Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-08-01

Headquarters Army NORTHERN VIRGINIA, !
January II, 1865.
Hon. Andyelr Hlntcr, R,chmOnd, Va:
Dear sir.--I have received your letter OF
the 7th instant. and. without combining N.Y.
self to the order Of Your intorrogatories, viii
endeavor 10 answer them by a statement OF
my views on the subject. l shall be most
bappr II can contribute TO the solution OF
a question in which I feel an interest com.
mensurlte with my desire for the welfare and
happlness Of our people. Considering The
relation Of master and slave, controlled 10y
humane laws and Influenced by Christianity
and an enlightened public sentiment as the
best that eau exist between the white and
black races while intermiugled as at present
IN this country. | would dcprecaie any sud-
den disturbance Of that relation, unless II be
necessary to avert greater calamity 10 both.
should therefore prefer TO rely upon our
white population to preserve the ratio he.
tween our forces and those of the enemy
which experience has shown TO be safe. Bur
in view OF the preparations OF our enemies II
Is our duty 10 provide Tor continued war and
not FOR battle or campaign, aud fear that
we cannot accomplish this without OyeTtaN-
ing the capacity OF our white population.
Should the war continue, under existing cir
cumstanecs. the enemy may in course OF
time penetrate our country and get access TO
large part OF our negro population. IL Is
his avOwed policy to convert the able-bOdled
men into soldiers and 10 emancipate all.
The success OF the Federal arms in
tue South was followed by proclama-
ton OF President Lincoln for two huadred
aud eighty thousand men, the effect OF
which will be TO stimulate northern States to
procure as substitutes for their own people
the negroes thus brought within their reach.
Many have already been obtained In Vir-
giuia, and should the fortune OF war expose
more Of her territory, the enemy would gain
large accession 10 his strength.
His progress will thus add 10 bis numbers
and al the same time DESTROY slavery in
manner most pernicious TO the welfare OF our
people. Their negroes Will be used to hold
them in subsection, leaving the remaining
force OF the enemy free to extend his con-
quest. Whatever may be the elect OF our
employing negro troops, II cannot be as
mischieyous as this. II 10 end in subyerting
slavery. lt will be accomplished BY our
selves. and we can devise the means OF ale
Visiting the evil consequences 10 both races.
! think. therefore, we must decide whether
slavery shall be extingui.hed oy our enemies
and the slaves be used against US, or use
them ourselves at the risk of the effects
which may be produced upon our social ID
stitutious. believe that with proper regu-
latlons they can be made efficient soldiers.
They possess the physical qualifications IN an
eminent degree. Loug habits OF obedience
and subordination, coupled With the moral
influence which IN our country The while
man possesse. over the black, furniso an tX-
cellent foundation for that discipline whleh
i the best guarantee OF military eLnc'ehcs.
Our chief aim should be TO secure their
fidelity.
There have been formidable armies COM
posed Of foea having no interest N the cause
ior Which they fought beyond their pay or
hope OF pllpder But II j. certain tost the
sufess iouudapon upon which the adelity OF
an army can rest, especially ID service
which lmposes peculiar nardships ARD prya-
tions, Is the personal interest oi the soiuisr "
The issue Of the contest. Such an interest we
can give our negroes by giving immediate
freedom 10 all who enlist, and freedom ~ tnc
end ot the war TO the Families 81 those "no