Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1864-02-24


guess the informant but care not to scrutnls too
eoseiyta recent associates Of "A True Friend" a
he has generously forgotten old party differences,
and still has nsosr deserted his oil friend.
"A True Friend alludes to my fondness for Office.
contess that have an ordinary ambition, and haze
desired to fill positions of honor and responsibility
If this be fault in his estimation, would say to
In seeking both Of the Offices alluded to- was SO
unfortunate 70 be in bis way, and found bis in.
huenee in opposition to my wishes, but never al
lowed this generous rivalry to sour my temper and
disposition towards one regarded Is \ personal
friend. "a True Friend" greatly mistakes my
character and disposition if he supposes would
array the country against the town. produce any
other local or sectional strife. Even If were dis
posed would not deserve the title Of delnaaogue"
more than the gentleman, when he attempts to
create prejudice against me by the Of such
pressions Is "polished," classical" "all is not
gold that glistens " and "Apollo with his Tyre"
will not call the gentleman IS demagogue" IS that
would be rude, and might indicate passion and ma
lightly; but will gay that such illusions are un-
worthy Of bis position and pretensons. :" A True
Friend" refers At some length to my past political
record with his usual bitterness aud inaccuracy.
frankly admit that may have been guilty. Of many
when dead ISSUES" are resurrected am willing
to stand before the public for judgment Then ADD
not until tbau will attempt to make d,fehce. At
present vital issues shall alone claim my attention.
and on proper occasions l expect to express my
opinions as freeman, although "A True Friend"
in his prophetic manifesto excludes me from his
''statute Of oblivion" By the way, should like
to know from whence the gentleman derives his
Lineoln-liks authority Of pardo"i"g the people and
Implied powers" Of his commission I" or is it .
secret" lettrs Dc eaehet" from headquarters; or
is it merely decree of tho home council? As to
myself ask no exemption from his /" out lawry
or any other favor; but the people might like to
have information, they someti enact "statutes
Of oblivion" and they may desire 70 recprocste "a
yors with their friends and 6saetaetors
"A True Friend" says that he is 'sorry, very
sorry that the meeting vas disturbed" He wss
This modern Mars :" who loves relentless wal"
might gain some credit for his unusual generosity,
but for his wssaI inconsistency. He regrets tie
act but pathetically applauds the actors. His re-
grets may well be placed under the genus vain
regrets, and they will have their 'just recompense
Of reward"
There is no portion of the gentl eman's eommuni-
cation which so Indignantly repel as tie insinua.
ton that would dishonor the memory ofthe noble
young soldiers whose name are enumerated. Two
Of them were my awstudents, and loved them as
brothers. All Of them we're my friends and one
dear good boy was my kinsman and my 'crade
Joy" now bears his honored name. The writer has
good reason to know that honor the gallant dead
bu: will not further aude to the past and its pri
vste sorrows.
As "a True Friend" may hereafter desire to
speak of my political opinions will furnish him
brief record that he may represent n,e correctly
lam opposed to the secession Of North Caroliua from
the government of the Confederate States Secession
will always bring war; and war produces blood
shed desolation and SORROW. Civil war always en-
gendes sectional strife and unreenting hate and it
is the prolific source Of want corruption and crime.
A dire necessity made North Carolina secede from
the old Union, and she has reaped an abundant har
vest Of bitter fruits She could not remain neutral
She was compelled to assume her present position,
and nobly has she maintained her honor and her
fame. Secession now would be utter folly and mad.
ness, and such an act could only Re justified in
'lifs and death struggle" for her liberty. desire
convention to prevent any necessity for secession.
The State in her full sovereignty might check any
usurpaticns and abuses Of the common government
by firn and determined circumstances.
Conventions in all the States would greatly
strengthen the Confederate government by granting
it needful powers in every emergency, which if as.
sumed without their consent would be the usurpa-
ton Of unwsrranted authority
further desire State Convention to inaugurate
negotiations for peace. do not propose that this
State shall treat With the Lincoln government. An
honorable peace can never be detained from that
source I scorn any proposition which Lincoln has
made and feel assured hxt the snatical hatred Of
his friends will never allow US any honorable terms
Of adjustment
q conference, through commissioners, with her Sis
ter States of the South to see if some plan cannot
be devised to stop the war by negotiation. l am
opposed to any separate State action and If theoth
er States will not heed the voice Of North. Carolina.
for peacer-then she will have done her duty to God
and her people, and be free from any Of the re-
sponsibilities of the future.
While our heroic soldiers are fighting and falling
: in the deadly breach" and defending every inch
Of their native land, want to see grand council
of sovereign States in spirit worthy Of the civil
ration and Christianity Of the aga receiving pro-
posing and aelmly considering propositions for an
honorable peace.
strong peace party at the South, sustained by
the action Of sovereign States, would greatly in
crease the power of the peace men at the North and
enable them to overturn the hateful Black Repub
lican dynasty At Washington. feel sure that We
could successfully treat with the conservative mon
such terms Is would be honorable and acceptable
to the whole country.
Negotiations fol. peace would greatly encourage
our people at home, and make them tse every On.
orgy to sustain our cause; and they would cheer
and strengthen our gallant army in the fed; for
then they might have some hope that the sword
would not devour forever. Efeel that it Isl higher
evidence Of patriotism to the Gs Of ons eitissn
than to destroy thousand eaemiss.
II had not been disturbed in my speech At the
public meeting would have given my views fully
on all questions Of public interest and honestly
believe that would have said noteias detrimental
to the true interest of the Confederate Statee am
sure would have said nothing to wound. pers6nsl
feelings, or uttered any asntipent uaworsny Of =
patriot and gentleman =.
And now that my reply in self defence Is ended,
Tpart from IN old friend in sorrow, nos 10 singer.
neither shrink from invite further controversy.