The Portland daily press., 1863-02-19
The Soldier NOT shOrn of his Rights as a
Citizen-Lctter from a Portland volun.

HEADQUARTERS 6rH MAINE BATTERY
Dumfries, Va, Feb IL, 1858.
To the Editor Of the Press:
In looking over the Augusta Age, paper
promptly received In camp, first saw that
highly truthful and patriotic letter from Gen.
eral Howard; man whom we all delight to
honor as fearless soldier, and noble and
christian citizen. l was extremely paiued mp
on reading the structures made by the editor
OF the Age upon the Generals gallant appeal
to his countrymen.
Knowing what powerful feeling pervades
the entire army respecting the stand taken by
the opposition to the Administration, doubt
not General Howard, moved by his overflow
ing patriotic devotion, and aware of the all
powerful influence Of the press, felt it to be
his duty to do even more in furtherance Of
the great cause which is ever uppermost in
every loyal soldiers heart, and so wrote his
letter to the editor of the Times.
do not wish to make any issue with the
editor of the Age, but being a Union soldier
myself, and sharing the same feeling which,
doubt not, prompted General Howard to write
ASeeNAs Spf CcShkhS VIC uuuAoACt Idtlh III
the army, and not so well paid as General
Howard, cannot let the opportunity pass with
out raising my voice in defence of the Gener-
ais position, being well assured from my own
observation, of the truth and justice of his re-
marks. Many persons believe that, because
we have enlisted to fight the enemies Of our
country on the bloody field, we lose our rights
of citizenship. II is not so. On the other
hand, we claim it only proves more strongly
how worthy we are TO be citizens of this Great
Republic, and TO have the same privilege to
write as to fight. We enlisted to put down the
rebellion; but we took the oath to oppose all
enemies Of our country, wheresoever or whom
soever they might be, and believing that in
many instances s'the pen Is mightier than the
sword" we claim the right to use either, or
both In defence Of our country.
1t is very well for an editor to sit in his
the Government, and of its war measures; but
does he ever pause and think of the response
bilities resting upon him, or the consequences
of such articles, and their effect In all points?
Does he know that not only the citizen of the
North, but the citizen of the South, and the
citizen soldier in the armies of the Union,
read those articles, and that they WELD vast
influence upon all who peruse them, for good
or for evil? Does be remember that we are
an army Of citizens, capable Of judging and
forming our own opinions, and that those
opinions are based upon what we see, hear, and
read? Does he ever think that by condemn
ing the policy and management of the war, he
discourages the patriot soldier on the eve of
battle, causing distrust OF the government,
and consequently INSTRUMENTATION, thereby
jeopordizing not only the welfare of the ar
my, but the safety OF the cause for which we
fghtf Does he ever think Of these things?
/ fear not. do not want to believe there are
men in the North who write knowingly for
this purpose.
1t is said that the battle Of Fredericksburg
was lost for want Of energy and dash on the
part Of our troops. Can any one wonder at
the want of vitality in the army, when we are
constantly receiving such articles as have ap-
peared in the Age, and other opposition pa
pers at the North? The greatest incentive to
a soldier,is the knowledge that he is backed by
the unanimous voice and plaudits Of his fellow
men. He win expose himself to peril, pour
out his blood, and even welcome death, know
ing he does all for a principle which will new
er perish; cause for which every lover of his
country and liberty takes decided stand.
But when he hears of dissensions, and open
quarrelings amongst those from whom he ex-
poets aid, sympathy, and good wishes,is it a
wonder his heart sinks within him, and he be-
comes reckless, demoralized, and insubordi-
nate?
do not write this letter for political pur-
poses, or on political grounds. Iwould pitch
party and politics to the dogs, and know moth
ing but the salvation Of the Union, till that is
accomplished. do not write either, to bring
to judgment those in opposition to the Gov
ernment; but as an appeal to all editors, who
desire the welfare of their country, and the
success Of our arms, to be careful that what
they issue to the world does not hinder rather
than aid our cause.
do not intend to take sides for or against
the emancipation proclamation as political
mchSufc, uut Se'ly OeneNlug Ill tne tneOry OF
Gen. Howard, that "God will not give us
peace till we conquer it." and being assured
that slavery is the corner stone of the rebel
lion, and the quicker that prop is knocked
from under the confederate fabrication, the
sooner we will conquer them. have moth
ing else to do as good soldier and citizen,
but TO believe that what the Government has
done is right, and acquiesce accordingly.
The army never was in a better condition
to fight ii out than now. We have confidence
in our leaders, and soul-thrilling love for the
Stars and Stripes, rendered greater by the
privations we have experienced in their de-
fence. We are determined to carry them vic
toriously from Maine to Texas, or die in the
attempt; and all we ask from those who love
us, our country, our government, and our flag,
is to write and encourage us by word and
deed, and discontinue their factious dissen-
sions at home. Let us see you united; 1t will
reassure the hesitating, strengthen the weak
and faint-hearted, and give new impulse to
all. Remember that those who are not so. are
neither friends to us, to the country, nor to
the successful issue of the war, and are, to say
the least, to be mistrusted.
People OF Maine, you are either for or
against us; there is no middle ground to stand
upop i'm this war If for MS support the Cow