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I to a greater or le<s extent, the
PGBtknoe and the counsels of the South, how
Rurally was it to he anticipated that when
ct up for themselves and undertook the
‘eminent, not only in indepen cnee of, but
utility to this section, that their failing
ITuld be more signal and disastrous than ever,
fithout laving claim to any political sagacity,
Jmt simply judging the future by the past, one
year ago we predicted their ignominious failure.
And aurcly such a catalogue of blunders, fail
ures and disgraces never belore fell, in so short
a time, to the lot of any government on earth.
Where shall we begin to enumerate them ?
In less than one year they have utterly demor
alized their oa n government in the opinion of
tlie world. They have sunk it from the repu
tationof a brave people, (a little galliard am
boastful, it may be) to that of vain glorious and
windy blusterers—a hurlc-quc on simple words
and hold action. During this time their en
t're domestic policy has been a series of blun
ders and failures—their civil war a series of :
defeats and exhibitions of imbecility, and in ,
respect tp foreign governments they have sue j
ivedt d in icvolulionizing the opinion of a I
world against themselves. In brief, it may be
doubted if Jeff Davis had hired Lincoln and i
his Cabinet at a stipulated per diem to do the i
worst for themselves, they could have been |
more suecessiul.
The case of the Trent is their last and one
of the most successful, Iii this matter what
necessity was there tor making themselves ri- J
diculous » If the heady self sufficiency o!
Wilke* prompted him to make the arrest, he
lelt his government perfectly uncommitted up
on tin- subjett, and in the best possible posi
turn to -erve their own ends either by dismiss
ing or retaining the captives, as policy dicta- j
t> d. Hut that could not content them. They
nrnst needs swagger, bully, chuckle over and
endorse the act, in order, (as it would almost
appeal) to debase themselves in the ultimate i
disavowal of it. To make matters still worse
their Secretary of State must excite contempt
till further by affecting to base the surrender
on Amnimn doctrines aud policy, which he i
had failed to recognize until a month bad elap-
-cd and the peremptory demand to surrender
had been presented. Now, it will be readily
seen that bad the Lincoln government held its
peace, it could have disavowed the act of
W ilkia mid surren leped the Commissioners
upon demand without injury to its reputation,
tli better still, had it been able to discover,
a little sooner, those Ameiican principles upon
which the surrender on peremptory demand ■
was based, and sent over tlie Commissioners
brfurr the demand, the Lincoln government
would have put a feather iri its own cap. She
c< uld bavo gracefully said, “we disapprove this 1
act as contrary to mir own national doctrines *
ami pr< cedents, and -o disapproving, are un- :
w iHing to avail ourselves of the advantage ac-
ct umg from it. VVe therefore return you tliise
Commissioners."
It cannot be doubted that such action as this,
reaching Km op- at the moment England was
on lire ultoul the indignity to her tlag, would
bate excited a great reaction in favor of the
Lincoln government, and put our Commission
ers themselves in a disadvantageous position to
begin their negotiations.
Hut now sec whit they have done. By hold
ing these rmnmiesieners as prisoners and sur
rendering them at last, reluctantly under pres- I
sureol a distinctly implied threat of hostilities,
tney liavr identified their cause and persons
with English honor and patriotism. They
have been sent to Europe as trophies of British
character, power ami valor, and their arrival
■ >n British soil will be tlie occasion of national
pride and gratulation. Ml eyes will be turned
upon them, and it may oe questioned whether
something like a popular ovation will not meet
them at every turn. J n short, in respect to,
the gn at objects of the mission of .Slidell and j
Mas-iii, thev aie in much better position now
than lieloie the arrest—nueli better than they '
noiild have well hoped to lie. Nothing but
these b.irrible blunders of ihe Lincoln govern
ment could nave served them to such purpose!
Hut this subject is exbaustless and we will
puisne it no lui ther. except to remark, finally
and again our settled conviction that these and
such ike specimens of what Seward calls
• American statesmanship," will go on and cul
minate in utter anarchy. The Lincolnites will
not 011% tail to whip us, but t.iey will end in
whippiK thetmi^res all to pieces. They will
ear «-acli_^^^^^^%ii'i probably break up
each ot which will |
JLhey air m,w crc-
ffem from
jnged war will
least so we
‘D KI RESIDE.
Ifier a nnounces the
Fitor, James N. Ells,
he is to be succeed
5 ]., late editor of the
patch, wkp is well known
as a forcible
that in this
I Although the
|ed in size, the
fire will be
aublish-
and per-
ny other or great-
r”believing that the Lincolnites
itify their threats, than constant-
g numbers and the lapse of time,
eral principles we are bound
are not concentrating such
urpose at all, and that the ac-
e of hesitation and delay may,
them onwatd. But beyond this
o signs of active invasion. McClellan,
Potomac, is reported sick, and it is fur-
aid that strenuous efforts are being made
ilace him. In Caribna, there are some
dications of a movement, but none of a
ter which could, by any possibility, ac-
mplish much in the way of invasion. There
las, indeed, been but two movements of the
Federals during the var undertaken with
temper and spirit compatible with the achieve
ment of snv great object. McClellan's origi
nal movement in Westu^ Virginia and the de-
on Bull Run^^^%e only military ad-
• -eii attended
tlu^^^^Lpt may be
marcli in Missouri^^HIHh characterized by
a timidity and hesitancy incompatible ^
movements of an invading army,
military man (having resigned oi
in the Bullfrog Kangeis) but lay it
most axiomatical, that an mvai
being in its essence aggressiv
must be undertaken and carried]
rit to meet with any measure of <3!
