New-York tribune., 1884-01-27
A BIT OF SECRET HISTORY
AMAZING ERFRoMJUDAHP. BENJAMIN.

PROPOSING THAT THE SOUTH SHOULD RESUME
ALLEGIANCE To GREAT BRIrAIN-DEsIRoUs FOR
AN ARIsTOCRACY-sOME ALREADY ADDRESS
ING EACH OTHER BY TITLES"
rThe following letter from Judah p. Benjamin, then
United States Senator from louisiana 10 the British Con-
sui in New-Yori left among Thurow Weeds papers,
and Is given in volume OF memoirs OF his grandfather
which Thurlow Weed Barnes is carrying through the
press reproduced here from the advance sheets Of
that vOlumel
Judah T. Benjamia to he British Consul in Ne,e- YDrk.
NEw-YoRK, Aug. IL, 1850.
DEAR SIR: exceedingly regret your absence
from New-York at this time as the important
object of my visit is to have personal and conf
Dental interview with yOu.
NV apology for this breach Unconventional usage,
in presuming to 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 yon without the
friendly intervention of third party. JUDGED,
it would not only have been unwise but actually
dangerous for me to have even borne letter of
introduction.
Having assumed the whole responsibility of this
very critical step, cannot use too much caution
and clrcumspection TO insure my Iersonal safety
and the successful accomplishment of the mission
Lave in view Therefore I prefer trusting my
on such bu sness that of bringing ntomy service
the scrawls of Governors members of Congress
with whom, perhaps, yOu aS little acquainted
as myself.
The official confidence which your Government
seems to rep0se in you, by ntrustng to your charge
its great commercial affairs in the most important
city on this continent, think is sufficient TO war
rant me in trusting TO your discretion, patriotism
and loyalty secret of the greatest importance and
interest to Her Britannia Majesty's Kingdom.
The present disastrous condition of political
affairs in the United States which has no parallel
in the past history of the country to have
split the great Democratic party INTO many con-
tending factions, all of which are hungry after
the public spoiIs that Its disntegrated parts
der them an easy prey to the opposing Black Re-
publicans.
The doctrines maintained by the Republican
party are 80 unsuitable TO the great interests of the
whole South that an election of their candidate
(which is almost certain amounts to q total de
structfon of all plantation interests. which the
South rs sure as there is God in Heaven, will not
snbnit to- Sooner than yield to the arbitrary die
tatcs of traitOrOus allies and false friends, who
have proven recreant 10 the solemn obligations of
our old Constitution, will either secede from the
Union and form a separate Government or, upon
certain OndtI0ns. at once return 10 our allegiance to
Great Britain our Mother Country.
Many, very many of the most wealthy and ntu-
ential planters throughout the South have already
discussed this alternative, in the event of the cleo
ton OF Mr. Lincoln. and the popularity of the prop
Osition seems to pass from to another almost
with an elastic rapidty. Ii is true they have made
no public demonstrationof their intentions, for such
a course would be attended with drcful consequent
ces at this time But THE PEAR WILL DE FULLY
RIPE BEFORE NOVEMBER.
GOssiplng newsmOngers and babblng pOth0use
politicians are not allowed to know what is going
on in their very midst.
Select dinner parties come on every day through
out the whole South, and not one of them ends
without a strong accession TO our forces.
Ihave even heard some of them address each other
by titles already.
Nv object in approaching You is to cultivate your
friendship and procure your cooperation in aid of
to the dominion of our fathers King
dom. Through your Kindness and loral-
Nv 10 your Queen. / am desirOus of properly
approaching Her Majesty's Minister at Washington
CIV with q view tO the accomplishment of this
great end II you will cOndescend to grant me the
necessary assistance for this purpose you VIII soon
receive the meritOrious reward of your most gra-
cious Queen, and the hearty cheer from every true
Brtons heart for having aided in the return Of
the National PrOdgals
Reposing that confidence in you which your po-
sition in life warrants me in doing, you must at
present excuse for not signing my name for fear
of an accident. This much you may know, am
a Southron and am member of Congress, whose
untir1ng perseverance will never cease until the OBJ
ject have thus boldly undertaken is fully accom-
plshed. BE SO kind as To answer this as early
possible. Allow me q personal interview and, il
YOU cannot come to New-York address your answer
to Benjamin., in care of some one at your office.