The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-08-25
Letter from Hon. Jenu 4. Gilmer.

Hon. JOHN a. GILNRR of North Carroll
ma has published letter in vindication of
his political course, concluding as follows:
first argued and demonstrated against the
war and endeavored TO avert the consequences,
and the only regret have in this, is that so
very few came then Ito my aid Gin season. either
in Congress or out of it. When the country
was precipitated and fully committed to the
war, ventured to advise and say what con.
ceived would be the consequences if conquest
ensued. For this war, before God and my
country. in my conscience and in my soul, l
feel guitless.
This brings me to the point in which you de-
sire more particularly to hear me. am f,
peace and Order-I am for the Federal Govern .
ment and for the State Government, and ar.
for getting the came into operation as speedily
as the same can be safely and prudently done,
and on the terms proposed. We are pOwerless.
We are in state Of submission. have yield
ed (and in manner satisfactory TO my slaves,
and to the government, trust) to the emanci-
patton required True, should have preferred
other terms. But To talk of these now is USE
less aud out of place, and in my opisien it is
unwise TO think of or suggest any further re-
sistance-l am opposed to all further rebellion.
Let US strive by willing and ready submission
to secure amnesty and Q modification of the
cOnfscatiOu and other laws. Let US keep the
peace and infuse brotherly kindness among
ourselves, and Danish forever all heart burnings
growing out of differences OF opinion. Let all
these be buried in the past. We should hon.
estly unite In putting the management of our
affairs into the hands OF our wisest and best
men, and ask the blessing of Providence on
their deliberations and labOrs. Let our united
exertions be directed 70 the elevation of the
material, social and moral condition of the
State, rather than wrangle about petty differ
ences, and in due season, with Gods blessing,
all will be well with Us again.
Let us be honest ourselves, secure industry
and fair dealing among and with all, white and
black, and get back to the good old times,
when the farmers grain was safe in his pen or
his crib without the aid of locks or bolts, and
his stock cafe in his pasture-when all could
lie down at night and soundly repose, under
full confidence that they would rise in the
morning and find nothing disturbed. Let ne
have charity for each other, and love our neigh.
bOrs as ourselves. Give proper care and atten.
ton to moral and religious culture-give no
ear to useless disputations-give every man his
own and no hurt to no one, and feel conf
dent that in few years we shall have State
improved, rather than ruined or injured. /
am friend to the State Government and of the
Federal Government, and shall sustain Presi-
dent johnson in his efforts TO bring peace and
order out of confusion and war. His efforts In
his last Congress in which We served together
and more especially bis speech on the fifth and
sixth Of February, A. D. 1861, of which dis
Tibuted many thousands. showed that he loved
his country and his whole country.
Yours truly, JOHN A. GILMER.