Year: 1861

1t does not think, become me to appear before
my fellowcitizens IN any other capacity but that in
which, for more than thirty years, have endeav-
ored to serve my country and to do good in my day
and generation. Hence, not politician. but in
my humble sphere q school master, permit me 70
let the public know the position occupied in this ex
citing and trying tines by the Old Academy. Il is
known to all that for nearly fifty years this insttu
ton has been engaged with great success in educa-
ting the daughters of the South. and that for nearly
half that time have enjoyed the honor of presiding
over its interests. Southern Kentucky, Tennessee,
Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana Mississippi,
Alabama, Florida and Georgian all these regions
there is scarce town, a neighborhOod, a principal
family, in which some of her children may notin this
day be found. And more than one-half OF these
children within the bounds of the Confederate
States" forever, now that the first blow has been
struck foreUer separate from the States of the old
Union. We deal with the fact, having nothing now
to say about the causes which lead to the present
tndterable condition of these States. Now, how
natural it is that the Academy should seek the re-
union of all her daughters. And when the uncondi-
tional Union Press in this city urges the Rides
Of Kentucky" and the Volunteers of Tennessee"
men who have acquired worldwide reputation for
daring and nobeness to trial of their strength vi
the States South of us-you may well believe us
that we at the Academy shocked, the thought is
most horrible. The fathers and brothers of young
ladies who have occupied the forms in school,
members of the class, whose hearts are bound
together in all the purity and strength Of school
girls love and friendship, trying their strength in
deadly conflict.


We have no language in which to express our
wonder that any one Southern soil is permit
ted to attempt to bring about such results, so full
of dishonor, 80 full of unspeakable calamtles Give
rs united South then let the fanatical North, in
deed let all the armies and naYes of the world gath
around US in anger, great would be our calAmi-
ty, but in this would consecrate thOusa- |
battle fields upon which the lovers of liberty would
look in all time to come and take courage. But |
81 dad
ties would befal US, and to these would be added |
deep dshonor for us and for our children.


Not as heretofore. the midst of political strife
of former years, have felt it to be my duty to /
speak to pupils in regard to the present state
of our country.


We have endeavored to impress them with the /
conviction that in the Union ranks up TO this
time, were many of the truest and mobiles friends
of the South, and that their devotion to the
union of these States honor to them, and that
hence among them, (the pupils,) there must be no
heart burnings-no exciting remarks because of the
difference of the views of their friends But have
endeavored also to convince them, that IN the end
there could be but two parties one North and one
South, and that as the upper and the neither mill
stones crushed all between so would these two par
ties grind to inpalpable powder all intermediate /
distinctions of sentiment, and that when the tcorSt
came the to0rSt that when the Administration at
Washington did what many of US months ago thought |
they would do; that then we would all be of one |
mind and heart aHd that mind and heart would be |
for the South If there is however, any lingering
doubt about q united South, the Academy would 1
speak to her children in all these Southern States:
whatever may be your relations now, wife, mother,
daughter, sisters, use your infuence,-n need be /
with tears-to induce sl about you to rally at once
to the standard of the South. The Stares and |
Stripes of the old Union are this day to you, the
emblem of fanaticism and oppression-you but
rescue their former glory by refusing TO honor
them-because of the unconstitutional and unholy
use in which an overwhelming majority of your
former fellow-citizens desire now to unfurl their
once sacred fold. You do not destroy the temple of
Liberty erected by your fathers You but drive out
from its eternal walls those who choose to pervert
the designs of its original founders WASHINGTON
in his birth and death is ours-himself rebel |
against an Overwhelming msjority-with not one
reason when we have hundred. We at the |
Academy do not forget what is seemly and proper
for such institutions as this We have worn no
badges raised flags. because Of the difference of
views entertained by our friends, as thought all
true friends of the South, but still IN every throb
our heart beat of the pulse, tohught and design we
favor the Southren Confederacy.


We also desire to state that our pupils have in
formed their parents of their perfect willingness
to dispense with all costly attire. in order that the
money may be used in defense of the South. EVry |
thing that ladies do with propriety, they are
willing to do to manifest their sympathy with their
country.


The question now about to sunder this country,
has been one which has oucou2ied my mind for
more than thirty years IN its relation to religion
worlds and the history of the black race, and re-
joice that now the well matured principles of my
life accord perfectly with the dictates of gratitude
and personal honor-on my part az the principal of
Of Southern Institute, originally built and long
sustained on the money and influence of slave hold
ers. q. d. ELLIOTT.


NAsHynLE FEMALE ACADEMY, April Is, 1861.


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