The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1865-10-05
For tho o.tnnwa Conrier.:

" Saturuhy eVenlnk, OetWoch NhoSSAS'
Stiles and Summers, my name was intro
iuced in manner which requires my no.
ice; for, however unpleasant the task may
BIZ, never allow myself to be assailed by
my one, making professions to respecta-
bility, without Offering defense. Iregret
being dragged into this the more, since it
has been my purpose, during the present
canvass, to take no active part in political
------ ..---.-.------.- .-..-t
In what Is said in my book concerning
Col. Summers conduct at Plum Greek and
Julesburg, am charged by that officer
with writing false history. I cannot an
swer the Colonel better than by giving an
account of how and from what sources
derived my information. Had I made up
the record from information received from
other sources than it was, he might with
some propriety have said his sketch was
written in malice. 1t is proper to state in
this connection that the above charge was
retracted by Col. Summers, after he had
closed his hnrangue; but many, am told,
failed to hear it. may also state why
did not reply at length to the Colonel, after
he had closed his speech. First, the au-
dience were weary. and at once rose from
their seats to leave; but the chief reason
was, am quick-tempered, and, being an
cry, I might have said things which
should regret. &c.,. ... =. ... ..,..........
The following is a history Of the matter:
At the time was revising the Colonel's
sketch, I called four different times at his
Office for the purpose of talking with him
concerning his military history, and to
show and explain to him the character Of
the book. Once I had partial appoint
ment with him, but on that day he had
gone to his dinner. About this time, I
met Major John $. Wood, one evening,
and told him what wanted. I stated to
him what wanted. stated to him that
I had called on Colonel Summers several
times; that I was nearly ready to send the
book to press. and that WAS not certain
I had correct account of the Colonels
military history-more particularly the
part he acted at Julesburg. further stated
that reports were generally discreditable
to the Colonel, and that desired to have a
statement from one known to be his init
mate friend. then made detailed state-
ment of what had learned were the facts,
ind asked Major Wood If they were cor
rect. He said they were not. He further
said that he was not present at either Plum
Creek or Julesburg; but that he had heard
the affairs talked over by Col. Summers
and other officers who were present; and
he was kind enough to give me detailed
- T. A-L~ "a
statement, the Major now says I made
some errors. For instance: 1t was Cap
tain and not Major O. Brien who fought at
Julesburg, and Captain Murphy did not
act with O'Brien, a. I ut the time under
stood Major Wood tn represent. But this
in no manner affects Colonel Summers
In reference to his own military record
can only say: if it is not as brilliant AS he
would like 1t, did not make 1t. .r,.7. T.
If the Colonel thinks me his enemy, he
is mistaken. On the contrary am 80
much his friend that, had he consulted me
and taken my advice. he would never have
allowed his good name to become the sink
stool Of that party which, for four long
years, he has been denouncing rs the coun-
trys worst enemy. A libeler of the party
whose votes he now solicits. and the sworn
enemy of the Irish element, which holds
the balance of power in that party in the
county, his course, in inviting certain de-
feat and disgrace, is certainlya most move
one.
lam, very truly, his well-wisher,
ssssis sssis. - S..ss Ne xfe the s party tha
safely broughtthe Country through the
Perils the Great Rebellion. You know
that for four years we pesistently fought
against traitors ut home as well AZ in the
Held. You might easily believe that the
same sagacitiy and loyHltyand devotion to
country and to the interests ofthe soldiers.
would yet attend our administration ofthe
Government. But to all this Copperheads
say we are in favor of Negro Suffrage in
Iowa and want Negro Equality. Now the
same men who in battle often approached
you in your own gallant blue the more
easily to murder you, have told you this
'aisehood in the interests of the same
treachery. 1t is not true that Republican
favor Negro Suffrage in Iowa. 1t is false.
1t is false and foul, it is false and foul and
slanderoGs that one cannot be a Republic
can unless he favors negro suffrage here.
When that question comes up in three
years or more, Republicans will vote on
both sides of it. All that the Republican
party stands committed to is this-to let
the people vote about it just as they want
TO, in 1859 or 1870. While Copperheadism
says the people Of Iowa so much love the
ebony incarnation Of excellence, a. that
they can't be trusted to vote on the suf-
frags part Of their Constitution, lest thew
should force the right of voting like a
white man upon him.
Now, my soldier friend. why in the
name Of all the gods, At once should YOU
for the sake Of . far of issue, on which we
propose to let you vote just az YOU like.
fall cursing your old tried friends and
tumble into the horrible embraces of the
very men who have spent four years in
you? ..-
You cannot forget that they said on the
corners OF our Burlington streets, as you
went out to the war attended by our tears. !
that they hoped no man would return who
invaded the Southern soil. That thew said
you were barbarians in your mode of war;
fare, thieves, and murderers. That thew
detracted from your caurage, and said YOU
could not fight an equal number of the
chivalry. That they always deprecated
your successes and ever exalted those Of
The foe. That they were sad and detected
1t news OF your victories, and always de-
MED them as long as they could find room
Tor doubt. That they were jubilant when