Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1871-09-24
uNsELFisH PATRIOTISM.
Confederate Soldiers to a Gallant Union
Soldier, eresting-RespoHss Of
the Latter.
Thers is Life in the Old Land Yet-The
Union Of Hearts, the Union Of Hands,
and the Constitutional
Union Forever.

speech delivered Dy the hon. Gar
SebUrZ. Of Missouri, Wednesday, hs'
created q profound impression in DO
Ii.jeeT circles. The most significant
incident connected with it is the fol-
lewipg letter formally addressed
70 Senator SchuTz and signed by sew
eraI hundred ex.COnfederate soldiers,
embracing every grade and rank OF
late rebel service, from private and
nOu-cOmmissioned officer up to
Major Generals. The signers, gener-
.alIV. are representative men of infu-
.ence in the community.
NASHVILLE, September p, 1s7I.
To Hon. Carl SehuTZ:
Dear lSir-We, the undersigned,
formerly Confederate soldiers, wish
TO express to you our high
regard for yourself, and our pro-
found regard and admiration of the
unselfsh. non-UartiZau, cultured and
patriotic address delivered by you
in this city. We admire the
manly, independent spirit which re-
fuses obedience to party when in con-
fiict with ones convictions Of duty
and right. We pledge you that we
are no partisans; that we have faith
that no words can express in the sub
lime significance of the mission and
destiny Of the American republic;
that we honor and revere the national
flag as the assured herald OF that day
when all the races of men, Of all ranks
and conditions, viii be redeemed and
delivered from all species Of political
and mental thraldOm. We wish to
turn our backs upon all sectional par
ties, and all parties grODing in the
mO0alight Of the past, and to ally our
selves with any party that will be ami
mated with the spirit of civil and re-
ligiOus liberation, broad and elevated
DatriOtism, unbOGnded by State lines,
and inspired with an abiding faith in
the genius Of free institutions.
Senator Schurz' reply is as follows:
maxwell HOUSE, NASHVILLE,
September q, 1871.
GeltJeH3eR-I have received your
lea'er, and without affectatiOn 1 may
say that 1 cannot find words strong
enough to describe the joy it has Civ
en- ne. The spontaneous expressions
Of such sentiments as your letter con-
tsins, coming from you, as late sol
diers Of the Confederate army, may
well be called an event of great signifi-
canoe in the history of our days.
When your former comrades, as you
do now, rally once more around the
flag Of the American Republic as the
symbol of universal freedom,
equal rights and Constitution
declare that they will turn their
backs upon all parties ''grOping in
the moonlight OF the past" and dis
cOuntenance that partisan spirit which
is so apt to obscure human reason and
blunt CRe best moral impulses of the
human .he2rt; when they once more
fnlly recognize the indemnity of their
true interest with those OF our great
common country. then every patriotic
citizen will feel that the regeneration
of Che South is certain 70 be accom-
plished by her own people. IL there is
stin lurking here and there a spirit
which keeps alive feelings of ami
mostly and distrust, which by means
of social prescription or intimidation
or violence strives to impede the de-
velOpment of q free public opinion, |
YOU can render it harmless by your
influence and example. II there are
still disturbances of the peace and or
der of society occurring, calculated TO
produce the impression that the prop
erty and the rights of the citizens can
be sufficiently protected only by the
interference Of the general govern
menr in your local concern, you can |
dispel that impression by devOting |
ro.Ir energies to the enforcement of |
ne lsWs, thus proving the capacity of |
'ocsI self government ito accom- |
oIish its legitimate ends here as well |
as elsewhere; if there is still an sppre- |
bension "a 10 3 secret design to sub /
VET the logical and legitimate results |
of the war by reacuonsry move
ments. YOU viii remove that appre-
hensiou by demonstrating that the
vounv S,Nuth has risen above old pre-
'udjces ana absolute aspirations, and
4 determined to build up again
he prosperity and power Of these
States an a basis, In harmony with
ne uro0ressiye spirit Of the age; men
n courage and convictions like you
win do nothing by halves, they
will not look back when they
put their hands TO the plOW, and L
assure YOU your efforts will have the
5incerest appreciation, hearty applause
and energetic support OF every true
friend OF liberty and free Institutions;
your rights win be safe in the securi-
" of the rights OF all. Your power
viii be strong in the restoration OF the
of all Americans, and the
Republic viii be proud of all her sons.
am, gentlemen, with fraternal greet
ing, your friend and fellow-citizen,
(Signed) C. SCHURz.