[Note by another writer: written by Lt. Daniel Smith Donelson and left at home in a map on the eve of his departure for Parole Camp at Enterprize Missi.]

 

Sept 12^th 1863

 

In considering the question "Shall I continue to fight for the Confederate States", it is more than useless to examine into the cause and origin of the war in which we are now engaged. Time will be much better employed in studying the present condition of the Sections, and the principles for which each is contending at the present time, and it is very probable that their purposes have been changed, at least to some extent, as a necessary consequence of a war of such magnitude and long duration. On the side of Abraham Lincoln we find an Army unequalled by any nation for in the splendor of its appointments & equipments, In its number at least three to one, flushed with hope by its recent successes every where, and an almost infinite confidence in its ability to crush the "Rebel" army at every point.

 

            A Navy second to none in the world, which is now without a single opponent, which now has undisputed control of the Mississippi the very centre of the Confederacy.

 

Upon the continuance of the war to a successfull termination (that is a Reconstruction of the Union) there seems to be no division. Their supply of men is almost inexhaustible, the supply of money now issued inexhaustible, and its value at but comparatively little discount. Among the people the war / is felt but lightly. Plenty is seen everywhere, apparently every pursuit & occupation is prosperous. Yet with all this, a reckless extravagance may be seen indicative of the times, and which to me foreshadows a coming reverse.

 

            On the side of Jeff Davis, although we find an army unsurpassed for its valor on the battlefield and a patient endurance of privations yet we see the spirit of many, weakened if not broken by the utter incompetence and imbecility of their commanders. Conscious of the gallant deeds they have done, of the hardships endured, they naturally look for the accomplishment of some good end, and find it all in vain. Yet, with a weary heart we find them at the post of duty, their trust in the righteousness of their cause unshaken. The ports blockaded, all assistance from other nations cut off, they are left to rely on the valor of their own strong arms and receive no kind sympathy here from their own [?]. Nominally all the fighting men are in the field and yet this is scarcely one to three. Money is worth nothing neither citizen nor soldier has confidence in it. There are many who would willingly return to the Union as it was and be glad to avail themselves of the opportunity. others and the majority prefer separate Gov't and for this end have carried on the war to the present time. Judging from these facts it is almost / a self evident proposition that the cause of the Union would be successful and the downfall of the Confederacy a certainty but now let us look into the causes of the present state of affairs, see what means have been used on either side.

 

The South claimed that its constitutional rights had been violated and that their only safety for the future rested in immediate separation. Upon this ground the Confederacy was established although it was against the expressed desire of a very large and respectable number of its citizens. By many on both sides it was believed there would be little or no blood shed, and it is strange to say with this idea two of the most powerful armies the world ever saw were raised. At the North the Army was raised for the preservation of the Union. No doubt many believed that the mere sight of a large & powerful army, in addition to the natural love for the glorious Stars & Stripes would crush all thoughts of rebellion. Under this impression men volunteered and obligated themselves to serve The leaders so soon as now that they have found that they have the military power to force their views upon the people have thrown off their masks, proclaim boldly, not that they are fighting for the restoration of the Union as it was, but for the extermination of Slavery and the complete subjugation & humiliation of the South. We then see that the powerful army now at the command of Lincoln not being used for the legitimate purposes for which it was raised and although / the envy pride and hatred to the South have been created as a natural consequence of war, it is to be hoped that the good sense of the citizens & soldiers have not so far taken flight as to allow them to be made the dupes and instruments of a party really in the minority. From this we may hope that the Northern people will not furnish men and money for the continuance of the war now that it is not carried on for the principles for which it was commenced.

 

            But it is useless to try to find reasons why the Northern States should cease to furnish means for the continuance of the war. There is one positive fact before us, they do. If Southern Rights were not in danger at the commencement of this war, they certainly are at present.

 

It is the published intention of the enemy to confiscate all private property & all sovereign rights will be taken away. Nothing of our rights & property will be given us save such as they in their charity see proper to give.

 

What flattering hope then does any one have who ignominiously deserts his country's cause in this the first hour of her trial! Were the contest simply for the preservation of Slavery then indeed it might be asked where how some expect an army to fight for what 2/3 of it are not interested in. Were it waged simply by the leaders without the good consent of the people then our cause would be hopeless.

 

But the Question now is will you be true to your own interest. Will you cowardly lay down your arms (acknowledge yourself a traitor) (forfeit all your rights) & basely prostrating yourself at the feet of your enemy beg for charity. 

 

It matters not in what direction we look ruin stares us in the face. The South has not yet put forth one half its strength. Strange as it may appear, although this a war for our very life we see at least 1/2 of our men cowardly hiding themselves and avoiding their duty by every possible means, and among these comp contemptible miscreants are found men whose interests should place them in the front rank. It may be said on the contrary however that ½ the strong of the North has not yet been brought to bear. All this may be granted and yet the final success of the South not be despaired.

 

No nation with 500,000 fighting men has yet been conquered, if they are only true to the cause which they espoused.

 

            All reasoning however, or comparing the relative strength of the two sections The Federals will be successful. by all reasoning they will be successful save for the recollection that no Freemen were yet ever conquered unless the odds were much greater than in the present struggle. There is then but one conclusion that we can come to / If the South does not achieve her independence it will be because of her own cowardice, and if the day does come when the Stars and Stripes triumply floats over the South humiliated & subjugated, may I be able in time to come be able to meet the glorious heroes who have fallen in the cause of freedom and say, Cast not your angry frowns on me, whatever others may have done, I did my duty.

SOURCES