January 25, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
Let the patriots and planters of the South keep back their cotton. In March Europe will need supplies. If our ports are blockaded, Europe will find a way to open them. We can live – our Southern people – for we only send a surplus crop to market. The Cotton States have only need to agree, in confederation, and as an independent power, demand the recognition of Europe. Texas alone, was gladly acknowledged as such, and Great Britain, through her diplomats, tried her best to keep her from entering the United States Confederacy. With all the Cotton States united, we can bind the world to pledges of recognition, and even alliance. We can declare our ports free to the trade of all the world, New England excepted; discriminate between Southern and Northern bottoms; issue letters of marque and reprisal, and play such a game with our blockading gentry as will cure them very soon of their warlike passions. Only be firm, trust no business politicians, and let the COLT’S and the cannon be ready.