February 20, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
Our Richmond Correspondence.
RICHMOND, VA., February 16, 1861.
Politics are in a most perplexing and incomprehensible state here. The Convention is making little headway. Delay seems to be the object of two parties in the Convention. The one party, that probably constitutes a majority of that body, hope that LINCOLN will yet be overruled by his friends, and will not attempt coercion. The other party, or little faction, are Submissionists and Coercionists, and would delay action expecting that LINCOLN will frighten Virginia into quiet submission, and then employ her militia to subdue the Southern States. This faction is very small in numbers – for the most talented part of the Convention, who constitute, possibly (though I fear not), half of the body, are men in favor of immediate secession, or at least, secession before the inauguration of LINCOLN.
Were one to judge of the state of public opinion by the conversation he hears in the ears, in the hotels, in public meetings, or in private respectable circles in this city, he would conclude that all were secessionists. I have not heard a single man or woman advocating or justifying submission or coercion. The ladies now all talk politics and are animated and enthusiastic advocates of immediate secession. They neither practice nor understand the arts and tricks of politicians, and are indignant at delays, which propose, by cunning diplomacy, to obtain concessions of what are already our rights. But, while all looks sound and healthful on the surface of society, there is disease beneath it, something rotten at the core. Treason lurks and hides itself, and talks in whispers, when it talks at all – whilst patriotism seeks publicity, walks abroad in the sunshine, and gives open utterance to all its opinions, its hopes, and its projects. ‘Tis this that perplexes men’s minds. We know that we have secret enemies among us – but know not their number. A man may not fear the lion, and yet shrink with horror from the ambushed snake.
Virginians are not all like their chivalrous States rights and State loving sires. Yet I hope that, eventually, a majority of her people will be found worthy of their ancestry, true to the glorious memory of the past, and true and faithful in sustaining the dignity, the honor, and the rights of our once illustrious Commonwealth. We, like the ladies, are no politicians, cannot understand or brook delay, and would gladly see dilatory diplomacy dismissed, and honorable ends pursued by open and honorable means.
HENRY A. WISE is winning golden opinions. His speeches are truly eloquent and spirit stirring. People crowd to hear him, listen to him with rapt attention, and greet him with frequent bursts of applause. He is the JEFFERSON DAVIS and PATRICK HENRY of Virginia. He unites genius with strong common sense, quick perception, sound judgment and great prudence. Seeing the impetuosity with which he rushes towards his ends, some men have thought him rash and injudicious. But he always thinks well before he acts; and his genius never dethrones his judgment nor confounds his common sense, for he has more of common sense even than of genius. He has the wisdom to plan nevertheless, the impassioned eloquence to stir up revolution, and the indomitable will and courage to lead it on its course. He is the man for the occasion, and the man who made the occasion; for he it was who made, and most ably sustained, the great issue on which the last canvass was fought.
Next to GOV. WISE, we expect to see ROBERT E. SCOTT taking a leading part in the debates of the Convention. He is a man of great reputation, high character, good attainments, and is an astute logician and powerful debater. He will wield the more influence because he has always been a Whig, a warm Unionist, and voted for BELL and EVERETT.
There are very many other able Secessionists in the Convention, and many will be made able by these stirring times. On the whole, we think it will prove to be the most intellectual deliberative body that has convened in the State for the last twenty five years.