No enemies within or without our borders, and peace established among us forever! Such was our belief. And we wondered that men should get together and talk their dry politics, seeing that General Washington and Thomas Jefferson--two of our Virginia plantation men--had established a government to last as long as the earth, and which could not be improved. Yet they _would_ talk, these politicians, around our parlor fire, where often our patience was exhausted hearing discussions, in which we could not take interest, about the Protective Tariff, the Bankrupt Law, the Distribution of Public Lands, the Resolutions of '98, the Missouri Compromise, and the Monroe Doctrine. These topics seemed to afford them intense pleasure and satisfaction, for, as the "sparks fly upward," the thoughts of men turn to politics. In 1859 we had a visit from two old friends of our family--a distinguished Southern Senator and the Secretary of War[18]--both accustomed to swaying multitudes by the power of their eloquence--which lost none of its force and charm in our little home circle. We listened with admiration as they discussed the political issues of the day--no longer a subject uninteresting or unintelligible to us, for every word was of vital importance. Their theme was, _The best means of protecting our plantation homes and firesides_. Even the smallest children now comprehended the greatest politicians. [18] General Toombs and General Floyd. Now came the full flow and tide of Southern eloquence--real soul-inspiring eloquence. Many possessing this gift were in the habit of visiting us at that time; and all dwelt upon one theme--the secession of Virginia--with glowing words from hearts full of enthusiasm; all agreeing it was better for States, as well as individuals, to separate rather than quarrel or fight. But there was one[19]--our oldest and best friend--who differed from these gentlemen; and his eloquence was gentle and effective. Unlike his friends, whose words, earnest and electric, overwhelmed all around, this gentleman's power was in his composure of manner without vehemence. His words were well selected without seeming to have been studied; each sentence was short, but contained a gem, like a solitaire diamond. [19] Charles Mosby. For several months this gentleman remained untouched by the fiery eloquence of his friends, like the Hebrew children in the burning furnace. Nothing affected him until one day the President of the United States demanded by telegraph fifty thousand Virginians to join an army against South Carolina. And then this gentleman felt convinced it was not the duty of Virginians to join an army against their friends.