Year: 1862

in the little have to say to you, speak my
opinion freely (cries Good" good" and ap-
plause) but at the same time, | will endeavor
to do so with the reserve belonging to the first
character.


will ask your Indulgence, if l speak upon
q subject about which you are not all equally
united, but the proper treatment Of which
think equally important with the proper treat
ment of our forces in the field and if | speak
of myself in connection, it is because in the
suggestions presume to make to you, | speak
upon my individual experience. (Cres of
GOOD" and applause.)


Six years ago, when had the honor to rep
resent your views upon national affairs, | held,
in common with yourselves, the opinion that
slavery should not be disturbed within its ex-
listing limits. When the Confederate States
announced their existence, their executive pro-
claimed slavery to be the cornerstone of the
new power.


In Missouri, year ago. as war measure,
declared the slaves of rebels free, Immense
applause, and cries of Good, and great cheer
ing,) believing this to be the most incisve,
searching and deadly blow that could he aimed
at the heart of the rebellion. Judged it to be
the quickest mode to damage and disconcert the
enemy, and to gain great advantages with the
least cost of life to the good citizens who were
acting with me, in maintaining the laws. a
General in the field, in distant and rebellious
district invested with proconsular powers,
did this in the exercise of what | believed to be
my Legitimate authority. (Cheers.) Later, as
the war went on, | became satisfied that with
its successful termination must also terminate
slavery in some form. Good good" and
cheers.)


considered it then sufficient that some
measure should be adopted by which it should
Immediately cease as political power, and be-
gin to cease as a social fact. But as the con-
test was protracted the conditional opinions
with which we all entered upon it, in my mind
gave place to the conviction that every advan-
tage which the laws of war allowed to us should
be employed, and that to be effective as a war
measure this act should be thorough and i'm
mediate. 1t became apparent that the slower
process would be Intellectual. And so the
events of the year have brought me to the con-
viction that there can he no lasting peace while
slavery eXisist on our continent (Great APP
pfause) Therefore, all other considerations
apart, and regarding it only as a measure for
the effectual suppression of the rebellion, | am
in favor of the immediate abolition of slavery,
| (great cheers,) and in favor of using every
practicable means to make that abolition effec-
tive (cheers) and so deprive the enemy Of their
| great element of strength. (Great applause.)





it wave over free men. (Cheers.) Let il an
swer all questions, and give all passports.
| cloud cheers.)


| 1t is urged against summary measures that
the liberation of the slaves would be an act of
great injustice to tie loyal men of the South.
But can such war as this be carried on with
out sacrifices from the loyal people in every
section of the country? The loyalists of the
South would be required to contribute a por-
ton of what is held to be property, and for
which they would doubtless be afterward re-
munerated.


Agninst this the loyal people of the North
| give not absolute property, but their own lives,
and the lives of those most dear to them.
! (Cheers.) At this point Gov. Andrews came
upon the platform, and was received with loud
cheers 10 them their loss can never be re-
paired. How then can such distinctions be
entertained? And how can we in making war
| upon country protect its vital interests p
separate it into parts, and for the sake of pro-
tectinS the property of class forego our
greatest advantage? Such policy would car
| ~ within itself the elements of sure defeat
and the real Union;sts of the South are ready
for the sacrifice. Nor do | share in the belief
that there is large body of Uniouists in the
South. In my individual experience l have
found them few, and in the progress of the war
they have been fast decreasing.


The danger which has attended the avowal
of Union sentiments, the uncertain protection
which we have been able to give them, the Ger
tain seventies of the Confederate government
unexpected length to which the rebels have
been able TO protract the struggle, together
with ncighborhood friendships and interests
have carried away many who in the beginning
maintained their allegiance to the Union. In
the whole valley OF Virginia l do not remember
to have met Union man, and certainly not q
Union woman. Laughter) This element o
their strength must not be underrated. 1t serve,
to show how thoroughly the feelings Of tht
South are in this contest, and leaves no doubt
as to what will be the training of the growing
generation.


Not only were the people not desirous of re
turning to the Unon but they did not enter
tain the idea il any shape-their only conjec
lures were as to the manuer in which the sep
aration would finally be affected. | do no
think that our Northern people realize how
many years the South has been preparing 70
this struggle.


The advent of the Natchcz in Charleston
harbor with Jackson's proclamation and he
ready batteries, checked it for time in Soutl


Carolina, where there was then a strong bod
of men with Union sentiments-strong enough
to have the consistency of Il party and with it
representative organs. Then quite a youn;
/ man | was among the Unionists enrolled will
, view TO service under Mr.. Poinsett, then tn


acknowledged head OF the patty in that State
$ Mr. Calhoun died defeated rebel chief, but h


left legions OF young men devoted to dissent
e nate the rnciples-young legions growing u
f in the faith OF the principles to the establish
4 ment of which this generation has been cor
, secrated in the South.


We are at war with people who have bee


educated TO believe they are contending fC


their liberties they are carrying on this col
9 test with urity and determination; their armi,
4 have acquired the solidity and consistency
o regular troops. To reduce such a rebellion wi
y require the utmost exertion Of our force an
d the immediate use OF every advantage whit
d naturally falls to our share in the contes
e Their deteyminaton TO obtain success is u
IS conquerable--to subdue them their desigl
il must be made impossible, and the unity Whit
J gives them strength must he ours also.
l. To secure this unity we must rouse ourselv
D. to extraordinary eXertons. Not only mu


every possible means be used to damage 4
lie enemy in the field, but we must guard vigilar
We ly against the enemies in our midst. (Cheer
ry While you have been Loyalty occupied with t
al defence OF the country and sending your vote
to to the field, the pro-slavery party has be
OF stealthily and busily employed in organizing
Of control elections, and to secure a victory
is which they already feel assured. To countt
all act them you must labor-you must make il
snAs. ,ol l.Is. = a