The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1863-07-28
For the Guardian.
WINTHROP, July 18th 1863.

w lNTHRoP, JuIy lStl, 1908.
As | have only devoted my time and
attention heretofore, in chronicling the
gatherings of the Copperhead Democra-
cy, it may be out of place for me to at
tempt to give an inkling of the loyal
gathering near here last Saturday. But
still as the Copperheads have ceased to
hold their meetings, and many Of their
old adherents have joined the Union
League, and they can't get even half
bakers dozen together now to manifest
their opposition to our struggling gov
eminent for lis existence, it may not be
out of place for me to inform you of the
fact that we had good Union meeting
yesterday, which would have done the
most rsbid Copperhead credit to have at
tented. | wish, however, to state one
fact in regard to the mis- called Demo
cratic meetings that have been holden in
this vicinity, and that is, that all the
speakers have tried to mislead and dupe
their hearers in regard to their obliga-
tons TO their country and its present
government or administration. The last
fzzle they had here, was addressed by
an old Copperhead preacher, and his ad-
dress entirely used the concern up, and
many that have heretofore attended, be-
came convinced that their preachings
were wrong and reasonable, and you
may not wonder that many have Joined
the Union League, while others are anx-
lous TO do so, and some few have sworn
they would never attend another politi-
cal meeting during the. existence of Il @
war, but would as loyal citizens, do their
duty to their country, their God, and
themselves. If Copperhead gatherings
can effect such change in public senti-
ment, may | not honestly enquire what
few public meetings would do, holden
by the honest loyal men OF the country,
to restore healthy loyalty and patriotism
never be ore evinced since this unholy
rebellion broke out But when the PEG
pie in the rural districts leave their shops,
their hayfields, and harvest fields, to at
tend discussion of the political and mil
liary events of their country, it is Ger
iainly an indication that patriotism is su-
perior to self interest. This fact was du
ly illustrated at the meeting held at the
school house. near Esquire Brooks. on
Saturday last, in Byron Township, by
the large gathering there assembled to
hear Mr.. Hart and Mr.. Godfrey discuss
the matters at issue between slavery and
freedom, or rather between negro arts
tocracy and genuine freedom as illustra-
ted by the people of the North and the
South. About 200 people were in at
tendance, and MS most of them came from
their harvest fields. you may believe
they were actuated by no sinister mo-
tives. Esquire Brooks was elected chair
man, and Mr.. Hart opened the meeting
by one of his logical and historical
speeches, which is so well calculated 10
carry the convictions Of the hearers with
the conclusions of the speaker. He dem
onstrated to the satisfaction Of every one
that heard him, that this rebellion was
conceived in sin and iniquily by the ne
gro shareholders. long before Mr. Lin
coin was elected, and that his election
was only an excuse. but not a reality.
The speech was more historical than
logical, tracing the incendiary inception
OF the rebellion from the days Of Calhoun
up to the time it reared its spotted head
IN its vile attack on Fort Sumter, which
was only a eGnsummation Of wickedness,
long before decided on by our lofdly ar
lstocratic brethren oflhe Southern States.
Mr.. Hart is Democrat of the Douglas
school and very wildly pictured 10 us
he renegades Of that party who are now
preaching treason and rebellion both |
North aud South There is no use of /
ny trying to give a synopsis Of his
peeoh, as that would be superfluous, but
will mention the fact that be spoke for