The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1863-03-06
Army Correspondence.
YoUNa's PoINT. LOUISIANA
February 4, 1868.

unteers was organized. and having an ex-
tended circulation 10 the 5tt Congressional
District, where tho men Of the regiment
! were enlisted. ask place in is columns
to mention subject of vital importance to
the interest of that regiment. TO all regi-
ments raised in that district. and to every
patriot in the country. l do not propose
to discuss party politics, nor TO make charges
of disloy ality against any man or party
But, when .ay that the strifes, and divi-
sions, which have recently SO feartully &c
veloped themselves, among the people OF
Indiana, and of the eLtire North. has been
productive of immense evil in the army,
but utter a truth, well known, and felt by
every officer and soldier in it. have been
on constant duty in the army since the war
FIRST begun / have acted in different ca
pacities. and been connected with different
regiments, and in nearly all the departments
Of the army. and have had good opportuni-
ties OF observing the course of sentiment.
and feeling among tie soldiers. During
the FIRST twelve months, politics in the army
was unknown. Republicans. and Demo
Gratis alike. knew nothing but united de-
terminal 10 strike down the rebellion,
and preserve country they all loved SO
well. Then the people at home, actuated
by one sentiment. and one voice, wrote
nothing but encouraging letters to soldiers
Then every page of soldiers letter glowed
with patriotic, and fervent devotion to the
great cause of his country. Fathers and
mothers, brothers and sisters, wives. and
sweethesrts, We'd with each other. in urging
the soldier to his duty. Soldiers talked OF
nothing but their burning anxiety to meet
the enemies of the Union. There were no
ifs and buts then. Oh those we're the
DAYS Of our chivalry. Then the heart OF
tho soldier beat high with hope. Then the
officer ielt that he was at the head of a band
of heroes, actuated BY one holy emotion.
without single discord to mar the impend
ing triumph Bnt suddenly feeling of
dissatisfaction, and opposition TO our cause,
grew up among the people of the North
whether from just cause or not. leave to
others to discuss, | speak only of facts
Gradually the tone Of the public press
changed, and with it the tone Of public SEN
timent at home. Instead OF letters filled
with encouragement, and patriotism.
stream Of complaints, murmurings, and dis
sensions began to pour in upon US. The
soldier, already tired, and detained from
home already longer. than he first expected.
ard somewhat discouraged by the silly
Encouragement of some of our Generals.
was ready to drink in this stream of incipi
ent treason, without dreaming of the result
Then the elections came, party stlifes run
high, flood of treason began TO pour into
the army through partisan papers, and
private letters. until the whole army was in !!
a state Of decentralization. Then the State
Legislature mbled, and these party
auarrels grew more violent. and OPEN
Men Of doubtful patriotism all over the
State, either by concert OF action, or EN-
boldened by the sentiments of their leaders,
began to write to their sons, brothers, ana
acauainta an ces in the army letters filled with
direst treason. In my regiment hundreds
of letters are received from persons in the .
5th District, advising soldiers to desert, if
not openly. indirectly. Its an abolition
war" :. the people are all against the war"
eve won't fight no longer for niggers."
"tLe South are right" 1--WE had rather
whip New England" we can't whip the
rebels" no more volunteers can be raised
here F" the people won't let any more de-
serters be arrested here" all the boys Of
other regiments are at home,' Lincoln is .
played out" y" Morton has gone up" off,
GERS get pay regular. privates don't get any
more pay come home and we will get you ,
discharge" and such like sentiments, are
now coming down the Mississippi in
stream. Such is The case in all the regi.
ments. The consequence is a growing dis
satisfaction, disposition TO falter and grum-
BILE. Actual and threatened assertions -
The above expressions are repeated by the
soldiers, and discussed in the quarters
There may be grounds for complaint against
the conduct Of the war, l fear there is, and
a ceusure from the friends of the govern
ment, expressed in loyal way would
doubtless be of service. But the present
contest at home, unless it cease will utterly
den oralize, the army. But how is this to
be remedied, the patriot asks. As to the
management of political treason at home. |
have remedy to propose. But il tie
loyal people desire ever 10 see this rebellion
crushed. they must help to preserve the
army. How can they do this
There is great want Of proper public
sentimen. on the subject of deserion Eve
nv city, town, and county is crowded, with
soldiers, in the pay of the government,
who are sneaking, and skulkng from daty.
While their comrades are lighting the bat
lies Of the country. they are at home With
their mothers. Some Of these men are bold,
open deserters, others are OH expired fur
loughs. others are pretending sickness. but
all BY law are deserters. The consequence
Is that no Indiana regiment can muster for
duty, over 500, or 600 men. These 500
have to perform the duties OF the other 500
skulkers 10 addition to their own. Is it a,
wonder that we become discouraged. We
reason thus: " II all those fellows at home
are TO be well received and have As mueh