The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1884-02-07
A cit OF SECRET HISTORY.
Alleged Letter from Judah P. Benja-
min, Proposing that the South
Should Resume Allegiance
to Great Britain.

The following alleged letter from J. p. Ben
jamin, then United States Senator from Lou
isiana, TO the British Consul in New York
was left among Thurlow Weeds papers, and
is given I'm the volume of memoirs Of his
grandfather which Thurlow Weed Barnes is
now carrying through the press:
NEW YORK, Aug. IL, 1860.
DEAR SIR exceedingly regret your absence
from New York at this time, as the important
object Of my visit Is To have personal and con-
fidential interview with YOU.
My apology tor this breach OF conventional
usage. III pre- Stunning 10 address you without the
formality OF an introduction may be pardoned
In consequence of the very extraordinary nature
OF the business which induced me to approach
you without the friendly intervention of third
party. Indeed, it would not only have been I'M
wise but actually dangerous Tor me 10 have
borne a letter OF introduction.
Having assumed the whole responsibility Of
this very critical step, cannot use too much
caution and circumspection to insure my per-
sonal safety and the successful accomplishment
OF the mission have in view. Therefore. y re-
fer trusting 10 my own judgment in approach
ing gcnteel stranger on such business, to that
Of bringing into my service the scrawIs OF Gov
ernors or members of Congress with whom,
perhaps, you AZ { a. little acquainted as myself.
The official confidence which your Govern
ment seems to Teposs in you, by intrusting TO
most important city on this continent, / think
Is sufficient To warrant me in trusting to your
discretion, patriotism and 10y. ltv a secret of
the greatest importance and interest TO her
BritaDnic Maiestys kingdom.
j he present disastrous condition of political
affairs in the United Stats (which has no par
all in he past history OF the coun ry) seems to
have split the great Demo cratic party into many
contending factions, all OF viii are so hungry
after public spoils that lis disintegrated parts
render them an easy prey to the opposing black
Reput licans.
The doctrines maintained by the Repub-
lican party are 80 unsuted 10 the great in
teres OF the whole South that an election
of their candidate (which IL almost certain)
amounts TO total destruction of all planta-
ton interests, which the South, as sure as
there Is God in heaven, will not submit to.
Sooner than yield to the arbitrary dictates
OF traitorous allies and false friends, who have
proven recreant 10 the solemn obligations OF our
old Constitution, we will eth secede from the
Union and form sci arate Government, or,
upon certain conditions at once return To our al
legiance to Great Ii tia n, our mother country.
Many, very many of the most wealthy and
influential planters throughout he South have
already discussed this alternative in the event
of the election Of Mr.. Lincoln, ana the popular
1ty OF the proposition seems TO pass from one to
another almost with an electric rapidity. 1t is
true they have made no public demonstration
OF their intentions, for such a course would be
attended with dire1 al consequences ut this time,
but the pear will be fully ripe before Nov, mber.
Gossiping newsmonGers with babhling pot
house politici ns are not allowed 10 know what
IA going on in their very midst.
Select dinner arties come off every day
them ends without strong accession to orr
forces
/ have even heard some of them address each
other by titles already.
My object in approaching you IL to cultivate
your fri ndship, and procure your corporation
In aid of accomplishing this grand object of
returning TO the dominion OF our fathers king
dom. Through your Kindness and loyalty TO
your Queen, i am DESTROYS of properly
approaching her Majestys Minister at
Washington City, with a view to the &C
compiishment of this great end. III you will
oondcsc nd TO grant me the necessary assist
ance for this purpose, You will soon receive the
meritorious reward Of your most gracious
Queen. and the hearty cheer from ev,r ~ true
Briton's heart for having aided in the return of
the national prodigals.
Rel losing that confidence in you which your
position In life warrants me I'm doing. you mrst
at present excuse me for not signing my name for
fear of al accident. This much you may know:
/ am Southron, and am a member of Con-
gr'ss. whose untiring Perseverance will never
cease until the OH CT have thus boldly under
taken liz fully accomplished. BE 40 kind "a to
answer this IA early "a possible. Allow me a
y rsonal interview, and, II you cannot come TO
New York. address your answer TO benjamin.
in care OF some one at your Office