Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1864-07-29
OUR ARMY CORRESP ONDENCE

NEAR PETERSBURG, Va, July 81, 1864.
Mr.. Editor Those of our sanguine friends
at the North who, last winter, predicted that
the war would end in the defeat or conquest of
every rebel army before the 4th day of July,
now last past, must be convinced by the depre-
citation of the Federal currency and the Presi-
dents last call for half a million more men,
that that nice little job is not quite yet COM
pieted. If they are still INDUCING in the de-
fusion that their predictions are fulfilled, let
them take a trip to Petersburg via Harper's
Ferry the Shenandoah valley and Gordons-
vile, or, if they happen to be under forty-fye
years of age, remain at home and draw a'prize
in Uncle Sans draft lottery, and am of opin-
ion that their decisions will very suddenly van
ish.
1t is just three years since the first Bull Run
battle was fought, and even Virginia is not con-
quered, Richmond is not taken, nor the "back
of the rebellion" SO badly broken as to produce
much of paralysis of its lower extremities.-
We are yet confronted by large armies well
armed and equipped, well fed and led by able
and experienced generals. Ifany of your read
still INDUCES in the belief that we can Stare
the rebels into submission he had better come
out this way, traverse some of the counties our
troops have marched through and see the mag.
nifcent cornfelds waving in every breeze and
waiting to every passer by constant promise OF
a golden harvest. There is food enough and
to spare such as it is, in the South, and if any
variety is wanting an annual raid into Maryland
and Pennsylvania will supply all deficiencies.
The North has already lavished blood and
treasure enough to have extingaish.d this rebel
lion and conquered peace that should prove en-
during. Then, you ask, why have we not sue
ceeded? | answer: LIST, Because there is al
the North very large class of men who are
interested in prolonging the war. They seem
10 care very little whether the rebellion is sub.
dued, the Union restored and our dear old flag
made again to wave over united country, pro.
vided they can get fat contracts, make money
out Of the necessities Of the government, or by
gambling in the necessaries of life. These mer
are ready TO support this or any other admins.
tration, 10 talk periodically and to subscribe
largely to encourage volunteering, Just so long
as war can be carried on; they are Away,
ready to pass resolutions thanking "our brave
solders;' they attend Sanitary Commission
Fairs and pay literally; but when it comes tc
draft TO replenish the thinned ranks of oui
regiments they throw every possible obstacle
in tba In oil tha;. 81; 90 al.
strive to block the wheels of government, Grip
PIE its resources and delay its military opera
lions. They are patriotic after their fashion
but their patriotism and all like it will never
conquer the rebels nor restore peace. ave ar,
in favor Of putting down the rebellion" the,
will say, "but we can't subscribe to the Eman
cipation Proclamation we don't like this max
ing soldiers out of negroes we are opposed t
draft !" and, they might add with equal trutl
and more pertinency, 1--WE don't want 10 volun
teer ourselves" Thank God this class of mel
is quite small in Vermont.
Cd, Another, and probably the controIlin;
reason why the North, with its great resource
and population has not been more successful il
this work may be found in the fact that he
people have engaged in this work as an occO
sional job that they could despatch at almos
any time that suited their convenience, an
without interfering in the least with their othe
and ordinary business, while the rebels hav
made it the work of their lives. Our officer
and soldiers are brave and fight with INTEL
gence and enthusiasm. But | think to-day
majority of both officers and men would like {
get OFT of the service and go home. And why
Because in nearly every letter they get fror
home they are encouraged, urged and besougf
10 get out OF the service. Fathers and mott
ers, wives and sisters are not content TO civ
up TO the service of their country their sons an
husbands and brothers. On the other hon
nearly every man in the South capable of bea
ing arms is forced into the ranks not more
the relentless prescription employed than /
the influence OF his relatives, and especially
the female portion Of his family. Our Nortl
ern women are pat:ioticj they do more tina
the world ever saw done before for the sick on
wounded soldiers who have been fighting Il
battles of their country; but too many of the
yet hesitate in making the greater sacrifice, O
having made it, render it practically null