Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-12-23
VOL. 1O.---N0. II.

dcy is weaker IN al Une HudtcIidi oI WAT,
andits boundaries contracted within narrow
er limits, than when it first flung its treason
able bunting to the breeze.
Again the voice of the people, in every
State, save one, where expression was given
at the ballot-box last fall, declared by unpre-
cedented majorities in favor of the war poll
cy of the Government and against traitors
wherever found, has hastened conviction
home to the heart of many a man who be-
fore was doubling and who now is irrevoca-
bly, liked IN his determination to stand fast
and demand that those who would tear the
old ship from her moorings must submit,
must come to terms-the shattered Union
must be regained, and the supremacy Of the
Nations laws, within the national jurisdic-
ton, be everywhere acknowledged. But in
this case, as IA every other where great COM
prehensivdationa ideas are at stake, there
still remainsan unhappy diversity of opinr
ION. While some are willing enough, if let
alone, to lend their aid to the constituted
authorities, notwithstanding, suffer them
selves to be warped, controlled. and led by
the nose by a set Of party scheming dema-
gouges till, finally, they find themselves re-
lleved of the necessity of thinking for them
selves and are passed over to be the willing
tools, and fit instruments for performing any
amount of dirty work which their unscrupu-
lous masters may require. Another class
seems determined at all hazards to do all,
and risk all they claim of political character,
in complicating the difficulties already in the
way of the restoration of the national author
ity over every foot of It's territory by dis
crediting It's integrity, decryiDg the finances,
while, at the same time, with wolish greed
mess they snap at every 'greenback" that
floats within their reach, well knowing that
N Safpr no ado thor tho,
based upon the integrity of the nation,-by
dlscouraging enlistments, and by encoura-
ging desertions from the armies Of the u
MON, and screening them as much as posi-
ble from the observation OF the law. | re-
gret to say that Clearfeld county has the
lion 5 share Of this latter class, some Of whose
political principles are loathed and detested
by even their own family connections as
was related to me by fellow traveller in the
coach. Judged In the light of genuine De-
mocracy, such principles are indeed repre-
hensible, and are SO viewed by the mass of
those who are, even now, standing as pro-
tecting barrier between the nation s enemies
and these same latterday proselytes of an
infamous dogma, protecting them and theirs
from the scourge of contending armies, from
violent deaths or prosecutions, from the des-
ecration of their hearth stones, and their
broad acres from destruction. On the other
hand how much more commendable how
praiseworthy, and how refreshing to the sol
der in the far off loneliness of the camp,
are the efforts of the friends of the Union to
strengthen, by every Device the hands of
the Government-to make sacrifices, that
the ark of liberty may be preserved, and
float safely and triumphantly over the fierce
breakers that threaten to engulf it-and last,
though not least, 10 bear up in eloquent and
earnest prayer to the Supreme Ruler of the
Universe, that His great wrath on account
Of our national sins may not be visited upon
us, and that soon this great aff1iction may
be withdrawn and that we may finally be
preserved a united, prosperous and happy
people. Let us not then despair of the safe
ty of the great Republic The prospect dai-
ly brightens, and the gloom which has spread
like pail over all our national yearnings,
and national hopes, has been gradually ris-
ing, till now the rays of light begin to peer
brightly out from beneath the frowning
fringe and greet our joyous vision and to-
day the recommendation of our worthy
President comes TO us, to once more turn
our hearts in reverential thankfulness to the
Great Author of all good, for the deliver
ance of a member Of our national galaxy,
once more, from the polluted tread Of the
destroyers.
ne uuIy OI every man, WHO Is not now
doing his utmost to advance the great work
now so auspiciously in progress, is plainly
set before him. The last call for fresh men
to fill the places of those whose terms
shortly expire is far from being filled, and |
see no move on the part of Clearfeld to fill
her quota. Men of Clearfeld let your best
efforts be put forth for the accomplishment
of this important work. Do not delude
yourselves with the hope that your services
can or will be dispensed with. Escape the
rigors and unpleasantness of the draft, by
promptly volunteering in defence of the
dearest right of mani Remember, if prompt
action is not sdon taken, the draft will
catch many holder of a lucky prize, and.
when thus caught, it will require larger
.'pile" to tempt our venerable uncle to re-
lease him than before. The old fellow has
now lot" of money from the last "haul,"
and is not in want, and this time he un-
means men, and, would guess,
that men he will have, for there is not
doubt but the Conscription act viii be SO al
tered as to compel every drafted man to
serve, or find substitute
l found, on my return here, everything
Jogging along in peace and quiet-no news
to mar the oppressive stiffness.
An expedition of light troops has been sent
out in southerly direction, but, as yet, i
have heard nothing from it. Excuse the
length and prolixity of this, for this time,
and promise not to ''bore" you again soon.
Yours truly, W R. B.
DISCHARGED SOLDIERS Provost
General has decided that soldiers