Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1863-07-25
Letter from Judge Clapp.

I'VE are permitted to make the following
extract from a letter written by the late Lieut.
CLAPP of Hudson, to Capt Sam Hartman
They are doubtless his last written words. as
the letter is dated on the day before that on
which he met his death. What a severe and
deserved rebule he administers to those who
are try ing to elevate themselves to power by
exciting opposition to the war measures ofthe
Government. These are worthy TO be the last
words of patriot soldier, who has given his
life for the Government he loved ]
"My face was crimson with shame upon
reading that in our own Wisconsin there had
been opposition to the draft. The conscripton
law | lock upon as one of the wisest and fair
est laws that ever was enacted; and since it is
an important measure for carrying on the war,
it should receive the cordial support of the
people. 1t seems strange TO me to read n the
papers SO much caviling about the govern
ment, the inefficiency of military leaders, the
impolicy of war measures, arbitrary arrests
and the like. 1 cannot help thinking that
people who indulge in such Kind of talk over
look one important fact which ought to be ap
parent at this time, that is, That we are in
state OF war for the preservation of our Gov
eminent. The issue of the war is left to the
arbitrament of the sword. Caucussing will
avail nothing. Our condition being that of
war, it seems wise to adopt war remedies.
Our whole people being concerned in this
war. it appears so me that the principle of
subordi alton to the ruling power is applica-
bic. (though perhaps not in the same degrce)
to the citizen as well as the soldier. The man
who is entrusted with the direction of affairs
in such a crisis as this, should have the zeal
ous support of the whole body of the people.
II comes down to this principle, that we
must trust the Government with the manage
ment of the war and give it all the support
we can, because ia no other way can there be
that unanimity of action eo necessary in war.
Scarcely any measure could be adopted but
the people. viewing it IS political question,
wOald divide on. 1t is but a natural and
necessary incident to a state of war like this,
that duiing its continuance there will be more
or less of an abr;dgen ent of civil rights. But
who would not suffer temporary despotis m if
need be. in order to secure permanent liberty?
Those persons who cavil so much about free
dom of speech and arbitrary arrests, il seems
to me for the sake of temporary liberty would
be willing to incur permanent despotism.-
Dcspotisn must necessarily be in the ascend
ant in war. as liberty should be in peace
hope for the honor of our State. that no
opposition will be allowed to show itself to
the carrying ont ofthe conscript act, but that
the people will meet the sacrifices il imposes
like pairiots-like men. If the people aid in
all possible ways in bringing out such forces
as the President may call for, the fall OF this
rebellion will be swift and terrible Murmur-
ing and muttering against the exercise of au-
thority under the law, will have the tendency
20 create dissatisfaction that willonly prolong
the war and all its calamities 1t will not
change the result, for the war will go on until
rebellion is crushed and the country united.