Union of the South.
The idea that the Confederate Government ever intended to abandon
Virginia, is an ingenious device of the enemy to sow dissensions between what are called the Border and the
Cotton States.
We do not believe that such an idea ever rose spontaneously in one loyal
Virginia heart.
It is on its very face the suggestion of a secret and insidious enemy in our midst, and falling upon minds rendered despondent and distrustful by adversity, has taken root among a few, who, under other circumstances, could never have entertained so unworthy a suspicion.
We would never dream of discussing such a matter gravely.
To forsake
Virginia after the sacrifices she has made for the common cause, would involve a heartlessness equalled only by its folly.
For our own part, we desire to ignore all distinctions between Cotton States and Border States.
We only know the
South, and are sure that its interests, its sentiments, its hopes, in this great struggle, are one and indivisible.
In times like these we should banish from our midst every element of sectional and party discord.
There is no cause for the existence of either now — for the first there need never be. In institutions, in blood, in manners, habits, interests, and all that makes a nation one, the
South are a homogeneous people.
The planting and manufacturing interests, instead of being antagonistic, ought only to form new bonds of Union.
The very diversity of interests, like the difference of conformation between the sexes, is a source of harmony and strength, instead of discord and weakness.--Moreover, if we had no other bond of Union, the supreme and universal hate of the invaders should make us a band of brothers till the end of time.
Let us have faith in God and in each other.
