The Placer herald. [volume] (Auburn, Placer County, Calif.) 1855-1991, 1864-10-22
Gen. McClellan's Harrison Land ing Letter.

years ago, at time when he was not though
of as a candidate for President. 1t will b
seen that be advocated the prosecution of tn
war for the restoration of the Union, and th
preservation of the rights of all the States
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF PoToMAc, CAMP
NEAR HARRIsoN's LANDING, Va,
July 7, 1862. }
Mr.. PREslDENT:-You have been duly in
formed that the rebel army is in our front
with the purpose of overwhelming us by at
tacking our positions and by blocking ou
river communications. | cannot but repart
our condition as critical, and earnestly de
sire, in view of possible contingencies, TO la,
before your exceIlency, for your private con
sideration, my general views concerning tn.
existing state of the rebellion, although they
do not strictly relate to the situation of this
army, or strictly come within scope of my
official duties These views amonnt to con-
victions, and are deeply impressed upon my
mind and heart. Our cause must never be
abandoned; it is the cause of free institutions
and self-government. The Constitution and
the Union must be preserved, whatever may
be the cost IN time, treasure or blood. II
secession is successful, other dissoutions are
clearly to be seen in the future Let neither
military disasters, political faction, nor for
t'gn war shake your settled purpose to en-
force the equal operation of the laws Of the
United States upon the people of every State
The time has come when the government
must determine upon civil and militar,
policy covering the whole ground of our ma.
tional trouble. The responsibility Of deter
mining, declaring and supporting such civi
and military policy, and of directing the
whole course of national affairs in regard tc
the rebellion must now be assumed and OK
ercised by you, or our cause will be lost
The Constitution gives you power suficien.
even for the present terrible exigency.
This rebellion has assumed the character
of war; as such it should be regarded; and it
should be conducted upon the highest prin.
ciples known to Christian civilization. 1t
should not he war upon population, but
against armed forces and political organiza
tions. Neither confscation of property. po
liiica executions of persons, territorial or
ganization Of Sates nor forcible abolition of
slavery should be contemplated for a mo-
ment. In prosecuting the war, all private
property and unarmed persons should be
strictly protected, subject only to the neces
sty of military operations. All private
property taken for military use should be
paid or receipted for; pilIsge and waste
should be treated as high crimes; all unne-
cessary trespass sternly prohibited, and often
slve demeanor by the military toward citizens
promptly rebuked. Military arrests should
not be tolerated, except in places where ac-
tive hostiities exist, and oahs not required
by enactmens consttutionallv made, should
be neither demanded nor received. Military
governments should be confined to the pre-,
servation of public order and the protection
of political rights. Military power should
not be allowed to interfere with the relations
of servitude, either by supporting or impair
ing the authority of the master, except for
disorder, rs in other cases.
Slaves contraband under the act of Congress,
seeking military protection, should receive it.
The right of the government to appropriate
to its own service, claims to
slave labor, should be asserted, and the right
Of the owner to compensation therefor should
be recognized.
This principle might be extended upon
grounds of military necessity and security,
to all the slaves within particular State,
thus working manumisson in such State;
and in Missouri perhaps in Western Virginia
also, and possibly even in Mary the ex.
pedency of such a measure is only ques-
lion of time.
A system Of policy thus constitutional and
conservative, and pervaded by the influences
Of Christianity and freedom, would receive
he support of almost all truly loyal men,
would deeply impress the rebel masses and
all foreign nations, and it might be humbIy
hoped that it would commend itself to the
favor of the Almighty.
Unless the principles governing the future
conduct Of our struggle shall be made known
and approved, the effort to obtain requisite
forces will be almost hopeless. A decara
ton of radical views especially upon slavery,
will rapidly dsintegrate our present armies.
The policy of the government must be
by concentrations of military pow
er. The national forces should not be dis
persed in expeditions posts of occupation,
and numerous armies, but should be mainly
into masses, and brought to bear
upon the armies of the Confederate States.
Those armies thoroughly defeated the politi.
cal structure which they support would soon
cease to exist.
In carrying out any system of policy
which you may form, you will require a
commander-n chief Of the army; one who
possesses your confidence, understands your
views, and is competent to execute your Or
ders by directing the military forces of the
nation to the accomplishment of the objects
by you proposed. do not ask that place
myself | am willing to serve you in such
position as you may assign me, and | will do
so as faithfully as ever subordinate served
superior.
may be on the brink of eternity, and as
| hope for forgiveness from my Maker, l have
written this letter with sincerity towards
you and from love of my country.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,