The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1863-01-07
TWO YEARS.

Two years have now fully passed since
the Inauguration Of the rebellion. The
first ordinance of secession was passed by
South Carolina, Dec 20, 1860. Al first
she stood alone, but the infection was
soon caught by other Cotton States, and
in January following, Mississippi, Alaba-
ma, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana fol-
lowed the inglorious example, and in Feb
ruary Texas joined her fortunes with the
others, thus forming the original confed-
eracy Of the Cotton States, to maintain
which, one of the bloodiest wars in the
annals of history has been waged, involv-
ing on both sides an aggregate loss Of
100000 precious lives and uncounted
millions of treasure.
On the 18th day of April, 1861, the
first blood in the ensealing OF the guilty
compact was spilled at Fort Sumpter,
and on the 2lst Of July following, the
contest was fairly inaugurated at the ever
memorable battle of Bull Run.
Since then scores of bloody battle-6elds
attest the obstinacy and determined ma
turc of the contest in which we are en-
gagged. The Wondering heaps of the
slain at Springfield, Lexington, Roanoke
Island, Belmont, Fort Donelson, Pittsburg
Landing, Pea Ridge, on the Peninsula,
Antietam and Fredericksburg, where va
rious successes crowned the contests, at
test that ours is no common conflict, but
that americans have met americans,
each resolved on victory or death. But
has nothing been gained during these
long, weary, dark and anxious days of the
Republic? How stands the account now
II will be recollected that soon after
the formation of the Cotton Confederacy,
all of the border States except Kentucky
and Maryland followed suit, thus forming
q most formidable alliance. Now, Mis-
souri,, hitherto vascillating between the
the Confederacy and the old Union, is Sc
cure to us. North Carolina, Western
Virginia and East Tennessee preponder-
ate largely in favor of the Constitution
and Union. Columbus and Bowling
Green are no longer strongholds Of the
enemy. Nashville, Memphis, New Or
leans, Pensacola, Norfolk, Port Royal,
and large number of strong places on
the Atlantic and the Gulf have yielded
to our arms. And, but single point re-
mains 10 be captured to give us the free
navigation Of the Mississippi.
So much Of success have we gained of
the enemy, though at fearful cost of
blood and treasure. But, besides all this,
we have gained a knowledge of our
strength and resources as a nation. Who
could have told, ere we were put to the
test, that one and half millions of mon
would voluntarily step forward in defence
of the government, in the short space of
eighteen months, and $so0,0o0,000 be
laid on our country's altar, free will Of
fering Of patriotic people. And yet
our resources are by no means exhausted.
Europe stands amazed at the result
America ut once stands forth to her as
tonished gaze a young giant of wonder
ful size and matchless strength-a giant
to be feared. Our soldiers are veterans,
unsurpassed by the Imperial Guard of
Russia, or the grenadiers of Napoleon
At the late but disastrous battle of Fred
sricksburg we have an earnest of what
our soldiers can and will do.
Is there just ground of doubt as to the
final result? Ought we not to take cour-
age at the ushering in of a new year, re-
solving every man to do his duty TO
country acknowledged 10 be the best and
most glorious the sun ever shone upon,
and, hoping, Gro another year shall have
passed away, that peace will again be re-
stored, and the welcome sunshine of pros
perity again illumine our happy shores.
May benefcent Providence direct US
10 so desirable result.
TESTIMONY OF DISTINGUISHED For