The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-03-06
gflisteIlaneous,
Speech OF General Burnside.

iii
The following Speech, full Of wise coun'
sci. and of loyal spirit, was made on the eve
ming of the eighth of February, before meet
ing of the United States Christian Commiss.
ion, New York,-presided over by Gen. Scorr,
The thanks Of all honest patriots arc due to
General Burnside for his manly and honest
words -
Ladies and Gentlemen When learned
that this meeting was to DO presided over by
one whom have always from boyhood loved
to call my chief-one whom have learned
to admire-one of tho noblest patriots and
greatest Captains of our land-l determined
that would depart from the rule which ]
had laid down for myself, by attending
here this evening, according to the wishes Of
some of my friends, and promised at the
same time to make few remarks. Since
made that promise, I have been every night
in railroad car and occupied during the day
until this morning, whenI returned here, and
during this entire day have been by sick
bed, SO that, not being in the habit of speak
I ing to as large audiences as this you must cx.
cusc me il I say but o few words to you.
am glad that came here this evening,
because, first, hope that am rendering
some aid to this most Christian Association
in the great labor Of humanity toward the
soldiers in the field, and ! feel it my duty, on
all occasions, to do oil that have in my
power to strengthen the soldiers in the field,
with whom have been 80 lately connected
in active service. No one knows better than
do the great value Of the labors which are
wrought by your association, and no one
knows better than do, tonight, oil the in.
auence that it has upon our soldiers; no one
knows better than do tho need that the
hands of this association should bo strength.
cned, and particularly at time like the pres
lent, when we are in anticipation OF great
events in the field. A few weeks may dcm-
onstrato more specially tho need of the labors
of your delegates in the field. Great battles
must almost inevitably be fought within a
few weeks.
Large contendng forces are in the presence
Hof each other, and as soon us tho elements
will permit them to come in contact with
each other, it is not only fair to suppose, but
it is almost impossible to avoid collision.
In fact, it is necessary that there should be
collision, and that increases the necessity
for your delegates in the field to be strength
ened by your association, and that your as
aocation be strengthened by the sympathy
and material aid Of the public. am glad,
Therefore, that l have come here thisevening,
because II by my influence, by my words, !
can aid this association, l shall be glad, bc
cause in doing that ! strengthen the army in
the field, and by strengthening the army in
the field, in whatever wny, am doing my
duty and my pleasure-by strengthening the
government, and doing all in my power to
Esustain it under all circumstances.
You may expect me to say a few words in
reference to the condition Of the army with
(which have 10 lately been identified. A
wrong impression is existing in the commu'
3nity with reference to that condition. Some
persons are impressed with the idea that the
army Is in demoralized state. That is not
the case. The soldiers are as brave as eyer
they were. They are well clothed, well fed,
well armed, and MS long rs they are we'll, are
able to take care of themselves. Our officers
are becoming experienced every day. There
is no decentralization in the field, which the
conversation in the street and in private cir
cles would indicate. Thors is not that nd.
herence to any special principle, to any spe.
cal scs of men, or laws. or parties among the
soldiers, that some people indicate.
While they remember and appreciate, and
feel that it is noble and grand to entertain
personal friendship and personal love for
their commander, they at the same time fully
realize that 1t is ignominious and low to give
Ia blind adherence to any man, to any name,
or to any specific line Of, policy. either poll.
tical or military. They are in tho field To-
Igive their whole strength and energy in sup
port Of the Government. We make mistakes
here at home which probably have done some
harm. and yet to no great extent, and might
do more II pursued, but Think that our peo-|
pie in tho main. when they find themselves
wrong, will generally right themselves, and \
think this mistake will bo righted. Many
discouraging lottes have bcen written tol
soldiers in the field. We should try to COR
rect that, and write encouraging letters.
Many discournging speeches have bocnl
made, and in some cases public Journalistic
have written discouraging paragraphs which
have fallen under thoir eyes, and somc PAM
phlcts have been written and sent 10 the sol.