The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1864-12-03
reserves.
Communicated }
OUR SITUATION.


teal realites-and should be taken as criterion
for the anticipation of future events of similar
nature. A man who blindly ignores the lessons
of The past, and builds for himself hopes upon
the ainIsy basis of contingent horoscope of
some day-dream, is like the lost mariner at sea,
without compass or rudder, drifting with the
caprice of every wind; veering wildly around
but never reaching his destination.
The election of Abraham lincoln, and his
Inauguration as President in 1861 was the signal
of the most sanguinary revolution that ever con-
vulsed the world. The choice of sectional par
ty who were at mortal enmity with the South,
he has proved himself worthy instrument in
their behalf, in his endeavors to assassnate South
ern honor and independence. But his antag-
onist (altLough the weaker party) more skilled
in the use of arms, has repulsed every onset, and
the South to-day with all her osEes) is stronger
better prepared, and more competent for the
struggle than at the inception Of the war.
The late presidential contest in thcerrNorth, be-
tween Lincoln and the pseudo-peaee candidate
Mcclellan, has developed the utter fallacy of
expecting conclusion of this bitter contessF
other than upon the combined unity, chivalr5S
and courage of Southern arms. McCleIlan's de-
feat, to discreet and vigant mind, which has
watched the enactment of past events is viewed
as a blessing. rather than calamity to us as a
young nation. When we examine his antece
dents, and letter of acceptance of the Chicago
Convention-where do we find the slightest
promise or indication of peace? He then ex-
pressy and emphatically stated, that the only
basis for peace was reconstruction of the Union
offering a morsel of indignity and insult, nau
seating and poisonous to any true Southern pa
triot. AS purchase for an ignoble peace-we
were to sacrifice the prestige of the revolution;
prove recreant to our illustrous dead who gave
their lives as pledge for liberty; forfeit our
tional honor and integrity, for the miserable
heritage of eternal odium and disgrace.
Who would accept such peacel None but
the disloyal, cowardy or craven hearted.
With Lincoln as the leader, of our foes we
know what to expect. He has already proved
himself our mortal enemy-and will use every
means TO annihilate us.
Yet with all his cruelty. rapacty and Fandal-
ism, he gives us the credit of being in earnest
of being gallant, chiYalrous and powerful race,
who are determined, upon independence.
If peace should intervene at an early period
it will not be the offspring of sympathy from the
North nor Europe. AS the whole of Europe
con Ii ed in one vast coalition for the overthrow
of ! .;.,,eon. because of his system of popular
rigs &ssality and republican principles which
threaten,. the annihation of its Crowned
heads" so is Europe through sympathy of inst-
tutions with the North. opposed to US ON the
slavery question. Commercial and industrial
Interests will force her to remain neutral-but
not to aid us b. recognition, or armed inter-
ference. We must look to our own inherent
strength and resources To resolve to be free is
half the victory.
Let every man or boy that can bear arms, GO
to the front Wait not for the operation Of the
laws of conscription. Let every man who has
deserted the standard of bis country think upon
the final issue-repent of his ignobe conduct
return to his post in the field, and if necessary
wipe out his digrace, and repair his sulied pa
triotisln by giving his Life to his injured country.
While man may be exempt by law from mill
tary service-yet let him inquire of his con-
science if he owes no duty to his country Can.
not l give it some aid-which viii facilitate its
security and independence Have no interest
in the vindication of innocence, of justice and
equity; of national honor and integrity, to inn
pei service, contribution, or susienance in some
mannerl If you cannot 60 to the fed, snccor
the families of those who have gone. Raise sup
plies for the families of soldiers, and for the army
in the field. Take the places Of able-bodied
men at home, and send them to the front.
Arrest every deserter from his post. show him
the disgrace of bis conduct, restore his lost pride,
fan anew the flames of his patriotism, and excite
his "love for generous deeds" Teach him the
honor and glory of being Southern soldier
the sure password to future honor and imperisha-
bic fame.
One other admonition from the writer (who is
soldier) and be is done.
The credit Of Government is its vitality, and
it's currency is its representative. Speculation is
the hidden dagger which threatens its destruc-
ton. The smuggling of goods through the epe-
mics lines is the Parent of speculation. This
illicit trade gives character and brings in request
a spurious currency to us (Greenbacks) which is
every day depreciating our own Confederate
money. 1t were better for Ills to live on corn
bread and .asso, and dress in homespun, than to
accumulate wealth, ease and comfort, upon the
ruins OF our Government We are to great ex-
tent the arbiters Of our own destiny.
If we will be true to ourselves, to our country
and our God we will have peace; nothing else
will purchase the boon