The southern aegis, and Harford County intelligencer., 1864-01-15
BEL AIR. MD. FRIDAY MORNING,

highest principles known to christian civi.
lization.l 1t should not be war looking
to the subjugation' Of the people Of any
State on any event, ~. 2' '"'2.''5'
It should not be at all a waf upon pop
ulation, but against armed forces and 9po-
litical organization. Neither confscation
of prooerty, political executions Of petsons,
territorial organizations Of States, Or Nforci-
BILE abolition Of slavery should be conten-
plated for moment. In prosecuting the
war all private property and unarmed per-
SONS should be strictly protected, subject
only to the necessity Of military opera
tions. All private property taken for
military use should be paid or receipted
for; pillage and waste would be treated
as high crimes, all unnecessary trespass
sternly prohibited, and offensive demeanor
BY the military toward citizen promptly
rebuked. ''.'H ''.'
Military arrests should not be tolerated
except in n'places where active bostilities
exist, and oaths not required by enact
ments constitutionally made should be
neither demanded nor received. Military
government should be confred to the pre-
servation of public order and the protec-
ton of political rights. Military power
should not be allowed to interfere with the
relations Of servitude, either BY support
ing or impairing the authority of the mas.
ter, except for repressing disorder, as in
other cases. Slaves contrabanh under the
act of Congress, seeking military protec.
tion, should receive it. The right of the
Government to appropriate permanently
to its own service claims of slave-labor
should be asserted, and the right of the
owner to compensation therefor should be
recognized.
This principle might be extended upon
grounds of military necessity and security
to all the slaves within particular State,
thus working manumission in such State
and.iu Missouri, perhaps in Western Vir-
ginia, also, and possibly even in Mary
land, the expediency of such measure is
only question of time. A system of pol
icy thus constitutional and conservative,
aud pervaded by the Influences of Chris
tianity 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 recommend
itself to the favor of the Almighty. '"
Unless the principles governing the fu-
ture conduct of our struggle shall be made
known and approved. the effort to obtain
requisite forces will be almost hopeless
A declaration of radical views, especially
upon slavery, will rapidly disintegrate ouf
present armies. The policy of the Gov
ernment must be supported by concentra-
tons of military power. The national
forces should not be dispersed in expedi.
tions, posts of occupation and numerous
armies; but should be mainly collected
into masses and brought to bear upon the
armies of the Confederate States. Those
armies thoroughly defeated, the political
structure which they support would soon
cease to exist. ggl
In carrying out any system of policy
which you may form, you will require
Comn.ander-in-Ch Of the army, one who
possesses your confidence, understands
your views, and who is competent to exc.
cute your orders by directing the military
forces of the nation to the accomplishment
of the objects by you proposed. I do not
ask that place for myself. | am willing
to serve you in such position as you may
assign me, and will do SO as faithfully as
ever subordinate Served superior. I may
be on the brink of eternity, and, as I hope
forgiveness from my Maker, have writ
ten this letter with sincerity towards you,
and from loves of my country. : '1.'
(Signed) -a 'oH3i 'a.