"Should reason guide the action of the Government from which we
have separated, a policy so detrimental to the civilized world,
the Northern States included, could not be dictated by even the
strongest desire to inflict injury upon us; but, if the contrary
should prove true, a terrible responsibility will rest upon it,
and the suffering of millions will bear testimony to the folly
and wickedness of our aggressors. In the mean time there will
remain to us, besides the ordinary means before suggested, the
well known resources for retaliation upon the commerce of an
enemy.
"Experience in public stations, of subordinate grade to this
which your kindness has conferred, has taught me that toil and
care and disappointment are the price of official elevation. You
will see many errors to forgive, many deficiencies to tolerate;
but you shall not find in me either want of zeal or fidelity to
the cause that is to me the highest in hope, and of most
enduring affection. Your generosity has bestowed upon me an
undeserved distinction, one which I neither sought nor desired.
Upon the continuance of that sentiment, and upon your wisdom and
patriotism, I rely to direct and support me in the performance
of the duties required at my hands.
"We have changed the constituent parts, but not the system of
government.
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