SEMINARY, Feb. 1,
1861.
. . . I suppose you are impatient to hear what
next. Last night I got full letters from Baton Rouge. Governor Moore's is in
these words [see pages
350-351].
Dr. Smith, also at
Baton Rouge, writes me at length. He says [see page 353].
So you see I have at
least the good will of all my associates. I have called the Board for February
9, and expect to leave here by or before February 20. I shall delay a while in
New Orleans, not long, and get to Lancaster by March. . . If you really desire
me to settle in Ohio you must make some exertions for I cannot abide there long
in inactivity, and loafing. . .
I have a good letter
from Turner in which he infers I cannot stay here and advises me to come to St.
Louis, but points out nothing definite. He thinks Missouri will not secede, but
if she do not they will have a severe contest there, for men who own negroes
are blind to all interests other than those of slavery. Reason has nothing to
do in these times of change and revolution. Politicians start the movement and
keep it alive by a process known to themselves, and the poor innocent people
have nothing to do but follow their lead. It may not be so there, but I am not
convinced.
I see John takes
bold ground. He is right. If the government be a reality it should defend its
flag, property and servants. Anderson should be reinforced if it cost ten
thousand lives and every habitation in Charleston. Also the seizure of these
arsenals should be resented and the actors made to feel that the United States
is a reality. But the time is not yet. . .
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