I know them well, and the very impulses of their nature; and to deal with the inhabitants of that part of the South which borders on the great river, we must recognize the classes into which they have divided themselves: First.

The large planters, owning lands, slaves, and all kinds of personal property.

These are, on the whole, the ruling class.
They are educated, wealthy, and easily approached.

In some districts they are bitter as gall, and have given up slaves, plantations, and all, serving in the armies of the Confederacy; whereas, in others, they are conservative.

None dare admit a friendship for us, though they say freely that they were at the outset opposed to war and disunion.