Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1863-03-12
A Patriotic Letter from the Army of the
West.

West.
The following letter written by former
resident of Rome township, to his brother,
speaks for itself, and ought to quiet the mur-
murers and complainers of the policy Of the
Administration in the conduct of the present
war against treason and rebellion.
The writer, as will he perceived, is not an
abotionist on the contrary, be is and always
has been democrat of the 6luest stripe-nev.
ertheless he is patriot, and in favor of end.
ing the war by Weakening the rebellion by ey.
cry possible means.
While such men as Gen. BUTLER, and 9th.
ers of our patriotic soldiers, tell US that slavery
is the cause of the war and ought to be struck
down. The copperheads among US, who hiss
outinualy and are forever telling US that the
war for the suppression of Rebellion is carried
on only in the interest of the Abolitionists-to
free niggers," ought to be ashamed to show
their heads
CAMP NEAR LA FAyETTE, Tenn,
Feb. IA, 1868. I
DEAR BROTHER - We
have been encamped at this place one month.
Oar force here is the 18th, 44:h and 18th H.
inois, Company of Cavalry anu Battery of
four guns. 1t has rained good share of the
time since We arrived at this station.
We are twenty seven miles from Memphis.
Two trains come in and 90 out every day end
bring the latest news from Vicksburg and
Charleston. Our forces here are in very good
health aud in high hopes that our army of the
West will prove itself unconqnerable, under
the command Of Gen Grant now before Vicks-
burg. That bait e will tell to US whether we
are to stay another year or go hoEe. If we
win it the day is our, and the Mississippi is in
our possession II we don't take Vicksburg,
and the battle goes against Us, the war will
mot be ended.
) More troops will be called for-the negroes
armed and the Abolitonsts be made to fight
beside the negro and against him, as the South
will arm their muattoes and creoes.
If | had known that was, fighting to free
the negroes, so they would spread over the
Eastern and Western States, it would have
gone gainst my ideas of right, But such is
not the .' idea" Our Pres dent D freeing them
intenos to 1reahsn The South and take aacay
their Aelp-for most tac0 gears The South has 6esq
fed bu their slares, who were kept at home,
working and raising bread for their Army,
while their masters were fighting against Us.
Now, that is played out" and instead of
furnishing the Southern army with provisions,
the negroes are to be armed to the number
not exceeding 500, ,00O and besides this, the
President has ordered that every man through
out the Federal States, between the age OF
eighteen and forty FIVE, shall be ready aud IL
able 10 be called upon to fight.
Now, it is Of no use TO talk Of peac. with the
South at this time If the North was to ask
for peace. what would be the result 1t would
be to acknowledge ourselves whipped, and sub
init to their own terms.
Now, let our forces be united--let ns fight
for Victory and to arin.
We will plant our banner firm, and as the
Stars and Stripes float proudly over US, we
will prove to the wolld that no traitor blood
fills our veins aud no cowardice our hearts,
If we fall, it is for our country-if we live, no
finger of scorn will point US out as trdators.
| am in good health at present, and as long
as l am blest with health, the army is my
home, Con my guide-in Him | trust.
The Presid ent is our ruler, and to him we
look as to the laws of the land and in our
rifles W place great confidence as friend.
Your Brother,
J.H. MAYNARD.