Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1865-06-22
Letter from Maj. Otis.
Camp Stoneman, d. e.
lime Ii 1861

June ID, loOo
DEAR CHRONICLE Il promised you, on
leaving Dodgeville, to write you an occas-
ional letter. Accept this, my first, as the
best in store, from the fact that | am in no
humor for writing-being half sick, mad
and only know what not.
The great question IN discussion about
the capital, seems to be the reconstruction
Of the Southern States. The Presidential
house, during the past week has been ia
vored with calls from an innumerable num-
Der Of committees from different parts of
the Union. 1t seems to have become fash
ionable to wait upon the President and ex
press confidence in his ability, and to
present him with a long string of rcsclu
tions. Just as though he were there for no
other purpose than to receive ''puffs' from
gang Of Wall street politicians and south
ern sympathizers. This course of the
would-be founders of Southern liberty, as
it is styled, is a source Of much comment,
L
az the hands of candy" when the political
DULLES least expect it. The proclamations
Of the President are sound, and from all
party meE, with the exception Of the New
York Meas click, are considered in Chris
tan like manner. The policy Of his pre-
dccessor is stamped upon each, and to
be firmly adhered to- He is disposed to be
lenient to those who are entitled to leniency,
and exacting of the leaders of the rebellion
on account of their stewardship. Justice
and humanity demand it. The noble ex-
amples of Lincoln is the guide for the re-
constructions of the Southern States, and
in the dealing with traitors.
The southern states cannot be admitted
back into the Union on an equal footing
ceiying a thorough cleansing from the ha-
biliments Of treason, since they forced war
upon the free states by assumptions Of
superiority-by contempt of the majority
by violations of law, and by deliberate
disregard of their solemn oaths They
committed the error, now let the leaders
suffer the penalty Of the law, however I'M
comely.
The discharge Of troops is going on with
great rapidity, and in couple Of weeks
Washington will be in quiet state of lone
illness. A large force is employed upon the
capitol, putting on the fancy touches"
Although the capitol is most splendid
and costly structure, it would not captivate
us western people, with all its splendor.
Che Hall of legislators seems dark and dis
NAL Notwithstanding the gold bronze works
and general gaudy trimmings throughout.
The Assembly Hall at Madison, to my lik-
ing in its plain white decorations, is much
the most pleasant to be in. One DOESN'T feel
right with SO much splendor about him.
The trial OF the assassins is still in pro-
gress, and likely to continue week longer.
There seems to be no doubt of the guilt of
the parties on trial. Mrs. Surratt, the she
devil, appears distracted, and as though
she was already aware of her fate. The
others wear look of unconcern. The great
feature of this trial is the fact of the gov
eminent having attained such amount Of
evidence, bringing out every little point con-
nected with the affair, and so firmly fast
ening the guilt of aiding and abetting upon
the heads of the late chiefs Of the rebel
government No doubt but that those now
in confinement will be put upon trial as
soon as this case is disposed of.
have seen many of our Dodgeville boys
Lieut. Jeardoe, 1t Strong and 1t. Owens,
all looking we'll and oontented. Orr Iowa
County boys seem to have good name
everywhere They know their business,
and whether in camp or before the enemy,
they are alike.
We are in camp near Giesborer Point,
Just opposite the arsenal, with not much to
do, except furnish guard and patrol 1t is
matter of conjecture what will be done
with this corps.
shall probably be with You on the LIST
of July. -AR 1eroir. ..