is it possible to over-run a country
in terror of masked batteries, claiming the
shelter of defensive works, hesitating, now for
ward and now backward, marching and coun
termarching, and eternally squinting behind for
a place and chance to run. The whole temper
of tl^%"ederals—officers and men—it seems to
revolutionized before a serious im-
i be hoped for or feared in the way
invading energy
st we have
lull Run
l few
too, ar
’nt it as a ri
their busi-
the ]
to carry throu
me. The whole"of that precto* 1
ened body, the Lincoln Congrf 11
at sixes and sevens, and althoufY
on the 2d day of December wit 0
jori'y for a thorough abolition
Chicago Tribune corn
complains that two w
moral atmosphere of Washington
enough to create a fatal defection in the most
unex pected quarters.
The correspondent alluded to, traces the
cause of tlie defection to the President and
Cabinet. He cites some awkward discoveries
in Seward's diplomatic correspondence, which
fully commit the government to maintain the
onginnl status of slavery, and expresses a pain
ful conviction that the President coinrides with
the Secretary of State. Chase, Cameron and
Welles are the Reds in the Cabinet.
But more fatal obstacles have developed
themselves since the date of this letter. Indi
cations of great discontent have manifested
themselves in the Lincoln army, principally
among the regular officers, i. any of whom
have decided that they will throw up their
commissions rather than aid anil abet in a ser
vile war, This point, it is asserted, has been
distinctly presented by McClellan himself, and
that Lincoln has, in consequence, been forced
to assure these officers privately that if any
-uch scheme slia'l pass Congress, he will ve
to it
These movements in the army have, in turn,
created huiiiru.se excitement among the Reds in
Congress, who are working in every possible
way to displace McClellan and install one of
their own number (Ben Wade, of Ohio, and
N. P. Banks have been spoken of) at the head
of military movements. Thus, although we
have news of less than a month's operations in
the Federal Congress, it is clear that every
thing is in a promising way for explosion. We
are mistaken if Mr. Seward’s diplomacy in the
Trent case is not made to serve a useful pur
pose in the onslaught of tlie Reds. Look out
for lively times in Lincolndom. The present
“civil war” will find its rival in the war of the
blacks and mnlattoes of the Lincoln dynasty.
I he apprehensions of the same correspondent,
expressed below are very lively, but very just:
The range ol debate in both houses of Con
gress lor two or three days pist has rather im
plied a want ol confidence in the executive
branch of the government, both as to its civil
and military functions. The feeling is very
general that if we come out of this conflict with
a national H ig, a national motto, a history
which posterity will not blush to read, we shall
have more abundant cause to thank Almighty
God than did our fathers in the dreary season
of Valley lorge. Whether this feeling is well
or ill-lounded, let the reader judge. Unless
the news from England has disconcerted the
proposed operations in the field, I predict that
there will soun be genuine war where the pub
lic have learned to look only for sham-battles
and waste of gunpowder.
THE COTTON CROP OF 1861.
Unite a conflict of opinion exists among the
Several reporters in regard to the actual cotton
crop of last year. The New York Shipping
List places it at 3,656,086; the New Orleans
Price Current at 3,701,028, while the New Or
leans Crescent estimates it at 3,850,000 bales.
The disturbed state of the country accounts
for the discrepancy. Ol the total exports of
the United States 182,202 bales went to Eng-
| land, 40,122 to France, and 40,288 to other
' countries—making the total sent to Europe,
3,129,718 hales.
The population of Charleston is 48,-
409.
THE PATENT OFFICE.
The Patent Office Department of the Confed-
’ crate States is in successful operation, and is
self-sustaining. Thirty -six patents have been
granted, among which are the following from
1 Georgia:
James S. Allums, Cusseta, Chattahoochee
county, for cotton presses, Oct. 2, 1861.
J. S. Boothl»y, Savannah, tanning, Sept 27,
! 1861.
W. J. Cheshire, Colquit, ploughs, Aug. 29,
1861.
J. D. Evans, Pleasant Hill, ploughs, Aug.
14, 1861.
II. C. Goodrich, Augusta, camp cots, Oct,
30,1861.
I G. W. Peabody, Columbus, waterproof com
position, Nov. 20, 1861.
John Schley, Savannah, horse power, Nov.
I 21,1861.
J. H. Van Houten, Savannah,.breach loading
gun, Aug. 1, 1861.
J. M. Walden, Fort Valley, switches for rail
roads, Aug. 7,1861.
THE TRENT CASE.
