Year: 1866

central and local governments, is the chic


instrumentality Of the best blessings of Do


litical and civil life for all races and COM


munities in this land, and that our first duty


to all is TO see that it is as promptly as pos


sibie re-established.


By means Of it we shall accomplish not


only peace and safety, but justice to the ma


ton and the freedmen. Upon all of these
sacred rights We shall insist. As soldiers,


we are still devoted TO the same cause and
| the same principles for which we fought; the
cause of union, Of freedom, of justice and
law. We foregO none of these in demanding
union now.


We speak as soldiers, because we believe
that an appeal from as TO the brave men
who have met us n battle, to unite now with
Us IN giving peace TO our common country,
in fulfilling the pledges which have been
made, and in guaranteeing to the freedmen
the rights which honor and humanity en-
join, will not be in vain.


We shall ask and expect that they, like
ourselves, will unite in maintaining the
laws, preserving the peace, inculcating good
will, and in uphOlding the honor and integ-
rity Of our common country.


In answer to our appeal, we believe that,
Notwithstanding all provocations and disap-
pointments, they viii be patient and orderly
-law-obeying and law-abiding citizens
respecting and permitting differences of
opinion by whomsoever enunciated.


We want Union, not merely in name but
a Union in fact. Not a Union merely of
geographical lines, but Union of hearts.


Such Union we fought to maintain; such
a Union we wish to enjoy. By it alone can
our Nation accomplish its true mission and
fulfil its true destiny.


So believing, anxioIsly and earnestly we
appeal to you, cur former comrades in arms,
to assist the great work of pacifcation.


We appeal to you, not as Democrats, not
as Republicans, but as patriots and National
Union men.


Whatever others may say, you know that
those who stood shoulder to shoulder with /
you through the four years Of terrible war
are truly loyal. You, az least, will never
question their fidelity to and their affection |
for the Union and the Constitution.


Whatever differences of opinion may ex-
list, now that the war is over and the insur- |
rection quelled, between those who together |
offered their Ievs a constant and willing sacri-
fee that the life Of the nation might be |
saved, let no examinations or recriminations |
mar or disturb that mutual respect and |
esteem which should ever be cherished by |
those who have shared common danger in |
contending for a common cause. We were
brothers during the dark days of the rebel
lion; let us remain friends amid the bright
er days of peace. And, as we carried desc
lation into the South when she was hostile
and defiant, let us unite in rendering to her
not only just, but generous treatment, now
that she is subdued and disarmed. IL we
but do this, if we but evidence the magma
nimity of spirit always polite from the vic
tor to the conquered, the honor and pride of
the Southern soldiers and Southern people
will so respond that our beloved Union shall
be stronger, better and frmer than ever be-
fore.


May the GoD of our fathers, who, by His
blessing, enabled them, through a seven
years war, to establish the Union, and we
their sons) to vindicate it in the late terri
BILE struggle, grant us His aid and assistance
in our efforts to re-establish and perpetuateit.