Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-02-18
ooRRssposDEJcg OF rrss..7usyA- y

| Near w hite Oak Church Va. Feb -63.
Mr.. EDfroR - Dear Sir You will much o.
blige me, by giving space in your paper to
the following epistle. in answer to letter
pul'shed in the Republican some time ago
though have bat faint IDA of its contents.
as was Informed of ii through letter from
home | will write in plain, clear language,
that it may be understood by my friends in
sold Clea,feld.''
That letter was written by a citizen of
Ciearheld county, now in the army. He terms
himselfa "Republican"-I denominate my
seifa Democrat. He speaks of being "urged
into the army as the war would soon be over''
i joined the army because felt it my duty
as citizen of this great Republic. He says
''the army is Democratic''-I say it is NOT
except the leaders, who Democrats. 1t
should be made up of Democrats. Our compa-
ny numbered eighty five men--ien of them
we're Democrats, and the remainder were Re-
| pubiicans. The ra ito OF the regiment is about
the same that of the company, and the ar
my in general, believe.
Ycu may ask - Why should the army be
made up of Democrats | answer-because
they caused the war; and by the same should
1t be settled. How did they cause the war
| answer in plain language-by a neglect of
duty on the part of the Administration of
which James Buchanan was the head How
& I'd he neglect his duty officer By al
lowing seven States 10 secede from the Union
before the 4th OF March, 1861 at which time
his term of office expired--and. indeed, in
various other ways. This war is conducted on
Democratic principles Says one--how is
this carried on on Democratic principle
| Because the term Democratic signifies, that
the majority shall rule on all occasions. Thus,
! you see, the war is a Democratic one--one
based on Democratic principles. Yet many
than all they are not willing to let the majori-
ty rule. Was not President Lincoln elected by
an overwhelming majority ? Yes answers ev-
cry true heart. Then why not sustain him ,one
and all, Democrats ana Republicans, as long al
he does right7 Some may say, he does not
do right. say, he does Why does he not
do right, or, wherein has he done wrong By
liberating the slaves of the South There is
just where be does right Has not the Ad
minis,ratlon right to resort TO any means in
its power in such emergency as this If
you would remove disease would you not re-
move the cause also ? While we crush the
Rebellion let US crush the cause with it (! say
that slavery is in the way of our success, in
various ways; and by the time you have SOL
diered as long as l have, you can see it too.
In the first place, while the whole South is in
hnSfita .I,
to the domestic affairs of their masters, and
at work on fortifcations--and, indeed, some
are in arms against us. By taking away their
slaves (four milions) we take away their wealth,
strength, and, what is better than all, weak en-
their ranks aud strengthen ours. How does the
taking away of the slaves weaken their ranks
II the negroes were taken away who would be
families ana TO prov de tor them II o one
Then in this way it would reduce them in
strength, as the slaves places would have to
be filled by the soldiers who are now in arms
against us. And again, we can form the male
blacks into line of battle to fight their traitor
masters. 1t is my opinion that they would
make good sold iers if commanded by white
will be the case if they are
brought into the tield at all.
The towards of the North may cry peace
peace ! but there is no peace, SO long as trai-
tors are in arms against the Government.
The war is in progress, aud if some of those
Draw lers don't have to come and take turn
IN the army, they may feel glad. Let this be
the motto of every Northern man.--''Liberty
and Union nd fora md
rable. Yours. LIS.