Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1865-05-31
From tie Ncr5erry Herald.


From tie NeE5euy Herald.
Z ANpEssoS, S. c., May 10th, 1865.
Dear S,r:-In consequence of the derange
ment of the mails, | did not receive you
letter until aaay or two ago. Since ycu
letter was written, events have crowded OIL
each other in rapid succession; but as yor
requestit, l will very briefly giTe you, with
out reserve, my views OF the present state o.
the country.
The surrender of tie armies under Gener-
ais Lee and Johnston, closes the existence o
the Confederate Government, and renders
further resistance to the authorities of the
United States hopeless. =
Gen. Johnston, in his official telegram, to
Gov. Magrath, says: made this Con1en-
ton with Gen. Sherman) to spare the blood
Of tho gallant little army committed to me ;
to prevent further suffering to our people by
the devastation and ruin inevitable from the
marches of invading armies, and to avoid The
crime of waging hopeless war"
We have, then, the highest military authofi-
ty for concluding, that any further prosecu-
ton of the war. by us, would be an act of
desperation and folly.
We are exhausted in the. gigantic struggle
in hich we have. been engaged; and how
ever humiliating it may be to our pride, we
must succumb.
We have left, neither men, money, credit,
arms, ordnance, quartermasser or commissary
stores. How then can we continue the con-
test? If we ,attemptit, eur efforts to injure
the enemy, for the want of all material OF
war, will prove utterly impotent; and will
certainly bring further ruin and desolation
upon our own people and country.
The suggestion that the war may and will
be continued id the Trans-Mississippi and our
nationality thereby secured is entirely de-
lusive. II the joint strength and resources
of all the States, constituting the Confedtracy,
have been overwhelmed by the power OF he
United States, how is it. possible for Texas,
Arkansas, and part of louisiana, tomsiutaln
with success the struggle2
Equally delusive and far more disastrous,
is the idea that the contest can be continued
by guerilla warfare. Once begun, all the
bonds and safeguards of civil society are
broken; and murder, robbery and plunder are
introduced into every house. They will heYe
no supplies upon which to to suhsist, except
such as they plunder, mainly from the people
they profess to defend.
May heavcndcliyer us from guerilla war
fare
What then is the proper course for the peo
pie Of this State to pursue? We hare failed
TO establish our nationality after long and
.....jy strnggle. The arms Of the United
S,a; ~ triumphant, wLich demonstrates
hair Ia,
ana nationality, and cau there Ce any wrong
u .is, .lor Iii or accepting The facts as they
rx:s.. suj yielding obea;e- &c 10 Their authorl-
ty7 Have sc any alternative before US? IL
iias on -iiomn that'wa canno: rcsis. their
war n. h"n iru;tlcsaly contest it firth
er?
Nlv ti,,aded conviction is, that the peo-
~ %: IL, ;a's should wi;!lOn; further con-
t4~t o. question, and il good faith, submit
te the ia@s and authority Of the United
Sta:a.
think it would be wise, for the Governor
ct oncc 20 col!yenc the legislature, and that
5ody; doubtless, would take. such action, as
would Tgisye.ercry citizen from any einoar-
rassment in pursuing the course suggested.
Ia tho meantime while re are in this transi'
ton slate. ava until the legislature meets,
the Govesnor might by proclamation, order
all State troops 10 bo disbanaed, except for
public purposes and to- preserve law and
order in theirirespective localities; and also,
advise The people 10 yield obedience to the
laws end authority Of the Unied States.
l am very truly yours, Sc.,
JAMES l.. ORR.
Hon. W. W. BoYcE, Winnsboro, s. Z.
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