The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1862-05-02
A Repentant but Proud Rebel Soldier.

The Philadelphia Inquirer publishes a
letter from Mary and soldier in the rebel
army, now in the military hospital at Rich
mond, who addresses lady in Philadel-
pha in the most repentant fashion, but
avows his determination to bury his shame
in the ruins of his cause. We copy one
or two passages:
Lately we found it expedient to retire
before the advancing federal forces in order
to strengthen Richmond In >kirmish
received Il wound in nv side, which is very
painful. and possibly may prove fatal
was carried away by MY comrades, and
brought with them all the way to Rich
mond. All was done for my relief that cir
cumstances gould permit, yet ! suffered
terribly during the journey, but before
reached this place unconsciousness reliev
ed my agony ! am far better now, tho
you vii. see how tfemulous is the hand
which pens these hines. If | have sinned,
am suffering. Can you not forgive!
X Since have Ian here,
surrounded by suffering AMI death, haze
thought Inuct Of the causes of all hi, sor
TOW and desolatiun aud AN convinced
that we of the solth had better have borne
far greater wrongs than we endured, or
feared. than to have brought such ruin on
our country. In the north thss tell Us,
comparative prosperity rrigns bus in Nir
glna whole villages lie ia ashes, homes
are GesoIaled sous. husbands aud fathers
lie in untimeIy graves; poverty inyades
homes where hitherto his presence WAS
undreaned of; servants, loved aud trusted
prove faithless. All the ties OF life are
severed, and, di-owned and unreeognizeI
By her sister nations, The Coufederary
struggles hraveiv, but | iear vainly for
her existence before q foe whose power
she cannot measure.
We might possibly overcome the IN
mense army already brought against US, for
though inferior in point of numbers, men
fight desperately il situations like ours;
bit were these reDeIed, who knows what
countless hosts would spring to arms from
the teeming population of the north |
fear our cause is hopeless, and this feeling
dlspirits our army, and palsies them on
lhe battle field. Some are wiling to sur
render and make the best terms thev can,
while others swes. to fight until DEATH
Our official councils are divided Some
would stand braves and conquer or die :;
others insist on eau ion ard this extreme
prudence keeps lis retreating until we are
ashamed. Bat trust ine. our army will vet
make desperate stand, aud prove deS-
towards.
"As for me, G -, l may not leave
this place alive; f,I though am AS much
better than have been, the doctor tells
me that danger is not yet past, and if
persist in exerung myself AS am now do
lng in writ this long letter, fever may
supervene and result fatally lie. it come
have no wish - live to see the south
subdued, and through future years TO te
scorned as a traitor. Ii recover, the mo
ment can WELD my sword | will reiur'
10 my post, aud AT least die like ,ran-
[ do not say this in hoas ing or defiance,
for regret that ever participated in the
rebellion but have done 1t, and cannot
reIract with honor. Therefore if cur cause
must fall. hope to fall with it.
The time is short. Tic federal ar
my is moving rarIlv upon US Tie f.
nsi struggle cannot be far distant 1t NAV
De the last lime can ask il: will You not
send few lines? not to the Confederate
sol iier, or R-b,i, if YOU will call NE so !;
nor even TO the former friend but TO
sick and suffering man who loag. to know
you still have some sympathy for him"