Daily Advocate [Baton Rouge, LA], September 11, 1860,
Sweet Springs, Va., August 29, 1860.
Editors Advocate—I arrived here on yesterday, and as quick as possible shucked myself and pitched into the bath. What a glorious thing it is to bathe in a hot summer day! When the mercury is at 96 to strip off and jump into such a bath as the Sweet Springs—to feel the gases bubbling up from the medicinal waters, giving health and strength to the afflicted. There is no bath in the wide world equal to this. I think it far superior to Baden Baden, for there the waters are used so far from the spring that the gases escape. The bathing establishments are also on a much smaller scale, and resemble very much the vats of a tan yard. I find the Sweet Springs very much crowded. The company is principally composed of South Carolinians, Alabamians and Louisianians. The Hon. John Slidell and family are here spending the summer. His two beautiful daughters, just budding into womanhood, are very much admired, for they are highly accomplished and very interesting, while Mrs. Slidell is the centre of attraction in the parlor and drawing-room, and beloved by all.
“King John” looks in excellent health, and bids fair to live full many a year yet. He passes his time very agreeably among the visitors in his quiet, unobtrusive way. On all questions of State or national policy, when consulted, he speaks his mind freely, openly, unreservedly. If John Slidell has faults, deceit is not one of them, for I know of no man who is more candid in all that he says and does. It has been often asked how it is that he has such a hold on the affections of the people of Louisiana; how is it that he wields so much influence with the Democracy of his State? That for many years he has been a political Warwick, who has “made kings” and then pulled them down again? The great secret of his success is this: Slidell is true to his friends. He never did and never will desert a friend. Misfortunes may come—fair weather friends, like summer flies, may leave, but here you find a man who is as true as the needle to the pole and as firm as the eternal rock of ages. Well may Louisiana be proud of such a Senator. She cannot spare the services of such a man from her counsels, and will return him to the Senate in January next by a larger majority than he was ever elected by before.
Among the numerous distinguished personages here is General Sparrow, of Carroll. He is in fine health and takes a deep interest in the good old Democratic cause. He informs me that he will return in a short time to Louisiana and take the stump for Breckinridge and Lane. As a popular orator he has no superior in our State and will do good service in the present canvass.
Virginia is all right. Her citizens are aroused to a full sense of their danger, and every Democrat will be forthcoming in November next. Douglas is dragging his short legs through the State, and in Norfolk a few days ago, said in a public speech that in case Lincoln should be elected, and any State should withdraw that he is in favor of whipping them in. His henchman, Gov. Letcher of Virginia, says, that no Northern troops shall ever march through Virginia. Little Dug. would cut a pretty figure at the head of an Abolition army marching down to conquer the South. I think he would not go far, before he got a bayonet stuck into his a—bdomen. I wonder if the little traitor thinks that Lincoln & Co., could whip in fifteen Southern States!! Only think of Abolition Lincoln as General and Squatter Sovereignty Douglas as Lieutenant heading the fanatical John Browns of the North, and marching against Louisiana. We would welcome them to deep and bloody graves, and hang up their hides at every cross road through the length and breadth of the land. Even our negroes would meet “old Abe” and drive back his horrid motley crew. As for Douglas, we would simply take him prisoner, and show him round on a painted pole. He talks of whipping in “the Southern States!” If old Jackson was alive what would he do in case of a Northern invasion, headed by Lincoln, Douglas, etc. he would rally his legions of gallant Tennesseans, Mississippians, Louisianians, all, all would flock to his standard and woe to the blood hounds of Abolitionism, who should come in deadly conflict with the immortal old hero.
I am for the Union. All good citizens are for the Union, but is there any in our midst who would join Judge Douglas in whipping in fifteen southern States. Who among us will shoot down his neighbor and brother, fighting in defense of his rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
In God’s name, I hope there are none. Adieu.
Yours truly,
Watkins.