Year: 1862

topic OF conversation in the camps and elsewhere We
have reliable authority for saying that the troops in the
Army of the Potomac are rapidly reenstlng, and We
cannot doubt that this address will serve to arouse
the volunteers in other portions OF the country


GENERAL JoHNsToN's ADDRESS.


HEADQUARTEKs DEPARTMENT or NORTHERN VIRGINIA,


Feb. 4, 1862.


soLDnRs-Your country again calls you the defence
OF the noblest OF human causes. To the indomitabc
courage already exhibited the battle field you have
added the virtues OF high endurance cheerful obe
dencc and self sacrifice. Accustomed tho comforts
and Injuries home have met and borne the priya
tions OF camp lfo the exactions Of military discipline
snd the rigors OF winter campaign The rich results OF
your patriotism and unfaering virtue before
you. Entrusted with the defence OF this important from
tier you have driven back tho immense army wch the
enemy had sent to invade our country and TO establish
his'dominon people by the widespread havoc
OF inaugurated without shadow OF constitutional
right and prosecuted in asprit Of ruthless vengeance
by your valor aud 1rmness you have kept him check
until the nations Of the earth have bcen forced
our true character-not dsmsmbered and rebellous
communities but an empire Of Confederate States,
with constitution safe in the affections OF the people
institutions and laws in full and unobstruced
population enjoying all the comforts Of life, citi
zen sodIery who laugh TO scorn the threat Of subuga
ton


Your country summons you to q noble and
greater deed The enemy has gathered up all his
gies for anal conflict His enormous masses threaten
as on the West his naval expeditions assailng
upon whole Southern coast and upon tho Pcto-
mac within few hours march. he has gigantic army
infamed by lust and maddened by fanaticis But the
plains OF Manassas arc not forgot,on and he shrinks
from meeting the disciplined heroes who hurled across
tho Potomac his grand army, routed and disgraced He
does not propose 10 attack this army long holds
its present position with undiminished numbers and
unimpaired discipline; but, protected by his for
tidcations, he awaits the expiration OF your
term OF service. He recollecs that his own igno
bic sodicry, when their term OF service expired
marched away from the Of conflict 10
the sound OF the oncmys canon and he hopes that at
that critical moment Southern will consent 10 share
with them this ntamy Expecting large portion our
army to be soon disbanded he hopes that his immense
numbers will easily oSorpower your gallant comrades
who viii be left here and thus remove the chief obstacle
TO his cherished scheme Of southern subugation.


The Commanding General calls upon the twelve months
T. stand by their brave comrades who have youn
cerod for the 20 evouneer at and thus show
TO the world that the patriots engaged in this struggle
for independence will not from the boodiest ah
they may be called tread The enemies of your conn
try well rs her friends, watching your action with
deep intense, tremulous interest Such your position
that act obscure part. Your decision h. n
FOR honor dishonor viii be written down in history
You cannot you will draw back at this solemn sis
Of our struggle when all that is heroic in the land is en-
gagged, and all that Is precious hangs trembling In the
balance.