To answer your question, it would be helpful if you could provide the quote you are referring to. Without the specific quote, I cannot determine the main objective of the southern states. Please provide the quote, and I will do my best to help you understand its meaning and implications.
To properly answer your question, I would need you to provide the quote or some context related to the main objective of the southern states. Once you do that, I can help analyze and explain the objective conveyed in the quote.