Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-09-01
SUMTER nAs rALnnN l

A little more than two years ago, the
eyes Of the whole nation were turned to
this noble fortress, garrisoned by mere
handful of national troops, under the
command of the brave and chivalrous
Major ANDERSON. On every side it was
surrounded by bristling bayonets in the
hands Of recreant sons Of the Republic
and ponderous guns were pointed at its
ramparts ready to level them with the
ground, unless the stars and stripes
which had so long hoated proudly in the
breeze were pulled down, and their place
supplied with tile traitors hateful rag
Long and nobly did the brave garrison
hold out, urgently did the commander
importune the government to send him
succor, but the imbccile old tool of the
Southern traitors, who occupied the Pre-
sdcntial chair, turned deaf ear to his
entreaties and left him and his comrades
to their fate. Anxiousy did the loyal
people of the nation watch the progress
of events, and with what bitter regret did
they finally learn, that after determined
resistance on the part of its gallant de
tenders, they were compelled to surren-
der the post TO the rebel arms. But
while it produced such feelings, it enkn-
died in the breasts of the masses II patri-
otic fire, which through all the yicisstudes
of the struggle-in victory and defeat
has never been eXtinguished, but at each
succeeding conflict has burned with great
er intensity Sumter must lie retaken,
every one emphatically averred the viii
lains who have insulted the flag of our ia-
theirs, must be punished for their temerity,
and the rebellion must be crushed out
Thousands upon thousands severed the
many cndearing tics that bound them to
home, and went forth to engage in the con
llict with the foes of liberty. The wealthy
poured into the lap of the authorities un-
told sums ofthcir treasure, to be employed
in the restoration Of the Union, and the
subjugation Of the demons who. actuated
by ambitious motives had raised their
hands to strike down our free institutions.
The struggle has been an obstinate one
on the part of the rebels They have
been materially aided by both France and
England, but with all the favors shown
them by the despotisms of Europe, the
cause Of truth, right and freedom have
finally triumphcd, their columns of sol,
diery are broken and dcmoraiaed, and
their hopes Of success have been blasted.
In a very brief period, every foot of their
soil will be conquered by our arms, new
State governments will be formed based
on the principles of freedom, and the last
vestige of treason will have departed from
our country.
Amid the many successes which have
attended our arms, their is none which
will cause more heartfelt joy than the tal
of Sumter, 1t was there that the frs
gun was fired by the rebels, and it wa
but fitting that on that spot the final blow
should be given to the waning folcuues o
the contederatcs. 1t is matter for re
joicing because its fall will have tcndcn
, cy to hasten the capture of Charleston
and the breaking up of the nest Of viii
& ScceSsionists, who have for Years mazda i
their headquarters, from whence they hay
$ promulgated their hcllish schemes. Re
, joice then loyal men of the country, an,
+ let us hope that with the destruction o
t capture of Charleston, will come the rc
r Storation of the Union and an honorabl
{ and lasting peace.