The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1862-05-14
Fr0nl w aSRlIRgtOn.
SENATE CHAMBER, WASHINGTON. d. G.
Ny -ru 1880

DEAR JOURNAL In the midst CT great
historic events, how many of US realize
the grand movements every day brings
forth. A Gispetch has just been read by
the Clerk of the Senate, from Maj. Gen.
Geo. 3 Mcclellan, of this morning, an
nouncing an important victory over the
enemy at williamsburg. | think it is
now safe to say that the backbone Of the
rebellion is broken 1t may take some
time to subdue all the armed forces of the
slave, holders, but the chief work of the
Army of Freedom, SO far as fighting is
concerned, is actually accomplished. |
wish | could say that loss of life 10 the
army will probably De very light hence
forth. But | fear that sickness will in
crease as the army goes farther South,
and hat unless an Immediate enlistment
of cOntrdbandS as ordered, sufficient in
number to perform all the necessary man
uel labor OF the army, the loss Of life
among our brave soldiers will be greater
hereafter, though there should be no bat
tie, than it has been heretofore.
The overwhelming vote of the Senate
yesterday, in favor Of free homes for free
men, is another evidence that the power
of Slavery is broken, aud that the Nation
has entered upon a new life, with better
prospects and grahder aspirations. |
think every Senator who desires to per-
petuate Slavery voted against the Home
stead bill, with the exception Of Edgar
Cowan, of our State. His pro-slavery
sympathles ard his determination to de
feat any measure calculated to weaken
Slavery, is clearly manifested every time
he addresses the Senate; which is much
oftener than is to his own credit or the
credit of the State which he persisteutiy
mis-repreSents. Why he failed to vote
on the side of Slavery on this bill, is diff
icult to understand, unless even the
protege of the traitor Bright, begins to
feel the Indignation OF his outraged con-
stituents.
| am we'll satisfied. from what I see
and hear every day, that the peopte might
aud ought to exert more influence over
the Legislature of both Houses For
instance; there is scarcely loyal man in
the Nation but what feels that the prop
erty Of Rebels ought to be contiscated,
and its value put into the Treasury, to
relieve in part, the burdens Of loyal men
in sustaining the Government, But not
withstanding this unanimity among the
people, a majority Of the Senate, after
tour months discussion, yesterday voted
to refer all the Confscation bills before
that body, to a special Committee and
this after the judiciary Committee had
given much time and labor to perfecting
a bill which would make another slave
holding rebellion impossible. | still think,
Notwithstanding the reference to a special
Committee, that an efficient Couhscation
bill will vet be passed by this Congress
But | believe such bill would have been
passed months ago, and thousands Of iiceS
saved by its effect on the war, if the people
had made themselves heard more fre-
quently by letter and otherwise, 1t is
not yet too late to do something, and |
hope every reader Of the JOURNAL who
desires to shorten the period our soldiers
will be required IN the South, will write
letter to Senator Cowau and other Rep
resentativos, making known the damands
of the people on this subject. The ten
derness manifested by several Senators
for the feelings and comfort Of the Rebels,
is humiliating as we'll as disgusting
Nevertheless the skies are frightening.
The power of Slavery is broken, and if
the people are only moderately alive, it
will soon begin to pass away. have en-
deavvrcd, as opportunity offered, to aid in
humble way, the glorious work of over
throwing the Slave power of the Nation,
and thank God from the bottom of ny
heart, that he has permitted me to see
this day of glorious promise J.S.N.