Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1865-02-18

FoRr RANDALL, Feb. 10th. 1865.

DEAR FRENEY-I see by the papers from
Iowa that the threatened draft in that
State turned out las l predicted it would)
to be only one Of Lincolu's jokes. Those
citizens who, not seeing it in that light,
spent large sums Of money to procure
substitutes and sent them on, must fully
appreciate the joke as big thing. They
can relate the story in after years as per-
haps the only instance in which they were
frightened by . ghost. Consolng reAec-
ton! His Excellency Gov. Stone must
have enjoyed the joke hugely. All the
time it appears that he had in his posses.
sion the figures to show that Iowa was out
Of the draft. He, however, kept quiet,
and saw the men who had honored him
with an election to the position be now
holds-many Of them frightened into the
army, and many more forced to pay large
sums for substitutes. At length, when he
could no longer remain quiet he puts an
end to the fright of the people by anuounc.
ing the draf myth, so far as Iowa was
concerned. For all this he will be re-
membered.
Congress has at length passed the con-
stitutional amendment abolishing slavery.
1t will probably be ratified by the Legis>
lature Of the requisite number Of States.
How many would that be? Are those in
rebellion, and claiming to be Confederate
States to be considered as having any in-
terest in the matter. AS you have an able
Republican newspaper 10 your town, l
hope the editor Of that sheet will let US
know how many are required. Perhaps
the refusal of the Senate to permit the
countiog Of the electoral vote from some
of the States might assist him in his com
putation. But i, is conso!ing to reflect
that in short time we shall he spared
the painful reflection that we live in a
country were slavery is permitted. How
much purer, clearer and healthier the air
will be in Iowa and Dakota after the
amendment has been ratified. No longer
will there be any difference between q
white man and negro. The Legislatures
of many Of the other loyal States
should, before adjourning wipe out the
obnoxious statutes now 10 force prohibit.
ing marriages between whites ard blacks
1t is law as l believe wholly iucompati-
bic with public sentiment, and inconsist.
ent with the spirit of the age. Laws
never should seek to control the religious
sentiments or the affections Of the people.
Copperheads may carp Of "nigger on the
brain,' but such language it appears to
| me is reflection on Congress which has
for the last four years leeisla.ed more for
negroes than for any other class OF men,
animals or things. Why should not men
WHO are furnishing means to carry on q
war for the abolition Of slavery and the
support of the government be permitted
to think, talk and write of the negro /?
Men who carp and scod at and about
Quartermas.ers and other "!oyal" gov
eminent officers may seek to stay public
sentiment bu, they will fail Let s4ch re
fleet that the sentiments Of Lincoln are
Cire me free Nigyers or girs me r1r."
The Paymaster has been here and paid
US. There are fush times.
Lieut.. HesseIberger of Co. "H,' has
also been on visit here. The Lieut..
looks hearty and seems happy.
A prisoner who was confined at Fort
Sully, charged with selling whskey to the
Indians escaped from the guard house at
tia. Post few days since.
We have in our guard house man
charged with having murdered another q.
or near Crow Creek. The prisoner claims
that the murder was committed BY Indians
am told
Charlie Hamilton is here and is about
to fit up q gallery and try and make pic.
lures Of some of u fellows Shout! he
succeed | will try and send you some 70.
for insertion ia your paper.
THOMPSON.