Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-02-29
The Army and Abolition.

The New York World publishes the commui-
cation below The sentiments expressed by this
soldier for himself and his compatriots in arms. it
is well known are those in fact entertained by
them. The same may be said with Justice of the
majority of the army of the West:
ARMY or rHk PoroMAc. February Is
To the Editor Ofthe World
Sra I'll noticed in a report OF speech made by
General Garfield, in Congress: on the 25th ult
the following language -. The rapid current of
events has made the army of the republic an sbo
liton army" Upon what knowledge Of facts the
honorable gentleman makes this sweeping as-er-
ton, am of course unable 10 say but am able
to say. from intimate connection with the
my in several Of its most important departments,
extending from the commencement of the war
10 this time. that no. facts exist which justify
the assertion in the terms in witch it is made
There is not one in ten in the army, Off
GERS privates. who will admit himself to be
ar ab0liti0nist. or who will not repe with indig
nation the charge Of being engaged IN the war for
any purpose connected with abolition. The prev
aleDt sentiment of the army on the subject Of
slavery is this: that IT, in the legitimate prosecu
ton OF the war 70 crush armed rebellion against
the Federal Government. slaves. e Their proper
" or persons can be taken and usefuy employed
by our army It is proper in the rebel States to do
or destroyed. partially or entirely, just cor
sequence of the progress Of the war, il is result
for which the rebellion is alone responsible. The
one great purpose Of the army. as a body, is to
destroy the armed forces OF the rebellion. and
TO restore the supremacy of the Federal Govern
ment over the length and breadth of our once
united and happy land. The army regards the re
beliion NJ one OF the guiltiest that blackens the
history Of human governments, and, 60 crush it.
thousands from its ranks have already laid down
their lives on the battle field, and tens of thou
sans stand ready. if need be, TO make the same
sacrifice But an authoritative announcement
to the army that the great, or even prominent
object Of the Government in the prosecution OF
the war, " to abolish slavery In the States where
Il legally exists would at once paralyze the right
arm Of its strength and extingush the spirit
which has hitherto maintained il IN IT, glorious
career To Members Of Congress desire TO make
the war hateful in the eyes of the army. let
them continue 10 haun, Ia is face. as the symbol
OF is purpose in this war. the dirty rag Of abo
ton fanaticism, until t sh III completely hide
from view that loved banner which tells Of the
noble achievements and heroic sacrifices Of the
Fathers Of the Republic-of the value OF the
Union they established. aud Of the sacredness Of
that Constitution upon which the Union so long
and 81 happily rested.
This accomplished and Notwithstanding the
assertion OF General Garfield, nine tenths Of the
Army Of the Republic" will turn their backs In
shame and disgust upon the war--as condemned
by every sentiment OF honor. every principle OF
Justice. Yours, &c.
AxERicAx SoLpIsR