Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-04-02
ur Volunteers ON Home Traitors
An Eloquent Appeal from the Fifth
Wisconsin.
CAMP NEAR Potomac CREEK, VA, !
March 18Th. 1868.

March 18th, 1868.
find copy OF Protest passed unanimous
ly by the officers and men of the Fifth
Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers. Every
officer present signed it, and at dress pa
rade its was submitted to the men, when
spontaneous "aye" proved with heart and
soul the gallant boys endorsed it. Not
dissenting voice have heard. Six months
since such resolutions would not have
passed thus. These resolutions show what
sympathy copperheadisFn" finds among
those risking their all for their country.
Never were the soldiers in better spirits.
The troops are better fed and more con
tented than at any time since the war be-
gan. Gen. Hooker is above par, his great
care for the men rendering him very pop
ular. Col. Allen is very much liked by
officers and men.
P. S.-The Lieut.. Col. and Major were
absent, and with some others, may have
signed the Protest since this copy was
made. Q.
WHEREAS, Treason has raised its foul
head in Wisconsin, has penetrated its Leg
lslative Halls, and IS eadea0oring to defle
aoith its touch the ermine Of the Supreme
bench
Therefore, as soldiers ,battling for the
unity of our country-for human liberty
and the rights of man--as soldiers pos
sessiDg all the rights of citizenship, and
bound to home by all the ties OF patriot
ism and consanguinity, we feel called
upon in this hour of National peril aDd
State dlshonOr t. enter our PROTEST
against the suicidal policy VI traitors ano
sympathzers with treason at home
Peace party men. stay~as- home-patriots
who are for peace on other terms than
the unconditional surrender OF the rebels,
| valiant knights who fad fault with the
imprisonment OF Northern traitors but
have no blood TO shed III defence OF the
flag that protected their Infancy and i'm
becility, nor sympathy to express for SOL
diers in the field, are alike entitled to our
scorn and contempt. TO demoralize the
masses by crying peace, vixen the rebels
scott at the idea of reconcihation-to
withhold supplies, to throw barriers in the
way of enlst,nenJs, and to discourage
lose who have already offered their live
co their country, is to paralyze the arm OF
the President. To paralyze the arm ot
tae President, is to give victory to rebels
in arms, to plot obstruction for Us, to in
woke it upon themselves.
We have sworn to bear true ALLEGIANCE
to the United States, to serve the Governs
ment honestly and faithfully against all it,
enemies or opposers whatsoever, and to
observe and obey the orders of The Pres
ident, and we thiy day register the oath
aneso, that we will hold up his hands,
abide by his proclamation, enforce obed>
ence to the laws, avenge our brothers in
arms fallen upon many 8 bloody field, and
fight the enemies Of oar flag, uhereDer
found, and in a0hateuer ga,5.
Citizens! freemen! brothers! Men of
Wisconsin /! Are you going to desert Us 2
Are You going to prove recreant to YOUR
obligations Are you willing to purchase
peace at the price of your manhood? For
the sake OF a brief period OF ipglorious
ease, to blast the hopes of posterity-to
strike even one star from our constells-
tlons Eighteen months since we lett
home with your prayers. your benedic-
lions. Are you willing to See rs returning
with our flags trailing in the dust? Yon
promised Us that while battling for hn.
manlty-a common cause, a common
country, you would succor our families
and sustain US with your good wishes and
your fortunes. We therefore ask that vo,
countenance no opposition to the c0udnct
of the war; that you sustain for places Of
public trust no man who is not heart and
soul with Us in this contest of right with
wrong; that You support the laws, that