G.G.W. Duttes to James Monroe, 1860 November 28

Dunboyne, Nov. 28, 1860.
My dear Monroe:
Your characteristic and welcome letter of the 29th Ult. reached me on the 8th Instant; and, according to my expectations, your apprehensions are verified. The Representative of Southern Rights; and accomplished Statesman & gentleman; ever conservative in his views, and occupying the second place in the gift of the people; has been thrown aside by the northern people; under the influence of the arch-traitor Seward, the cowardly cur Sumner, &c &c and a low, ignorant & obscure man; known only as a "Rail Splitter", placed in the presidential chair; for the avowed purpose of waging a war of extermination against an Institution—the protection & Representation of which was made a Condition precedent to the adoption of our Federal Constitution, by the Slave holding States.
Under these circumstances, my dear Monroe, I am grieved to say that the only objection to immediate separation which now presents itself to my mind is the certainty, in the present State of popular feeling, Of Civil war. I, therefore, advocate deliberate and united action by the Southern States; (as you have noticed, in the imperfect copy of my letter to the <…> Belton?, sent to you some days ago,) not only as due to those on the border, but as the only probable mode of bringing those of the north to a sense of justice.
Whilst sitting, alone, at the breakfast table, a few mornings Since, I undertook to explain to my Servant, Frederick, the nature of the difficulties now pending between the north & South; when he exclaimed, on the mention of war, as the probable result: "My God, master, what will become of us?" and, when I assured him that I would take care of him and the rest of my negroes, he replied: "For God's Sake, my dear master, Stand by us." These are the poor, oppressed Creatures, for whose benefit this once great & glorious Union is to be sundered; and to whose protection I shall entrust my wife & children, when I shall be called away, to repel invading abolitionists; and, if the incendiary Seward or the gallant Sumner will, as in olden times, subject the justice of their Cause to single combat, or, what would be far more appropriate, to combat between the alleged oppressed and the chivalrous rescuers, I could desire no better pastime than, at the head of my negroes, to meet them and their deluded followers; under the Knightly exclamation of—"God protect the right!"
But, "sufficient for the day is the evil thereof." So, I turn, my old and valued friend, to a more agreeable subject; and that is your unchanged and unchangeable self—a true son of the old Dominion.
It was just like you, to have thought of going to me, at Newport; and I assure you there is no man living whom I should have been more glad to see. I so desired my friend, William Lavender, to say to you; and, lest he neglected to do so, and to explain why I did not look you up, during my passage to and from Newport, I will remark that I remained in New York but a few hours, each time.
I passed some weeks at the Virginia Springs, among a most congenial people; and went to Newport, in search of friends, whom I did not find; when, the season for sugar making being near at hand, I hurried home, by way of Niagara & the Mississippi river.
I was sorry you did not find out my youngest Boy, Lawrence Lewis, on his return from France, last Spring; as he is a Charming fellow, and I am sure you would have been pleased with him. He has gone to Shreveport, to join his brother-in-law, George Williamson, in the practice of the Law—for, you must know, I am opposed to what are, sometimes, improperly termed gentlemen—I mean Loafers. Shreveport is the focus of our Rail Road System, and is, already, second only in importance to New Orleans; and, now that his partner, W. Sanderson, has gone to Congress, George is at the head of the Shreveport Bar.
Edward, whom you know, is still Sec. of Legation at Berlin, and has so commended himself to the last & present Administration that, had Mr. Breckinridge been elected, he would, doubtless, have been promoted to minister at that Court; but, now, of course, his diplomatic career must end with Mr. Buchanan's Administration. He has acquired a position at the Prussian Court—both with the Government, the diplomatic Corps, and the Royal Family—never occupied by any diplomat, of any grade. He, recently, accompanied the Prince Regent, to his encampment; and, availing himself of the moment when the cavalry of his Guards, led by his Son, made a brilliant charge, made a second & unofficial appeal in behalf of a naturalized German, by saying: "may it please your Royal Highness, it strikes me that the commander of 180,000 such troop has no necessity for the forced services of an american naturalized Citizen." The Regent replied:—"Be content. If possible, Wolfram shall be released; as a personal favor to you Mr. Butler."
Prince Charles, Brother of the Regent, has since invited him to become a member of the Royal Hunting Association; presented him with the first leaf of the "Brush", on the death of the Wild Boar; and, addressing himself to Edward at dinner, said: "Mr. Butler, I propose the health of your mother; & I ask that you will grant me the favor to report my toast to her."
I hear you exclaim: "Those Boys are, evidently, the Colonel's weak point;" So, I will desist.
Mrs. Butler unites with me in Continued assurances of the most friendly regard; and affectionate regards for Mrs. Robinson and kisses for hers & poor little Betty's children; with friendly regards to Mr. Robinson. Remember me affectionately to William Lowndes & Aleck Duncan, and believe me, always & under all circumstances, my dear Monroe
Your devoted friend
E. G. W Butler
P.S. Com A. Read often speaks kindly of you.