Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-08-14
Party Spirit in the Army.


and privates IN the North. Carolina army near
Orange Court house, Virginia, informing US that
meeting of the officers of the army was to be held
at that place on the 18th instant, to denounce the
Standard as untrue to the South. This meeting,
we learn, was gotten up by certain Destructive
officers for party purposes In many instances the
prvates were not consulted at ALL and in those reg
iments in which they were consulted it was done
in such manner as to give them no opportunity to
express their real opinions The convention or
meeting was, therefOreSa packed affair, and does
not speak the sentiments of the army. The letters
we haVe received speak in the most indignant terms
of the fraud resorted to in getting up the meet
ing, and of the contempt shown for the private
soldiers; and they also assure US of what. we be-
lieVed before, that three fourths of the army en-;
dorse our course on the subject of peace.
We notice this meeting in advance to put our rea-
ders their guard against false statements respect
ing it. as well to express regret at this intro
duction of party tests among our officers and SOL
ders The originators of this meeting would have
been much more proftably employed in caring for
the health and comfort of their men, and preparing
their minds for the terrible shock OF battle that
may do much harm. We call on the people to bear
witness that we are not responsible for this party
movement in the army. We deplore it as fraught
with evils ofno ordinary magnitude; but if it must
be so-if this causeleSs persecution against US is
never to cease, then we give notice that we shall
use every honorable means as loyal citizen to de-
fend ourselves and to protect our character. Self
preservation is the first law of nature. We know
that large minority of the officers and three ourhs
of the soldiers with us; and we shall appeal to
them, well as the people at home, to sustain us.
Strike down free press, and how much liberty will
remain to the soldier or citizen? We do not intend
to be stricken dO'on, fierce and perSereriny resist
ance and the strong arm of the people, aOhieh OiU
be raised in our 6ehaLf can preUeat it. We defy
these partizan officers their nstsators in Raleigh
and Richmond to point to one diSoyal sentiment
in our paper. 1t is true are for peace, but We
for it on honorable terms and we are opposed
to relaxing single nerve, or giving back an inch
before the enemy, while negotiations for peace are
going on. Weare for fgh'ing and talking for peace
at the same time; and, if the worst should come,
ace are for North Carolina against the tOorld. Is
there sin gle North Carolina soldier who will not
say the same?
We are poweress without the aid of the people.
We may be in error but before God and man, we
are acting with eye single to the good of the
country. We have no selfish or ambitious views
to crafty. As Mr.. Webster said, on a memorable
occasion, 1--WE call on the people to come to the
rescue" They are coming as their meetings al
ready held will show; but we need now, more than
ever, their encouraging voice and sustaining
If this is to be pirates war, that is, Of exter
mination on both sides-if blessed peace is never
again to visit u.s. and if the freedom Of the press is
to be stricken down in blood and darkness, the peo
pie and the soldiers will be the sufferers, and the
old State itself will be scarcely worth living in
living for.
Let man say responsible for the party
spirit in the army:
"Shake not thy CORY locks at me;
Thou can 81 not say did II"
No, bad men in Raleigh and Richmond have
thrown this apple of discord among our soldiers
| Our enemies would sacrifice them, and would sac
riice the ITSELF to wreak their vengeance on
| us. But we do not fear them We shall give ar
! gument for argument blow for blow. We stand
upon the rock of Truth, and nothing shall move US
| from it:
"Come one come all-this rock shall 1y
! From Its fl m base rs l."