Staunton Spectator

Mr. Harris advocates staying in the Union, despite the injuries that the South has received. He believes that a war would be fatal and that for a redress of grievances the South should seek a diplomatic solution with those sections of the North that have abused their rights. He argues that existing as separate and hostile nations would cause more problems than already exist and war would not permanently be averted. He also believes that war would disproportionately damage the Border States.

Letter to the Editor praises Augusta County for her dedication to the Union as evinced by her selection of Unionists for the convention by a vast majority. The writer also praises Hugh Sheffey's selflessness in dropping out of the election for fear of splitting the Union ticket.

Rejects the contention that all Union men are Black Republicans. The article states that secessionists make this slanderous charge in order to increase the resolve of Black Republicans, who may be apt to think they have allies in the South. The Republicans thus may be less willing to compromise with the South.

The Spectator notes that the New York Times, a Republican journal, recognizes the Southern Unionists as a group that can help avert war and be a conduit for compromise.

The Enquirer defends Gen. Winfield Scott against charges that he wishes to coerce seceding states to remain in the Union. He argues that a civil war is a terrible calamity and that "disunion is a smaller evil" than war.

Excerpt from an 1851 letter written by Henry Clay to Daniel Ulman that denies the right of secession.

The article cites a piece from the Richmond Dispatch claiming that the "selfish and unholy ambition of politicians" rather than slavery is dragging the country to ruin.

Notes that, before the Convention election, the secessionists were calling Union men submissionists and Black Republicans. However, now that the people have spoken in favor of the Union, the few secessionists who were elected are scrambling for offices at the Convention and have thus stricken such divisive language from their vocabulary.

Praises the seriousness with which the elections were taken by the people and notes with pride that people put the cause of Union ahead of partisan or personal concerns.

Married on February 7.