OFFICIAL CORRBIFOlfDF.VCE-
The Richmond Dispatch of the 4th brings
the full correspondence in the Mason and Sli
dell case, which occupies six columns of that
paper. As few of our readers would probably
wade through so many words of master Sew
ard, over an affair past and determined, we will
content ourselves with a brief synopsis of the
correspondence. - *
The first in the series of letters is a note
from Seward to Minister Adams, dated Nov.
30th, complimenting him on his speech at the
Lord Mayor’s dinner, and apprising Mr. Adams
of the capture of Mason and Slidell, telling
him that it was done without instructions from
the government, and expressing the hope that
the British Government will consider it in a
friendly temper. This letter is worthy of no
tice only as containing tne following declara
tion, which we quote, because it furnishes the
groundwork for the next back down by the
Lincoln government Says Mr. Seward :
“You spoke the simple fact when you told
him (Lord Palmerston) that the life of the in
surrection is sustained.by the hopes of recog
nition in Great Britain and in France. It would
perish in ninety days if these hopes should
cease. I have never for a moment believed
that such a recognition could take place with
out producing immediately a war between the
United States and all the recognizing powers.
I have not supposed it possible that the British
vernment could fail to see this,” Ac.
urely it was well in the Lincolnites to pre-
correspondence disclosing an ignomini-
ack down with a new swell, and this seems
^he only connection between this letter
'emainder.
!e*second letter is from Earl Russell to
ord Lyons, in which, after recounting all the
particulars of the detention of the Trent and
the arrest, the British Secretary pronounces the
an act of violence, which was an affront
to the British flag and a violation of interna
tional law.” He then expresses the hope that
when the matter shall be brought to the notice
of the United States, that government will, of
its own accord, offer satisfactory redress—
“namely, the liberation of the four gentlemen
and their delivery to your lordship, in order
L hey may bo placed under British protec-
suitable apology for the aggression
been committed. Should these
e offered by Mr. Seward, you will
propose TTT^m to him.” Lord Lyons is then [
authorized to show the dispatch to Mr. Seward
furnish a copy, if desired.
: Seward’s rejoinder is a letter of four col-
s, which we do not propose
*ze. Sensible that the wj
- position as humilj
scussion in the
justice delivering’
He dogmatizes about the law and
[points out with consummate dignity
and difficulties arise,
f'o view them,
what i
be so.
In tfl
fact i
some errors of
he supplies omissions
persons tak*-n—to-wit
ded commissioners fro!
uient—rebel emissaries
chief. Third, he inquires in
that they were contraband of war. Fourth, he
decides by law and usage that they might be
lawfully seized. Fifth, he decides, after much
argument, that they were not lawfully seized,
inasmuch as, by the proceedings of Captain j
Wilkes, however well intentioned and amicable (
in respect to the British government, the cap
tives were deprived of legal defence. The i
vessel should have been seized and brought I
before an admiralty court. And here he cites
a paragraph from James Madison, as Secretary
of State under Jefferson, which brings Seward j
to the painful alternative of either deciding
against his government, or “reversing forever
its most cherished principles and essential pol- j
icy.” In sncli a dilemma what could the pure
and patriotic Seward do but to decide against
his government ? How could he think of aban
doning the cherished principles of the old Vir
ginia fathers? You will see at once that he |
could not do it, and he don’t propose to.
In coming to the conclusion to surrender, he
is confronted by the rettection that “the effect
ual check and waning proportions of the exist
ing insurrection, as well as the little importance
of the captives themselves do not justify any
luss about them—considerations which, as
well as the law in their case, should have been
entertained before.” But during the argument
Mr. Seward takes occasion to say that it is only
Tery recently that his attention haslieen drawn
to the law of the case.
Finally, Lord Lyons is informed that the
four captives are in Fort Warren, and will be
placed at his disposal whenever he will be pleas
ed to indicate a time aud place.
The third letter is the dryest kind of a note
from Lord Lyons, merely saying that he has
received Mr. Seward’s letter, will forward it to
Iler Majesty’s government, and will confer with
him personally upon the arrangements for de
livering up the four captives.
The fourth letter is from M. Thouvencl,
Frepch Minister of State, to M. Mercier, Min
ister of the French Emperor, at Washington.—
This is an energetic protest against the whole
proceeding in the Trent case, and the arrest of
Messrs. Mason and Slidell, whether considered
as enemies or rebels, and confidently express
ing the hope that the “demand” of Lord Lyons
for “satisfaction” will be acceded to. It really
seems to us that this letter was sent to rub salt
into the wounds inflicted by the milder terms
used by Earl Russell.
The fifth and last is a complimentary re
sponse from Mr. Seward to M. Mercier.
The whole furnishes an admirable subject
for criticism if one had space and leisure.
LAMENT IN CAROLINA.
According to the Mercuty, the Carolina mil
itary have come to the conclusion that there is
no chance of getting a tight out of the Hess
ians upon the coast this winter, and are very
much disappointed. The Mercury wings an
adroit shaft at Gen. Lee, who telegraphs to
Richmond his ability to prevent the Federals
from penetrating the country. 0, that they
would come, is the prayer of the Carolinians.
