Year: 1863

JACKSON, Tenn, March II, 1868.


Dear Times A bright sun and an ex
hilerating atmosphere to-day, tempt me to
write something for the kind readers Of the
TINES, hoping that such as l may write
will be acceptable, with some degree of
allowance.


Excluded, as soldier, from the outer
world Of hustle and activity, with my CON-
panions in the field, living on limited
space Of ground in canvass rooted habita-
ton, it cannot be expected that VIC can
have an abundance of news in this locality.
Those of US who have roaming disposi:
ton, find an occasional chance to crafty it
by going in pursuit of forage for man and
beast, as the necessity Of the case may
demand and in our search, as convenience
may chance to offer, we pounce upon the
property Of secesh, not consulting the
state Of his feelings. However, We of course
most gratifyingly help ourselves, as We
consider rebel has no rights which Un-
ion soldier is bound to respect, as far as
property is concerned. We sometimes
come in contact with his daughters, pro-
viding fortune has beset his pathway with
such blessings, to whom the color of our
cloth presents anything but a beautiful
aspect. Sour grimaccs on the part Of these,
hail our approach. Nothing but butter.
nut pleascs the eye Of these tender crea-
lures. If tobacco was very scarce with
them, We might possibly pick an acquaint
ancc by the presentation Of the precious
weed, which they so dearly love to smoke
and chew a habit which prevails to great
extent among the female population in
many localities.


Southern society is not so agreeable as it
might be in an age Of civilization, in many
respects. A word in regard to the planters:
They, as a general thing, feel as the lords
Of this locality. Possessed as they are Of the
principle to govern; they suppose all man-
kind have to become subordinate to their
will, let them be white or black. The same
principle we have seen exemplified in the
halls Of congress, by some Of their bre,h-
rem, before the outbreak of the rebellion
They are naturally despotic in their charac-
ter, and nature would deny its own teach
ings, were it otherwise, according to the
nature of southern institutions. They are
much like John Bull in some respects !;
there is something behind the screen that
you cannot bring out. There is compare
lively but little inducement for white man
in poor circumstances, to put forth his en-
-,gy in agricultural pursuits, his position
being ever subordinate to that of the plan
ter.


1t will do we'll enough to talk Of southern
chivalry'in northern CLINE, but where is
the true American that would not dread
the consequences Of its institutions, who
has the future interests Of his country At
heart? The selfish, speculative planter
says the institutions are very profitable; the
largest amount Of profit with the greatest
amount Of ease presents itself to view, and
the interests of his pocket, are nearer and
dearer to him than that Of his county,
What does he care for the interests Of the
many, if he himself obtain sufhciency


Such is evidently one Of the character
istics Of southern principles, but wars de
Wasting element has, or will be, the means
Of lowering their dignity, and humbling
their dignity; that big | and little you
might leave them in course Of time, and
bling them once more on humane footing.


Southern institutions no doubt have been
the means Of elcvating the African race
from their former condition, in making them
more intelligent, and also in having them
better provided for in many respects, but
that it leaves gap open for tho demorali.
cation of the white race also, cannot be
doubted. For the evidence to this end is
too plainnot to be seen, and the result, un.
doubtedly, will be the ruin of the south .:
q great sacrifice of the north. The eman
cipation act will 60 through the test Of con-
sideration BY the soldiers, but we are Of the
opinion that any more slaves won't be made
free, than il the proclamation had not been