“If, by the necessity of the case, the seceded States hold in their possession more than their share of public property, a division should be made by arbitration, as in other cases where a distribution of common property is required.  It may have been a wrong and an insult to bombard Fort Sumter and haul down the Federal flag, but that does not establish a right on the part of the Federal Government to coerce the wrong-doing States into a union with the others.  And that, I take it, is the avowed purpose of your administration.”

“Yes, and that purpose will be fulfilled.  We have the money to do it, and we will do it, sir.”

A tall, thin gentleman, with a white cravat and a bilious complexion, approached the party from a different part of the room.

“It can’t be done with money, Mr. Pursely,” said the new comer, “Unless the great, the divine principle of universal human liberty is invoked.  An offended but merciful Providence has given the people this chance for redemption, in the opportunity to strike the shackle from the slave.  I hold the war a blessing to the nation and to humanity, in that it will cleanse the land from its curse of slavery.  It is an invitation from God to wipe away the record of our past tardiness and tolerance, by striking at the great sin with fire and sword.  The blood of millions is nothing—­the woe, the lamentation, the ruin of the land is nothing—­the overthrow of the Union itself is nothing, if we can but win God’s smile by setting a brand in the hand of the bondman to scourge his master.  But assuredly unless we arouse the slave to seize the torch and the dagger, and avenge the wrongs of his race, Providence will frown upon our efforts, and our arms will not prevail.”

A tall man in military undress replied with considerable emphasis: 

“Then your black-coated gentry must fight their own battle.  The people will not arm if abolition is to be the watchword.  I for one will not strike a blow if it be not understood that the institutions of the South shall be respected.”

“The government must be sustained, that is the point,” cried Mr. Pursely.  “It matters little what becomes of the negro, but the government must be sustained.  Otherwise, what security will there be for property, and what will become of trade?”

“Who thinks of trade or property at such a crisis?” interrupted an enthusiast, in figured trowsers and a gay cravat.  “Our beloved Union must and shall be preserved.  The fabric that our fathers reared for us must not be allowed to crumble.  We will prop it with our mangled bodies,” and he brushed a speck of dust from the fine broadcloth of his sleeve.

“The insult to our flag must be wiped out,” said the military gentleman.  “The honor of the glorious stripes and stars must be vindicated to the world.”

“Let us chastise these boasting Southrons,” said another, “and prove our supremacy in arms, and I shall be satisfied.”