Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1863-06-04
WAsHINGroN. April 8. 1863.

meeting
WAsHINGToN, April 8, 1868.
"Gentlemen Imperative demands on my
time compel me to deny myself The qualification
of attending the meeting to which you kindly
invite me-
you will meet to send words Of che er to our
brave generals and soldiers in the field to re.
buke treason in our midst, giving, in the garb
OF peace. aid and comfort to treason in the pan
oploy of war; to maintain inviollte the inter-
rity of the national territory and the SUPREMACY
of the national constitution and laws; to siren
CITIZEN TIE hands AMI nerve the heart of the Pres
ident for the great work to which G ID and the
people have called him. For what worthier
purposes can American citizens now assemble ?
"lt is my fixed faith, gentlemen, that God
does not mean that this American republic shall
perish. We are tried as by fire, but our coun-
try will live Notwithstanding all the violence,
and all the Vaccinations OF traitors and their
sympalhzers, on this or the other side of the
Atlantic, our county will live.
"And while our country lives, slavery, the
chief source, and cause. and agent OF our ills,
Wilde. Thetrends of the Union in the South,
before rebellion, predicted the destruction OF
slavery rs IA consequence ot secession, if that
madness should prevail. Nothing, in my iudg-
ment, is more certain than the fulfment of
these predictions. Safe in the states, before
rebellion, from all federal interference, slavery
has come out from its shelter, under state con-
s,itutionS and laws, to aSSail the national life
1t will surely die, pierced by its own fangs and
stings.
"What matter now how it dies? Whether
as "A consequence or object of the war what mat
ter? Is this time to split hairs of logic To
me il seems that Providence indicated clearly
enough how the end of slavery must come. 1t
comes in rebel slaves states by military order,
decree or procnmaton not to be disregarded
or set aside in any event as null;ty, but main
tanned and executed with perfect good faith to
all the enfranchised and it will come in loyal
slave states by the uacnnstrained action of the
people and their legislatures, aided freely and
generously by their brethren of the Tree states.
| may be mistaken in this but if am another
better way will be revealed.
meantime il seems to me very necessary TO
say distinctly what many yet shrink from say
ing. The American blacks must be called into
this conflict not as cattle, not now, even, as con-
trabandS, hut as men. In the free states, and
by the proclamation, in the rebel states, they
are free men. The Attorney General, in an
opinion which dees rcfutalion, has pronounced
these freemen ciIiz ms OF the United States
Let then, the example of Andrew Jackson, who
did not hesitate to oppose colored regiments to
British invasion, be now fearlessly followed
Let these blacks, ncclimated, familiar with The
country, capable Of great endurance, receive
suitable military organization, and do their part.
We need their good will, and must make them
our friends by showing ourselves their friends.
We must have them for guides, for scouts, for
all military service in camp or field for which
they are qualified. Thus employed, from bur-
den they will become support, and the haz-
ards, privations, and labors of the white sold
iers will be proporionably diminished,
"Some will object of course. There are al
ways ohjeclcrs to every thing practical. Let
experience dispel honest fears and refute cap
tious or disloyal ca,il.
"Ahoye all, gentlemen, let no doubt rest on
our resolution to sustain, with all our hearts
and with all our means, the soldiers now in
arms for the republic Let their ranks be filled
mp let theif supplies be sufficient and regular I;
let their pay he sure. Let nothing be wanting
to them which can insure activity and efficiency
Let each brave officer and man realize that his
country's love attends him, and that his coun-
lry's hopes hang upon him and, inspired by
this thought, let him dare and do all that is
possible to he dared and done.
$50, gentlemen, with the blessing OF God,
will we MAKE glorious future sure see it
rising before mellow beautiful and grand
There is not time to speak of it nowi from all
quarters of the land comes the voice of the SOW
ereign people, rebuking faction, denouncing
treason, and procaiming the indivisible unity
OF the republics and in this Heaven-inspired
union of the people, for the sake of the Union,
is the sure promise of that splendid hereafter.
"Wlth great respect, yours very truly,
S. p. CHASE.
"Hon. George Opdyke, George Griswold,
Esq. and others, Committee Of the Loyal Un-
ion League, New York"