362 John Bachman. 



patriotism a great system of duties which man 

 owes to his home, his people and his State, etc. 



If our rights had been protected in the Union, wo 

 would not desire a political change the sound is, 

 even at this moment, mournful to my mind. I was 

 born but two years after the Union and may yet 

 outlive it. Our fore-fathers in Convention entered 

 into a solemn compact for mutual defence and pro- 

 tection. On the part of the majority, these pledges 

 have been violated, and a higher law than the Con- 

 stitution substituted. 



According to the principles of our Constitution, 

 the impending Secession should be unattended by a 

 resort to arms. It is better, like Abraham and Lot, 

 to separate when we can no longer live together in 

 peace. Our State is preparing for a peaceful sepa- 

 ration. I shall, as in duty bound, until then, pray 

 for the President of the United States, and for God's 

 blessing on the deliberations of Congress. 



Young men, let me offer you a few words of 

 fatherly advice. We are linked together for peace 

 or war*; for plenty or want ; for glory or shame. I 

 have not a shadow of doubt of jour courage; I 

 would place my life in your hands in the midst of a 

 host of enemies. But any act of rashness on our 

 part, would place us in the wrong. Act not without 

 authority. Remember courage consists in obedience 

 and prudence, as well as loyalty and firmness.' 

 Above all, act only in the fear and love of God. 



Ever bear in mind that among the duties you 

 owe to your country, is your daily good example. 

 In the political meetings that you may be called 

 upon to attend, you are not to indulge in the bowl 

 of intemperance, in angry and revengeful passions, 

 or neglect of the duties "you owe to your own dear 

 families. We feel and know that our cause is just 

 and righteous ; but political changes are often times 



