the Guerriere, I have helped to man the breastworks at New Orleans, and
seen the ranks that stood firm at Waterloo wavering before the blaze of
Southern rifles. If I have read of the hardy Northern volunteers on the
battle-plains of Mexico; I remember the Palmetto boys at Cherubusco,
and the brave Mississippians at Buena Vista. Is it a wonder, then, that
my heartstrings ache when I see the links breaking that bind me to such
memories? If I would have the Government parley awhile for the sake of
peace, even although the strict law sanction the bayonet and cannon, I
do it in the name of the sacred past, when the ties of brotherhood were
strong. I counsel not humiliation nor submission, but conciliation. I
counsel it, not only as an expedient, but as a tribute to the affinities
of almost a century. I love the Union too well to be willing that its
fate should be risked upon the uncertainties of war. I believe in my
conscience that the chances of its reconstruction depend rather upon
negotiation than upon battles. I may err, or you, as my opponent in
opinion, may err; for while I assume not infallibility for myself, I
deny it, with justice, to my neighbor. But I think as my heart and
intellect dictate, and my patriotism should not be questioned by one as
liable to error as myself. Should I yield my honest convictions upon a
question of such vital importance as my country's welfare, then indeed
should I be a traitor to my country and myself. But to accuse me of
questionable patriotism for my independence of thought, is, in itself,
treason against God and man."

"I believe you sincere in your convictions, Arthur, not because touched
by your argument, but because I have known you too long and well to
believe you capable of an unworthy motive. But what, in the name of
common justice, would you have us do, when rebellion already thunders at
the gates of our citadels with belching cannon? Shall we sit by our
firesides and nod to the music of their artillery?"