Year: 1863

voted unanimously by ballot to endorse the course
Of the Standard


These extracts must suffice for the present. we
have many more in hand, and may give them here
after.


1t is apparent that certain officers in our army,
moved by party prejudice, and probably anxious 70
commend themselves to the authorities at Richmond,
have wilfully and knowingly misrepresented our
position and sentiments to the soldiers, and have
thus endeavored to excite storm which they nope
will suppress, or in some way silence this journal.
1t is not true that have, at any tme counselled
a reconstruction of the old government, or uncon-
dtional submission to President Lincoln. 1t is not
true that We have encouraged disafection or deser
ton among our troops. 1t is not true that we have
uttered /" reasonable sentiments" But 1t IS true
that we have published the proceedings of public
meetings in favor of an honorable peace, and will
do so again. 1t is true that we have advised our
soldiers in the field to stand by their colors and
continue the fight while the people of this soVer-
eign State and ofOther sovereign States, were en-
gagged in the good work Of endeavoring to establish
an honorable peace. 1t is true that we have favor
ed and still favor the platform laid down by the
Johnston meeting of Convention of all the States,
with view to peace-the Southern States to enter
the Convention in favor of separation, the Northern
States in favor Of restoration and the action of the
Convention to be final when submitted to and rati.
fed by majority Of the voters of the States. 1t
may it may not be expedent to favor such
ton at this time by the States but is certain that
one claiming to be republican, or who has faith
in the capacity and the right of people to gov
ern themselves, can oppose the principle involved
in this proposition. And finally, it is true we have
declared that if subjugatiOn with all its horrors
should stare US in the face on the one hand, with
restoration of the old government with all our rights
on the other should accept the latter as the les
ser evil. "The front of our offending hath this ex-
tent-no more" We have labored for the inde-
pendence of the Confederate States with as much
ardor and singleness of purpose as any sane man
among us; but our preferences our wishes, our
hopes do not blind US to the inexorable logic Of
events, or unfit US to descry the evil in the future
that may threaten US. And we now declare for the


first time, that in entertaining these views we are
behind large majority of our people, including
those at home and in the army.


This whole movement on the part of certain Off E
GERS is selfish and political In the language Of an
officer Of the 9th State troops in letter dated Au-
gust Sd, "the whole is to be aimed at the Standard
and the design is to beat Gov. Vance next year.
and carry the Legislature" This is the political
part of the movement 1t is we'll known that Off
GERS depend for their promotion, not on the men,
but on the President; and this is the selfish part
of the movement


The combination against US at this time appears
to be formidable, but we shall emerge in triumph
from the struggle. Let the friends of free press
and of free government be firm and all will be we'll
For our part, we intend to stand like rock.


More on this subject hereafter.