The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1864-06-11

FRIEND DUNHAM Are we not over
looking some Of our former leading pOliti-
cal opponents who have nobly stepped for
ward to sustain our country in this terrible
war? fear we are (; and, to one OF which,
whose patriotism entities him to favora-
BILE consideration, propose calling your
attention.
Among the few prominent Democrats OF
our State who, when the rebellion broke
out, preferred country to party, was II. ii.
Heath, of Dubuque. He was among the
first to raise troops for the field, himself
setting an example of patriotism by enlist
ing as a private soldier. For more than
country in the field and garrison, and
bears at least two honorable scars received
in desperate encounter with the rebel enc
nv. Few have raised more men or been
more instrumental in raising troops than
he. Directly and indirectly, he may be
said to have raised more than regiment
Of troops in our State. In 1861 he was one
of Mr.. Douglas most earnest opponents
was in the Convention that nominated
observation-disclosures the committeeman
for Iowa for that wing of the Democratic
party-aroused what spirit existed for the
Breckenridge ticket in Iowa. and efficient
ly stumped a considerable portion OF the
state during that canvass. In his speeches
he did not hesitate to avow, as between
Mr.. Douglas and Mr.. Lincoln, that the lat
ter was his choice. At that tite he was
publishing the "N0rthmcst," paper in the
interest Of Mr.. Breckenridge, was POST
master of Dubuque, and was very proper
ly displaced by Mr.. Lincoln, within a
month after his Inauguration. The rebel
lion breaking out, he sent his son, only
fifteen years old, into the army, (who has
recently been killed. and shortly thereaf-
ter entered the service himself Since
which time he has supported, with a singu-
lar tenacity and purpose unfalterng, the
measures of Mr.. Lincoln, and, as I learn,
is an earnest aud efficient advocate for his
collection. His pen, ever ready as q cor
respondent, has scarcely been idle since
the war began, so that he may be said liter
ally to have fought with both pen and
sword-the two weapons which conquer all
terrestrial enemies in the end. Nor have
his patriotic speeches been unproductive.
Modesty keeping him in the background,
Heath as yet only ranks as a Major of Cav
airy. feel that such man deserves a
better reward for his services, when he can
bring to position an ability commensurate
with his deserts, and earnestly trust that
the Union men Of Iowa, the prominent
who can, will make an effort to procure for
him Brigadiership from the President,
for which he is so we'll fitted and which he
so Justly merits. Certainly we have none
more deserving. Whether promotion
reaches him or not, he is lin for the war"
and will not leave the army until the last
rebel is subiugated. 1t requires no small
effort to tear ourselves from life-long
party association and heartily cooperate
and affiliate with those we have heretofore
opposed. This, Major Heath has unhesi-
tatingly done, and did it too at time when
our national affairs looked most gloomy,
and hope that he will no longer be over
looked, but that our Union friends will
make an effort to do him that justice to
which he is 50 eminently entitled.
Ever yours, JUSTICE.
Rprnurn~ Iona