objection We had To il
would be removed. aud we might with honor and
advantage return TO il.
The Federal Government has proceeded so fal
! with the war that these are the only terms o
peace 20 which could reasonably expect IL tC
agree; and regret TO say that have no expec
taton that such terms will be proposed. or woult
be accepted by that Government while the PIesi
dental chair is occupied by the present abolition
incumbent But if, fortunately during his ad
minisfration. or within reasonable time after
ward such terms should be offered, am free tC
say should prefer their acceptance by our peo
pie to the continuance Of the war. which may re
suit in the desoatioD Of country, aud the ruiz
Of both North and South. peace on suci
terms would be emineDtly honorable to both par
ties-neither could claim the vict,ry-whie tn.
strength and yaior each has exhibited would CON
msnd the respect and admiration OF tee other
To this extent / observation-disclosures. >
But u must not be understood that would pre-
fer reconstruction and peace on the terms indi
Gated, TO a speedy peace recognizing our indie
peDdence-if that were possible; nor must il b'
understood that doubt our ability TO achieve ou
independeueeif If the conflict is CONTINUED But
believe it would be better for ourselves. for on
posterity, and for mankind. that we should ac
cept peace with our rights secured within th
Union, than TO continue the many years
giving oceans Of blood. millions Of treasure, mu,
running our country, for Independence.
As yet the North has manifested no inclina
ton 10 make peace on any reasonable terms: an
until she evinces pacific disposition. aud hos
tiIities suspended for negotiation. nothing re
mains for Ms bnt to devote all our energies, skill
and resources TO the conflict.
Hoping ere long 70 tsye the pleasure OF seein
you in Richmond. when We may talk over IN
condition OF affairs, and Interchange our views ]
detail.
Irsmain. sincerely your friend.
Il IT. Bo1tkR KIso.