The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-15
GOVERNOR VANCE,s RECORD.
His Views Of the War of the Rebellion in tin
Autumn of 1864.

Autumn of 1864.
Washington Special.
The following letter was written by Governor
Vance to a personal friend six months previous
to the arrival of Shermau's army in Raleigh. 1t
shows that Vance was opposed to secession at
the outset, but afterward became an ardent Sc
cessionist. 1t also demonstrates the fact that
the heart of the people of North Carolina never
was wholly enlisted in the success of the Con-
federate cause, and that good grounds existed
for the threat that General Sherman claims jeff
Davis made that of turning rebel guns on loyal
North Carolinians.
Vance was elected Governor in 1861 as the
Union candidate" Col. VIM johnson, his op-
ponent who ran as the secession candidate, is
now resident of Charlotte, n. c. and in the
late campaign was one of the anti Democratic
coalition leaders
The original of this letter is now in the hands
of sister of Solicitor general Phillips oe Wash
iDgton:
'RALEIGH, Sept. %, 1864
IT would be glad If I could have a long talk
with you. never before have been so gloomy
about the condition of affairs. Early's defeat in
the valley consider as the turning point III this
campaign, and, confidently, fear it seals the
fate of Richmond though not Immediately 1t
Will require our utmost exertions to maintain
our footing in Virginia till 60 comes in, and aho-
ltionism is rampant for four years more In
short if the enemy pushes his luck till the close
of the year, we shall not beoffered any terms at
ALL
''The signs which discourage more than aught
else are the utter decentralization of the people
With base of communication five hundred
miles in Shermans rear, through our own coun-
try, not bridge has been burned not car
thrown from its track, not man shot by the
people whose country he has desolated. They
seem everywhere to submit when armies are
withdraw. What does this show my dear sir4
1t shows, what have always believed, that the
great popular heart is not now, and never has
been, in this war.
'It was a revolution of the politicians not the
people. and was fought at first by the natural
(sic) of our young men, and has been kept going
by State and sectional PRIDE assisted by that
bitterness of feeling produced by the cruelties
and brutalties of the enemy Still, am not
out of heart, for. as You know, am of a buoy
ant and hopeful temperament Things may
come around yet. General Lee is great man,
and has the remnant of the best army on earth,
bleeding, torn and overpowered though it be.
Saturday night may yet come to all of our
troubles, and be followed by the blessed hour of
mine unbelief' in final liberty and independence.
would fain be doing How can help to win
the victoryl What can dol How shall guide
this suffering and much oppressed Israel, that
looks to me through the tangled and bloody path
way wherein our lines have fallen2 Duty calls
me now to stand by the new Union to the last
gasp of truth and loyalty. This is my consola-
ton: The beginning was bad had no hand
in it, Should the end be bad, | shall, with Gods
help be equally blameless | am, dear
sir, very truly yours, ZEBuLoN B. VANCE