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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1850
indeed, a day for gratulation and joy, when we see harmony restored, and delight pervade the land. Sir, what must be the character of that man who, at this day, can raise his parricidal hand against the Union? Desperate and despicable indeed must be he who would not defend our banner, and who would not delight in rallying to sustain our institu- tions-who would stand back on such occasion, and prove recreant, in such a day, to the duty he owes to his country, to carry it onward to the completion of its high and glorious des- tiny. The man who would now conspire against this Union is more culpable, in my eye, than Benedict Arnold. His name, with all his high qualities as a man, and all his noble and patriotic impulses, is consigned to obloquy and shame. He had high impulses; he was a gallant man, and six patriotic and gallant epochs shine forth in his life before the events occurred which led to his being branded as a traitor. General Arnold had four major generals appointed over him under circumstances ·which were harrowing to his feelings, which, with other acts that he considered derogatory to himself, led him on, and though he gallantly resisted the inducements to treason, he was finally overwhelmed. Sir, as I have said, there were evidences of the high impulses of patriotism in his course; but his sensibilities were wounded by the appointments which were made over him, and with feelings of disgrace and shame he became a traitor and an outcast. Charity may seek for some palliation of his crime, but there is none for sentiments of disunion, when we have around, about, above, and beneath us, all the joys a that spring from union, and all the glories that adorn our country's · name. While this Union is the admiration of the world-while peace, prosperity, honor, and domestic bliss characterize us at home, the man who would raise his parricidal hand to destroy this Union would sink to depths infinitely below Arnold in infamy; for when Arnold committed his treason we were but trying an experiment, whereas now we are in the full fruition of blessings and glories. Disunionists per se, therefore, sink below Arnold in the scale of infamy. Sir, when assailed hereafter because I am faithful to the Union, let it be understood that I would rather not be, than be without a country; and without union we can have no country and no home.
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