March 1, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
The impotent spite and reasonless abuse now heaped upon Gen. TWIGGS by Abolition prints at the North, for his recent sensible and manly course as a Southern officer of the late United States Army, is so ludicrous in its desponding virulence, that we really cannot get up a feeling of anything akin to indignation. Notwithstanding the accumulation of epithets the most vehement, and comparisons the most odious, the grand effect is only tragi-comedy, burlesque and grimace, – a species of performance that can awake no sentiment deeper than contempt.
General TWIGGS owes no allegiance and no gratitude to the North. He received his military education, as a citizen of Georgia, at a school established and supported in party, and more than proportionally, by Georgia. It was Georgia that gave him the appointment and educated him for his profession. It was thought her influence he entered, as a citizen of Georgia, upon that profession in the common Army of the United States. He has never transferred his domicile, citizenship or allegiance to any other State. Georgia has retired from the Union, in consequence of grievances dangerous to her institutions, her security and her liberties. The allegiance of her citizens is due to her. Texas does the same thing for the same cause. As a Southern man, Gen. TWIGGS comprehends the action of these States, and knows that, being sovereign parties to the Federal compact, they are each, upon separation, entitled, by right of local authority, and the right of eminent domain, to possession of all the military posts within their territory. After vainly asking for instructions as to its wishes from the late General Government, to whom, while it was his Government, his obedience was due, he acts on his own responsibility as a southern officer and a citizen of the State of Georgia. The Union being dissolved, these States being independent of the authority of the Washington Government and Texas having a right to the fortifications, built by her common Government for her defence, he recognises the facts, and withdraws from Texas, delivering up to her what is hers, subject to a settlement with her late co-States in the Union. A plain, unvarnished tale that will bear criticism. The conduct of Gen. TWIGGS is unimpeachable, patriotism or good common sense. It is correct. The insane twaddle and vague denunciations of Northern fanatics are as nonsensical and baseless as they indicate doleful desperation. The North will understand that it must do its own fighting – at least, so far as the great majority of Southern officers are concerned. Any other calculation will prove eminently delusive. Turn loose your tigers.