The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-09-30
Hon. Reverdy johnson for Mcclellan.

WASHINGTON, September 19.-Washipg-
ton was electrified to-day by the publica-
ton Of the following letter from Senator
Reverdy johnson, of Maryland, who was
elected by a Legislature opposed to the
Democratic party, and who acted through
out the session with the Republican party.
Let him speak for himself as the Oldest
Senator in Congress:
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Sept. IA, 1864.
NTIEMEN--Y Your invitation to a NEE ting
ify the nominations of Mcclellan and Pendle-
ton, is but just received. 1t will be out of my
power to be with you, my stay here for some
days longer being unavoidable Opposed as I
was to the original election of Mr.. Lincoln to
the standing he now occupies, from con-
viction of his being unequal to its duties, and
the manner in which he has met them, has but
confirmed me in that opinion. With more
than two millions of soldiers placed in his
power, and an unlimited amount of treasure,
his policy and his manner of using his power,
instead of putting the rebellion down,
and bringing to our ranks the thou
sands of union men who were then
in each of the seeded States, and who,
in some, are believed to Outnumber
the rebels, has but served the double purpose
OF uniting them against US, and of dividing the
public opinion of the loyal States. The effect
OF course is, that, Notwithstanding the gallant
deeds of our army and navy, and the manifest
justice OF our cause, the Union is even more
eHectually broken now than it was when this
administration commenced. Whatever of hon
esty OF purpose may belong to him-and am
willing to admit he has had this vascillat-
ing policy, now conservative now radical
bis selection of military officers grossly
incompetent; his treatment of those who were
evidently competent; his yielding to what he
has himself often been heard to say, as an ex-
cuse, was outside pressure: his having not
only not punished, but, as far as the public
know, unrebuked the vandal excesses of mill.
tary officers of his special selection, shocking
the world and disgracing us in the view of
Chrstendom, by the burning of private dwell
ings, and deprived their often exclusively fe-
male occupants of home and livelihood all
demonstrate that he is grossly incompetent
to govern the country in this crisis of its fate.
who has signally failed for almost four entire
years can be successful if another four years
are granted him? No one in Congress-cer-
tainly not twenty members-believe him at all
equal to the mighty task. He has been tried,
aud found wanting. Let us have change.
None, if loyal, can be for the worse. It is not
that we wish to see his own classic figure. to
"swap horses in the middle of a stream" but
when we are on journey, and safety depends
on our making our destination at the earliest
moment, we should cast aside sprained and
thin horse, and secure a sound one In Gen.
Mcclellan we are furnished, in the history of
his life, in the purity OF his character, his re-
fnement, his attainments, civil and military,
and, above all, In his perfect loyalty, every as
surance that, under his executive guidance, the
war. now so exhaustive of treasure and blood,
will soon be brought to triumphant termina-
ton, and this union, which he will never agree
to surrender, will be restored.
With regard, your obedient servant,
REVERDY JOHNSON.