April 11, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
Impending, momently expected battle, is the culmination of years of steadily increasing encroachment of the North upon the South–of compromising, sentimental generosity, and weak acquiescence on the part of the South. Strengthened and aggrandized by the partial action of the Central Government, the North is swollen with pride and drunk with insolence. Overrating her power and resources, she undervalues and despises the patient, long suffering, much abused hated South. Clothed with authority, Northern sectionalism exults in the idea of humiliating and subduing those who would legitimately escape the consequence of its enthronement. The South, in armed and organized resistance, stands ready to make good her independence at the cost of blood and treasure. The two sections confront each other in positive, palpable hostility. By the gradual process of unchecked, unsettled disagreement between the sections, the respect of the North for the South has given place to disesteem, commendation to disparagement, kindly actions to outrages and murders, and amity to the interchange of the cannon and rifleball. There is now no common interest, sympathy, or hope. Direct antagonism has sprung up and is now so developed, as must lead, we trust, to an eternal separation of our destinies. Fundamental differences exist. No political conjunction can ever repress them. No Lethean waters can ever obliterate from memory the deeds which they are about to inaugurate here. Coercion — invasion–subjugation, are the issues forced upon us. And ‘Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God!’ The North needs proof of the earnestness of our intentions and our manhood. Experience shall be their teacher. Let them learn.