The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-02-06
Cen. Howard on tho War.

The following letter. from that gallant son
Of this state, Gen. y. o. Howard, recently
appeard In the New York Times. Here
what he says Of those who oppose the measures
ofthe Government:
HEADQUARTERS % DIVISION. On CoRrs.
Near Falmouth. Va. Jan. l, 1858.
To tie Editor cfhs Eep York TmeU
The critical state Of our Government just at
this juncturs, has induced me to risk being
m;siu,erpre,ed. and set before you some Of tho
feelings and thoughts Of an officer In the field.
who yesras for the welfare Of his country.
Sometimes hear "there IL apathy at homo
amongst large class - then, Z" that the dis.
loyal are gaining over to themselves this aps-
,he,ic class" that F" very mary even rejoice
at our failures = that thousands are crying
for 'pesce. peace, at all events" What does
all this mean' What does It portendl I
have left my precious family and offered my
self to my country; gone to the threatened
points, breasted the storm, and thrown every
obstruction could in the way Of the enemy,
am still facing him but what boots It II there
Is no support from home-if there Is nothing
but indifference or open opposition theres
Why struggle on and wet thi. soil with our
blood II there Il no love Of country among our
peoplel Let the enemy come in like a whirl-
wind! Let the cities Of Philadelphia and New
York be turned over to pillage. Let the hor-
rors Of desolating war sweep over the thick
ly populated districts of the Western and
Middle States, then perhaps, by-and.by. our
good people will wake up to sense Of their
sinful selashness and folly. Peace There is
no peace. God will not give US peace till We
conquer It. We may change the theatre Of
the war. but we can have no peace. short Of
the destruction Of our country.
From infancy have been taught to lovo
my country and to love freedom. At times
I have been able to apologize for slavery. but
have always felt that It was blot upon US.
Now must sacrifice my country to save
,lavery' The rebels might have enjoyed
their darling institution while longer. but
they would not have It so they might still.
prehaps. preserve transitory remnant by
promptly yielding to law aud returning to al
legiance. but this they will not do. Let us
out with 1t (; we have no alternative we must
destroy slavery root and branch wa must do
II in order to su1ugats the persistent en-
envy Of republican government. God grant US
the strength and stamina to meet the issue
boldly. 1--we do no, he will bring 1t to US
by chsstening and scoursins. This is q hard
dnty-a terrible. a solemn duty--but It is q
duty.
am not prepared to see the government
destroyed not willing to give my children
anarchy and shame for nm inheritance; not
ready for u patched up peace that will cause
the land to be again drenched in blood in
few short years. Neither am satisfied at
the prospect Of border that Ave hundred
thousand troops could not more than half
man. No, we will bear our own burdens and
not bequea,h them to our children. While
have corporal's guard to lead will lead
them against the enemy Of my country.
Mr.. Editor, you are writer This Is your
business. Work, work-destroy this fatal
apsthy-convince the faint hearted Of their
hopeless folly. and root out the insidious.
poisonous plants Of disloyslty that arc grow.
ing up in the shape Of partisan opposition to
tho Government. Yours truly,
y. u. HowARp, Brig. Gen. Vols.