Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-06-17
ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
The following letter has been handed US
for publication by friend. The writer was
born and raised Democrat but he, like many
other intelligent men who think more of con-
try than OF party, gives a hearty and uncOndi-
tional support to the National Administration
The letter is worthy perusal.]
SroSEMAN's SwIroH, Va, May 26, 1868
MY FRIEND JOHN = We are in receipt
of most encouraging news from the southwest.
Vicksburg is closely invested and suppose
ere this, it is ours; if We are to have it this
season. Ii Vicksburg falls, Port Hudson win
soon follow, and then the back bone of Rebel
dom will be broken; kick or two on the diff
ferent sides will completely demolish the en-
tire fabric. Where do they Intend that their
lines shall be established when they lose the
Mississippi River? What kind of country
could they establish them
learn by the !" Inquirer that there are men
in Franklin county, Penn'a, who are about to
demand the release of the traitor Vallandig-
ham of Ohio. Am too fast when say hang
such men 2 1 would at least recommend that
all such men should be sent south with him.
The northern man who would assist in such
an enterprise is more vile and poisonous foe
than the man who is engaged in the war a.
galnst US. Can you regard or respect such
men2 L am fond of such creatures as am
of black snakes
am under the impression that bad feel
Ing, and wrong view is prevalent in Cearfield,
regarding this Rebellion and the shortest road
to its end. I will give you what think should
be their aim. In the first place they ask each
other the question, "What caused this wars?
Answer, 'the nigger." Again, "What Is the
object OF the Administration To free the
niger and allow him TO run all over the
north ?'' Now instead of complaining about
''nlgger," why did not all men heartily sup
port the Administration and crush the Rebel
lion before the Emancipation Proclamation /?
There was time when it was not the object
to free the negro but on account OF there be-
ing SO many traitors in Office everywhere, our
cause did not prosper, when the object of the
war was altered and now our cause is gaining
ground, both at home and abroad. Now the
questions Tor all discontented men to ask
themselves is this, s'What interest do we gain
by opposing the Union cause2 Would we not
make as much money by supporting the Un-
ion cause as we do make 2 Then why not join |
in with those around us 2" Do they suppose
By opposing our cause they are exemptf from
military duty? If they behave badly in the |
north they will be sent south where they will |
be required to fight. Now, think, they may
as we'll fight Wih us as against us. Another |
thought while they are supporting us by pro-
viding clothes aud rations, pay our ordnance, |
without which no war would exist, why not |
wish as success? They are paying tax to keep
up the war and then complain of that very |
canse which they, by their money, support,
and wonder why the war does not end, and ac-
cuse the Department and officers of failure to |
do their duty. Now what We want, is the
good wishes of all the people in the north,
aud for the want of this the war has been Kept |
up! Do you believe me that our foes in the |
north have kept this war upa Undoubtedly |
they have BY sending the Rebs- supplies
they have been encouraged to hold out lit
lie longer, hoping TO be strengthened BY their
northern friends. Now let me ask, is there
, iAau IA thO uVAtbs VI cdy III ShhSy ~ outo
who wishes that this Re beliion may soon end
Then it is his duty to assist in hunting cp all
men who are engaged in the contraband trade
md exposing them to the law. Can / tell who
10 Decatur township, is doing this kind of bu.
,iness7 or can a soldier from Philadelphis
ell who in that city is engaged in it7 Now
b is is for the people in the city and elsewhere
% attend to. The people at home just as
important as the soldiers in the field they
lave duty to perform and very important
me. Their duty is to fight, or arrest our en-
,mies there, and support US here in feeling
md in money. Had the people in the loyal
states attended to their duty half well as
re have done here in the army, the war would
lot exist to-day. Now where man is known
o even talk in favor Of the south you should
ry, by calm conversation and good sound rea-
ouing, to cause him to remain docile. In
uce him by mild and intel Iligent means to keep
uiet; say nothing if he is disposed to inJure
ur cause What benefit does he receive by