Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

dear Beriah :--Doubtless ere this the glad news has reached you that another star has been added to our glorious constellation; that Old Virginia has announced herself a member of the Confederacy of States now engaged in a struggle for Southern independence. Does not your heart yearn to be among us? Will Kentucky, whose past history is so indissolubly connected with the grand achievements of the sunny South--will she prove herself an exception? Need I remind you of the promises made by her illustrious son and gallant Senator, before the Charleston Convention met? Need I tell you of his [126] patriotic efforts, in connection with the illustrious Floyd, during the last four years, to place the South in a defensive attitude? And now, that the blow is struck, where will Kentucky be found? What is your duty in the premises? Plainly this: to call a session of the Legislature, write a message portraying vividly the nature of the contest — the two alternatives: Southern rights and peculiar institutions, or Northern fanaticism and Abolition hordes. Screw their courage up to the seceding point. Advise a secret session, and a secession is sure to follow. While they are arranging matters inside, you can get the State Guard ready to commence operations. Don't trust the people — precipitation is the word.

Yours, secedingly,

P. S.--Give my love to Breckinridge.

Dear Jeff.:--I take my pen in hand to let you know that I am well, as this leaves me at present, hoping these few lines will find you in the same condition. I have seen Breckinridge, and he told me to tell you that Kentucky is all right — bound to secede, and go South. He told me to issue a proclamation, which I did. I have got the Legislature here, but I can't get them to shut the doors. Breck. told me to tell them to secede, and I did so. Some of them are stubborn, and say they won't do it, but Breck. says they'll be all right after a while. I have sent Blanton Duncan to you. He is a good fellow, and I hope you'll make his acquaintance. He has plenty of money, which I find is a good thing to secesh with. Excuse haste, and believe me to remain,

Yours, till death,

P. S.--Breckinridge wishes to be remembered to you.

Dear Beriah :--I am glad to hear of your progress Southward. We are progressing rapidly in Montgomery. Tell Breckinridge that we will give him a place in the Cabinet as soon as he secedes. If you can only get a Secession Ordinance before the people, we'll see that it is passed. We will send up some Minute Men, who will vote every hour until the thing is done. I saw Blanton yesterday. He says Kentucky is a unit for us. He will take some of the Confederate loans, and I understand your friend, James B, Clay, will do likewise. Hoping soon to welcome Kentucky to our family altar, I am,

Yours, Confederately,

P. S.--Blanton sends his best respects.

Dear Jeff.:--You've got me into a devil of a scrape. The Legislature won't secede. I haven't seen Breckinridge for a long time. I don't know where he is. I had to issue a neutrality proposition, because the Unionists looked as if they were going to carry things their own way. I suppose Breckinridge will be mad at it, but I can't help it. He wasn't here to tell me what to do. I think he has got scared at the Union demonstrations, and subsided. I think we'd better not be in too great a hurry with Kentucky. If we get her out, it must be by a show of fairness, otherwise it may cost us our necks. The Union men swear they'll hang us if we “precipitate” her. Neutrality is the best we can do until the turn of events gives us a favorable opening, which we shall keep a sharp look-out for. Meantime, we'll keep you frequently posted as to our progress.

Yours, undespairingly,