Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1864-09-08

Ihe ftne has come achen tie Gouernnaen
must determine upon cipl and mikitarl
p'licy coverfng the uhole grourd of on.
national trouble. The responsibility O
determining declaring end supporting
such civil and military policy, and oJ
directing the whole course of natioao,
cfairs in regard to the rebellion mast nou
be assumed and exercised Gy you, or oui
cause will b. lost. The Constellation aires
you po'Cer sufficient 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 his hest principles known to Christian
civilization. 1t should not be war
looking to the subjugation of the people
of any State in any event. 1t should not
be at all war upon population, but
against armed force and political organiza-
tions. Neither contiscation of rroperty,
political executions Of persons; territorial
organization of States, or forcible
abolition Of slavery should be contempla-
ted for moment. In prosecuting the
war, all private property and unarmed
persons should be strictly protected subject
only to tie necessity Of military operations.
All private property taken for military
use should be paid or receipted for; pilage
and waste should be treated as high crimes:
all unnecessary trespass sternly prohibited,
and offensive demeanor by the military
toward citizens promptly rebuked.
Military arrests shonld not be tolerated.
Il ~
exist and oaths not required by enactments
constitutionally made. should be neither
demanded nor received. Military govern
ment should be confined to the pre-
servation of public order and the protec-
tion of political rights. Military power
should not be allowed to interfere with the
relations OF servitude. either by supporting
or impairing the authority of the master,
except for suppressing disorder. as in
other cases. Slaves cont:ahand under the
act of Congres. seeking military protection
should receice IL. The right of the govern
ment to appropriate permanently to its
own service, claims to slave labor, shouM
be asserted, AMI the right of the owrer to
compensation therefor should be recog-
nized.
This principle might be ertended upon
grounds Of military necessity and security.
TO ALL TIE SLAVES WITHIN \ PARTICULAR
STATE, THUS WORKING MANUMrssIoS IN Suck
STATE; and in Missouri. perhaps in Western
Virginia also, and possibly even in Mary
land. the expectancy of such measure is
only question of time.
4 cystap, of ,olio,, tbur constitutional y |
and conservative and pervaded by the
influence of Christianity and freedom
would receive the support of almost all
truly loyal men. would deeply impress the
rebel masses and all foreign nations, and
it might be humbly 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 fruitless.
A declaration of rad cal views, especially |
upon slavery, will rapidly disinteSrate our
present armies.
The policy of the government must be
supported by concentrations of military
po,cer. The national forces should not be
in expeditions, posts Of occupa-
ton. and numerous armies, but should be
mainly collected into masses, and Jroughtto
bear upon Me armies Of tie Confederate
States. Those armies Thoroughly defeated,
the political structure arhich Mcy support
wOaid soon cease TO erist.
In carrying out any system of policy
which you may form, you will require
Commanderm IN chid Grant, of the army;
one who possesses your confidence, (Grant)
understands your riers, (Grant) and who
is competent TO erecute your orders (Gen.
Grant, by directing the military forces OF
the nation to the accomplishment of the
objects by you proposed. l do not ask
that place for myself. l am willing to
serve you in such position as you may
assign me and L 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,
| have written this letter with sincerity
towards you and from love of my country
Very respectfully your ob't serv't,
c. b. MCCLELLAN. Maj. Gen. Com.
His Excellency A. LINCOLN President.