The few conflicts which have taken place have
so unfavorably impressed the Hessians that
they have quitted mainland and retired to Port
Royal island.
THE GREEN RIVER BRIDGE.
„ This appears to be the pons assinorum of the
Lincolnites in Kentucky. They get over it,
it is true, hut they can’t stay over. They are
back and forth every week. Our latest ac
counts state that they are again over in consid
erable force. If the Confederates at Bowling
Green are wanting a fight, it seems to us they
should allow them all to come over quietly and
then permit some ardent fellow of a dark night
to destroy the bridge behind them. Thus cor
nered it is possible they might be brought t%
the scratch.
THE “OCTOROON.”
That is a singular letter from Dion Bourct-
oault to the London Times, and we think it il
lustrates a point which we who live in this
quiet, wooden Southern world of ours and re
flect upon, digest and form our opinions at lei
sure, do not sufficiently consider. On the oth
er hand, it may perhaps truly be said that the
busy and bustling outside world, who mistake
feeling and sensation for intelligent opinion,
commit an equal error in rating the settled
convictions of the South with the evanescent
impressions which flit through the bustling
multitude of the crowded thoroughfares of
trade.
Dion Bourcicault left England some six or
eight years ago, when the sensation was Uncle
Tom’s Cabin; Exeter Hall was in full blast,
and all England was in a wail over the almigh
ty nigger. He comes to America, and intent
npon pandering to the universal sensation, he
makes his way South to mature a play wtiich
should catch the universal phrenzy and make
his reputation and his fortune out of it The
success of Mrs. Stow had tempted his ambition
and cupidity to the uttermost
His play is written and is produced with
crowning success in New York, where it meets
the popular phrenzy at the top of the tide.—
After a “great run” in the North he returns to
England, but finds to his chagrin the most sa
lient points of his drama utterly fail of their
purpose. Where he depicts Southern domestic
servitude in its true patriarchal aspect and
shows the mutual dppendffhcies and attach
ments of the system, the house resounds with
applause; but where he undertakes to show up
the horrors, as he understands them, the audi
ence whistle the play down outright. He is
mortified and vexed about it, and complains,
in the letter, we publish, of the great change in
European opinion about slavery.
This great change in English sentiment is,
of course, an incidental result of the American
revolution. The British have learned to think
lightly of the American abolitionists, and their
opinion of the American slaveholder has im
proved correspondingly. On the mere princi
ple of association they are therefore disposed
to think better of American slavery, and-hence
they hiss at that part of the play designed to
hold it up to popular indignation. The stars
and stripes are banished for the stars and bars,
and Mr. Bourcicault’s play is tolerated only in
respect to the very reverse of its original de-
sign.
This fact is amusing—but it is instructive
as to the actual value of this popular anti-
slavery opinion to which the great American
Union has been devoted a sacrifice. It is the
mere idle breath of ignorance and prejudice,
formed without reason and dispelled the same
way.
The great en or of the North has been the
offsetting of a mere sectional evanescent senti
ment like this against the settled opinion of the
South, based not only upon reason and reflec
tion, but immemorable usage, and social neces
sity. Not a mere sentiment—not an opinion
merely, but a great foundational interest, af
fecting society in every ramification, and em
bracing in its comprehensive grasp a large por
tion of the material wealth of the Couth.
Now it is against such opinion as this, in-
wrought into the very frame work of Southern
society, that the North, after years spent in
nursing anti-slavery sentimentalism has mar
shalled in a death grapple with the Southern
ideas. They are the two forces in the irrepres
sible conflict, and we are of opinion that the
way they fight illustrates exactly the relative
depth ol their origin, as the result will display
their comparative vitality. England has been
the nursing mother of this rising sentimental
ism, and yet Mr. Bourcicault complains that it
halts so badly already that his play is damned
except where it shows the negroes singing, fid
dling and dancing.
A REAL DANGER.
A few days ago the enemy landed on the
mainland of South Carolina, and, after being
driven buck by the gallant sons of that chival-
ric State to fhe cover of the guns of his fleet,
had, at last accounts, sought safety for the
present by retreating to the island.
The Lincoln government has slunk on the
first growl of the British lion from the stand
that its Secretaries, its Congress, its Press and
all its sattelites had taken in tlie M H80ti and
Slidell matter.
These and the man)' other defeats and hu
miliations that our treacherous enemy is sus
taining appear to be exercising a most danger
ous influence on our people and the government
by inspiring over-confidence in our position,
and causing us all to relax in vigilance and pre
parations for defence.
There has been no time since this savage war
was begun by the fanatical and mercenary gov
ernment at Washington when the real danger
to the South, especially to South Carolina and
Georgia, was so great as it is at this moment.
Our enemy has secured a disgraceful peace
with England for the present, by the most ab
ject humiliation, in order to gain time to sub
due and wreak his vengeful hate on the South,
which he is still so demented as to believe he
has the power to accomplish, if not interfered
with by some naval power. 1U is pourin rge-
inforcements into Kentucky and Port Royal.—
At the latter place he must have at least 30,-
000 or 40,000 soldiers; perhaps more than
double that number, besides a numerous fleet.
