The National Republican

Correspondence of the Republican.

Lexington, (Ky.,) May 15, 1861.

We have had an election for delegates to Border State Convention, and, if nothing else has been gained by it, we have at least ascertained the sentiment of the people upon the absorbing question of the day. It is overwhelmingly for the present Union. Every device, every trick, every prejudice, was arrayed against us, and played upon to reverse this verdict. But 'twas all of no avail. Old Kentucky has refused to have aught to do with traitors.

But the traitors are a wily, unscrupulous, and dangerous set, and even now, after this glorious demonstration for the Union, they seem to think Kentucky must of necessity follow the fortunes of Jeff. Davis & Co.

Now, I am as good a Union man as walks the sod, but I would feel a little better satisfied if the Unionists of this State would, as a party, boldly take ground in favor of sustaining the Government at Washington. This is certainly their proper course, and in it lies their duty. But Kentuckians have such a ridiculous horror of being termed "Abolitionists," that they stop half way between duty and this imaginary monster, and sooner or later will be forced to perform our duty, or we shall disgrace ourselves forever by aiding the traitors, such as our Governor is.

In fact there is some danger of civil war in our own State. Mark my words. Hundreds and thousands of us will suffer annihilation before we will march under the banner of the "Devil's own." I will not disgrace myself, if other men in the State do. We have some as vile perjured traitors amongst us as ever shook hands with the hangman. Our late Vice President Breckinridge is one of them. He is now making speeches all about the State, playing the "wandering orator," as he said of Douglas, and doing his best to overthrow the very Constitution he has sworn to defend.

I am very glad to see that since the election, the Union papers have taken a much bolder and nobler stand in favor of the right. The Commonwealth at Frankfort declares, "We are for the United States Government, and we want everybody to know it." Bravo! for that. Prentice says to Union men, "If traitors call you Abolitionists, tell them they are liars; if they repeat it, knock them down. Give them the 'higher law,' the Tom Hyer law." I saw the above advice literally complied with yesterday.