Demeanor towards Yankee prisoners.
The Southern public has been astonished lately by the report that Southern ladies had displayed some courtesies to the Yankee prisoners taken by Forrest; presenting them with bouquets and cigars. It is probable that under the feeling of indignation the demonstration excited the extent of it may have been exaggerated. The Augusta Constitutionalist states that these courtesies, which have been "so justly denounced, were not the result of sympathy with the Yankee cause, or approval of the infamous manner in which that cause is sought to be advanced." It declares that in every instance brought to its knowledge they were "the fruits of silly thoughtlessness or of no less silly and mistaken notion of policy."--But it was very reprehensible; for, as the Constitutionalist says: ‘"Folly no less than fear sometimes betrays like treason."’ Small foundation though it be, it will be enough for Yankees to build an immense "Union sentiment at the South" upon.This journal has always advocated the humane and merciful treatment of prisoners of war, and has condemned all denunciations of them, by those in whose power they are. It is true, there has been but little occasion for this condemnation. It is not in accordance with Southern taste or manners to treat with cruelty a brute when he is captured. It is true, the Yankees in their dismal, devilish dungeons, have tortured the life out of Southern gentlemen; but words are not the proper answer to crimes like these. On the other hand, courtesies and gifts bestowed upon such incarnate wretches by Southern ladies are even more reprehensible. We are happy to be assured that Southern ladies, in any considerable number, have not been guilty of such silly and indecent conduct, exhibiting an utter want of appreciation of what is due to the cause, to the noble defenders of it, who are bleeding and dying in their behalf, and to the wretches whose hands are stained with the blood of their champion's and kindred.
Let prisoners of war be treated with humanity, but let women keep away from them altogether, showing no manner of curiosity even to look at them, much less to address them in terms either of denunciation or courtesy. If compelled by circumstances to speak to them, when in the power of the Yankees, the most frigid and distant reserve is the only kind of treatment which they will understand. We could wish, indeed, that neither men nor women would have anything more to say to them than is absolutely necessary. We should as soon think of holding a long parley with a captured burglar or incendiary, asking him what business he had to try to rob and burn and murder us, as to hold a like conversation with Yankee prisoners. Our whole department to the invader, whether in the battle-field or as prisoners, should speak the one sentiment of the South--we want nothing to do with you.
