"Now, as to the struggle. Our people are enthusiastic and better
prepared. The nerve of the South will carry us to early victory.
The North thinks we do not mean fight. Our people may neglect to
rush troops from Texas over through Arizona. We should hold California
from the very first. I know the large cities are against us. The
Yankees control the shipping and have more money than we. We
should seize this coast, prey on the Pacific fleets, strike a telling
blow, and with Texan troops (who will be useless there) make sure
of the only gold-yielding regions of America. Texas is safe. We hold
the Gulf at New Orleans. Yankee gunboats cannot reach the shallow
Texas harbors. Unless we strike boldly now, the coast is lost forever.
If our people hold the Potomac, the Ohio, and the Missouri (after
a season's victories), without taking Cincinnati and Washington,
and securing this coast, we will go down, finally, when the North
wakes up. Its power is immense. If Europe recognizes us we are
safe. I fear this may not be."
"And you think the Northerners will fight," says Hardin.
"Judge," replies Valois, "you and I are alone. I tell you frankly
we underestimate the Yankees. From the first, on this coast we
have lost sympathy.
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