our conduct the character of earnestness of which mere paper
declarations have somewhat deprived us; it will strengthen the hands
of our friends at the North, and in the event that separation shall be
forced upon us, we shall be prepared to meet the contingency with
whatever remote consequences may follow it, and give to manly hearts
the happy assurance that manly arms will not fail to protect the
gentle beauty which blesses our land and graces the present occasion.

You are already progressing in the construction of railroads which,
whilst they facilitate travel, increase the products of the State and
the reward of the husbandman, are a great element of strength by the
means they afford for rapid combination at any point where it may be
desirable to concentrate our forces. To those already in progress I
hope one will soon be added to connect the interior of the State with
the best harbor upon our Gulf coast. When this shall be completed a
trade will be opened to that point which will produce direct
importation and exportation to the great advantage of the planter as
well as all consumers of imported goods; and furnishing "exchange,"
will protect us from such revulsion as was suffered last fall when
during a period of entire prosperity at home, our market was paralyzed
by failures in New York.

The contemplated improvement in the levee system, will give to our
people a mine of untold wealth; and as we progress in the development
of our resources and the increase of our power, so will we advance in
State pride and the ability to maintain principles far higher in value
than mountains of gold or oceans of pearl.

But I find myself running into those visions which have hung before me
from my boyhood up; which at home and abroad have been the hope