Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1865-02-08
3aftsman's 5anrnal.
CLEARFIELD, PA, FEB. 8, 1865.
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE JOURNAL.
HEADQUARTERS Bat. A, lst Pa. Lit. Art. !
oath Army Corps, Jan. 23d, 1865. }

DEAR Row For some time past | have
to find time to drop you line
or two, but previous to this [ have not sue
ceeded in so doing, and thinking that, per-
haps, it would not offend you, | improve
the present opportunity to that end.
l know Of nothing Of special interest to
as you are doubtless better
posted upon the current events OF the hour
than myself yet it may not be improper to
notes to keep alive our ancient IA
providing it is not an en-
upon time which you might use
more appropriately.
Since | last wrote you, our hills and for
est have been made vocal with the shouts OF
victory issuing from thousands OF thoats, oc-
casioned by the glorious success OF our army
over the enemy at Fort Fisher. This event
will contribute much towards changing the
aspect of affairs In favor OF the cause Tor
which we fight, and to induce an early ac-
acknowledgement of the supremacy OF the Elo-
lated law, which traitors In their blind devo-
ton to the institution of human slavery have
openly defed. By the succession OF splen-
did victories which have perched upon our
banners so recently, one would suppose that
the rebellion had received blows enough to
silence it forever; but it seems to die hard
and determined to preserve its apparent
usual vitality to the latest possible moment.
There is, however, limit to all earthly en-
durance. and the cause Of Southern traitors,
so deeply dyed in infamy, is not, in my O.
pinion, based upon such immutable prlncl-
pies of Justice as TO form an exception to
the general rule Sooner or later it must
succomb to the superior power which, seek
ing the establishment Of the right, Is welded
by the resistless impulse which claims the
precious boon of universal liberty for all
mankind The future status of the nation
is irrevocably fixed, and it only remains for
the strong arm Of military power to subdue
the proud and vindictive spirit which still
presunes to oppose the decree. The major
ity of the people of the South are fast be-
coming acquainted with this truth, and not
withstanding the blatant appeals to their
prcjudices, by the leaders and fomenters OF
treason, continue to desert the sinking ship
Sherman, by his unprecedented and tn
umphant march of more than three hun
dred miles through the very heart of King
Cotton's" dominions, has let such flood of
light into the dark places, as will inevitably
cause a revolution In the popular sentiment
(adiacent to his line of march) in regard to
the Yankees" which will In the near fu
ture tend to an open expression in favor OF a
return to the protecting folds Of the "Old
Flag" and, consequently, a return to the al
legiance which is due from one people to
common Government.
The recent success of the second combin-
ed attack upon Fort Fisher, and the c0nse-
quent control of the harbor of Wilmington,
is a confessedly fatal blow at vital part OF
the ''Confederacy," and most damaging to
rebel hopes. 1t forever deprlves them OF
the essential support rendered their cause
by the perfdy Of England--crippling at
IL. NJ
cult for their reeling structure to survive the
tremendous blow. But they will doubtless
exhibit the spectacle to the world, I'm vindi-
cation of their oft repeated intentions, that
they died fighting, and ceased only when in
suited nature withdrew from them her recu-
perative agencies, and refused the power to
enable them to resist still longer the over
whelming flood that is destined to hide them
in oblivion's gulf forever.
We have had-of which you have long
since been aWare-a change In the command
of the Army of the James, and the depart
ment of Virginia and North Carolina. But
ler has been relieved from command in con-
sequence of his failure in the first expedi-
ton against Fort Fisher-an expedition
which it was never intended he should COM
mand further than to get it under way as
expeditiously as possible. He doubtless
thought that the accomplishment OF the
specific object designated, would require We
ry little effort; only, perhaps, the appear,
ance of the fleet off the objective point, and
the important results to be derived from the
possession of the port of Wilmington would
be appropriated by him te his own praise
But the delay in consequence OF prepara-
tions for an experiment which was designed
to demolish Notifications by the conclusion
caused by the explosion of gunpowder III
the open air, contiguous to them, seems to
have proved fatal to his military career-re-
sulting in his relief from the command OF
this army and department.
/ do not observe much feeling here in re-
card to the removal The general opinion
that has ever prevailed here concerning But
Ter, still prevails 1t is this that his bold
ness of conception, and fertility Of resources,
are without competition in the army, when
applied TO the management OF lntractable
rebels I'M an administrative capacity, or even
in the organizing and discipllnlng OF an ar
my-of which latter, the morale OF the. Ar
my ofthe James speaks trumpet -tongued III
his praise. But as an active military leader
of troops, operating against WHY foe, ms
and resources both fail him, and
the palm of victory is lost by mistaken hu-
regard for the lives OF his men.
For military leader to needlessiy sacriflce
life. is murder by the wholesale; but the
experience of this war has long since taught
that the only way to be successful against
such a foe. as now confronts US, Is TO 90 III
with the infexible determination to XII or
be killed, if necessary, to accomphSh tne
end. Good soldiers expect to be LED right