The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1861-09-19
NO.. Is.
Aester fron. Maj. Cen. Butler
eclines a denomination for Govern
U. S. FRIGATE MrNNEsoTA

| Y. >. FRIGATE MINNESOTA
| Oft Cape Hatteras, Aug 81, 81.
| / received your note as well as those of many
others ofmy true friends in Massachusetts, ask.
ing my opinion on political matters, and kindly
suggesting the use of my name as a candidate
for Governor at the ensuing election. | reply
| to you as representing them all, because our
intimacy will pc nit more frankness than would
seem meet to those less closely connected.
AS have stated to you, and as have pub
cly repeated when left home | left al politics
IN party sense of the term, behind me, and
now know no politics in any sense, save as rep
| resented by the Question, how best to preserve
| the Union and restore the country in its integ-
| rity. Peace is desirable to all, and to none
more so than to the soldier who has left his
friends and his home to do his duty to his coun-
try.
But however desirable it is not to be pur-
chased on any terms save the recognition of the
authority of the Federal Government over every
inchef territory that ever belonged to lit Upon
no condition whatever, other than that, would
consent to peace. A peace involving the dis
rs'.Grration of the Union, or until the authority
OF the Government - r~uy established would
be simply declaration of a pesp~4noi war of
sections.
Were the Southern Confederacy to-day ae
knowledged III the fullness Of good faith, two
months would not elapse before causes of war
would arise, sufficient not only to justify but to
demand renewal of the conflict. No two
months have pas sed, within the last ten years
at least, in which outrages have not been COM
mitted on Northern men at the South, which,
if they had been perpetrated by foreign ma
ton, would have demanded redress of griev
ances, under penalty of a suspension of dipl0-
matte relations.
But we have borne these outrages because
there was no tribunal to the arbitraInent of
which we could submit them, and it was
against the genius of our people to appeal to
arms. Thsrefore / see with pain on. the part of
those with whom l have formerly acted in po-
itical organizations, a disposition to advocate
peaceful settlements wherein there be no
peace. Therefore this war must go on, not for
the purpose of subjugation-but if those who
have commenced it bring upon themselves that
condition as an incident, it will only be another
illustration of the fruit of sowing the wind =
Besides there are no other politics
On the matter of the nomination. / cannot
consent that my name should be used by any
political party. While in some things as, you
are aware, do not agree upon the principles
upon which both the state aud National admin
istrationS were inaugurated, yet we are long
way past that. The Republican party having
won political victory, both in the state and
hation, is entitled to the patriotic endeav0r Of
evely man to give it fair trial i'll the admins
tration of the government, and III that itshoa!d
as it does, take the lead in official passions
And now, there is nothing lett for Us to COR
tend against save any corruption, inethciency
or improperly administrations, which doubt
not, would be a once rebuked by Republicans
as well as Democrats. But as far regards
the perSOnet of the administration in the State,
believe Gov. ndrew has labored efficiently,
zealously and faithfully to put our cJmmoL-
wealth on the side of the Union, and to sustain
;he nation l therefore, for one would not de-
sl e 10 sec Il change in the EXecu i've, though
doubt not the people will demand a change in
some ofthe minor offices.
do not say that would vote for Governor
Andrew, but were | at home 1 would not vote
against him. Let it be understood thit with
out distinction Cfparty and without raising pan
ty issues, all men who love the Union are de-
ternined to stagd by it end the county, until
this rebellion shall be queled, and we may
hereafter divide as we choose upon the minor
questions of administration of government,
10 you my dear irend,I need urge no justi-
fcaion for this course. You will appreciate it,
for you are aware of the sacrifice both Of feeling
and position, made year ago III the earnest
endeavor to save the country from this Clam
ity, which | then partly foresaw, and acting i'll
the best light | had, endeavored To prevent
And | am ready to make like sacrifice now 10
repel that which | then sought to avert l
need to thank you and others of my fiends for
this, among other kindnesses youshaye showed
me
BENZ +. BUTLER