Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-01-18

Ma. PRESIDENT lou have been fully informed
lat the rebel army is in our front, with the pur-
ose OF overwhelming us by attacking posi-
on or reducing us by blocking our river commu-
icatiOns. / can but regard our position as criti-
al, and earnestly desire. in view of possible
ontingencies. TO lay before your Exceliency, for
our private consideration, my general views con-
erning the existing state of the rebellion, al
hough they do not strictly relate to the situation
Il this army, or strictly come within the scope
f my Official duties These views amount to
nnvictiOns, and are deeply impressed upon my
mind and heart. Our ciGse must not be aban-
loned-it is the cause Of free institutions and
elf government. The Constitution and Union
must De preserved, whatever may be the cost in
lime, treasure and blood IL secession is success
ul other dissoutious are clearly to be seen in
he future Let neither military disaster, politi-
al faction foreign war shake your settled pur-
pose enforce 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 aud military policy cover
ing the whole ground Of our national trouble. The
responsibilities of determining. declaring and
supporting such civil aud military policy. and
of directing the whole course of national affairs
in regard 10 the rebellion, must now be assumed
and exercised BY you. cause will be lost.
The Constitution gives you power sufficient even
for the present terrible exiginey. This rebellion
"A
should be be regarded, and conducted upon the
highest principles known to Christian civilization
IL should not be a war looking to the subjugation
Of the people Of any State in any event. IL
should not be at all var upon population, but
against armed forces and political organic atoms
Neither con6scatiOn Of property political execu
ton of persons. territorial organizations Of States
. or forcible abolition of slavery. should be
temDIated for a moment. In prosecuting the
~
should be strictlv protected. subject only the
necessities OF military operations all private
property taken for military use should be paid or
receDted for; pillage and waste should be treated
as high crimes. all unnecessary trespass sternly
prohibited, and offensive demeanor BY the militia
ry toward citizens promptly rebuked. Military
arrests should not be tolerated except in places
where active hostilities exist; and oaths not re-
quired bv enactments constitutionally made.
should neither be demanded nor received.
Militlry governments should be confined TO
the preservation of public order and the prOtec-
ton of political rights. Military power should
not be allowed to interfere with the relations of
seryitude, either by supporting or impairing the
authority of the master. except for depressing
disorder. in other cases. Slaves. contraband
Inder the act of Congress. seeking military pro-
ection, should receivet The right of tie Gov
! rnment To appropriate permanently TO its own
pervice claims slave labor should be ASSERTED,
mo the right of the owner TO compensation there
or should be recognized. This principal might
De expended upon grounds of military necessity
md security TO all the slaves within particular
State. thus working manumission in such State;
. md in Missouri, perhaps in Western Virginia,
also, and possibly even i'm Maryland, the expedi-
ency of such measure Is only question OF
time Asystem OF policy thus constitutional and
conservative, and pervaded by the influences OF
Christianity and freedom. would receive tire sup
I ,ort Of almost al truly loyal men. would deeply
i impress the rebel masses and all foreign ma
q, ions. and il might be humbly hoped that il
. would commend itself to the favor Of the
Almighty. Unless the principles governing
he future conduct of our struggle shall be
made known and approved. the effort 10
I5sAin requisite forces will be almost hopeless.
/ A declaratop of radical views. especially upon
lavery, viii rapidly disniegrate present
: rmies The policy Of ;l.e Government must be
Imported by concentrations Of military power.
The national forces should not be dispersed in
expeditions, posts Of occupation, and numerous
lrmies, but should be mainly collected into
masses and brsught TO bear upon the armies OF
he Confederate States. Those armies thorough
" defeated. the political structure which they
support would soon cease 20 exist In carrying
cut any system or policy which you may form
.fou will require Commander in Chief of the
slrmy one who possesses your confidence. under
stands your views, and who Is competent &c
execute yeur orders BY directing the nilitar,
forces of the nation to the accomplishment o
the objects BY you proposed. DO nos ask that
place for myself. I am willing to serve you u
asuch position ss you may assign me. and viii Dc
20 as faithfully as ever subordinate served supe-
9 ,rior- I may be the brink of eternity. and a
=. hope forgiveness from my Maker, have writ
ten this letser with sincerity to you. and from low
for my country.
s4r fSignedl gar nsGEosekB MoorsLLxSs