The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1867-07-11

Another Tractahla Rebel Coming
into the Traces.
The Louisville .yOashnl publishes the
following letter from the former rebel
General JEFF. Thompson to the editor
Of that paper:
LOUISVILLE, JUNE Z, 1867
Ny DEAR FRlKNps You desire me
70 write to You my feelings and opin-
ions under the existing political condi-
ton Of tine country. Your friendship TO
me in the dark days of the late war,
while We were political enemies, gives
you the right to command my services
in any way that can return your
kindness, and, therefore, will comply
with your request, and in as few words rs
possiblcexpfess my present sentiments
Of General James Longstrcct; but Gene
raj Longstreet was professional soldier
who fought like hero, and surrendered
like brave knight who has been un-
horsed, and he may not go far enough
for his language to place himself right
before the world; therefore | who was
civilian before the war and only buck
led OH my sabre to contend for certain
rights" las was the case with the ar
mics on either side, can go farther
than General Longstrect, for have re-
sumed my social status and have not
changed my occupation
l tell you then plainly that / have
nerer fought The United States because
1 hated the United States. never
fought the Notrh because ! hated the
North. did not desire TO be one iota
frecr than was under the flag of the
Union; but there was an abstract politi-
cal principle of State rights and four
thousand millions of dollars of African
slaves that could only be saved out of
the Onion. From the first hostile gun
fired by John Brown at Harper's Ferry
until the 9Th day Of June, 1865, when
surrendered my troops, ! was a fair,
square and consistent enemy of Adolf
tionism and those who fought their bat
ties; but when desolation came and
starvation stared our women and chill
drcn in the face followed the example
Of my noble eaders-surrendered all
political right and became one of a con-
quered but still proud people. Our war
has been no 'boy's play" Our surren-
der no farce. No politician had aught
to do with the finale, and the proudest
and noblest simply received parole
saying, he shall not be interfered with
by the United States authorities as
long as he observes this parole, and the
laws in force where he may rcside.n
This, then, was our actual condition OH
July first, 1855. In IA short time mil
lion Of soldiers stacked their guns and
resumed the peaceful pursuits of life.
And in two short years we have taken
giant strides in the march OF improve
ment and reconstruction. We have not
been asked TO love the dominant
party, nor to kiss the rod that
smote us; but the victors have
Lhe right to say, "shall we make
the brave men our friends by courtesy,
or shall we make the towards friends bv
fear ~ And they, only have the right
to make the laws, which. we simply
have the right to obey, or leave the
country, or remain aliens in our own
land.
The proper policy for the victors 10
pursue it is not my province to discuss,
neither have | right to complain; nor
will l presume to advise. ! can simply
set my soldiers an example of patience,
industry and enterprisc-to build up
our broken fortunes and make the land
bloom again with peace, confidence and
plenty; therefore l will accept all cour-
tesies and favors that the laws may
grant me, and not let my iudividua,
likes or dislikes interfere with my duty
to my country in which my children at
least have an interest. ] can but now
repeat what | had occasion to write be-
fore. Apologies for the past or prumis-
6 Tor the future would indicate a want
OF coincidence III my own integrity. |
have done simply what l conceived to
'o's ssiiA IIplf'1t u aD IL now.
The Confederate Government wiupJ
out State rights the first year after thci
cxistcnce-a bloody war wiped on
slavery, and wiped out the Confederate,
SO they are now obsolete ideas, and tn,
plain question now presented is, "Wil
you accept citizenship under our terms
rs contained in this law?n Let eacl
and every white man in the South saw
Abstract ideas or obsolete theorie
shall not govern me, for | will lool
facts III the face as they exist, and max
the best out Of the future, without mo
ping over the past. IT Is not to be pre-
sumed that | shall be asked to conopro
mise my honor, OF be false To N,
friends, for am compelled to obey tn
laws, and being an elcc or gives me q,
opportunity 10 make the laws unfavor
ble'-thcn will confidence be restore,
aud plenty abound once more.
ours, most respectfully.
NJ. JEIF. THOMPSON.
STRAW TO PEEyENr THE RAvAGE
OF THE PofATo BEATIE.-A ncighbe
of mine Mr. Il. Oughton, planted
patch OF potatoes last year, and covere