Most unfortunately our Generals in that direc
tion are sadly deficient in the means of obtain
ing information respecting the amount of his
force and preparations. Enough is apparent to
make it plain that a movement in great force
against either Charleston or Savannah or Bruns
wick, and probably one to the interior also is
intended and will be made immediately. Such
a movement or movements must be made, and
that, too, without delay. The condition of the
Lincoln government renders it imperative. It
is not only planned and prepared, but despera
tion will compel its immediate execution.
Then has the time arrived yet when vigilance
and preparations to repel the foe can be relaxed
with safety ? No! There is greater necessity
now than ever before to continue them with
increased vigor, and to urge the governments,
both State and Confederate, to afford their
Generals the most ample means to enable them
to defend the soil, and punish the brutal invas
ders.
Let no fills e hope of security, no delusive be
lief that the enemy will not come in what ho
believes will be overwhelming numbers, and,
above all, let no mistaken consideration of econ
omy prevail against the imminence of the real
danger that now threatens. There is no time
for delay. Georgia.
Saline.—The Atlanta Confederacy says that
the other day, a deputy or agent of Col. Whit
aker, the Commissary General, while engaged
in selling salt by the half bushel, from a box
car, in Marietta, was interrogated “if he had
paid a tax, and had a city license to sell salt
by the smalls to folks Y” Responding nega
tively, he was notified that he had to pay the
regular license, or the salt would be seized.—
Refusing to pay the tax, the Mayor seized the
salt, and now bolds it.
Late Northern News ■■The Recognition.
A Paris letter, of the 9th December, to the
New York Tribune, of the 3d instant, says:
“It is worse than falsehood to deny, what I
know it is worse than patriotic to admit, but
what it is the disagreeable duty of a reporter
to state, this passionately disputed, but reason
ably indisputable fact, that the recognition of
the G. S. A., as an existing nation, by Eng
land and France, is rapidly approaching di
plomatic record."
Mr. Seward may, then, soon be placed un
der the necessity of testing the soundness of
his opinion expressed to Mr. Adams the last
day of November:—“I have never for a mo
ment believed that such a recognition could
take place, without producing immediately a
war between the United States and all the re
cognizing powers.”
Dates to the 2d January from New York
have been received at Norfolk. Gen. McClel
lan had had a relapse and his recovery was con
sidered doubtful. His disease was typhoid fe
ver. Lincoln’s message had been received in
England, and was characterized by the Times
as a tissue of concealments. Surprise was felt
that it made no allusion to the Trent affair.—
The New York Banks had practically suspend
ed, and were quarrelling over schemes for
equalization and adjustment of balances. The
Herald says that the Northern failures last
year numbered six thousand, and their indebt
edness amounted to one hundred and eighty
millions.
Missouri has been abandoned by Price who
ha3 retreated to Arkansas, where, it is report
ed, the authorities refuse to allow him to stay.
There is said to be now no Confederate soldiers
in the State of Missouri.
Messrs. Slidell and Mason, Eustes and Mac-
farland, left Boston in the Cunard steamship
Niagara, on the 31st ult Their surrender and
tho circumstances accompanying it did not
come up to the English demand, and further
correspondence will result. The North is re
ported to be very much down in the mouth
over the whole transaction, while the few friends
of the South in that section were exultant—
Mr. Seward’s letter of surrender was first read
and discussed at an informal meeting of his
friends at his house, and gained many compli
ments for its adroitness, but Crittenden cursed
Wilkes for bringing them into such a scrape.
ARRIVAL OF THE ASIA.
The news by the Asia is unimportant Pub
lic opinion and feeling were engrossed by the
sudden death of Prince Albert and sympathy
for the Queen and royal family in this over
whelming affliction. The Prince died on Sat
urday afternoon, December 14tb, at 4 o'clock.
His demise was very sudden. The Queen
drove out on Friday the 13th, under the im
pression that he was in no danger, but found
his extremities cold on her return. After the
first burst yf grief, she is stated to have exhib-
ited remarkable composure and strength of
mind, but the latest news speaks of her unsat
isfactory state of health. The Prince's funeral
took place on the 23d.
The event produced a profound sensation in
the European courts. The Emperor Napoleon
sent a letter of condolence to the Queen by an
aide.
The warlike preparations continue. The
Asia brought 500 troops. The steamer Para
na left Southampton on the 30th with a thou
sand Scotch Fusileers. The Cleopatra and
Magdalena were to leave on the 21st with 1500.
There were active movements in the dock
yards, and a portion of the Mediterranean fleet
was accumulating at Gibraltar in order to sail
for America, if necessary.
The English funds on the 20th of December
were firmer, and had advanced one-half per
cent., chiefly owing to large investments.—
Various peace rumors were also instrumental
in causing the rise.
It was stated In England that Parliament
will meet for the dispatch of business on the
14th or the 16th of January, which is some
weeks earlier than usual.
BACKBONE.
The Richmond Dispatch, of the 6th, has a
scathing article upon the Parker and Beecher
class at the North who for years past have had
“backbone” as the god of their idolatry. The
“backbonests” or original abolition party have
from the beginning of this contest exhib
ited a lively appreciation of “the perils that
environ the men who meddle with cold iron.”
