The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-06-02
Aeouieseenoe or the Southern Peo'
ple I'm the FAN OF the Confede.

pie In tho FAN OF the Coincide
racy.
We take the liberty of printing the fol-
lowing extracts of private letter just re-
ceived from an officer of high rank in Ala
bama, who has good opportunities Of learn
ing the sentiments of the people of that
State. The information he communicates
is confirmed by the daily intelligence that
is received from all parts of the South. 1t
is evident that a kind and conciliatory
spirit on the part of the North will soon
restore the Union, in heart and purpose,
as well as in name. If the Southerners
can be made to understand that we have
not fought them because we hated them,
but that our government might be upheld;
and that We have no desire to dominate
over them, or exult in their extreme hu :
initiation, the time, may soon come when
they win celebrate the downfall of the re,
bellion. The extracts are as follows: &c.
*-l*ii'a* II am most agreeably surprised
in having the war terminate so soon, and am
also agreeably surprised at the rational, quiet
and graceful manner in which the Southern
people acquiesce in the downfall of the confed.
eracy. 1t sounds delightful to hear of Forest
eXhOrting rebel soldiers to 90 home and strive
to surpass each other in being peaceable and
loyal citizens. RIA. g..
The people here expect the extinction of
slavery. They would not be disappointed If
our government demanded its immediate ex-
tinction; but the majority of them prefer
gradual emancipation. They also think there
win be more quiet in the South if there is
general amnesty. On these and the question OF
confiscation they feel anxious and apprehensive.
advise them to express frankly what exemp-
ton or indulgence they desire, and the grounds
therefor. think they will do this to some
extent in meeting which they are to hold for
Dallas county, day after tomorrow, the 10th
inst. The citizens at first thought 1t would
appear presumptuous if they held public
meeting to suggest any terms of reconstruc-
mote good feeling If they would give public
expression of their general opinion on these
questions, and that If they remained silent 1t
might create the impression In the North that
they were obstinate, and still at war in their
spirit -
For my part desire peace with friendship.
To secure this the North should be magnani-
nous. We are not to be actuated, hope, by
the revengeful spirit Of petty dynasties. The
government of the Union is no house Of York
or Lancaster, and trust our power is secure
without much resort to further bloodshed. ]
should feel sad indeed If this terrible war and
its triumphant termination were not enough In
themselves to render treason odious and to in
spire confidence and security in the national
government. !. -t-s -. To-.
: frequently hear it said that majority OF
the citizens of Alabama we're opposed to Sc
cession at the beginning of the war; and such
Is said to be the case in every State but South
Carolina. fully believe this.
Selma has grown much since the war com.
menced. Its population now is about s, 900.
There are upwards of 20. 900 colored people in
this county. ..... s.a 80
Gen. Steele is at Montgomery, as also A. j.
Smith with the 10th corps and Hawkins divis
ion of colored troops. Gen. Steele is in com.
mand of all the forces. - s.rr
Your truly, .r..: .n.l c. c. A.