The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-07-01
Letter from General Ewell Giving His
Reasons for Deserving tho Old Flag.
From the ST. Paul MINI Pioneer.1

Reasons for DESERVING tho Old Flag.
From the ST. Paul Mimi Pioneer
A gentleman Of st. Paul, who was formerly non.
commissioned ofncer In General then Captain) Ewels
company Of the regular army wrote friendly letter 70
the following reply which no has permitted TO pub
sh on account Of the explanation i affords Of the
uves and Inducements which led General Ewe to en-
brace the secession cause. The letter is follows
FoRr wARRsS, B. H., June Is, 1855.
DEAR SIR-I was highly gratined at the receipt Of
me very different views in regard to the
sponsibities Of an onicor from those with which
muias used afterwards and abstruse branches
Of science, were dwelt upon 70 tho utter exclusion
OF the duties and responsibilities that were 70 occupy
the testimony of companion in arms that made
friends among the sodiers-a portion Of humanity
what the deserve, and whom ID easier to govern
by the harshest rules than to take to dscrm
nate between good and bad and TO make the profession
easier when possible
After the time Of which you write my health suffered
terribly for years. not much to the Improvement Of
temper and remember with regret much harsh Ian
ruage and conduct towards who showed themselves
better able control themselves than could control
myself However always tried to be Just in the long
rum and while the discipline and good behavior OF my
company notorious, hope l may say no man was
made worse by service with me, and many OF the boys
discharged from my company became valuable and In.
dustrious citizens never heard Of ono turning out
badly during many years in New Mexico, and learned
that kindness gives far more perfect control over inc
human as we'll the brute races than harshnesS and
That you may have as little possible to be ashamed
Of serving with me- will give you short accoun, or
how came into the Southern CAUSE
from Arizona, sick, in the sprin~ Of 1851 Stad
In the country in Virginia. my Ste trying to get WE'LL
and found the to regret was being started
All the highest States army officers resign
ing except General Scott and he published letter that
Va United States would divide into four parts thus
showing that he thought all over United States
Senator said he would march Northern regiment To
help the south for every sent against her. Nothing
done with either of these men, or with others whose
troa A mernb0r Of COnQroRg. from
California made public speech calling upon the South
to resist tho election Of Mr.. Lincoln
Now found myself forced TO fight against my brothers
own State when many ADLER than myself contended
she right By taking up the side Of the South for
feited handsome position hne pay and tho earnings Of
twenty years hard service All the pay drew In four
years Ia the South not much year pay In
the old army The greatest political favotism against
me ever had was from Mr. Davis after the Mexican
war.
II s hard to account for my course except from pain
were moro devoted the old country than myself; and
the greatest objection had 70 II because OF my
objection for u strong Now zoe persons who did
what they could to bring about the war; 10 high favor in
the North holding high Office II like death to me.
N rosts here from Now Mexico in 1891, volunteered
my services TO fight tho Texans threatening United
States post and careful 10 do nothing against the
United States before resgning.
have asked 70 DO allowed to take the oath Of alloRi
and return TO my duties citizen Soc though,
that many persons active In the nrst steps In bringing
this war about arc liberty, while am with
soo4 pYspect Of getting out while my vito under
this time utterly failed 10 find out why she Is
arrested. Neither she myself have tho slightest doa
Of the cause OF her arrest
the friendly Of your letter. and because feel natu
rally drawn toward those with whom have served I
remain very respectfully &C, 8. EWELL.