The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1864-02-11

A Curious Letter.

AAiS ANAiONlllSS5 lOLCCl WhASAl udS DCCu DuL
recently Published, was addressed by Gene
raj Mcclellan, to the President just after the
defeat on the Peninsula, and while bis army
was huddled under the protection of the gun
boats. 1t is curious production under the
circumstances, and indicates that at that
time political ideas were beginning to gain
an ascendancy over military subjects in the
mind of the General:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac,
Camp near Harrison's Landing Va,
Monday, July 7th, 1852.
Mr.. PRESIDENT: You have been fully in-
formed that the rebel army is in our front,
with the purpose of overwhelming us by at
lacking our positions or reducing us by
blocllading our river communications. L
cannot but regard our condition as critical,
aud | earnestly desire, in view OF possible
contingencies, to lay before your Excellency
for your private consideration, my general
views concerning the existing state OF the re-
belIion, although they do not strictly relate
to the situation Of the army, or strictly come
within the scope of my official duties. These
views amount to convictions, and are deeply
impressed upon my mind and heart. Our
cause must not be abandoned, it isthe- cause of
free institutions and sef-government. The
Constitution and Union must be preserved,
whatever may be the cost in time, treasure
and blood. If secession is successful, ether
dissolutions are clearly to be seen in the fu-
ture. Let neither military disaster, political
faction, nor foreign war, shake our settled
purpose to 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 a civil and
military policy covering the whole ground OF
our national trouble. The responsibility Of
determining, declaring, and supporting such
civil and military policy, and Of directing the
whole course of national affairs in regard TIC
the rebellion, must now be assumed and ex-
erciGed by you, or our cause will be lost. The
Constitution gives You power sufficient even
for the present terrible exigsncy.
This rebellion has assumed the character Of
war; as such it should be regarded, and it
should be conducted upon the highest princl-
piles known to Christian civilization 1t shod
not be war looking to the subjugation OF
the people Of any State in any event. 1t sho'd
not be at all awarupon population, but against
armed forces and political FOUNDATIONS
Neither confiscation of property, political eX-
ecutions of persons territorial organizations
of States, or forcbIe abolition of slavery, sho'd
be contemplated for moment. In prosecu-
ting the war all private property and ARM
ed persons should be strictly protected, sub
iect only to the necessities of military opera
lions, All private property; taken for militia
nv use should be paid or receipted for plllage
and waste should be treated as high crimes;
all unnecessary trespass sternly prohibited
and offensive demeanor by the military tow
ard citizens promptly rebuked. Military ar
rests should not be tolerated except IN places
where &C tive hostilities exist, and oaths not
required by enactments constltutonally
made, should be neither demanded nor re-
ceived. Military government should be con,
fined to the preservation os public order ana
the protection of political rights
Military power should not be allowed to
interfere with the relations OF servitude eth
er by supporting or ilnpairing the authority
of the master, except for REFRESHING disorder,
as in other cases. Slaves contraband under
the act of Congress, seeking military protec-
ton, should receive it. The right Of the gov
eminent to appropriate permanently to It's own
service claims of slave labor should be asser-
ted, and the right of the owner to compensa-
ton 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 man
omission in such State and in Missouu,per-
haps in Western Virginia, also, and possibly
even in Maryland, the expediency OF such a
measure is only question OF time. A sys-
tenn Of policy thus constitutional and conserV-
alive, and pervaded by the influences OF
Christianity and freedom, would receive the
support of almost all truly loyal men, would
deeply impress the rebel masses and all Tor
eign nations, aud it might be humbly hoped.
that it would commend itself to the favor OF
the Almighty Unless principles governing
the future conduct Of our struggle shall be
made known and approved, the effort to OBJ
tain requisite forces will be almost hopeless
A declaration of radical views especially
upon slavery, will rapidly disintegrate our
present armies.
The policy Of the government must besup-
ported by concentrations Of military power.
The national forces should not be dispersed
Iinexpeditions, post of occupations, and numer-
GUS armies. but should be mainly collected
into masses and brought to bear upon the
armies of the Confederate States. Those ar
mics thoroughly defeated, the political struc-
ture which they support would soon cease to
exist. In carrying out any system Of policy
which you may form, you will require com
nander-in-c chef Of the army; one who pos
sesses your confidence, understands your
views, and who is competent to execute your
orders by directing the military forces OF the
ration to the accomplishment Of the object,
bv YOU proposed | do not ask that place
for myself / am willing to serve you ~
such position as you may assign me, and viii
do so as faithfully as ever subordinate served
snnarior I NAV be on the brink OF
eternity. and, as hope forgiveness from my
Maker, / have written this letter with SIN
cerity toward You, and from love for my
country.