Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1863-04-30
Letter from MIR. Chase.


The following is correct copy of the let
ter of Mr.. Chase to the Loyal National League
in response to their invitation to attend the
Sumter meeting:
| WASHINGTON, APRIL 9, 1868.
Gentlemen Imperative demands on my
time compel me to deny myself the gratif-
cation of attending the meeting to which you
kindly invite me.
You will meet to send words of cheer to
our brave generals and soldiers in the field
to rebuke treason in our midst. giving, in
the garb of peace aid and comfort to treas
on i'll the panoply of war; to maintain invi-
olato the integrity of the national consttu-
ton and laws; to strengthen the hands and
nerve the heart of the President for the great
work to which God and the people have
called him. For what worth er purposes
can American citizens now assemble?
1T is my fixed faith, gentlemen, that God
does not mean that this American Republic
snail perish. We are tried as by fire, but
our country will live. Notwithstanding all
the violence and all the Vaccinations of trait
ors and their pathizers, on this or the
other side Of the Atlantic, our country will
live
And while our country lives, slavery, the
the chief source, and cause, and agent of our
ills, will die. The friends of the Union in
the South, before rebellion, predicted the de-
st-uction OF slavery as a consequence of Sc
cession, if that madness should prevail
Nothing, in my judgement, is more certain
than the fulfillment of these predictions
Safe in the states, before rebellion, from all
federal interference, slavery has come out
from its shelter, under state constitutions and
laws, to assail the national life. 1t will sure
ly die, pierced by its own fangs and stings.
what matter now how it dies? Whcth-
er as consequence or object Of the war
what matter? Is this a time to split hairs of
logic? To me it seems that Providence ndi-
Gated clearly enough how the end Of slave
ny must come. 1t comes in rebel slave states
by military order, decree or proclamation;
not to be disregarded or set aside in any
event as nullity, but maintained and exc
cuted with perfect good faith to all the en-
franchiSed; and it will como in loyal slave
states by the unconstrained action of the
people and their legislatures, aided freely and
generously by their brethren of the free
states | may be mistaken in this, but if
am another better way will be revealed.
Meantime it seems to me very necessary
to say distinctly what many yet shrink from
saying. The American blacks must be called
into this conflict, not as cattle, not now, even
as contrabands, but 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 dcfes refuta-
ton, has pronounced these freenIen citizens
Of the United Slater. Let, then, the cX I'M
pie os Andrew jackson, who did not hcs-
tate to oppose coiorcd regiments to British
invasion, be now fearless,y followed Lei
these blacks, acclimated, familiar with the
country, capable Of great endurance, receive
suitable military organization, and do their
pa,t. We ueed their good will and II ust
max them our friends by showing ourselves
their friends. We must have them for guides
for scouts, for all military service in campo
field for which they are qualified. Thus en-
p!oyed, from burden they will become
support, and the hazards, prvations, and la
bo's Of the white soldiers will be proportion
ably diminished.
Some will object, of course. There are
always objecto,s to everything practical. Let
experience llspel honest fears and refuc cap
tons or disloyal cavi.
Above al, gcplIencn, let no doubt rest on
oLr resolution surtain, with all our hearts
ana with all our means, the soldiers now in
arms FOR the republic. Let their ranks be
! filled up; let their supplies be sufficient and
Argular; let their pay he sure. Let nothing
be wanting to them which can insure activ-
ity aud efficiency. Let each brave officer and
man realize tina. his untrys love attends
him, and that his countrys hopes haug upon
him: and, inspired by this thought let linn
dase aad do all that is possible to be dared
and done.
50 gentlemen, with the blessing Of God
will we make Il glorious future sure. | see
It rising before mellow beautiful and grand!
| There is not time to speak of it now; but
from all quarters of the Land comes the voice
Oh the sovereign people, rebuking faction, de-
uounciug treason, and proclaiming the ndi-
visible unity of the rrpnhlic. and in this
llcaven-inspired union OF the people. for the
sake of the Union, is the sure promise Of
that splendid hereafter.
with great respect, yours very truly,
S. ?. CHASE.
Hon. George Opdyke, George Griswod Esq.
and Others. Committee of the Loyal Ma
tional League, New York
In a private letter accompanying the above
Mr.. Chase uses the following words, the lat
ter of which may well be adopted as a motto
by every Loyal National League in the
land:
What said thq Roman orator when Gait
line armed against his country: Set what
each man thinks concerning the Republic
| be inscribed upon his forehead