"Then your black-coated gentry must fight their own battle. The people
will not arm if abolition is to be the watchword. I for one will not
strike a blow if it be not understood that the institutions of the South
shall be respected."

"The government must be sustained, that is the point," cried Mr.
Pursely. "It matters little what becomes of the negro, but the
government must be sustained. Otherwise, what security will there be
for property, and what will become of trade?"

"Who thinks of trade or property at such a crisis?" interrupted an
enthusiast, in figured trowsers and a gay cravat. "Our beloved Union
must and shall be preserved. The fabric that our fathers reared for us
must not be allowed to crumble. We will prop it with our mangled
bodies," and he brushed a speck of dust from the fine broadcloth of his
sleeve.

"The insult to our flag must be wiped out," said the military gentleman.
"The honor of the glorious stripes and stars must be vindicated to the
world."

"Let us chastise these boasting Southrons," said another, "and prove our
supremacy in arms, and I shall be satisfied."

"But above all," insisted a third, "we must check the sneers and
exultation of European powers, and show them that we have not forgotten
the art of war since the days of 1776 and 1812."

"I should like to know what you are going to fight about," said the
Englishman, quietly; "for there appears to be much diversity of