Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-04-22
A Soldiers opinion of HON, Traitors

ASoldiers opinion of Home Traitors.
The following is an extract from let
ter from Henry Townsend, soldier from
Johnston. in this county, to George HILL
Esq, of that place.
HOSPITAL No Is. NASHVILLE.
- Tennessee, March 22d 1868.
Respected SIr:-Your letter of the 18th
has come to hand this morning. for which
accept thanks. That shall be able to
satisfy your wishes in giving satisfactory
answers TO all the important questions
you proposed is | fear more than | can
hope. Still having had considerable
means of learning the sentiments ofmany
from different divisions, composing the
army of this department, | may state
what are the convictions, gather from
this information. That is, that whatever
means shall appear necessary for the over
throw of the rebellion, will at once be
accepted, and that it is the interchangeable
determination to conquer at any cost, Cop
perheads at home Notwithstanding, and that
the whole army look upon them as IN
naitigated cOacards, and unprincipled fools,
unworthy of the privileges Of Freemen,
and unfit to occupy any positions in the
gift of Freemen. In regard to the proc
lamation, /" the opinion at first was diyid-
ed, many thinking that it amounted to
nothing, but now that its-benefcial opeI-
T l..
that of approval, in regard to it. 1t has
been one of the most effectual measures
of the war.
First in its terrifying effects on the reb-
el, and second in its happy effects in
determining the sentiment of England
in our favor; and thirdly, in showing to
the world that in America, there Is a SEN |
timent that understands the necessity of
this question as part of the system nee
essary for a free Government.
The question of an armistice belongs
solely TO the towards in the North. even |
the rebels taunt them with it. As regards |
the question offighting with negroes, there |
is some prejudice. Instances were known |
however, in the Stone River fight, where |
negroes picked up guns and fell into the
ranks, and fought as bravely as any sol
dier-no one objected to this, and if
Brigade of Africans were ready in time |
of danger, and should prove successful
in turning the tide in our favor, it would |
be all right then. We employ them in
every other capacity, they drive our
teams, cook our victuals, help build our
Notifications, and now that the rebels are
using them in the ranks, all prejudice
will give way, and | believe the folly of
it soon be demonstrated. / do not know
that there are any negro troops in this
department, in others. they are a success.
Let me assure you that the Conscription
Act Is the only proper course to augment
the ranks now, for while the friends of
the Union and Freemen had volunteered
for the maintenance of the privileges, not
only OF ourselves, but of those who re-
main at home, while they, the Copper
heads have turned upon US, and stabbed |
us in the back. Let the ungrateful
wretches come TO do little for them
selves, and then perhaps they will know
how to appreciate such privileges here
after. You spoke of Elections: do the
best you can now, and in what YOU fail.
it shall in future day not far distant.
believe, be corrected. / hope such
capital as you speak Of will not only be
at a discount, but utterly worthless
There are many Democrats in the army
but let me assure the Copperheads who'
claim kinship with them, that they are
another race entirely, and this they will
discover at no distant day l have form
ed some acquaintance with Union citizens
in this place, who have learnt to hold in
utter distrust all bearing the name of
democrat North or South, men who have
been in daily expectation of death by the
hands of their neighbors, during the reign !,
of secession here, and they know full we'll I
that the object Of the leaders is TO estab- /
lIsh different form of Government, and
to what party SAY they do they belong?
Why. the Democratic party. And who
are their supporters, North? why Demo :
Gratis Then what do Democrats intend /
to do? why to overthrow Democracy, the a
Government of the people, and now to
be choice in your reading, and if you find
the Enquirer dangerous, let me advise o
you, as Gen. Mitchell did Rosecrans, that Q
you viii prohibit its circulation within =
par lines. We have reports of fighting in
front yesterday; an important time is at
hand. This is one of the death struggles h
of the vile thing, We have unbounded il