It was
hard for them to think that everything was going on as usual in Europe,
that new books and operas and songs were being written, and that men
and women were going about their daily affairs in peace. Yet both were
destined to live to see the case reversed, the people of the States
setting the world an example in moderation and restraint, while the
governments of Europe were deluging that continent with blood.
"If this war should result in our defeat," said Bagby, "we won't get
a fair trial before the world for two or three generations, and maybe
never."
"Why?" asked Dalton.
"Because we're not a writing people. Oh, yes, there's Poe, I know,
the nation's greatest literary genius, but even Europe honored him before
the South did. We've devoted our industry and talents to politics,
oratory and war. We don't write books, and we don't have any newspapers
that amount to much. Why, as sure as I'm sitting here, the moment this
war is over New England and New York and Pennsylvania, particularly New
England, will begin to pour out books, telling how the wicked Southerners
brought on the war, what a cruel and low people we are, the way in which
we taught our boys, when they were strong enough, how to beat slaves to
death, and the whole world will believe them.
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