Late News from America. (February 1, 1862)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: February 1, 1862. 

A few months ago, the true American, abroad in a foreign land, felt no pleasure in hearing from home. The citadel of Liberty had been attacked. Traitors were among the officers of the President's Cabinet. Spies gloried in their infamous trade. The Army, small and scattered, was demoralized. The Navy could not be trusted. It really seemed as if I-cha-bod —the glory is departed—was to be written beneath every inscription to which " U.S." was attached. Then came the astounding news of the defeat at Bull's Run, where, it appears, both Secesh and Yankee ran, but the Yankee outran his southern opponent, and carried off the palm of a defeat. The tables have turned. 

The American abroad now holds up his head. He has a country. He is not ashamed to acknowledge himself American. The late mails brought intelligence that cheers and animates the patriot's heart. The President's message is hopeful and sound. The Cabinet is united. Congress is alive. Senators and Representatives speak like men who had a work to do, and would do it. The Army and Navy are strong, and growing stronger. The Hatteras affair is eclipsed by the Beaufort victory, still more brilliant and glorious. The capture of Mason and Slidell capped the climax, and makes a good theme for newspaper talk. 

It was to be expected that the government and people of England would remonstrate loudly, if they did nothing more ; but, after all, there is net an Englishman, at home or abroad, who will not say that Wilkes did a brave deed, and showed what they call " pluck." No impartial person will or can say that he intended any insult to the English Flag, but he saw the game, and, as the sportsman says, " bagg'd it." 

Two more mischief-making rebels could not have been seized in all secessiondom. They were dyed in the wool. Neither Jeff. Davis or any other rebel is their superior. We may hereafter hear of the Northern forces meeting with an occasional repulse, but the backbone of the rebellion is cracked, if not broken! When this rebellion is once put down, another like it will never occur.