1 he Original duuglilai.es and dcmucrata of the
North are the only representatives of that sec
tion who have evinced tho least disposition to
regale themselves with gunpowder. They have
shown their backbone, it must be admitted, on
every battle field of the war, and it is the only
part of their carcasses that their enemies have
had a fair view of. The Trent affair afforded
them a fine opportunity for the exhibition of
backbone. But they could not think of viola
ting the principles of rectitude and virtue, and
nothing is nobler in one who has done a wrong
than to confess and repair it. It is true they
had never dreamed of atoning for their error
till John Bull put his blunderbuss atjtheir heads
and told them to apologize or die; but it is nev
er too late to do right, and it is the height of
cowardice to be deterred from doing justice by
the fear of being thought afraid. Oh, righte
ous and valiant Jonathan!
In wishing Lincoln to have “backbone” on
the Trent affair, some time ago, we did not
mean to have him show the “backbone” exhib
ited at Bull Run. We wanted the genuine ar
ticle.
AUGUSTA AND MACON RAILROAD.
We learn that the balance of the Road from
Sparta to Macon has been let to Messrs. Orr,
Thompson, Lockett, Collins and other strong
contractors. The work from Sparta to Mil-
ledgeville will be put immediately under way,
with a prospect of its completion in less than
twelve months. The grading is almost finish
ed from Warrenton to Sparta, the track laid
lor three miles ; and the whole will probably
he done to Sparta early next Summer. This is
good news for the friends of the Road, and
will show that our Y’ankee neighbors on the
coast have little effect on operations in the inte
rior.
“MAKING HISTORY.” ' TIL. „KEN QUE&1
More than three months ago, the world was We seldom reproduce in ttiesc cq
informed by the New York papers that on and slang effusions which have of late
after the 1st of October, they would “mate a feature—and, in their excess, a vJ
history"—roll it out like shoe pegs'. Event- . ting feature—of ( is-atlantic journi
of awfhl portent were to crowd upon us with a the following parody npon the diplos
stunning, bewildering rapidity. We should respondence wioh preceded the rcJ
emerge from one shock of war only to feel an- i down of the Lincoln government in tl
other before we had time to take breath, till Slidell embroglio, is so piquant and!
every rebel should be glad to burrow in the j ate i that we cannot refraia from giiT
sand to escape the lightning strokes of Federal ' our readers. \\ e copy from the Rich]
' 'PRO VIDENCETO WN. ”
We were puzzled to locate this point from
which the lightning assured us Messrs. Mason,
Slidell and their Secretaries sailed on the 1st
instant. Despatches copied from the Northern
papers, however, state that they sailed from
Provincetown, a small village on the Northern
extremity of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The
steamtug “Starlight” took them from Fort
Warren, Boston Harbor, to Provincetown,
where they took passage in the British war
steamer Rinaldo, of sixteen guns. So, you ob
serve, our Commissioners went over in style
and well backed.
vengeance.
A hundred days of the grand theatrical sea
son have passed, and the first act in the bloody
drama has not yet been performed. Our whtTe
frontier and sea coast are black with the Fed
eral actors, all in waiting for the performance,
but it does not come oft In brief, all these
stirring times of history-making do not disclose
events enough to make a daily chronicle inter
esting. It almost surpasses belief that, in the
midst of a civil war of unparalleled magnitude
—at the very predetermined crisis of the strug
gle, when all the available resources of the ene
my have been strained to the utmost in com
pleting the preparations on a scale of magni
tude unknown in modern history—with ail the
energies of the North concentrated to the
stroke, the upraised blow should hang suspen
ded three months! That in the very crisis of
a revolutionary struggle, the calm should be
more profound than even in the ordinary pip
ing times of peace!
But so it is—this is the fact—adopt what
explanation you may. The blow is always
coming, but never comes. Some weeks ago
wc used to get a little excited with reports that
a forward movement was momentarily impend
ing, but such reports have lost their effect—
Nobody credits them, and the chances are that
if tho wolf should ever come, after so many
false alarms, he may catch us napping.
But there are those who are beginning to be
lieve that he will never come at all—that, in
point of fact, the wire pullers at the head of
the exhibition are merely waiting on Provi
dence for a chance of self extrication from this
war, while they keep up a dumb show to quiet
and amuse their people. Seward, himself, has
been represented as declaring that every battle
fought is a set back to the “cause of the Un
ion,” which is simply asserting what every old
statesman, in contemplation of a catastrophe
like tho present, has declared—what DougJ
himself r>aid last spring, that “war is disuj
—remediless and final.” If Seward uiaj
remark attributed to
practical recantation
and whether he ever made it or ri!
no doubt his good sense tells him the war
disastrous failure.
The paltry excuses which are from time to
time thrown out in the Federal papers for the
constantly repeated postponement of their on
ward movements, only make the matter more
contemptible; and if the last]one current be
true, to-wit: that McClellan will not advance
until the Lincoln Congress have settled their
quarrels, then surely the advance never will
come, and the lapse of every day will render it
more improbable.
