We intend to establish a confederacy of our
own, whose corner-stone shall be slavery.
I wish you to come home immediately, as I have secured you a first
lieutenant's commission in a cavalry company, which is to be
mustered into my regiment. Your brothers have already accepted
theirs, and are drilling their companies twice every week. Of
course, we do not expect a war, for we have kept the cowardly
Yankees under our thumbs so long that they will not dare to oppose
us. However, we consider it best to be on the safe side.
Inclosed I send you a check for two hundred dollars, which, I
think, will be sufficient to pay all your bills, and to defray
your expenses home.
Your mother and sisters send their love.
Hoping to see you soon, and to join hands with you in destroying
every vestige of the old Union, I remain,
Yours, affectionately, EDWARD LE DELL.
While Frank was reading this letter, George had sat with his face
buried in his hands, not once moving or giving a sign of life: but,
as soon as the letter was finished, he raised his pale face, and
inquired, in a husky voice:
"What do you think of that? It does not seem possible that a father,
who had the least spark of affection for his son, could advise him to
follow such a course, does it? Turn the letter over, and you will see
a copy of my answer written on the back.
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