"Is the cause of liberty advanced a step by such injudicious harshness
in the field?" continued the surgeon, bent on the favorite principle
of his life.
"I am yet to learn that the cause of liberty is in any manner advanced
by the services of any gentleman in the rebel army," rejoined
the colonel.
"Not liberty! Good God, for what then are we contending?"
"Slavery, sir; yes, even slavery; you are putting the tyranny of a mob
on the throne of a kind and lenient prince. Where is the consistency of
your boasted liberty?"
"Consistency!" repeated the surgeon, looking about him a little wildly,
at hearing such sweeping charges against a cause he had so long
thought holy.
"Aye, sir, your consistency. Your congress of sages have published a
manifesto, wherein they set forth the equality of political rights."
"'Tis true, and it is done most ably."
"I say nothing of its ability; but if true, why not set your slaves at
liberty?" This argument, which is thought by most of the colonel's
countrymen a triumphant answer to a thousand eloquent facts, lost none
of its weight by the manner in which it was uttered.
Every American feels humbled at the necessity of vindicating his country
from the apparent inconsistency and injustice of the laws alluded to.
His feelings are much like those of an honorable man who is compelled to
exonerate himself from a disgraceful charge, although he may know the
accusation to be false.
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