Page:Nullification Controversy in South Carolina.djvu/273

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Nullification Controversy in South Carolina

people.[1] From other quaiters came more cheerful news.[2] Some of the State Rights leaders seemed to think that all that was needed was for the people of the state to show a proper spirit, and force would not be used; but if they faltered, a little blood would be spilled to complete the panic.[3]

  1. Hammond Papers: S. H. Butler to Hammond, December 27, 1832.
  2. Hammond Papers: S. R. Cannon to Hammond, December 28, 1832: "....the President's proclamation has been the cause of making us more Indignant towards him than before, we have commenced Raising a volunteer corps of Rifle men and will holde an Election for Officers in few days....we are all nullifyers in this Section and the General fealing amongst us that will Put us in Readiness at a moments warning...."
  3. Hammond Papers: S. H. Butler to Hammond, December 27, 1832: William C. Preston to Hammond, December 31. Preston, a prominent leader, wrote from Columbia to Hammond on the last day of the year that he was much pleased with the effect the proclamation was having both in and out of the state, for party lines were being clearly drawn. "Thank God," he wrote, "we are again Federalists and Republicans. In Virginia especially the proclamation has wakened the people from their trance, and they are holding meetings in the counties, with the rallying cry of '98....My private advices are of the most cheering character; they assure me that whatever the legislature may do, it will be believed the temper of the people. They tell me that it is only necessary for us to present a determined front, and all will be well. We have compelled a more rapid course of thought than twenty years of discussion would have produced. We have shaken the tariff system more than a thousand remonstrances and petitions and protests. Their columns are giving