The Daily Dispatch: March 31, 1862., [Electronic resource]

Letter from Mr. Yancey.

Plantation House, Near Montgomery, March 22, 1862.

Gentlemen:

Your note of the 2st inst has been handed to me by my friend Mr. Gilmer. This expression of the confidence and esteem of my fellow townsmen — this desire to seem upon the occasion of my arrival at home, after a lengthened absence upon public duty, to give some public exhibition of that feeling — called for and receives my most sincere thanks and profound grating.

You have, I think, properly characterized the cloud over our public affairs, as but a "present cloud" It was almost a necessary result of the conflict between the North and the South that in its beginning the superiority of the first in population — in commercial and mechanical resources — and in the fact of its returning the organization of the old Government, and the possession of the Army and Navy, should give to load decided temporary silentness. Though delayed for a brief period by ha superior military qualities of the Southern soldier, that temporary success has at length crowned the vast efforts to invade our soil.

But, gentlemen, I feel assured that all our countrymen agree with you, that it is but a "present" success. So far from our people being discouraged — so far from losing confidence in their cause my observations over a line of country extending from Texas to thipoin, show that our losses in the field against over whelming odds have calls forth a spirit that will command victory, or bring a out an immolation of a whole people soon the altar of our fortunes. Everything that our people have, whether of life of property, is freely offered — nay, is urged upon the Government. They demand but one thing — the free and prompt use of those invaluable gifts in behalf of what is more valuable — their liberties. It cannot be doubted that the Government will be inspired by such a spirit of devotion, and that the higher qualities of a nobler cause, and of a patriotic devotion to defend our homes which produce greater endurance, and greater sacrifices, will eventually rod back this ruthless and wicked invasion, and fealty establish us a nation worthy of the world's respect.

I believe it to be my duty, gentlemen, to proceed at once to Richmond, and propose to do so by to morrow morning's train. This will render it impossible for me to accept your kind invitation to see and address you and my fellow-townsmen generally in a more formal mander.

Most respectfully,

Your fellow citizen.

W. L. Yancey.