Year: 1861

The following letter from Hon John G. Burch,
on the present state of the Union, addressed to
Hon. G. r. Street, San Francisco, was first pub
lshed in the Herala of that city. 1t will be read
with interest by Trinity people. The letter
bears date Nov 22d


Hon. CuAs. II. STREET Dear Sir: Yours
came to me while | was in Missouri, visiting nay
friends Having just returned to this city aud
located myself for the Winter, | hasten TO thank
you for your expressions of friendship and future
good will In all have done claim for myself
nothing more than faithful discharge of duty,
with whatever of ability | possess but should
N.Y. perhaps too ndulgent friends, find aught in
nv course to commend me to their good graces,
| attribute it to their kind partiality for me as
an individual, rather than to any special merit
in my official acts. Our Government has fallen
upon strange tmes. The dissolution OF the Union,
which but a short time ago seemed to be too far
away in the future for me to give it even a
passing thought, is now regarded not only with
gravity and seriousness, but is looked upon by
many wiser heads than mine as fixed fact.
But 4 few days ago would almost as soon have
supposed that the earth by human hands could
be arrested in its diurna motion, rs that this
Confederation of States made by such loyal aud
patriotic heads and hearts as those of our ances-
tors whom we honor and revere, hallowed and
onshrined as | had hoped it was in the hearts OF
all, could be made to trembe and shake much
less be completely ruptured.


Such, however is the state of affairs here now,
that greatly fear the Southern States will not
withdraw from their present hostile position un-
less some Immediate conducive action ID had or
the part of the North and must confess that
have as yet seen but little of disposition on the
part of the Republicans " as vlctors to be mag
unanimous" The leaders OF the South, fired by
sympathetic feeling on the part of the masses
declare they cannot honOrably retrace their step
aud tamely submit to that which they have re
Gently repeatedly declared to be worse than dealt
or dishonor that to do would be to bow thc
heads in shame and disgrace, not only to thei
brethern in the Union, but to all in the civilized
world who honor and esteem truth as a virtue.
ID is not then unreasonable TO conclude that
they may possibly prosecute successfully the
woid of disunion in which they are so earnestly
engaged. As much as | wish their patriotism
their memory OF the glorious past, and hope foI
future of one common country, could again cal
them back to the position which they once filled
with honor and pride, truly fear that the fata
step is taken, the die cast aud determination
made to dissolve their connection with thu
] Northern States at all hazards.


As you are aware in my legislative action a.
home | have always endeavored to be repre-
/ sentative man, merging my own individuality IL
| the interests of those whom | was called to repre-
sent Such | have endeavored to be as youl
member of Congress. Knowing represent a true
! loyal and patriotic people, people devoted tC
! the Constitution aud the laws of the country,
people with no selfish thought or wish whicl
they would not iorego for the sake OF preserving
the Constitution and the Union as 1t was be
queahed to them | should be unfalthlui Il