The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1864-04-30

man.
We have gained possession of the impor.
tant letter published below, and give it to
our readers, who, after perusing it, will
know more Of the temper and character Of
the commander Of the Grand Military Di-
vision Of The Mississippi, than they have
known heretofore. The letter was not de.
signed for publication, having been ad-
dressed 10 his Adjutant General, in reply
to certain interrogatories relative to the
course to be pursued by subordinate com.
manders Of military districts, toward dis
loyal inhabitants Chicago Journal.
HEADQ's DEPARTMENT. OF TENNEssEE,
vICKsBURG, Jan. 81.
Major N. Sawyer, A. a General Army
Of the Tennessee, Hxntscllle:
DEAR SAWYER: In my former letter
have answered all your questions, save
one. and that relates to the treatment OF
inhabitants, known or suspected to Dc hos
tile. or ''secesh." This is in truth the most
difficult business Of our army, as 1t adj
vances and occupies the southern country.
It is almost impossible to lay down rules,
and invariably leave this whole subject
to the local commanders. out am wllilng TO
give them the benefit Of my acquired
knowledge and experience.
In Europe, whence We derive our prlnci-
ples Of war. o. developed by their histories,
wars are between kings or rulers, through
hired armies, and not between peoples.-
These remain as ii were, neutral and sell
their produce to whatever army is in pos
session.
Austria and Russia, bought forage and pro-
visions OF the inhabitants, and consequent
" had an interest to protect farms and fac
tories which ministered to his wants. In
like manner, the allied armies in France
could buy Of the French Inhabitants what
ever they needed, the produce Of the soil or
manufactures Of the country. Therefore,
the rule was and 10, that wars are confined
to the armies and should not visit the
homes of families or private interests.
But, in other examples, different rule
obtained the sanction Of historical author
ity. ] will only instance that, when, in
the reign of William and Mary, the Eng
lish army occupied Ireland, then in q state
Of revolt, the Inhabitants were actually
driven into foreign lands, and were actual
population introduced. TO this day, q
large part of the north Of Ireland is held by
the descendants Of the Scotch emigrants,
sent there by Williams order and an act
Of Parliament.
The war which prevails. in our land is
essentially = war of races. The Southern
people entered into q clear compact OF
Government, but still maintained species
Of separate interests, history and prejudi.
ces. These latter became stronger, till
they have led to war, which has develop
cd the fruits of the bitterest kind.
We of the North, are beyond all question,
right in our lawful cause, but we are not
the South have prejudices which form part
Of their nature, and which they can moi
throw OF without an effort Of reason or the
slower process Of natural change. Now,
the question arises, should we treat ~
absolute enemies all in the South, who diff.
fer from NJ in opinion or prejudice, kill OF
Danish them or, should We give them
conduct 80 40 to conform TO the new order
4 Of thing, which il slowly and gradually
creeping into their country?
when men take arms to reoist our right.
full authority, We are compelled to use
force, because all reason and argument
= cease when arms are resorted to-
When the provision, forage, horses, mules
clearly our duty and right to take them
because otherwise they might be used
Against N.
In like manner, Ill houses left vacant by
an inimical people are clearly our right, o,
such a. are needed - store-houses, hospi.
as to dwellings used by women, children
and non-combatants. SO long ~ noncom.
batants remain in their houses and keep r
their accustomed business. their opinions
and prejudices can in no wise influence the
war, and therefore should not be noticed
But if any one comes out into the public
streets and creates disorder, he or she
either to the rear or front, as the officer in
command adjudges. If the people, or any
Of them, keep up a correspondence with
parties in hostility they are spies, and car
be punished with death or minor punish
ment.
These are well established principles O.
war, and the people OF the South having
appealed to war are barred from appealing
to our Constitution, which they have prac'
tically and publicly defied. They have ap
pealed TO war, and must abide its rules and
laws. The United States, as belligeren
party claiming right in the soil as the ulti
mate sovereign, have right to change thu
ftic and just, We should do 30 in certain dis
tricts. When the Inhabitants persist tot
long in hostility, it may be both polite an6
right We. should banish them and apprO
pirate their lands to more lloyd and use
ful population. No man will deny that the
United States would be benefited by dis
possessing, a single prejudiced, hard-head'
his place dozen or more patient, industri'
GUS, good families, even II they be OF for
sign birth. think it does good TO present
this view of the case TO many Southerr
gentlemen, who grew rich and wealthy
not by virtue alone of their industry ano
skill, but by reason Of the protection and
impetus to prosperity given BY our hitherto
moderate and magnanimous Government
II il all idle nonsense for these Southern
planters to say that they made the South
that they own it, and that they can do ~
they please-even to break up our Govern
ment, and to shut up the natural avenues
Of trade, intercourse and commerce.
We know, and they know, II they are in
telfgent beings, that, - compared with thu
whole world, they are but - i've millioni
are to one thousand millions-that they die
not create the land-that their only title x
its use and Instruct il the deed Of the Uni
ted States, and If they appeal to war, they
hold their all by very insecure tenure.
For my part believe that this war il thu
result Of false political doctrine, for which
We are all - people responsible, viz: tina
any and every people have right 70 self
government; and would give Ill chanc,
to reflect, and when in error to recant.
know, slave owners finding themselves II
possession Of . species Of property in oppo
eitinn "a thu growing sentiment ofthe vfnlI