Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-04-08
From the 10th Observation-Disclosures
Soldier on the Copperheads.

MuRFREEsBoRo, Tenn, March 90, '63.
Dear Chroaicle: Having lately seen
quite a number Of letters and papers
which had been sent to this regiment
from Ohio, of a nature intended to dis
courage soldiers, and lead them from the
cause in which they are enlisted, de-
nouncing the Administration and threat
ening resistance to the draft by armed
mobs,-a few words on the subject would,
perhaps, e those interested, not be nj
of place.
1t certainly would be right that u
friends at home should know something
of the ideas we soldiers entertain in re-
gard to this war, and so far as my knowl-
edge extends, they are a unit.
Since the battle, nothing very exciting
has occurred. The weather is warm and
pheasant, and peach trees are in full
bloom. The health of the men in camp
is better han it has been for a year past,
and with very rare exceptions they are
contented, happy and confident. The
boys are not slow in getting up a few
items of amusement, such as come to
hand. We receive Cincinnati and Lou
%isville daily papers regularly, and are ca
ger in improving their use, to watch the
wrangling of the world outside, jealousy
considering as we do that we are not idle
lSnactafors of the drama
We have now been in the army long
enough for the lighter portion that join
ed US in the outset to have hoated OFF
still we deeply, sadly regret the absence
of those brave lads who have been strlck
en- down by disease or in battle. The
young men now belonging to our army,
are able-bodied, strong-minded and reso-
lutte, who have had their very souls tried
with fire, and know both how TO fight
and how to appreciate the blessings of
peace. They are well aware that they
are the men that have kept the rebel le-
gions at bay, and prevented them from
taking possession of u W homes and
yours, and outraging and pillaging the
same. At the outset they threatened us
with black flags. cross bones, and pomp-
Gus boasts of vengeance. We have
taught them TO be courteous, and can
teach them again; and we begin to think
| that their colleagues in the North need
a little wholesome instruction in the ru-
diments of loyalty.
Be assured this war will go on until
Bragg is Dragged out, and the South is
completely subjugated, without the aid
of foreign interference. We are satisfied
that the draft will be made in the State.
North, and if necessary another, and
those drafted ell haze 10 come. unless le-
gally exempt.
Talking about resisting the draft,
sounds TO us like nonsense. We have no
idea there will be any skulking out of the
matter. either by the legislatures of the
States, courts, OF individuals. In course
of time deserters will be treated as de-
s~erters, and their necks will stand for
feited. ANY of our veteran regiments
here would esteem it a privilege to be
permitted to 90 North and put a flea in
the ear of some of those Northern croak-
ers and subtitle secesh. If. eventually, it
should prove necessary for some of US to
return on such a mission, To the land of
our fathers. they would soon learn not to
regard us rs a disorganized rabble, to be
secuted at the first sight of a butternut
swell. We have seen such gentlemen
before, and wherever they are to be found,
regard them with equal contempt. But
We hope nothing of that kind will be
necessary.
As an index of the will OF this army, |
refer you to the address of the soldiers OF
Ohio to the citizens of their own State
l have more confidence in this nation
now than l ever had before. We are not
only able to suppress the rebellion and
conquer the South, but we could at the
same time take any other nation, who
chose to interfere, by the ears. and lead
her home. In this wal we must depend
on our W right arms and good sense,
and if the people are only united, it will
not be a question of doubt. There are
yet among the citizens of the North
thousands of as brave hearts as ever fac
ed a foe, who will never tamely consent
to be whipped into submission, or eat
dirt for the political gamblers of the
South.
At the outset they supposed we were
but one degree above their slaves, and by
a little show of the bully they would
scare us out of our senses. They needed
n little instruction in the art of good
breeding, and before they are dismissed
these superciiious sons of chivalry will
have received from the mud sills" Of
society. a lesson that will not need re-
viewing. Their numbers are all in the
field, and we are more than able 10 hold
them level. What would be the conse-
quences if our army were double /, which
could easily be done? The United States
have only just begun to make war. If
the people were to go to the extremes
which the rebels are now at, they could
defy the world. And be assured, if they
do not come out and defend their homes
and government. soone or later anarchy
will bring forth a leader that will fetch
them out. l have only to refer you to
France, as an example of soldiery and
ambition combined. You, citizens of the