The Hillsborough recorder., 1864-10-19

step by loftier devotion to constitutional
liberty. For this, we are denounced as
rebels against the government of The Unit
ed States, and threatened with the bloody
doom Of traitors; our country is invaded,
our homes desolated, and our people slain
by hostile armies. We are told that we
must be conquered or exterminated. The
North is lighting US to maintain the mere
TACT err form Of Union, by force. We are
defending ourselves to preserve the great
principles which lay at the foundation Of
the Union.
II we be rebels against the one. if dis
posed to handy epithets, we might reply
that they who advocate and wage this war
against US, are traiters to the other. II
there is wrong on either or both sides, let
lmportisl history decide who are the great
er sinners. This is the naked truth. When
thus viewed. how cruel and unnatural is
this war! Why should the North fight
uss Especially why should the thousands
ct protessed constitutional men of the
North lend their countenance and aid to
our subjugation? We are struggling for
principles which should be as dear to them
as they are to- US. Do they not see that
nur overthrow will be the dewnlall of con-
stitutional liberty-fatal to. their freedom
as well as ours-the Inauguration Of an ir-
responsible and unlimited despoiism? Cor.
rect ideas are slow in their progress Of
lsayening the mass Of mind truth is ever
trampled upon, when passion gains sway.
But the ultimate prevalence of the one,
and the aseendancy Of the other is only a
question Of time, and their end peace. The
light already begins to. break in upon the
thinking. and better portion of the North
ern peoRe. They begin to see that this
war is-not waged to restore the Union, in
good faith-the Union of the Constitu.
tion; but, either to secure disunion, by
avowins impossible and degrading terms of
peace, or 10 convert it into despotism by
subjugating the South. Hence the Chica-
90 movement. Hence the note of dis
content that is being sounded BY portion
Of the press and statesmen Of the North.
God opened the light, that the people of
the North NAV understand the position
which we occupy, and discern the volcano
that threatens 10 engulf theirliberty. Then
they will consider Regoliation not only po-
litically but absolutely necessary. Then
peace will come, predicated upon those
principles so essential to both governments,
aud all our striics and difficulties solved in
contsrInity TO the best interest Of the par
ties.
In view Of our position. permit me to
repeat. DO not see how we can insugu-
rate any movement likely 10 lead to an
honorable peace. We are the party as.
sailed. Peace movements must cone from
the assalling party. would not be un-
derstood, however, as standing on any
point Of etiquette, IS to who should take
the initiatiNt-i have no such feeling. All
| mean TO say is, that in view Of the ayow.
ed policy Of the United States. Govern
ment, any advance on our part Is already
rejected. before made. aud that we cannot
make any upon the conditions announced
by its President. would not hesitate 10
take the initiative f there was the least
hope Of favorable response or an honora.
Bile result. But if the Government Of the
United States should pass into other hands.
repudiate the pelicy of subjugation, aqd
indicate desire for negotiation, | would,
il need be, have our Government propose
it--certainly. accept the offer Of it, il ten.
tered by the Federal authorities. Such be-
lieye to be the spirit and temper Of our peo.
pie. Such am satisfied is the sentiment
OF the President OF the Confederate States.
lie has avowed it on every occasion which
required him to allude TO the subject. The
North can have peace at any moment. All
that they need to do is TO let US alone
cease TO fight Us. or il they prefer. agree 10
negotiate q peace on terms honorable "a
both parties. We are willing--a.wAys
have been willing. and shall eontians to b.