Weekly standard., 1863-08-19
Party Spirit in the Army,


and privates in the North Carolina army near
Orange Courthouse, 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 IS untrue to the South. This meeting
we learn, was gotten up by certain Destructive
officers for party purposes. In many instances the
prvstes 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 therefore, 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 ussof 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 on their guard against false statements respect
ing it as well as to express regret at this intro
duction Of party tests among our officers and SOL
diers. The originators Of this meeting would have
been much more pro6tably employed in caring for
the health and comfort of their men, and preparing
their minds for the terrible shock 'ot battle that
awaits them. Such meetings can do no good, and
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 Of no 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
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 fourths
of the soldiers are with US; and we shall appeal to
them, as well the people at home, to sustain u.s.
Strike down free press, and how much liberty will
remain to the soldier or ctizen3 We do not intehd
to be stricken doaon fierce and persereriny resist
ance, and the strong arm of the people, ahieh s0ill
be raised in our 6eaalf, can preosnt it. We defy
these partzan officers or their nstigators in Raleigh
and Richmond, to point to one disloyal sentiment
in our paper. 1t is true we are for peace, but we
are 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
going on Weare for fighting and talking for peace
at the same time; and, if the worst should come,
ice are for North Carolina against the worM Is
therea single North Carolina soldier who will not
ssy the same?
We are powerless without the aid of the people.
We may be in error; but before God and man, we
arc acting with an eye single to the good Of the
country. We have selfish or ambitious views
to crafty. As Mr.. Webster said, on memorable
occasion, "we cal! 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 arm.
If this is to be pirates war; that is war of exter
mination on both sides-if blessed peace is never
again to visit u.s. and if the freedom of the press
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 or
living for.
Let no man say zoe are responsible for the party
spirit in the army:
"Shake not thy CORY locks at me;
Thou can'st not say fdid it."
No, bad men in Raleigh and Richmond have
thrown this apple Of discord among our soldiers
Our enemies would sacrifice them, and would sac
ri6ce the cause ITSELF to wreak their vengeance on
u.s. 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 a-this rock shall fly
From its firm DaSe as soon as l."