We will venture no opinion, where there are
ammer.
(I.) Sneak to Addums—{L'-itiA
Chicken Depart!
Apeland, November 30th, It
Addums, you’re a smart chap.i
thing decently the other day. We’|
all soon.
By-the-by, Addums, we have “gonl
it," I’m afraid. One of our boys Im
bed four of old Uornfed's fine cocks <
of Bull’s royal coops, and I wouldnl
prised if that last old chap rows atl
look sharp and keep your eye skmntf
are my man. I’ll just tell you Adtl
you needn’t to say nothing about!
upon a pinch), that the chap warn!
authorized to steal the chickens. Y1
stand. Y'ours, Ac., William!
(2) Bull to Lyon.
Bull Pen, November SOtfl
The other night one of my royal
coops was assailed by a rock from a :
the service of William Sneak, Esquire!
one appearing to defend it, it was inva3
four notable cocks, which cousin Corn!;
entrusted to my care, were abstracted.
If the aforesaid Sneak has not return!
to you before this, show him this no
take him by the hair and tell him thij
have those chickens in.it ant cr, or I
him, as I have half a mind to do an)
am, Ac.
(3) Sneak to Lyon. |
Chicken Depaktm
Apklasu, December 26th,
My Lord:—The respectable Mr. fll
ter, which you sent me, says so, and!
though you know all about it, I’ll say
again to fill up and get started.
♦ ♦ * * * *
Well, the fact is the rock was dashe
coop, but, as the hoys tell me, ’twas a|
most affectionate manner. FurthernJ
sides, and moreover, you ought to hf
but “doubtlessly” and very properly \i1
me to say, that the cocks in question
Jlghtin
But
1
. ol the contrabandest
1 these
rks f v /u, ’1
L’"***>[/!>( ,„ IOi
[dim ,
agre
rub—^
SometTS
xh will “doubtles]
the fifth, and th
ink he ort toj
coop, and then I think he ortei
I am dubus; and then agin®
what to think ; and then, especiall
reception of My Lord’s letter, all rnj
will slip over and get on the wrong]
so, consequently, I am very much af
really afraid, though ; no, who’s afrl
mean I feel compelled to decide that hf
have took the coop. Insomuch, hov
did not take the coop with the chickd
. , , . , - | accordance with the American' doctr
no satisfactory grounds upon which to form | „ r , • „ . ..
, . ? , 1 ... . .. the tact is, as you say you want the
one; but ona thing can be said with justice: | iind are so polito about it _ T have *■
If the war should fizzle out just where it stands, \ “fork over.” But see here, (in
it would not be a whit more surprising than the Help old Cornfed any more. t ^
fact that it has stood where it has for the past \ t * le Boasting coop ; send and get
.. T . . . ,, 1 Y our humble, obedient sei
thr?e months. It is an outrage upon tho world
that commerce and trade should be interrupted
on a pretence of this character, kept up, month
after month, without an actor fact to back it
our humble, obedient serva
W."
(4) Lyon to Sneak.
Pish for your palaver ; I didn’t as|
Think I’d read it ? I’ve sent it ovel
man, who’ll see about it. Meanwhile
chickens, and advise you to look out td
What Gen. Mc’Clellan is Doing
He will Shortly Accomplish.—The \J
ton correspondent of the New Y'ox
seems to speak “from the card” with!
to the intentions of McClellan. Ml
the following:
The question is*frequently ask
rieuced members of Congress,^
ordinate officers of the Governing
that Gen. McClellan is advancing
and hour of the twenty-four that,
has his hands upon the throaj
army of the Potomac, holding I
ne is advancing in drill, advanc
line, advancing in strengths.
ranee to stand out in tl
supply of muskets for*
tillcry, sabres and revolvers a:v , ' r
VOICE OF EUROPE!
Lincolnism appears to be at a low ebb in Eu
rope. Every press of respectability in France
and England is bitter in its strictures upon the
Lincoln Government—unceasingly bitter. The
Northern papers, to which the South is indebt
ed for the unsparing attacks which it copies,
are furnishing their readers with as much as
they can easily digest.
—nor do we believe the world will long submit
to the infliction.
The Yankees have “made history”—but
what a page ! A record of imbecility which
tlie annals of the world can be challenged in
vain for a parallel.
IMPORTANT TO COTTON PLANTERS.
Our planting friends will perceive from the
card of Messrs. Hardeman A Sparks that their
Wareshouse and fire preof buildings are stored
so full of cotton that they can not receive any
more for storage. We earnestly entreat plan-j to know better, “Why don’t Ger
ters to keep their cotton on their plantations
for the present The Warehouse room in Ma
con is nearly all taken up, and planters will save
themselves much trouble and inconvenience for
the present. It is time that Messrs. Harris &
Ross, Adams A Reynolds, and Coates A Wool-
tolk Have room to spare for the accommodation
of cotton, but that wiil soon be exhausted if
cotton continues to come in as it has. Keep ! airy, locations of expeditions, I s
your cotton on the plantation for the present. !' as completed these advances lie
—-— the rebellion, and then the me
PROSPECT OF A FUSS IN CUBA. or for an immediate adv;
The New Orleans Delta learns that his Ex- j to acknowledge the wisa
csllency Don Francisco Sarrano, the Captain programme.
