The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1865-07-28
From the Ohio Statesman ]
Soldiers Letter to General Cox--Th


Ask him to Define his Position,
Some days ago we learned, incidentally that
a number of officers and soldiers, who have
seen service during the late war, had addressed
letter to General Jacob Dolson Cox, the Re
publican candidate for Governor asking him
certain questions as TO his views about Resto-a-
ton and Negro Suffrage. We have succeeded
in procuring copy Of the letter, which We
print below. We understand that it was hand
ed to the General the day it was written; but
it has not yet been answered, as we are inform
ed. 1t is as follows:
SOLDIERS LETTER TO GEN. COX.
COLUMBUS, o., July Sd, 1865.
MAJ GEN Cox, Commanding 23d Army
Corps:
DEAR SR-As your fellow-soldiers and fel-
low-cltizens, we congratulate you upon your
nomination as candidate for Governor of
Ohio; and as comrades desiring your success, if
there be a concurrence of our views on certain
public questions of great interest, we address
you this note.
We are only soldiers, and know nothing Of
the tricks and schemes Of politicians; and We
therefore regret that the Convention which
placed you in nomination failed to give expires
sion Of the views of the party on the subject Of
Reconstruction Of the Union and Negro saf-
frage.
1t is true that the Convention in general
terms Endorsed the policy of President Johnson,
but It is equally true that few hours after The
adjournment Of the Convention. General Schenck
declared in a speech in front of the Capitol
that he was opposed to receiving the represen-
tatives of the Southern States into Congress,
tboyh hoI bu u1u;p
the right of suffrage 10 the negro.
He further said that ''there were three clas-
ses of persons in the South-the arristocrats,
who were secessionists; the ''white trash mean
ing those loyal whites who have the misfortu-
nate to be poor, and "the negroes, who were
loyal to the core" And if suffrage was exten-
ped to either Of these classes, he wished it to
be given TO the negro.
1t is charged, General, that you are in favor
of placing the negro apon q political equality
with white soldiers, and white citizens.
In order, therefore, to give you an opportu-
nifty to vlndioate yourself from charges of so
damaging a character, we ask you the follow
ing questions
1st Are you in favor of restoring the South
ern States to all their rights in the Union, as
proposed by President Johnson, even # the
right of suffrage is not extended to the negro?
I'd Are you in favor of giving the negro the
right to vote 10 Ohio, and to confer upon him
all the other privileges Of citizen, either now,
or at any future time!
We feel it to be due toyou to say that we are
IN favor of President Johnsons plan of recon
struction; that we believe it to be the duty Of
all loyal citizens TO sustain the Government,
and tina. wo ara opposed TO negro suffrage
now, or at any future time
We are, respectfully, your comrade and teI"
low-citizens,
F. S. PARKER, Capt. seth Q. VI
A. L. ANDERSON, " a.
Z W NIoHoLs, /"
D. c. PATRICK, Adit.
ID. G. W. SMITH, Sergt 18th q. S. A
A. II. PoTEN, late Lt-Cel. Inv. Corps.
J. Y. Chiffon, lgt 1t. SSH o. VI.
J. D. WILSON, lst 1t. ''
Ed. LANE, late Sergt lst Gov. u s 4
j. II. PATTERSON, lst 1t 8R-t . :
?. IvoVY, lst 1t. 88to :
l. r. MARSHALL,
J. NJ. WINspTGLAR, g
ayAny person who will advocate negro suf-
CI,N ko 70