The Goodhue volunteer. [volume] (Red Wing, Goodhue County, Minn.) 1861-1864, 1862-03-12
A LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY
CT WAR.

He Nc" L VI n ATtONCc OI tIlc lSLQ
ult., had stirring article on the new
war policy inaugurated by Secretary
Stanton, for the suppression of the re-
bellien. 1t gives him honorable credit
for his agency in setting our Western
columns in motion and organizing vic
tory.
Mr.. Stanton wites short and feel
ing letter in reply, modestly attributing
all the glory Of our recent victories to
the gallantry and bravery of our Off
GERS and soldiers that fought the bat
ties. The following is the passage in
the Zribune's article which called out
the letter from the Secretary:
While every honest heart rises in
gratitude to God for the victories which
afford so glorious a guaranty of the
national salvation, let it not be forgot
ten that it is to Edward NJ. Stanton
more than to any other individual that
these auspicious events are now due.
Our Generals in the field have done
their duty with energy and courage =;
our officers, and with them the noble
democracy Of the ranks, have proved
themselves worthy sons Of the Repub-
| lie; but it is by the impassionate soul,
the sleepless will, and the great prac
teal talents of the Secretary of War
that the vast power of the United
States has now been hurled upon their
treacherous and perjured enemies to
crush them to powder. Let 10 man
imagine that we exalt this great states.
man above his deserts, or that we
would detract An iota from that share
of glory which in this momenteus crisis
belongs to every faithful participato'
IN the events of this war. But we
cannot overlook the fact that whereas
but the other day all was doubt, dis
trust and uncertainty; tho nation dis
|pairing almost of its own restoration
to life; Congress the scene of bite,
imputation aud unsatisfactory apollo,
gies; the army sluggish, discontented
and decaying; and the abyss Of ruiz
and disgrace yawning to swallow US =
now all is inspiration, movement, vic
tory and confidence. We seem Il
have passed into another state Of ex
listence, to live with distinct purposes
and to feel the certainty Of their real
ization. ....''...
The letter of Mr.. Stanton is as fol
lows: . ,.....- @'.~. H..
! WAsH1seros. Feb. l6, 1869.
II the Editor cf tie N. r Tribune: -.'.
SIR:-1 cannot suffer undue meri
to be ascribed to my official action
THE glory Of onr recent victory be
longs to the gallant officers and sol
diers that fought the battlss. n,
share ofit belongs to me. 49,. Ez.ss /
Much has lately been said of militar,
combinations aud organizing victory
J l hear such phrases with apprehension
They commenced in infidel Franc
with the italian campaigns, aud result
!, led in Waterloo. Who can organic
Victory Who can combine the ele
|ments Of success on the battle field
I'VE owe our recent victories 10 III
spirit of the Lord, that moved our col
Idiers to rush into battle, and filed III
hearts Of orr enemies with terror an
Edismay. y The inspiration that cor
| |qusred in the hearts Of the soldier
i, and from on high !; snd wherever ther
lis the same Inspiration thers viii 5
: the same results Patriotic spirit, Wit
iresolats courage and officers and mel
= lis military colnbination that uove
q failed. Fl 9essss sas ssss.ss
We may we'll rejoics at ths reeer
victories, for they teach Us that battle