The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1864-06-22

Hohs W pcOpIt, iHHdUitinS eU eAltHsifc
territory, with such varied resources and
such numerous facilities for defence as the
benienan bounty Of nature has bestowed
upon Us, and animated with the spirit TO
encounter every priyation and sacrifice OF
ease. OF health, of property, of life itssIf,
rather than be degraded from the condition
Of tree and independent States into which
they were born, can never be conquered
Will not our ad,ersaries themselves begin
10 feel thar humanity has bled ling enough
that tears and blood and treasure enough
have been expendedin bootless undertak-
ing, covering their own land, no less than
ours. with = pail OF mourning. aud exposing
them far more than ourselves TO the catas-
ifophe of financial exhaustion and bank
ruptcy, not to speak Of the loss Of The Ii
brrties BY the despotism engelldeied IN an
aggressive warfare upon the liberties OF
another and kindred people: Will they
be willing by longer perseverance, in a
Mautun aud hopeless contest. to make this
Gun, inent, which they SD long brasted to be
The chosen abode Of liberty and srIf. govern
mrnt. Of peace aud higher civilization.
the theatre of the most causeiess and prodi-
gal effusion Of bluod which The world has
ever seen, Of virtual relapse into the bar
barism Of the rude ages, and OF the destruc-
ton OF constitutional freedom by the law
I lessness of usurped power.
These are questions which our adverse
ries will decide for themselves. We de-
sire 10 stand acquitted before the tribunal
Of the world. as well as IN the eyes OF on
niscIent justice, Of any responsibility ior
the origin Or prolongation OF war as con-
trary 10 the spirit ot the age as to The ira
iilions aud acknowledged maxims Vt the
political system OF America.
Dn this continent, whatever opinions
NAV have prevailed elsewhere, il has ever
been held and Acknowledged ac by all parties
that government. 10 be lawful, must be
founded on the consent Of the governed.
We were forced 10 dissolve our federal
connection with our former associates by
their agssessions IN the fundamental prin-
riplrs 81 our compact Ut union with them
and 10 doing 50, We exercised right con
.rcfatrd in the great charter OF American
llbrriy-the right OF Tree people. when q
20, ernmrnt proves destructive of the ennis
tor which il was established. 10 recur iu
original principles aud TO institute new
guards Tor their security. The separat,
independence OF the States, as sovereign
and co-equal members Of the Federal Uni.
on. had never been surrendered. aud the
pretensiun Of applying TO independent
communities. 50 constituted and urglnized
Tie ordinary rules for coercing aud rcduc.
ing rebelllous subjects TO obedience. was ;
saIecism in terms. as well as an outrag,
on the principles Of public law.
The war llade upon the Confederat,
States was, therefore, wholly one nf aggres
, sion. On our side. il has been strictly lie
. lcnsise. Born ireemen. and the descpn
,lants Of gallant ancestry. we had no up
ton but to stand Up 10 defence Of our ~
I saded fresides, of our desrrrated aiiars, q
i uur violated Liberties and birihright, anil q
b the prcscriptive institutions which guar,
1 aud protect them. We have nnt inIerler
: ed, nor do We wish, in any manner TO N
; terleie with the internal peace and pro,
/, perIiy Of tile States arrayed III ho,tIlIt,
i against Us. or with the freest development
5 Of their destinies 10 any form Of action o
!. line u policy they ulay think proper Z
h adopt for themselves. All we ask, 10 lis
immunity for ourselves, and To- be left i
!. the undisturbed enjoyment of those inslien
: able rights Of !" lite, liberty and the pursui
! Of happiness" which our common ances
r tors declared the equal heritage Of all tn
J, parties TO the social compact.
Let them forbear aggressions upon Us
c aud the war is at an end. IL there b
1 questions which require adjustment by ne
. gotiation, we have ever been willing an
i are still willing to enter into communca
n ton with our adyersaries in a spirit .
I peace, OF equity, and manly franknes,
9 Strong in the persuasion Of the justice ,