As to some matters broached at Birdwood that day, there was wide diversity of opinion among those present.
Dr. Cary was in favor of accepting the issues as settled by the war; of making friends with the high authorities—as had already been done by some in other parts of the State, and of other States.
“Never! never!” declared General Legaie, with whom were most of the others. “They have done their worst; they have invaded us, and taken our negroes from us. Let them bear the responsibilities they have assumed.”
It was easy to see, from the enthusiasm which greeted the General, on which side the sympathy lay.
“The worst! General Legaie?” exclaimed Dr. Cary. “The worst will be coming for years. ’After the sword comes the cankerworm.’ Mark my words: the first terms offered are always the best. I should not be surprised if you were to live to see negroes invested with the elective franchise.”
“Impossible! Preposterous! Incredible!” declared general Legaie, his words being echoed by most of those present.
“It seems almost impossible and quite incredible, yet to an old man many things appear possible that are incredible,” said Dr. Cary.
“We will die before such an infamy should be perpetrated!” protested General Legaie, with spirit.
“The only trouble is, that dying would do no good; only those who know how to live can now save the Country,” said the Doctor, gravely.
The old Whig looked so earnest—so imposing, as he stood, tall and white, his eyes flashing under their beetling brows, that though, perhaps, few agreed with him, all were impressed, and by a common and tacit consent their position was not pressed, at least for the present. The little General even agreed to accompany Dr. Cary at some near date, to give his views, along with Dr. Cary’s, to the new Commander of the district, Colonel Krafton, in order, the General stated, that the Commander might understand precisely the attitude of all persons in their county.