d against the whole force of the confederacy--unsustained,
and uncountenanced, even by those who had a common interest with her. It
seemed to me to be, that we had for leaders an unusual number of men of
great intellectual power, co-operating cordially and in good faith, and
commanding respect and confidence at home and abroad, by elevated and
honorable character. It was from these that we--the followers at
home--caught hope and confidence in the gloomiest aspect of our affairs.
These, by their eloquence and the largeness of their views, at least
shook the faith of the dominant majority in the wisdom and justice of
their measures--or the practicability of carrying them into successful
effect; and by their bearing and well known character, satisfied them
that South Carolina would do all that she had pledged herself to do.
Without these, how different might have been the result? And who shall
say what at this day would have been the aspect of the now flourishing
fields and cities of South Carolina? Or rather, without these, it is
probable the contest would never have been begun; but that, without even
the animation of a struggle, we should have sunk silently into a
hopeless and degrading subjection. While I have memory--in the extremity
of age--in sickness--under all the reverses and calamities of life--I
shall have one source of pride and consolation--that of having been
associated--according to my humbler position--with the noble spirits who
stood prepared to devote themselves for Liberty--the Constitution--the
Union. May such character and such talent never be wanting to South
Carolina.

I am sure that it is unnecessary to say to an assembly like this, that
the conduct of the master to his slave should be distinguished by the
utmost humanity. That we should indeed regard them as wards and
dependents on our kindness, for whose well-being in every way we are
deeply responsible. This is no less the dictate of wisdom and just
policy, than of right feeling. It is wise with respect to the services
to be expected from them. I have never heard of an owner whose conduct
in their management was distinguished by undue severity, whose slaves
were not in a great degree worthless to him. A cheerful and kindly
demeanor, with the expression of interest in themselves and their
affairs, is, perhaps, calculated to have a better effect on them, than
what might be esteemed more substantial favors and indulgences.
Throughout nature, attachm