A. Nicholas and J.M. McCue

The sudden coming of war between North and South divided not only politicians and military leaders, but also communities, friends, and families. Soon after the firing on Fort Sumter, this exchange of letters took place between two acquaintances, Mr. A. Nicholas of New York City and Col. J.M. McCue, a civic leader and dedicated secessionist of Augusta County, Virginia.

McCue responds to Nicholas's anguished questions about secession and war by denouncing the hypocrisy and cowardly behavior of Northerners who did little to defend the country's honor against the British during the War of 1812. McCue taunts Nicholas further, writing that he would love to meet him in battle, but McCue knows that this is unlikely since Nicholas, like many other Northerners, would hire a mercenary to take his place.

Banking Office of A...