A representative of Ohio, Alexander Long, proposed in the House a
recognition of the Southern Confederacy. It must be borne in mind that,
before the firing on the supply-steamer at Charleston, which was
despatched surreptitiously not "to offend the sympathizers'
susceptibilities," many good citizens, dwelling on the silence of the
Constitution as to secession, said openly that they did not see why the
States chafing under the partnership all the original thirteen made,
should not withdraw peacefully. Long was not solitary in his unseemly
proposition, which, however, could never have been otherwise than
untimely after the first shot.
General Garfield met the issue with indignation. He called the act
"treason!" and denounced the author as a second Benedict Arnold. He
entreated loyal representatives:
"Do not believe that another such growth on the soil of Ohio deformed
the face of nature and darkened the light of God's day!"
When this speech met the President's eye, he hastened to thank General
Garfield for having "flayed Long alive."
* * * * *
"ONE ON 'EM NOT DEAD YET!"
As communications were cut off with the North, intense anxiety was
occasioned there by the situation in November, 1863, of General
Burnside, packed in Knoxville, Tennessee, by Longstreet's dreaded
veterans. At last a telegram reached the War Department, vaguely
telling of "Firing heard in the direction of Knoxville." The President
reading, expressed gladness, in spite of the remaining uncertainty.
"Why," said he to the group of officers and officials, "it reminds me
of a neighbor of ours, in Indiana, in the brush, who had a numerous
family of young ones. They were all the time wandering off into the
scrub, but she was relieved as to their being lost by a squall every
now and then. She would say: 'Thank the laws, there is one still
alive!' That is, I hope _one_ of our generals is in the thicket, but
still alive and kicking!"
Indeed, Burnside resisted a night storming-party, and Longstreet was
not "a lane that knew no turning," but turned and retreated!
* * * * *