The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1862-09-27

| KEoKuK, Sept. 10, 1862.
GENNLENEN:- Your offer of some publi
expression of my friends and neighbors to
wards me, on the occasion Of my arriva
from Arkansas, is most thankfully received
but respectfully declined.
I have leave of absence to attend the Pa
cific Railroad Convention, and secure few
days of rest and repose. Since the com
mencement of this unfort innate war, hav,
been constantly in the field AMI have trav
ersed country broad as Europe, Away.
close upon the enemy, and my command
believe to have achievedimperishable honors
While have reason to be proud of such .
command, EN- glad to see the people of my
own home so generous in the expressions Of
applause. This manifestation of welcome
to the commander of such an army, is com
pliment to them which they will appreciate
and am glad to acknowledge.
You have referred 70 my departure as thu
Colonel Of the gallant Second Iowa. How
gloriously that regiment has honored the
State, and how often my heart has thrilled
with joy at the tidings of her success
The Fourth and Ninth Iowa Infantry &C
companied me on my long and weary cam
paign through Missouri and Arkansas. In
pursuit of the enemy, in many conflicts, and
especially in the battle of Pea Ridge, these
regiments have won unfading laurels. So
the Third Cavalry joined and CALAMITY sup
ported us in the field and in battle. Suisse
quantity the Fourth Cavalry joined us in the
field, and has done and is doing distinguish
ed service. Their gallant associates from
surrounding States, will accord to the troops
of Iowa unsuied honors. Their kindred
and country will honor themselves by a cor
dial and glorious welcome when they 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 sTerritories of the North
West. The enterprise of the people, so
successful in the development of this section
of our country is transferred and rendered
illustrious, by their yalor and victories in
the field. No nation ever honored drawer,
better soldiers, and no war ever displayed
such vast evolutions, and in the time, so
many bloody conflicts. Honors to their
Generals are due to these commands, and
will inspire new energy and excite more
earnest efforts in the progress of our arms
While your soldiers are struggling in the
field, they look with pride and pleasure at
every manifestation of united effort, to sup
port them at home. am glad to see this
manifested in your proceedings, and in your
communication to me. Men Of all political
parties, with some of whom in former days,
l have differed and violently contended,
unite cordially in this tender ofdistinguished
honors. If, in the history Of the world, men
should rise above their former conflicts and
prejudices, this is the time and OCCASION
A great nation-our great nation-for CEN
turtles laboring to establish free institutions
in the world, is suddenly threatened with
defeat, anarchy and desolation. If, at such
a time, we could not relinquish personal and
party prejudices, we should despise ourselves,
and posterity should scorn to honor our
memory.
There is but one issue now before u.s.
War extingu,shes all others, and | am proud
of nv home because it thus casts off old
controversies, and cordially expresses a
unanimous sympathy for our cause and ON
country Iowa is intensely loyal.
The power ola representative government
to maintain war to a final success, has beer
doubted. Impatience, distrust and denun
citation may be anticipated; but fortitude
patience and perseverance must be invoked
to prevent despair and disgrace. We must
display unity in councils as well as unity o.
force. Detraction and animosity recently
manifested among commanders, trust are
only emanations ofanger or disappointment
easily corrected by the proper military dis
cipline. 1t must be crushed ont or on,
army will be demoralized. Discussion and
clamor only excite the hot bed of garrison
gossip and camp runors, always prolific III
romance, extravaganza, and error. Thu
great evolutions of our forces and the posi-
tons of Generals are controlled by the Presi
dent, Secretary Of War, and General com
handing. This Trinity must act as unit
Fortunately the men filling these places arr
worthy of the confidence of the whole coun
try including the army.
If there be among the subordinate Gene
rails, including myself, those who are unfi
for their positions, I invoke and expec
prompt removal, and the public may res
the matter with those whose position gives
} them power to determine facts.
!. Silence and secrecy are essential elements
of military power, and the press and people
should participate in efforts to maintain
these and all other means of success. The
existence of war involves every member o
society in new obligations and duties. The
liberty of the people so extensively enjoyed
in time of peace in republican government
must for the restoration Of peace be restrain
ed in tune of war. While your brothers
and sons are in your armies. you must co
operate, encourage and support them By