The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1863-03-18
The Union Meeting at Bryan---Letter
from Hon, J. Nj. Ashley.
HOUSE or REPRESENTATIVES,,
~ No .,

wAsmxoroS, d. c., Feb. 20, 1863.
GENTLEMEN: Your letter, inviting me TO
be present and address mass meeting of
the unconditional friends of the Union, the
Administration A and its policy, on the II st of
March, at Bryan, is just received.
| accept your invitation with pleasure,
and shall bo happy to meet and exchange
viows with the loyal citizens of Williams,
who 80 nobly and generously sustained the
President and his Proclamation of Enamel
patton last fall in our bitter Congressional
contest.
Now that the policy of Emancipation is
declared by the Government to bo ncces-
sity, let ALL of whatever former party, who
are willing to unite with us in demanding
it's faithful execution be cordially invited
to corporate in compelling the uncondi-
tional surrender of every rebel conspirator,
and in securing the political defeat and con-
demnation Of all Northern traitors and dis
organizers, who are plotting to effect cow
ardly and dishonorable peace, which will
either divide the country or reinstate the
slave oligachv upon the ruins of the Re-
public Let all come, who as patriots, can
! forget past party divisions and unto for
such restoration OF the Union as shall SO
cure liberty and protection by extending
| the Constitution, with all its power, unity and
! Justice over every American citizen, what
over,hs nationality and wherever ho dwells,
on tho land or on tho sea- under our ma
tiona ensign. Such Union will give us
victory over enemies at home and traitors
in the South, simply because it will be Il
union of principle. A political "uiion for
the sake of tie Union," will not do. We
have tried that, and learn, to our sorrow,
that it means only union for the spoils of
olicc-a union that will bring us defeat in
tho army and Mt hone-such defeats as we
have had and justly too, beause it was n
union without principle. Let every patrl.
otic citizen rally around the old flag, the
Government, and tho party which il fighting
to maintain them. Let no loyal man be de-
ceivcd, for there can be but two leading
parties whilo this terrible conflict lasts
, one u party representing freedom, union
and war-the other, whatever its profession
Il party representing slavery, disunion and
peace--the former representative of pat
riotsm and manhOod-thc latter Of toryism
, and cOwardcc-the one composed of the
invinciblC Union army in the field and III
supportors-the other, OF the Norcherl
: allies of Southern traitors
Tho men aud the parties which attempt
| to occupy the middle ground, will he crush
cd like gain between the upper and meth
: er milstone Either Slavery or FREEDOM
: must come out Of this conflict victor. Their,
/, can he no compromis, and must be no peace
y while there is robel in arms. Let every
earnest man take solemn oath before God
that, come what will, there shall be no di
Il vision of tho Republic while one loyal maj
survives.
| five go into battle with such n union
and such high resolves God will give us
victory over the enemy on the battle iiclC
Il and at the ballot.bOX. | know that all dt
not feel w | do, and have felt from the frs
II about this matter aui that many will fine
fault with mo for qtterlns thcso scntiWents
, who. two years ago, found fault with me tQ
u urging the policy which the Government ha'
Al at last adopted; but whatever may be tn,
g course of others, will not remain silent
i. luur men OF policy, in all revolutions, N,
cowarIs i thcir GoNlIscIs shpuIi lrc'a,
II with us, the nation would be lost l'rac
ticslv. this conflict will ubligc lis to tax,
sides with tresdom or slavery. Our he
!. ruic soldiers, IN the field comprehend this
=, and have already decided Tor freedom
! Tho men who at home alu sill hating, an
J. moral and political towards and Ilunkies o
c the nation, or what is worse, under TIT
O guse of loyalty, the secret enemies of tn,
Government If such men are permitted
longer tc load in the army or at home, w
shall he defeated as we have hoen, hotl
10 upon the battle i,sld a,d AZ ,he baIlqt-bqA
4, God grant that Ohio may never again h
Q dissracod AZ sho was IN the political con
y test last fall
N am rcjoiccd to sec, that, all over tn
n country Union meetings, such as you pre-
4 pose, are being called to unite the uncor
, ditonal loyal men of the uation IN an orgar
y ization to sustain tho GVvernmcnt, aud on
l. brave brothers in the army, and overwhelr
lc aud defeat the schemes or all Northern trh
4 tors and compromiscrs.
"So olhef nag shalI over A'at above oNr hon,es
graves,
he Save yonder blazing banner that Nuucrs DER OF
10 braves.
TO u bear that banner proudly up, Young warrio
OF the land,
nd With hearts OF love and arms of faith, and mo
he than iron hand.
i. Down with the Northern rcmcgadcs and Join o.
IL sAilAgt Ia,s
+, In rearing high in victory our glorious Stripes Al
IT, Stars
70, Your fellow citizen
ST J. NJ, ASHLEY.
To c. W. Mallory, W. 4. liuuter, J.