Year: 1862

DEAR HERALD:


In addition to the base and selfish motive
OF accumulating wealth, which actuated Fer
nando Cortex and his followers in his con-
quest Of Mexico, there was on his part zeal
Gus endeavor to spread and establish, among
the subjects of Montezuma--heathen and idol
worshiPers as they were-the principles and
blessings OF that religion, symbolized by the
Cross, in which be firmly believed. But the
Southern Confederacy remaining in the Un-
ion so long as the proceeds Of Government
and its Treasury flowed into her lap, and ss-
ceding as soon as a possibility arose that this
flow might receive check, and seeding
especially, too, because she thought ii might
be for her financial advantage to become in
dependent-has not incorporated aronps its
Incentives one single motive, which the CHRIS
tian or the philanthropist can applaud
Mercenary in the extreme has she been in
her proclivities and actions.


In addition to the profit it hoped to receive
by inaugurating different system of COM
merce and trade by its independence, it had
the design of establishing more firmly, II
possible, that which has been STYLED "the sum
all villanies," Slavery. But her Slavery
was on sure enough foundation before
Under the Federal Compact, she could keep





her slaves in her own borders with guarantees
for their return if astray. And if the law Of
climate, universal in its effect on the human
species, demanded, as they say, the toll Of
Africans to till successfully their cotton, rice
and sugar plantations, no power OF Govern.
ment could wrest the right from them. But
in her jealousy Of the increasing opulence Of
tthe North, she yivldly pictured TO herself, if
independent, a more rapid influx Of wealth
and greater security for the perpetuity Of
Slavery--their great source of gain. This


idea of money-making, made her misguided
speculations glitter with an alluring attrac-
ton, and she fondly hoped that no difficulties
would be interposed to thwart her purpose
But the flash of the cannon and the CLEAN of
the sword upon her soil, and the peans ofthe
Federal victories there, must cause that cloud
of delusion to flee away like the morning. dew
before the rising sun. The incressed activity
and successes Of our army, cI late, must throw
those rebel spiri.s into perturbation, as the
wkirlwinds do the dry leaves Of an Autumn
! forest. In their alarm it will be in vain for
them to try to lull into quiet their guilty


minds with the hope that the Unionists will


not submit willingly to the necessary taxation
to prosecute the war, but will resist the claims
Of Government for taxes to the extent that
II will break down financially in this crisis


Such . hope will be vain. Though it may


require Northern blood and Northern treas


ure to save our country, let Rebellion un-


derstand that under the influence Of our


love Of country, in imitation of the primi-


tive Christians, if necessary, We will throw


all our property into common stock, and,


like members Of one family, wsll sacrifice, in


our Joint labors, all our means for the public


behoof and the welfare Of our country. And
! we will die in the struggle with the swee,


consolation that coming generations will hon


or our acts-for they are commissioned BY
Heaven to pardon, to applaud and to reward


our actions, as circumstances may require.
Plymouth, Feb. "A, 1862. q