Year: 1867




That we can assume to bo in con-
dition TO employ mastery inactiv-
ity without the organization Of a
political party, or even the organi.
zation ofa political club, is beyond
my understanding, We might bet
ter be likened unto the bird that
conceals its head in the sand, and at
once begins to grievo at the danger
to its pursucrs, who are now left
alone in the vast desert, ~


Before we undertake to change
the course Of impending dangers,
we should cndeavor to remove all
obstacles that may be likely to i'm
pedc our progress in the work Of re-
construction. The chief OF these is
the opinion that prevails, to some
extent amongst our people, that we
cannot do wrong, and that North
erners cannot do right. l have no
doubt but the same feelings with re-
gard to themselves, may be found
amongst the Northern people,
Both sections are laboring under
misapprehcnsions which they should
strive to correct. Both are subject
to the frailties Of human nature, and
each should extend charity if they
expect it in return. Let us, then,
begin to dispel the delusion, and
see if we can establish our claim to
greatness.


1t is now too late to go back to
look after our rights under the law
and the constitution. 1t is Of no
practical importance to us to know
whether we have been deprived of
these rights by lawful or unlawful
process. We know that they are
gone, and that the only available
law, and the only right is power
The moro we seek for law, when
there is no law, the greater will BIO
our confusion. Law at best, is a
slow process by which to recover
lost possessions to attempt to re-
cover them under doubtful laws and
against power, is futile.


Some think that the question of
resistance is admissible in deciding
our course of action. But this is a
grave error, even if we had the pow
er to resist and a reasonable hope
of successful resistance. For VIII zen
Il people resort to the violence of
war they should be prepared. to
show to the world just cause Of war.
What cause can we claim unless we
say that we did not know what we
were fighting 1or in the war just en-
ded?


Our duty resolves itself into two
very simple propositions, viz : re-
lieve ourselves from our present en-
barrassments by returning to our
allegiance, in good faith, to the Gen
eral Government under the process
laid down by Congress, or seek pro-
lection under some foreign govern
ment. Those who determine to re-
main should speed the work of re-
construction, and put our people in
condition to make their own laws
and choose their own officers for
their execution.


am one of the particularly dis
franchised, for L have been informed
from the highest authority that |
am one of those who will be the last
to receive amnesty. ! regard this
as one of the results that belong to
the hazards of revolution, and |
have no better cause of complaint
than those who have lost their
slaves.


1t is frequently said, now a. days,
that constitutional government is Il
failure, but the causes and effects
are not appreciated. If there is II
failure, the fault, is with the people,
and not with the government. \
lunatic may destroy the most mag
nificent edifice, but it can only be re-
built by the most skillful artist.


l am gratified to be able to hand
You letter from Hon. John a.
Campbell. He kindly permits me
to use his letter at my leisure.


JAS. LONGSTREET.