The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-09-26
8ithu,ond 9ispatth.
WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER Is, 1866.
An Ex.Rehel Onleer's Opinton OF the
"IOyAlty" 0f the People.

An Ex.Rehel Ofleer's Opini0n OF th<
Loyalty" o. the People.
The following letter from distinguished
officer of the rebel army, was read by the
Hon. John NJ. Bolts at the Union meeting
at Paterson, N. J., on "Wednesday eve
ming last, and is highly commended cy ~.
New York Tribune. The public OF 'n''
section viii DO very apt to hS It's au,no'
ship upon IN officer not below the RANK u
general who has for years oeen : -
friend Of Mr.. Botts's. lie - Is -" =
Bolts himself. He says:
Iasree with you that something ongn.
70 be done 10 restore the States 10 ue'
800. hs,,,nn condition, and willingly con-
SssS 7 have not been able, theoretically, 10
fix upon any plan that was satisfactory
II is evident that any attempt to recon-
s,rnct the States lately in rebellion by men
who are Just as hostile to the Federal
Union now as they were at any state of the
mast fearful struggle, and who will have the
same means of dragging the helpless PEG.
ple into any means Of resistance that future
contingencies may suggest, is cminently
unjust TO the suffering masses, and danger
GUS to the safety Of the Government.
1t is impossible to describe the deep
seated and implacable hatred with which
the so-called leaders in the South ircgard
the Union and everything appertaining te
it. 1t is q hatred resulting from disap
pointed hopes and the Illustration Of ambi
tious schemes, and is much the same feel
ing the thief entertains who has broker
into some rich magazine of wealth, where
he has loaded himself with the stolen trea
sure, and is about making his escape
when policeman steps up and takes the
fellow into custody. He looks upon the
officer and all the agencies used in his de-
lection as his mortal enemies, and no time
or circumstances can oblitcrate the undy-
ing animosity of the detected thief.
Nothing reconciles these political char
latans of the South to residence under
the protecting folds OF the banner of the
Union but the fast-growing hope that they
will one day get into power, and be able to
wreak a terrible vengeance upon all those
who in any manner assisted in their down
fall. have heard this feeling expressed
by the pickering camp-fires. | have heard
it in the editorial sanctum and around the
social circle, and know from personal OBJ
servation of men and things that it would
be dangerous-nay, it would be suicidal i'll
Congress to restore these men to place and
power. ! will oppose it while have any
means of successful resistance; and when
all hope is gone, and the outrageous deed is
consummated, will sell my property and
leave the country.
You will doubtless think this strange Ian.
cuage to come from one who held high rank
in the rebel army. l will not stop now to
detail the means by which was induced
TO take service against my better Judgment
and all the convictions which some years OF
close application to the study Of politics
had forced upon my mind. The influence
of relations and friends is not always TO be
resisted, but have never ceased to repent
the unfortunate deed.
/ am an unconditional Union man, and l
take great pleasure in informing you that
there are many of the same pattern in my
own and adjoining counties who are gene
rally indisposed needlessly to avow their
sentiments, and thus draw down upon
themselves the conc entrated wrath of those
who have it in their power to do them inn
mense injury; but let the time come when
these men will be called upon to take sides
for OF against the Union, and you will find
thousands of those who followed the rebel
flag to victory on many well fought field
will range themselves under the stars and
stripes, and the Union and the Constitu-
ton will he their shibboleth.
The rebel leaders are sadly mistaken il
they suppose they can bully the rank and
file into another onslaught upon the Go
vernment. They were satisfied with the
Government before the war they are salts
fed with it now; and all they ask is to be
permitted to labor for their support in
peace.
The masses are all right, and the only
thing the Government need to do to insure
its safety and perpetuity is to forbid the
leading politicians and officers of the South,
both civil and military, from ever holding
any office whatever, either State or Fede-