Litchfield enquirer., 1862-01-16
WHOLE NO. 1911

stronger guard is found. It seemed to me, as l passed along over the route had so often eraveled m peace, that it was a very sad thing | that these military occupations" should be nec- essary under the most benefcient government ood ever vouchsafed to the human race. And when one considers tho cause of this wicked, civil war; the desire on the part of the rebels to extend slavery, he feels greater discoutent. His discontent is increased when he considers the evident fact that in the prosecution of this war, the national government seems to have Q more tender regard for the interests of her war servi- tude, than the rebels themselves. The rebels use the slaves as the right arm of the rebellion.- They raise the crops, dig the trenches, make the forts SCOUT, and even carry the guns Of the more effemnate rebels, till the hour of battle, when for a brief and sudden charge, it will not do for us to undervalue their courage and prowess.- The rebels freely use the negroes, they are their sole reliance. We hesitate to use the same--the most potent weapon of defence against southern outrage ard aggression, to end quietly, success fully and finally, this most sacriligi0us war; England says in scorn and defiance, the North ern party are more effective in the defence of Slavery. than the shareholders themselves. And why, in such case, should it's government be restrained from breaking the blockade, and say.
 ing from starvation three or four millions of its population by supplying them with cotton for manufacture? From the outset, it has been evi- dent, that England meant to interfere in this war. It desires to avenge old public and secret sorrows. l verify believe, we will have war with her within 90 days, cause or no cause, If we do not conclude to prosecute our war against the rebels, as though we meant to hurt them, and not listlessy to lie on the banks of the Potomac. Such was the view of every intelligent man met on my journey. The rebels have from the first been acknowledged by foreign powers as begerents. It would seem they have proved themselves sufficiently belligerent. and in Heay- ems name, why not treat them as though we con- sidered them belligcrent! It can only be because we are afraid ace shall hurt Mem. In my judg. lnent, if we do not speedily get over this fear, we run imminent risk of being defeated. Ihave great confidence in the government but these views force themselves upon me.
 had the pleasure of extended conversations with many of the prisoners just released from Richmond They, one and all. agree that the rebels are terribly in earnest The women are more zealously disloyal than the men. No mild measures will ever bring them to better mind. The view of the prisoners is, that a general act confsca,ing all property of the rebels, had not better be passed, for if they do, all is lost they will fight till they are killed, or "driven into Texas, and the Gulf Mexico" If the generals of our advancing armies proclaim that all, who will return to their loyalty, and within our lines, shall be restored to their lands and houses, and shall be protected by our government large num- bers, perhaps majority, would almost immedi- ately return to their allegiance, as fast as our outposts should be advanced This view seems to be philosophical, and probably correct. They think, however, the negroes, their great defence, should be confscatcd.
 It is necessary to have pass from the Pro- vost Marshal at Washington, to cross the Poto- mac and go within our lines. There were so many applicants that had to stand there three hours in the crowd, before my turn came to be examined as to my loyalty. They are very strict ln regard to passes now, and very properly so. Golng over the Long Bridge, passed far within our lines, and observed the condition of our de- i fences, but l suppose the restrictions of my pass,' do not allow particular description of our Notifications. Suffice it to say, that had no idea of their perfection and strength before seeing them fully. 1 believe that 5O,OO0 men placed in the l8 forts near Washington, could successfully defend it against every soldier in the rebel army. deem it impossible to take the city. The only question remaining is, can we any better take Manassas and Richmoudf As we have quarter of million of men in and around Washington, 1 think we can. Let 50,- 900 men take care of Washington, and let the 2O0,0OO advance. Probably, they will soon do so, but Gen. Mcclellan wisely keeps his own counsel aud 80 we do not know what will be done. l am glad he is able to do so, in these treacherous times. AS an instance of the recti. cence of the General, an Ex- Member of Congress of this State, told me in New York on my return, that he had conversation with him few weeks ago, and asked him some questions, US follows:
 Hoy long will this war last?" That will depend very much upon result of the next bat tle." Will your army advance '" |" It will not go into winter quarters" "When will you ad. l vance ?" Not till l get ready" These an- swers are sufficiently opaque, but nevertheless cheering.
 I saw all the Woodbury boys on the west side of thc>Potomac, and found them doing excellent service. The " Woodbury Valley Rife O." in Col. Ferrys regiment, was lately detailed to cross the Potomac, and destroy the mill near Dam No. 5, used by the rebels as cover while trying to destroy the dam-which duty it suc. cessfully accomplished. It was also engaged in the late skrmish near Hancock.
 Having written you long letter I close ab. ruptly. Yours truly.
 W. c. CorHRIs.