victorious Vance
In July 1864 a Democrat-leaning newspaper in New York State asserted:
There is no doubt but that the South is anxious for peace, – they proclaim it and declare themselves willing at all times to enter into negotiations, looking to the settlement of all our difficulties honorable alike to both parties.
Not all the South was anxious for peace, apparently. On August 4, 1864 the white men of North Carolina overwhelmingly re-elected Governor Zebulon Vance, who was opposed by “peace candidate” William Woods Holden.
An Southern editorial 150 years ago today applauded North Carolina for rejecting treasonous peace. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch August 6, 1864:
The North Carolina election.
staying the course (“Unidentified young boy wearing secession badge and holding a rifle” Library of Congress)
To every man who really loves his country, the news from this election will be as refreshing as would be the tidings of a great victory in Georgia or on the Appomattox. The old North State has crushed treason like an egg-shell in her mighty hand. Hereafter let no man imagine aught against the staunch fidelity of her adhesion to her sister States, or her zeal in prosecuting the war which we are waging for the salvation of us all. It is astonishing what a noise a small faction can make, with a newspaper or two at its disposal. A little knot of disappointed politicians had half persuaded the rest of the Confederacy that old North Carolina was untrue to the cause. But she has put an end forever to all doubt upon that subject. Her response to the noble army which she has in the field is worthy of that army and of herself. All honor to the glorious old State.
Alexisrael’s photo of the Vance statue is licensed by Creative Commons
