FARRIS, Robert P. to Charles Henry Gauss - 1865-03-08
From Gauss and his Children
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Letter
Address
Mr C. Henry Gauss, New Haven, Yale College, Conn.
Body
Dear Henry:
A conversation I had with your Father this afternoon, occasions these few lines. I find that he has the impression, that you have some notion of going southward. This impression causes him a great deal of painful anxiety, in which I largely share. Let me counsel you to banish all such intentions. You know my views and feelings in regard to the main question, as between the Confederacy & the United States: but were you my own Brother, I would say to you, "stay where you are".
To say nothing of the sorrow which such a step would give your parents and friends and the trouble into which it would be sure to bring your Father, with the military and Radicals, there are other and higher considerations against it. For instance: You are a citizen of a State, which by its Convention four years ago -- a Convention regularly and fairly elected, by a full vote of the people, and for the express purpose of determining this very question -- refused to secede. We are therefore still in the Union, and owe allegiance to the Federal Govt. as well as to the State of Missouri. -- Further than this: you are a Christian man; and as the laws of the U. States & of the State of Missouri are "the higher power", God commands your obedience. Many of these laws are outrageously unjust & the present military rule terribly oppressive; but we have no right to resist except in a lawful way; we must endure, for Christ's sake, and bide our time. God reigns.______ By expatriating yourself, you not only do nothing towards remedying these evils in your own country, but also you deprive yourself of having a voice in their correction. Excuse my abruptness. Wish I could write more, but am greatly pressed for time. I hope you will give your attention, as your Father tells me you propose, to mining engineering.--- All mine are well and wish to be remembered.
Your affectionate Friend, R. P. Farris
P. S. It is proper to state that I write at my own suggestion; and that your Father has mentioned this matter to no one but me, and that in strick confidence.
Source
Handwritten original, private collection, the Chambless family. Transcribed to softcopy by Susan D. Chambless, 1999.
Transcriber's Notes
R. P. Farris was minister of the First Presbyterian Church, also see Martyrdom in Missouri
