Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1863-10-16

General Polk's Farewell Address to his
Corps.
The following address was issued by
Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk, on being re-
lieyed Of his command BY Gen. Bragg:
TO the Officers and ,Stldters,
Of Folks Corps.
HEADaRs PoLK's CoRps, Tenn.
Missionary Ridge.
September both 1868
In consequence Of an unfortunate disa-
greement between myself and the Comman-
der-in-Chief of this Department, I have
been relieved CT my command, and am
about to retire from the army Without
attempting to explain the circumstances Of
this disagreement or prejudicing the public
mind, by premature appeal to its judge
ment. | must be permitted to express my
unqualified conviction Of the rectituae of
my condnct, and that time ard investiga-
ton will amply vindicate my act on the field
Of the Chickamauga.
cannot, however, part even temporarily
with the gallant officers aud soldiers Of my
old corps without the deepest feeling Of re-
greet, aud heartfult expression Of my graf
itude for the courage, conduct and deyo-
ton they have always manifested while I'M
der my command.
Belmont, Shiloh. Perryville, Murfrees-
boro' and Chickamauga, all attest on your
part the very highest soldierly qualities,
aud are crowded with precious memories.
Contendng with numerous. well APP
pointed and merciless enemy, for ali that
man holds dear, you have borne unezampled
privations With fortitude, fought with IN
dauntea bravery, and ever yielded a ready
and cheerful obedience t. your officers.
Soldiers WHO struggle in such cause
and with such Tearts .can never be con
quered." Clouds ard darkness may en-
shroua you for a time, but the sunlight Of
the future is bright and glowing, the blood
Of patriots is never SHED il vain, and cur
final victory is certain and assured.
Whoever commands you, my earnest ex
hortation and request to you is, to fight on
and fight ever with true hearts until your
Independence is achieved Thousands Of
hearts may fall crushed and bleeding under
the weapons OF the foe or the passions or
mistakes of friends, but the great cause
must never be sacrificed, or our flag aban
doned Our cause is just, and your duty
TO your country and God is as clear as the
sun in heavens.
| leave my command in the care Of the
bravest of the brave, who has often led
them in the darkest hour Of their trials; lie
and you will have my hopes and prayers to
the Ruler Of the Universe, for your happi-
ness and success. Your kindness, devotion
and respect for me, exhibited during tie
years Of our association, both in camp and
on the field, is craven on my heart, and
will be treasured there until it ceases to
beat
Your friend,
[signed]
7 Polk,
IieutenantsG eneral
The Chattanooga Rebel, referring to this
address. says:
The warrior churchman never wrote a
more eloquent document. We learn from
those who were present that his parting
from his military family, to which he was
indeed father, was affecting in the ex-
IRENE. Tears bedimmed many an eye and
trickled down many a cheek which had not
bleached in battle. We must confess that
the film gathers in our own as we read the
last greeting Of the old hero to bis troops
It is so simple. true and direct Itappeals
10 ~ Al
nauinity, the manhood, the deep devotion
and the undyng spirit of one of TIE hes
soldiers the South has sent into the field
For the compliment paid the gallant Chea
than, who remains in command of thu
corps as the senior Major General, all Tenn
esseeans must be grateful.
We trust the matters in dispute will be
speedily arranged, and that the country
will not be deprived the services Of so use
full an arm Of the Western campaign a
Gen Polk. whose fidelity, courage and
great talents justly entitlc him to the uni
ycrsal confidence and affection oftbe nation
state OF the Political A tfnosphere
iii Ohio.
Politics are running high in Ohio 'Th,
Chicago Times, Of the 21st September
gives the following special dispatch, Of th'
| 10Th, from Cincinnati
An immense Democratic mass meetin.
was held in Carthage to-day, to bear
great speech from Voorhees,, Of indiana =
Tonight an equally great meeting was hol'
IN Fifth streetmarke place. to hear speed
from Judge BARLEY.
At Lebanon, yesterday, as Democratic
procession was moving through the streets
Republicans we're insolent and threw stones
The Democracy rallied, and enc Republi
can was shot dead. The excitement in lie
banon IS very great, and further bloodshee
is anticipated
At Deericld, to day, a Republican nam.
ed Thump was shot dead by Democra
named Lucas.
Az Eaton. to-day, a very large meeting
was held. One thousand ladies and gentle
men were on horseback. AS part Of the
procession was passing the depot, an indis-
eri1einate attack was commenced by throw.
ing stones into the procession. The De-
mocracy dismounted from their horses and
out of their wagons aud took after the crowd
which fed A delegation from Camden was
interrupted by the Republicans Of the place,