Indianola [TX] Courier, October 27, 1860
Correspondence of the Crisis.]
Anti-Wide Awakes.
Saluria, Texas, Oct. 10, 1860.
Messrs. Editors:–Feeling a deep and abiding interest in the wellbeing of the South and its institutions, and the perpetuity of the Union—hallowed by so many glorious achievements— founded upon integrity, honor, and a just regard to the equality and rights of the several States constituting it, and the feelings and prosperity of their citizens; entertaining an abhorrence of the rapine, murder, insurrection, pollution and incendiarism which have been plotted by the deluded and vicious of the North, against the chastity, laws and prosperity of innocent and unoffending citizens of the South; and regarding with irrepressible indignation and contempt, a threat conveyed in a speech recently delivered by W. H. Seward, of N. Y., in which he exults in the early advent of the “irrepressible conflict,” (of which he is the arch instigator,) which he declares to be already on hand; congratulates the “Wide-Awakes” upon their timely organization, and exhorts them to maintain it until after the election; and believing that Lincoln is the chosen champion for this conflict and this organized Northern canaille for “repressing” and degrading the South; the undersigned respectfully submits to his fellow-citizens of Texas, the following propositions, commending them to the true men of the North and South.
1st. That in the event of Lincoln’s election as President of the United States, in November next, the undersigned will contribute one thousand dollars towards arming and equipping the first company of anti-Wide Awakes, of one hundred men, that may be raised, officered and uniformed, in the State of Texas.
2d. That he will give said company, or any other of like character that may be raised in Texas, one hundred dollars each, not exceeding ten in number, who may expel from this State any appointees, who may accept office under Lincoln. Believing them to be the most dangerous enemies to the peace, prosperity and continued Union of the States.
The above propositions are separate and distinct, and I ask you to retain this, my obligation, and deliver it to the company or companies entitled to its benefits and who claim its execution. To the fulfillment of which I hereby pledge my sacred honor; and solemnly appeal to my fellow citizens, whether the times do not call for action, not resolves, when four hundred thousand Northern bayonets are bristling, ready to be plunged into the best blood of the South?
Hugh W. Hawes.