“The Porte” reflects on these days, 150 years ago…

For those who know me, and David Hunter Strother’s writings as they covered the next few days, 150 years ago, you know darn well that I can’t let these next couple of days of the Sesqui go by without bringing “the Porte” back into focus…

150 years ago yesterday, Strother noted…

For Sumter surrendered; President calls for seventy-five thousand men to suppress the insurrection. This is a great relief, as it brings the question to a decision, and puts an end to foolish speeches and arguments. It is at least a consolation to know that the government will not perish ignobly of indignation.

There is a great amount of sentiment about brothers imbruing their hands in each other’s blood, as if it was not the most invariable of natural laws that both love and hate attain their fullest measure by reason of propinquity. One who loves his neighbor’s daughter and hates his rival over the way attains to a sublimity of passion which could never be awakened by remoter objects.

A day later (150 years ago today), he noted…

A border war at home – we have romance and ruin staring us in the face. Ten years ago I should not have thought it so great a misfortune. For me it comes too late; I have nothing left but to let the world wag –

“I shall bury myself in my books,
And the devil may pipe to his own.”

Oh, yes… we will hear more from “the Porte” in the next few days.

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Tagged: David Hunter Strother, Porte Crayon

Posted in: American Civil War, Civil War Memory - General, Sesquicentennial