The Daily Dispatch: January 1, 1862., [Electronic resource]

A warning from Havana.

‘ My countrymen have to contend with unscrupulous foes, and our people should not be fulled into any fancied security by the very moderate proclamations of Sherman and others; for I have this day learned from a Yankee, styling himself the intimate friend of the Yankee General, Burnside, that the latter, at his table, in New York, had mentioned, in confidence that the proclamations of the Generals of Lincoln were to be a part of the programme to induce, as far as possible, non-resistance, until Charleston and Savannah could be placed under their batteries, and laid in ashes. As the burning of either city would create horror in the minds of civilized nations, it appears that the invading forces are to be supplied with heavy siege guns of great range, and, under pretence of the ignorance of their effect, they are to ignore even the rights of humanity until they can effect their complete destruction. I am not aware whether Mr. Burnside is the Latinate friend of the party relating the above, but I do know that my informer is a member of the firm of Haughwout & Co., of New York. I fear not for the result; but let our people know that they must not sleep the sleep of Brutus, but be prepared for war to the knife; that they are dealing with Yankees, who will offer protection and kincuress, the better to be able to destroy their victims. Let Carolina and Georgia be as Sparta of old, and the breasts of their sons the walls to defend them.

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