West Liberty, 9th month, 22d, 1861.
Friend Mahin:—It seems very strange to me, the present condition of this government, and very humiliating its future prospects.—On the one hand we see American slavery arraying a mighty host against this nation to give it battle, for to secure its own enlargement and perpetuation, no other principle whatever at stake, and no other pretence made, its war cry destruction, desolation and ruin, not only to this government, but to every principle of justice, humanity and virtue.
On the other hand, we with amazement be hold a once mighty government giving battle to this monster rebel, calling on “all true sons of freedom” to join the army to put down rebellion, and re-establish a Union (that never existed only on paper) between the north and south; and what for? Just for the sake of having the privilege of paying the expense of and sustaining in this government one of the most abominable systems that ever the sun shone upon. Why not behead the monster while he has his head on the executioner’s block, seeing he has laid it there himself? Why turn our army into slave catchers?
What a glorious chance for the President to immortalize his name, by “striking to earth oppression’s rod.” If the government intends to sustain slavery after it has outlawed itself, why all this bloodshed? All it wants is to be let alone that it may go where it pleases. If slavery is right in Missouri, it is in Iowa, and if it is right in South Carolina, it is in Massachusetts. I cannot see any propriety in mincing matters thus. We might just as well act sensible, and instead of “contrabands,” have men. What less could they do than to call them men as God made them, and have them for helps instead of hindrances?
I cannot see how a nation can appeal to the God of battles for its aid, when it has its iron heel upon four millions of people. Hear one of the old prophets:
“Ye have not hearkened unto He in proclaiming liberty, every one to his neighbor.—Behold I proclaim a liberty to you, saith the Lord, to the famine, to the pestilence and to the sword.”
And the whole north, the people, the churches, the presses and the pulpits, have been, with but few exceptions, verily guilty concerning our brethren in bonds, therefore has this great evil come upon us.
Why could not Fremont be allowed to exhibit one true principle in making men and women out of the traitor’s slaves.
It seems to me if we could be rid of the dilly-dallies at Washington a little while, who seem a little like the dog in the manger, “do nothing himself nor letting any one else do anything,” and we could have Fremont as chief manager, something might be done, if nothing more than to proclaim liberty to the captive and let the oppressed go free.
J. M. WOOD.
The Muscatine Weekly Journal, Muscatine, IA