The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1862-09-22

4 l have leave of absence to attend IT.,
Pacific Railroad Convention, and secure
few days of rest and rcpose. Since tn,
commencement of this unfortunate war,
have been constantly in the field and hav,
traversed country broad as Europe, al
ways close upon the enemy, and my com
mand | believe TO have achieved imper
ishable hon,rs. While / have reason L
be proud of such command, | am glat
to see the people Of my own home Sc
generous in the expressions of arllau sc
This manifestation of welcome to the Gem
mandcr of such an army, is comph
ment to them which they will appreciate
and am CAD to acknowledge,
You have referred to my departure as
the Colonel Of the gallant Second Iowa
How gloriously that regiment has honor.
ed the State, and how often my heart ha,
thrilled with JOY at the tidings Of her
success
The Fourth and Ninth Iowa Infantry
accompanied me on my long and weary
campaign through Missouri and Arkan.
sas. In pursuit Of the enemy, in many
conflicts, and especially in the battle OF
Pea Ridge, these regiments have won I'm.
fading laurels. So the Third Cavalry
Joined and gallantly supported us in the
field and in battle. Subsequently the
Fourth Cavalry joined us in the field, and
has done and is doing distinguished SER
vice. Their gallant associates from sur
rounding States, will accord to the troops
of Iowa unsullied honors. Their Kindred
and country will honor themselves by a
cordial and glorious welcome when thew
return from the war.
But Iowa can only share the honors
due to the Army of the South West.
! have commanded many Of the gallant
sons that rallied at the first call, from
most OF the States and Territories Of tie
North-W West. The enterprise of the peo-
pie, so successful in the development of
this section Of our country is transferred
and rendered llustrious, by their yalor
and victories in the field. No nation
ever honored drawer, better soldiers, and
no war ever displayed such vast evolu-
tons, and in the time, SO many bloody
conflicts. Honors to their Generals arc
due to these commands, and viii inspire
new energy and excite more earnest Of.
forts in the progress of our arms.
While your soldiers are struggling in
the field, they look with pride and pleas
ure al every manifestation of united ef,
fort, to support them at home. am
glad to see this manifested in your pro-
ceedings, and in your communication to
me. Men Of all political parties, with
some of whom in former days, l have diff
fered and violently commended, unite cor
daily in this tender of distinguished hon.
ors. Ii, in the history of the world, men
should rise above their former conflicts
and prejudiccs, this is the time and occa-
sion. A great nation-our great nation
for centuries laboring to establish freq
institutions in the world, is suddenly
threatened with defeat, anarchy and des.
olation. II, at such time, we could not
relinquish personal and party prejudices,
We should despise ourselves, and posteri-
ty should scorn to honor our memory.
There is but one issue now before us.
War extinguishes all others, and l am
proud of my home because itthus casts off
old controversies, and cordially expresses
a unanimous sympathy for our cause and
our country. Iowa is intensely loyal.
The power Of representative govern
ment to maintain war to final success,
has been doubted. Impatience, dis,rust
and denuncation may be anticipated but
fortitude, patience and perseverance, must
be invoked to prevent despair and dis
grace. We must display unity in coun-
ellis as well as unity of force. Detraction
and luminosity recently manifested among
commanders, trust are only carnations
OF anger or disappointment, easily correct
ed by the proper military discipline. 1t
must be crushed out or our army will be
demoralised. Discussion and cIamor only
excite tho hot bed Of garrison gossip and
camp rumors. always prolific in romance
extravaganza. and error. The great cvo