February 14, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
In spite of the constant excitements to which it has been subjected during the past two months, the sensibility of Washington is not yet extinct. Gov. BROWN’S bold reprisals at Savannah, and the seizure of the Arsenal at Little Rock, turned up the depths on Saturday. The commotion soon subsided. As soon as New York gave up the arms, Georgia released the ships, and the game at forfeits ended. It is a consolation to know that Arkansas has put her foot in it. Mr. MEMMINGER may put eight stars in his cross. The flag containing fifteen stars may be laid aside as an interesting relic, until the number is made up by the addition of States lying south of Texas. The Northern slave States have deliberately chosen an Abolition master, and all that true Southern men now living in these States ask is permission to come among you, bringing their slaves with them. The movement at expatriation has already commenced in Virginia.
Southern men here are delighted – no other word will convey the fullness of their satisfaction – at the election of DAVIS and STEPHENS, and the established fact of an organized Southern Confederacy. All predict a happy and proud future for the new Republic, and I have yet to see the man, with a spark of fire in his breast, who does not openly express his desire to share your fortunes, whether for weal or woe. Constitutional liberty, freedom from Abolition outrage, freedom from a negro equality and military despotism – these are priceless blessings. How men of the Border States can choose to forego them, passes my comprehension. Providence seems to have decreed it so. We all trust and believe that firmness and prudence will characterize the actions of your rulers, and so believing, we join, with one accord, and with full hearts, in wishing you God speed. As to the recognition of your Confederacy among the powers of the civilized world, no one entertains a serious doubt. There will be a good deal of higgling and piggling among the Republicans, but they are obliged to knock under a little, or lose the Border Slave States.
Coercive measures are by no means abandoned. Bills authorizing the President to close ports at his discretion, and to call out the entire militia force in addition to the regular army and navy, to aid him in enforcing the laws, will be put on their passage today or tomorrow, and be pushed through as soon as possible.
SEVEN.