, but not in force. While maintaining the
high, strong ground you do, I would not advise you to interpose an
objection to securing concessions to the middle and moderate states,
--Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri. Slavery there is
local, and even if the world were open to them, its extension would
involve no principle. If these states feel the extreme south wrong,
a seeming concession would make them committed. The cotton states
are gone, I suppose. Of course, their commerce will be hampered. . . .

"But of myself. I sent you a copy of my letter to the Governor.
Here is his answer:

'_Dear Sir:_--It is with the deepest regret I acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 18th instant. In the pressure of
official business I can only request you to transfer to Professor
Smith the arms, munitions, and funds in your hands, whenever you
conclude to withdraw from the position you have filled with so much
distinction. You cannot regret more than I do the necessity which
deprives us of your services, and you will bear with you the respect,
confidence, and admiration of all who have been associated with you.

'Very truly, your friend and servant,
'Thos. D. Moore.'

"This is very handsome, and I do regret this political imbroglio.
I do think it was brought about by politicians. The people in the
south are evidently unanimous in the opinion that slavery is
endangered by the current of events, and it is useless to attempt
to alter that opinion. As our government is founded on the will
of the people, when that will is fixed, our government is powerless,
and the only question is whether to let things slide into general
anarchy, or the formation of two or more confederacies which will
be hostile sooner or later. Still, I know that some of the best
men of Louisiana think this change may be effected peacefully.
But even if the southern states be allowed to depart in peace, the
first question will be revenue.

"Now, if the south have free trade, how can you collect revenues
in the eastern cities? Freight from New Orleans to St. Louis,
Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati, and even Pittsburg, would be about
the same as by rail from New York, and importers at New Orleans,
having no duties to pay, would undersell the east if they had to
pay duties. Therefore, if the south make good their confederation
and their plan, the northern confederacy must do likewise or
blockade. Then comes the question of foreign nat