Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1865-08-25
sECRETARy sTaNToN

The Boston Transcript pays the following
tribute to the patriotism and distinguished pub
lie services of Secretary Stanton:
We are informed by gentleman of this city,
who himself enjoyed at one time the bospitaji-
ties of the Richmond government. of facts con-
nected with Mr.. Richardson's detention in reb-
eldom which prove at least that he has no per
sonal ground for complaining of inactivity or
wont on interest on the part of the Secretary of
War IN procuring his release. The gentleman
we refer to, learning that the wife of Mr.. Rich
ardson had recently died, and that her children
were, ~ consequence of their fathers imprison.
ment, thus made, practically, orphans, under
took to procure an exchange of Mr.. j. P. Ham
6leGon' OF Georgia, prisoner in Fort Warren,
for Mr.. Richardson.
"ln execution of his plan, he obtained from
Mr.. Hambleton letter to the Secretary of War
making an application for the proposed ex-
change. Mr.. Hambleton had previously re-
ceived from gentleman in Richmond letter
assuring him that such an arrangement could
be easily made This letter was forwarded to
Mr.. Stanton with the application. The gentle
man who communicates the facts to us. being
IN Washington, called on the Commissary-
eral OF prisoners, and through his agency pro-
cured an order from Secretary Stanton addressed
to Gen. Butler directing him to effect the ex-
change OF Mr.. Hambleton for Mr.. Richardson
IT possible. In due time the order was return
ed with this endorsement: Colonel Ould. Con-
iederate Commissioner of Exchange respectful
ly Declines
The failures of the many efforts to negotiate
cartel with the rebel chiefs are, in some quar-
tiers, persistently laid at the door of Secretary
Stanton. Some cross-grained people seem to
imagine that be can never be right, but is always
wrong; that his course is never iustifable and
that all who complain of his doings are martyrs
to despotic and tyrannical temper Mr.. Stan
ton may not always be right; he may sometimes,
like other men in high and difficult positions.
be deceived; but when his administration of
the War Department shall be coolly examined
by the light of history, and fairly measured, the
people Of this country viii learn and ackuowI-
edge his success and give him due credit for
wise sagacity and patriotic devotion in the dis
charge OF his responsible duties. -. =,
Those who do not comprehend the truth now,
viii hereafter learn that there was a grand NOR
al element in our civil war which was neglected
or ignored by those who now abuse the Secre-
tary of War-an element which he early reeoe-
nlsed, and the acknowledgement of which had
not a little 70 doih securing the triumphant
victory. 1t is the opponents of this element of
universal freedom, and those disposed to over
look, for tempory advantages to themselves or
their party, the only safe basis of republican
government, who seek to worry Mr.. Stanton
out of his place. But in the integrity of his
loyalty 70 the country, and his ability in the
discharge of his office, he win have the conf
dencs of the people, and be too strong for the
malice of the partisans or the iii tempered abuse
of those whose selfish wishes he may have wise
ly thwarted." f"