General of Cuba, has expressed his indignation say "h u rthcre.von why"Z )
at the frequent outrages committed by Federal ■ the command severally of GS iU
cruisers almost within sight of the For4s at j Burnside have not left for theiV u
Havana, in overhauling vessel?, leaving the port nation, has been in eonsequenaA
of Havana. Several messages have been sent i co m P' > cat j o nw i t h Lreat Britah.h
, . ... .. i r i • j o, . inent of the Trent affair has chaM
by him to the Consul of the United States in of thingS( and nQW the at , va< «
regard to these outrages, and the commanders j Clellan will suddenly become rna
of the forts have orders to keep a look out, and . land and sea, and in good time, ifthi
if any United States ship is discovered in the *B1 only become patient, the coun
act of chasing or boarding any ship within
cannon shot, to open upon and sink her.
The Captain General has been so disgusted
by the audacity and insolence of the Yankee
shippers, that he openly declares his sympathy
with the Confederate States, his determination
to protect their ships, their citizens and their
flag whilst within his jurisdiction, and his con
viction of the utter insanity of the futile at
tempt of the Yankees to subject the South.
ter understand the cause of what j
delay, but which is only a neccd
tion to a final and glorious cons!
GEN. HENRY C. WAYNE.
We are glad to see this intelligent, energetic
and efficient officer has received the appoint
ment of Brigadier General in the Confederate
service. He is a military proficient, as well as
a gallant man, and will do credit to the service
and himself.
Jag'-The New York Herald, of the 15th uR.,
gives an account of the Charleston fire full of
characteristic malignity and lying- It is
accompanied by a map of the city, on the
which the burnt district is represented by be
ing colored with black. It consigns the offices
of. our worthy confrere* of the Courier and
Neoro Subordination.—During
Yankees paid to the neighbor
herdstown some weeks aga
graced themselves by their
idence of Hon. A. R. Boteler,
some eight or nine negro mer^
Mr. Henry Shepherd. After they 1
safely on the Maryland shore, the Ya
them they were then free, and migh
choice, either to go where they
return to their master. The na
their choice, professed their desir
when asked the reason of such a effl
stated that their wives and children wl
there, but the Yankee*, promised to bringl
over also ; still the negroes urged their pi
ence to return to the honAind service of J
master. The Yankees, trae to their pro
set them all on the Virginia shore again!
the negroes are now at home contented
happy, fearing nothing but another visit f|
the Hessians.
Another instance might he cited in the \
of four slaves of Mr. Jacqueline Smith
Olarke, who were taken or enticed from
owner while Patterson's army was nead
Potomac last spring. Two of them, afu j|
Mercury to ashes aiaew l t • joying negro freedom for two weeks in
in store for theta. Tho llera.d exults with | sv i Tan i a- became distrusted and volunta
fiendish joy over the conflagration, and tells
falsehoods enough concerning it to consign the
Herald, Editors and all, to the flames of the
eternal burning.
sylvania, became disgusted and voluntarill
turned home. The other two, after MrviH
Pennsylvania regiment for three weeks, v )
sold by the Yankees to the jailer in Hagersl
town, for $20 each. Like an honest man, hJ
informed their master of the fact, and returiJ
ed them to him. We are also informed b\-
reliable gentleman, from King George, tki
two valuable negro men stolen f r ‘.* m t,iat
ty by the Yankees had nia* 1 - their esc- [ 10 ».
returned home, theirj-^ 8 n ' an ,?dm.shriekt *
ble manner by teen required,'
They stated ** ^.nt of labor ever reg '
Pffo-r, ‘iZJZ and in case it was not/
cruelly punished.
ed of <5 em bofo’*',
were
12th GEORGIA REGIMENT.
We understand that Col. Edward Johnson,
of the 12th Georgia Regiment, has been ap
pointed Brigadier General in the Confederate
service, and that Lieut. Col. Conqpj is now in
command of the Regiment.
Powder Mill.—We are glad to be able to ; „ were crueu*; puuuuv%h ■
state that the powder mill near this city has *® ample testimony of the tril
gone into operation. It is capable of producing .cateinents.— Winchester ( Ya.) J.J
a large amount daily, and the Government will j
doubtless obtain a portion of its supplies from ; 1
this mill. It is under the immediate superir I rj. UE LaTE Arrival from Europe.—The Mo-
tendence of Messrs. Waterhouse and Bo-es, | b - le Tr ;b un0 says it is currently reported and
we believe.—Raleigh Standard, 1st in *'* generally credited that the steamer Vanderbilt
•ot Fremont has arrived at New Orleans with 90,000 pounds
1 1 of powder, 10,000 Enfield Rifles ari an assort-,
ed cargo.
A petition from Ohio to apP””* 1 * rcm °'/
Lieutenant-General of the F^/orcm has
been presented in the senate.