These speeches and sentiments do not savor of stirring up strife—­of leading the South into rebellion “so that I may be king, and thou my standard bearer.”  There could be no treason in doing what the Constitution of the United States permitted.  And so every speech of farewell made by Southern representatives, was one, first of pleading for redress—­then of sincere regret that self-respect and justice forced the rupture.  The South never desired war, or bloodshed.  The North defied possible war, believing that within a month, at least, any resistance must certainly be conquered.  “We can easily whip them back.”  Well, it was done, but not so easily.  Not till years of carnage had wrought their destiny.

John C. Breckinridge, of Kentucky, Vice President of the United States, was termed the arch-traitor of all.  His published speeches are in the same spirit of regret, and of affection for the Union.  In burning words he showed how the Northern representatives were trampling down the Constitution, and in eloquent remonstrance he pointed the way of escape from threatened disaster.  After leaving Congress he entered the Confederate army as Major General, and served as Secretary of War in the cabinet of President Davis.

Robert Toombs, of Georgia, was Secretary of State.  In his speech before the U.S.  Senate in January, 1861, he reminded his hearers that the Southern States had hundreds of sympathizers among the men of the North, “who respect their oaths, abide by compacts, and love justice.”

“The brave and patriotic men of the South appealed to the Constitution, they appealed to justice, they appealed to fraternity, until the Constitution, justice, and fraternity were no longer listened to in the legislative halls of their country, and then, sir, they prepared for the arbitrament of the sword.  And now you see the glistening bayonet, and you hear the tramp of armed men from your Capitol to the Rio Grand.  And all that they have ever demanded is that you abide by the Constitution, as they have done.  What is it that we demand?  That we may settle in present or acquired territories with our property, including slaves, and that when these territories shall be admitted as States they shall say for themselves whether they wish to have free or slave labor.  That is our territorial demand.  We have fought for this territory when blood was its price.  We have paid for it when gold was its price.  New England has contributed very little of blood or money.”

The senator goes on to specify what further measures the South demanded, in sharp, incisive terms, but this extract suffices to show that our leaders used every power of tongue and moral suasion to stave off bloodshed.

Houston, Governor of Texas, in a public speech advised constitutional means—­anything in reason to prevent war.

Robert E. Lee, the great, the good, was cut to the heart at the impending calamity.  One of his friends said:  “I have seldom seen a more distressed man.”  Lee said:  “If Virginia stands by the old Union so will I. But if she secedes, then I shall follow my native state with my sword, and, if need be with my life.  These are my principles and I must follow them.”