Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-02-20
A Patriotic Letter from a Gallant soldie,

few days since, in the Ohio Legislature, a
message was received from the Governor, encio-
sing letter from General Rosecrans. The let
ter which we print below is one Of the best thnt
We have ever seen. 1t manlnlly upholds the
course of the President, and gives a most scath.
ing rehuke to the traitors of the north who de-
nounce the war as one for the niger 1t pre-
sents the real facts of the case in iorrbe and pa
trotc language, and its perrusal is commended
to all men. 1t is as follows:
Head9adrterS, Department Of he Cumberland
AsyfeeSbOro, Tenn, Feb. Q. l86S.-To the Homo
lable the General Assembly of the State of Ohio
The resolution of thanks passed by your honora-
BILE body TO the Army Of the Cumberland, it,
Commanding General and his staff, has been dulS
received, and published to the troops Ofthis com
mand. On behalf of all, return to YOU heart
felt thanks.
This is, indeed, war for the maintenance OF
the Constitution and the laws-nny, for nationa
existence-against those who have despised Ou,
honest friendship, deceived our just hopes, ant
driven us to defend our country and our homes
by foul and wilful SANDERS on our motives ant
intentions, persstently repeated, they have ar
rayed against US our own fellow citizens, bount
to us by the triple ties Of consanguinity, geo
graphical position and commercial interest.
Let no man among US be base enough to forget
this, or fool enough TO trust an Oligarchy of trai
tors to their friends, TO civil liberty and human
freedom. Voluntary exiles from home apd
friends. for the defence and safety of all, We
long for the time when gentle peace shall again
spread her wings over our land; but we know
no such blessing is possible while the unjust and
arbitrary power of the rebel leaders confronts
and threatens us. Crafty as the fox, cruel a,
the tiger, they cried "no COERCION" while pre-.
pairing to strike us. Bully like, they proposed
uofn a.
whip five to one; and now, when driven back.
they whine out ''no Invasion" and promise us oi
the west permission to navigate the Mississippi,
it we will be good boys" aud do as they bid us
Whenever they have the power they drive be.
fore them into the ranks the southern peonle
and they would also drive us. Trust them not
Were they able, they would invade and DESTROY
us without mercy. Absolutely assured of these
things, | am amazed that any one could think nj
''peace on any terms" He who entertains tbe
sentiment is fit only to be slave he who utters
1t at this time is, moreover, traitor 10 his
country, who deserves the scOrn and contempt Of
all honorable mon. When the power Of the un-
scrupulous rebel leaders is removed, and the
people are free to consider and act for their own
interests, which are common with ours. under
this government, there will be no great difficulty
in fratefni2atiOn. Between our tastes and social
life there are fewer differences than between
those Of the people of the northern and southern
provinces OF England or Ireland.
Hoping the time may speedily come when. the
power of the perhdiOus aud cruel tyrant of this
rebellion having been overIhrown, a peace NAV
be laid on the broad foundation Of national unity
and equal justice TO all, under the Constitution
anu laws, remain your fellow citizen.
W. S. RosEoRASs,
Major General.