Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1863-10-22
Speech by General Grlerson.

Gen. Gricrson was given an enthusiastic
reception by his fellow citizens at Jackson
vile, ILL.,, on Friday evening. He respond.
ed in a speech, from which we extract the
following:
Perhaps you may have heard that did,
IN rather peculiar manner, canvass the
State Of Mississippi for Governor. If so,
can assure you il was not done by speech
making, but by very different mode Of
procedure And lest you may think have
grown too ambitious during my absence, |
will now give you my word Of honor land
that Is considerable with a soldierl that
never expect any VI you to vote for me for
Governor Of Hhnoi.
BY our march into that unknown region
OF the Ccntederacy, some things were
brought to light. BY it the rebels were
thrown into CONSERVATION, their plans dis
concerted, and their forces drawn away from
points where they we're afterward needed.
And, to a certain extent; it covered the con-
centration OF the Federal forces against the
rebel strongholds of Vicksburg and Port
Hudson. My little command formed, as it
were, a connecting link between the Depart
rnent Of the Tennessee and the Department
OF the Gulf; and the incidents Of that
march will be ever remembered by all those
who shared its pleasures and endured its
hardships. We are gratiied to know that
what we did, met, not only the hearty APP
proval of Gems. Grant and Banks, but pret-
ty generally of all Others throughout the
country-cxcept the rebels.
Our noble commander-iD-chief has lately
said that ''the Father oi Waters again flows
on, unvexed to the sea- and, certainly
there Is truth in that, as well as poetry.-
The rebels have been driven, not only from
the valley Of the Mississippi, but also from
great portions of the Border and Cotton
States and still the work goes bravely OF.
The few checks and reverses which befsll
our armies but nerve them for greater deeds
and victories. Amid all this strife we are,
as nation, making rapid strides to great
ness. We are living many years in one
elesents Of power are being developed, and
changes transpiring wonderful to behold
Slaves have been ineiamorphosed into con
trabands; contrabands into men, and men
into Federal soldiers; and those 50ldiefs, if
taken by the enemy, must be treated Us other
prisoners OF war. Before the first day OF
January next there will be at least 100000
colored troops in the field, who will bravely
fight for the Union. And if during this
struggle to perpetnate the Government,
Slavery is entirely abolished, let those weep
and lament who love the institution.
We are fighting against power which, if
victorious over US, would trample usbeneath
a despOtisrn more terrible thun the world
has ever seen. l really hope that every
man who cherishcs any love for his country,
will, with full heart, give his entire infu-
ence for it. Let Union men everywhere
not in the army--grasp firmly that power
which is nearest to them to support and sus.
tain the Government, aud our victory will
soon be complete; Then can we hopefully
look forward to the time as not far distant,
when from ocean to ocean-from the ice
crowned mountains of the North to the
Southern seas-there will be land of lib
erty--a place of refuge for the down-trod-
den aud oppressed OF all the nations of the
eartL--when our beloved banner, that starry
emblem Of our countrys greatness and
glory, will peacefully wave over free, uni
ted and happy people.