Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1862-11-28
J. DAVENPORT.


The evidence is abGp6aut, ard we thBk
conclusive that the soldiers who have been
Longest in the field, and who. from observation
and experience, have learned TO estimate the
strength which slavery has given to the rebels
are in favor Of emapcip pajing the slaves upon
military grounds. We have found this evil
dence in many soldiers letters; ard we have
before Us some testimony upon the point which
is worthy of attention. A friend in neigh
boring State, who has been pro-slavery Dem
ocrat, opposed 70 emancipation and to any u-
reference with slavery, visited our army Of
the Potomac when it was on the Peninsula,
III the capacity Of medical commissioner. He
was with the army several weeks, and had
ample opportunities for observation. In one
Of bis letters, written after his return, be ex-
pressed himself, much to cur surprise, in fa-
vor of an emancipation policy would be re-
ceived by the army, he writes:
Y on may take it IS fact that with very
few exceptions the whole army is in favor Of
the NEST stringent prosecution OF the war;
using every means ia our power to stihe the
rebelloD, and it regards emancipation as oae
of our potent weapons. Even among the eff
GERS of the old army, many Of whom talked
used as 'ngger stealers there has been a great
and most marked change in sentiment. l
took some pains to satisfy myself as to preva-
! lent feeling upon that topic, and ] am sati>6-
ed that the entire army w0uld hail an enamel
patton proclamation with joy. Still more.
believe the army would be glad TO know that
every rebel town captuied was to be burned.
| was Democrat Of tie ultra stag,p, and vet
earnestly believe that Fremont was right in
bis Boston speech, and that the army and the
people are ready fer emancipation, and u war
Of exlermnation if n cessary to pul down this
rebellion. 1t IS certain unless this war fogev.
er settles tie slavery question, it is ruined be-
yoDd salvation. Tie world, the country, the
army, and humanity demand it, and | believe
all up 10 that point. heard that scores of
officers regret that Norfolk and Portsmouth
were not burned, and many others expressed
themselves as strongly upon the emancipation
question:
be views are verify Of attention because
they are the nlaured convictions Of one who
hsd no antisiavtry sytrpathirs, aud who be-
fore he went to the Peninsula, heI as strong
reverence for slavery and slave prnPerty as
/ NaIiandigh2m any other Of that school Of
Democrats. He had q large acquaintance
among he offi"crs Of McClriIan's army, and
his opportunities for learning tler opinions
were ampc.
We doubt not that efforts Will be made 10
SOW the seeds of discorI in The army: hui we
are very couiitnt these will take root u none
Of the old glalonls-among soldiers who
have come in actual contact with slavery. and
| fully realize the strength which it gives to the
rebellion. They who have seen the fields OF
ihe South cultivated 10y urgroys. while every
abe bod:sd while Was 10 arms-who have
seen the Degre in The Trenches. and performing
ali the hard labor Of the rebel CAMPS are rot
likely to entertain a supersti5icus reverence
tor property which supports tha rebels. Our
brave meu have poured out ;heir blood like
water, and have seen the rebellion grow stron-
ger. They have realized the failacy Of the
idea that 2O,000,GOO Of free whites can put
down, without hard fighting, a 1T beion OF
5,000,O09 Of whites backed by the enforced
labor Of 1000 0G0 Of blacks. They and the
dear oRes at home will welcome any change of
policy which will revive their waning hopes
OF a speedy termination Of this war, with its
| frightful carnage Boston Journal