We intend to establish a confederacy of our own, whose corner-stone shall be slavery.
I wish you to come home immediately, as I have secured you a first lieutenant's commission in a cavalry company, which is to be mustered into my regiment.

Your brothers have already accepted theirs, and are drilling their companies twice every week.

Of course, we do not expect a war, for we have kept the cowardly Yankees under our thumbs so long that they will not dare to oppose us.

However, we consider it best to be on the safe side.
Inclosed I send you a check for two hundred dollars, which, I think, will be sufficient to pay all your bills, and to defray your expenses home.
Your mother and sisters send their love.
Hoping to see you soon, and to join hands with you in destroying every vestige of the old Union, I remain, Yours, affectionately, EDWARD LE DELL.
While Frank was reading this letter, George had sat with his face buried in his hands, not once moving or giving a sign of life: but, as soon as the letter was finished, he raised his pale face, and inquired, in a husky voice: "What do you think of that?
It does not seem possible that a father, who had the least spark of affection for his son, could advise him to follow such a course, does it?
Turn the letter over, and you will see a copy of my answer written on the back." It ran as follows: YALE COLLEGE, _March_ 20, 1861.
MY DEAR FATHER: You can not imagine with what feelings of astonishment and sorrow I read your letter of the 12th ult., which was received nearly three weeks since.

The reason for my delay in replying you can easily divine.