And puts the people upon its defence;

But a corruption¹ of principles

Works its ruin more slowly perhaps,

But more surely."

 

 

PREFACES, like long sermons to fashionable congregations, are distasteful to most readers, and in no very high favor with us. A deep interest in the welfare of South Carolina, and the high esteem² in which we held the better, and more sensible class of her citizens, prompted us to sit down in Charleston, some four years ago (as a few of our friends are aware), and write this history. The malady³ of her chivalry⁴ had then broken out, and such was its virulence⁵ that very serious consequences were apprehended⁶. We had done something, and were unwise enough to think we could do more, to stay its spread. We say unwise, inasmuch as we see, and regret that we do see, the malady breaking out anew, in a more virulent⁷ type-one which threatens dire⁸ consequences to this glorious Union, and bids fair soon to see the Insane Hospital of South Carolina crammed⁹ with her mad-politicians.

 

Our purpose, the reader will not fail to discover, was a high moral one. He must overlook the means we have called to our aid in some instances, remember that the spirit of the work is in harmony with a just sense of duty to a people among whom we have long resided, and whose follies¹⁰ deserve our pity, perhaps, rather than our

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