A Card.
--As your columns have for months past been the medium of repeated attacks upon my loyalty as a citizen of the Confederate States, and as during my incarceration I was necessarily helpless to repel the charge or vindicate my reputation, now, that I have once more regained my liberty, I rely upon your sense of justice to grant me a sufficient space in your columns, in order that I may defend myself. And now as to the charge of disloyalty. I would state that I have resided in New Orleans ever since my first arrival in this country, in the year 1838; that I married a native of that city; that my children were all born there; and, finally, that what property I possess is located there and in a neighboring State. My acquaintance with the North is but slight, having in all never exceeded a combined stay of five weeks in New York city, while on my way to and from Europe, on a visit to my parents in Germany. Assuming, therefore, the facts to be as above stated, I ask you, Messrs. Editors, how could I possibly affiliate with the North, or so far forget the thousand and one ties that bind me to the spot upon which all my hopes of future preferment are concentrated, and where are to be found, if any where, my household gods? Is it, I repeat, Messrs. Editors, reasonable to suppose that, under such circumstances, I would sunder the numerous and long-standing friendships I have contracted during a residence of over twenty years at the South, or could so far forget the duty I owed alike to the State and city of my adoption, and, like a base ingrate, allow myself to assist in dragging the Juggernaut car of Lincolnism? I think not. The true source of the false accusations brought against me, arises from the malice of one or two personal enemies, (who have pursued me for years with the keen scent and endurance of the blood hound;) is jealousy, superinduced by a knowledge, first, of the success with which my professional labors have been rewarded by my fellow-citizens of New Orleans, and secondly, of the appointment I hold from Jefferson Davis. Therefore, while in the enjoyment of liberty, their attacks, assassin-like, were from behind, and their stab made in the dark; but once it was understood I was in durance vile, and so situated that I could not, if I would, strike back my enemies sought the more public mode of attack through the press, always, however, anonymously. To those who know me best, I owe an apology for even attempting to vindicate my claims to be what they well know me to be a true and loyal citizen of the Southern Confederacy; but to those of my fellow-country men who may not know me, and who may have been misled by the newspaper attacks I refer to, I can only say that, if my life be spared, they will have ample opportunity to be convinced, through my deeds, that throughout the length and breadth of our Confederacy there breathes no man, be he an adopted citizen or to the manor born, who either is or will prove to be, while my heart beats, more true or loyal to her every interest than, Messrs. Editors,
Your obedient servant,
Max Louis Rossvally.
Max Louis Rossvally.
