But while I live and have an arm to wield it, it
shall never be sheathed until the freedom, independence, and full
rights of the South are achieved. When that is done, it then will
be a matter of small concern to the Government, to Congress, or to
the Country, what my rank or lot may be.
"What has the aspect of a studied indignity is offered me. My noble
associate with me in the battle has his preferment connected with the
victory won by our common trials and dangers. His commission bears
the date of July 21, 1861, but care seems to be taken to exclude the
idea that I had any part in winning that triumph.
"My commission is made to bear such a date that my once inferiors
in the service of the United States and of the Confederate States
(Cooper, Albert Sidney Johnston and Robert E. Lee) shall be above me.
But it must not be dated as of July 21, nor be suggestive of the
victory of Manassas!
"If the action against which I have protested is legal, it is not
for me to question the expediency of degrading one who has served
laboriously from the commencement of the war on this frontier, and
borne a prominent part in the only great event of that war, for the
benefit of persons, neither of whom has yet struck a blow for this
Confederacy.
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