The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1863-09-19


ment in their most vigorous efforts tc
preserve it, ought 80 be as we'll known
everywhere else as they are here. Whilst
again and again they have been aware
Of outside efforts made TO influence the
/ Administration in the adoption of mea.
surcs which they believed injurious, their
chief concern in the subject has always
been prompted not so much by their own
local interests as by the effect of such
measures upon the success Of the.war.
.lIcncc they have bstaincd--abstained
perhaps more than they property should
have done from obtruding then views
upon the Administration, or even making
known their Individual grievances, that
they might, by no possibility, cmbarrass
the Government or seem to withhold
their hcarticst concurrence in all that
might be Necessary to subaue the rebel
lion.
The Rebel invasions and raids to which
their situation has continually exposed
them have subjected them to losses the
most serious aud provoking, which, for
the sake of the cause in which they
occurred, and in the belief that the Coy
ernmcnt could not prevent, they have
suffered cheerfully and without COM
plant, us they would suffer great deal
moro if rendered necessary to the Govern
ment's success. But whilst such are the
motives and the impulses by which our
people have, throughout the present
struggle, been actuated towards the
Government, they cannot but feel that
they have, on the o:hcr hand, rights
which should be seduIously respected,
unless the most urgent.and obvious mil
i.ary necessities justified their infringe
mcnt. They cannot believe that the
Government will be unmindlul Of these
claims. 1t is impossible, however, to
overlook the anxious concern which
recent events have awakened.
.Rccrui,ing officers have made their
appearance in different parts Of the State
openly engaged in the business Of enlist
ing slaves, and letter has been just
published, addressed by a highly rcopcc-
table member Of the Bench Of the State
to the Secretary Of War, urging the lat
ter to adopt that policy aud enlist the
- T. q, l. .l..L Il
sAa'tS VI ."c ''"'o WIN Vi "ltno"V 'Ae
consent OF their owners.
1t is not my purpose to enter into any
criticism in this letter, or to analyze its
legal or logical deductions. l may be per-
mlttcd, however, to say that ] have felt
great regret that any one occupying such Il
position, and cspcciIly one for whom have
entertained the respect and regard that
have for the writer should have ycuturcd
To advise the course indicated i'll the latter !;
and my surprise has scarcely been less than
my regret that one Of sound judgement and
binary discretion could advise 50 iaGrant Il
violation OF the laws OF the State and the
general sentiment OF ITS C!tlzehs, or how
amy loyal man al such u Time as this could
suggest proceeding 50 well calculated to
impair public confidence IN the Admlnislra-
,ion; when such confidence Is SO important
to lls success.
hhoWIh9 a3 VcH as l 90 inc St"unch ana
inleAl9Lc character Vi tHe l0!"Iy ol our
state, am HhWlIiIhS 10 DehcTe IL "o"Id
yield even tolhe influence OF sUGn measure
but 1t would nevertheless DC su9JeG'ins II 10
an ordeal such as none other similarly SIT
uated mas ever been required TO endure.
The effect OF such proceeding upon con
NcnuonaI cmancIpauuh would be sun more
certain AND decisive, and AL surh prospects
Tor the present "ou'a NC lhuCnhl'cII pos
puneu Men WlIi never submit 10 NC CO.
creed towards Il Poi!cy' although IN polnt OF
TACT otherwise inclined TO 1t, ana me mere
attpmpt so cpOStraIu them produces nm