January 18, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR: I take
it for granted that you have been expecting for some days the accompanying
paper from me (the above official letter). I have repeatedly and again made known
to General Graham and Dr. Smith that, in event of a severance of the relations
hitherto existing between the Confederate States of this Union, I would be
forced to choose the old Union. It is barely possible all the states may
secede, South and North, that new combinations may result, but this process
will be one of time and uncertainty, and I cannot with my opinions await the
subsequent development.
I have never been a
politician, and therefore undervalue the excited feelings and opinions of
present rulers, but I do think, if this people cannot execute a form of
government like the present, that a worse one will result.
I will keep the
cadets as quiet as possible. They are nervous, but I think the interest of the
state requires them here, guarding this property, and acquiring a knowledge
which will be useful to your state in aftertimes.
When I leave, which
I now regard as certain, the present professors can manage well enough, to
afford you leisure time to find a suitable successor to me. You might order
Major Smith to receipt for the arms, and to exercise military command, while
the academic exercises could go on under the board. In time, some gentleman
will turn up, better qualified than I am, to carry on the Seminary to its
ultimate point of success. I entertain the kindest feelings toward all and
would leave the state with much regret; only in great events we must choose,
one way or the other.
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