BLADEN, ALABAMA, Aug.
3, 1862.
MY DEAR GENERAL:—I regret much to hear of ——— being wounded.
I hope he will soon be able to face the Abolitionists. In this contest we must
triumph or perish; and the sooner we make up our minds to it the better. We now
understand the hypocritical cry of “Union and the Constitution,” which means,
and always did mean, “spoliation and murder.”
We will yet have to come to proclaiming this war “a war to
the knife,” when no quarter will be asked or granted. I believe it is the only
thing which can prevent recruiting at the North. As to ourselves, I think that very
few will not admit that death is preferable to dishonour and ruin.
Our great misfortune is, that we have always relied on
foreign intervention “and peace in sixty days.” No nation will ever intervene
until it is seen that we can maintain alone our independence; that is, until we
can no longer require assistance. England is afraid to admit that she cannot do
without our cotton, for then she would virtually be in our power. France is
unwilling to interfere, for fear of the treachery of the latter. She always
remembers her as “la perfide Albion.”
But if France concludes to take Mexico, she will require the
alliance of the Southern Confederacy to protect her from Northern aggression.
Nations as well as individuals always consult their own interests in any
alliance they may form. Hence, our best reliance must be in our “stout hearts
and strong arms.”
I have been very unwell for several months, but could not
rest until now. I hope shortly to return to duty, with renewed health and
vigour. I know not yet to what point I shall be ordered. I hope to do something
shortly by taking the offensive with a well-organized army. However, “l’homme
propose et Dieu dispose;” hence, I shall go with alacrity wherever I am
ordered.
With kind regards,
etc., I remain, yours sincerely,
P. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Gen. WM. E. MARTIN, Pocotaligo, S. C.
SOURCE: Edward Alfred Pollard, Lee and His Lieutenants, p. 255-6
