T. Allan[i] to Howell Cobb.
Washington D. C., February 11, 1861.
Dear Governor, The glorious news of a Southern Confederacy was received here on yesterday and has created a profound sensation. Whilst the tinkers from the border States are here in secret conclave saving the Union (as if it were not dissolved as far back as 20th December), the Southern Congress is moving on majestically and firmly toward the organization of a powerful independent Govt, which will be in full operation before the inauguration of Lincoln. The news has elevated my feelings wonderfully, for I assure you I have been depressed and felt as if I were (as humble as I am) an incubus to the fag end of what was once a glorious Administration. But alas all its glory has departed with those patriotic counsellors who one by one have left the Cabinet. Secession sentiments have become very offensive to the present powers and particularly with the Census Bureau. No sooner had Mr. Thompson retired than the creature of his misplaced confidence, Kennedy, by whose appointment he drew upon himself unmeasured abuse from divers quarters, commenced to exhibit his ingratitude by turning out every man in the Census Bureau who entertains the right of secession and has the boldness to express his sentiments. And so it goes. We all who entertain those sentiments feel like orphans. Yet no one has interfered with me. On the contrary I have been treated with as much respect as ever. I have not hesitated (without being offensive) to express my fealty to Georgia and entire approbation of the step she has taken in seceding from the old Union, as well as my well settled determination to resign my office the moment this Administration comes to an end or that a collision takes place between Georgia and the General Government. Yet our Southern friends keep dropping off until few are left. Many who remain in office are mere truckling time servers and ready to do anything to propitiate the favor of the incoming Abolition dynasty. Others are poor and helpless and succumb from necessity, as the best escape from starvation. The people in the District, influenced by their interests as merchants, butchers and builders, et cet, the flesh pots upon which they have grown fat, are also anxious to curry favor with the party soon to be in power. Hence sociability and good fellowship with me and all such is broken and I feel as if I were not in the right place. . . . Before the 4th of March I shall be rolling on to my native state to share her dangers as well as glories. My destination is my brother’s in Banks. Many noble spirits from the cotton states will soon be set adrift on the wide world without means or employment. Apart from a desire to be provided for my unworthy self I hope these gentlemen will be remembered in the formation and organization of the new Government and provided with suitable places. I will take occasion now to mention the name of a true and trusty friend,— a man of truth, integrity and talents, with whom I have long been intimately associated officially as well as socially. I mean Wm. Hall Esqr., a native of Missi., appointed from Louisiana. He is a $1600 clerk in the Genl. Land Office and belongs to my division. He will go out when I do, determined as I am not to have the smell of abolitionism about his garments. It is to you, my noble friend, we look to represent us before the new authorities.
I shall be gratified to hear from you soon if you can spare a moment from the cares of state in the midst of which you are now engaged. The city is full of insolent soldiers and the Dist. militia in complete organization, ready no doubt to butcher Southern men because they will not submit to be ruled by an abolitionist. But all will be peace I think. My eyes shall not behold the disgrace of this once happy republic by the inauguration of an abolitionist as President.
[i] A resident of Banks County, Ga., then holding a government clerkship at Washington.
From Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1911.