'(^ '1 J '^K\.' ^\\^ m ^4 f . ■^^aj #5 3i^ 3 > 2.^ _>:: :> ^ zs» >^^^^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. f^L/. . E ^ 1 5 UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. ■'iff V ^^ ^1 ^ ))':»^ > 3 3:-;» <4= 3J> :>3>:>:>_ S^J^ i3» J> ^ 5^-^^ ^3 T^ > > ^ j= ^ :>> ^^ > > 3* -::»> vise*- r> -.^^^ - ISO* " 3>:2>:^> 3 =3. »,^>::^->-> 3 3 Z2> 3 > ^ 3 ^ rS ^> ^ ^ 3 ^^ 3 3 ^ "3^3^ 3> ; >»'_^ 2>!'_ 3> ^»- 3> S>-!^ *»^^:^ ^ J>i- ^:2> >s :2> ->2- 3> 3>3 ::s3f ;r,-^ ""5> . > ^>7>, 3>:^ 31^ J3» -i3> 3* '-> J3» ^> 3* 3> 3B» a» ::» "'^ m^s' ^__3i>,;3»^ ■~i> ■sj.3» :a "^ :>>>23l)3* _3» 33>;3'T— :r»>^^ '3 J>*3 3 !:» •^: ^ z*» w > ' -:»> ..: 3> :3»> 9- ~> -:r>> '- z> ::3p 1> L> z>>; 9 Z> ^' 3> 3> ; .■^> "■^- . "'3 3 ••) " 7 ^ ^ ' ') ■" > "> 3 :i OUR SOLDIERS AND SAILOES : WHAT THEY SAID AND DID ON THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM, AT I^ITTSBUHG, i>E]srisri^.5 SEPTEMBEE 17th AOT) 18th, 1873. By SAMUEL W. pUEEIDEN, OFFICIAJL STENO&KAPHEK. NEW YOEK: PUBLISHED BY VETERxVNS' NATIONAL COMMITTEB. 1872. V'5-f THE VETERANS' NATIONAL CONVENTION. THE PRELIMINAEY ORGANIZATION. An informal meetiug of soldiers aud sailors who Avere present iii Philadel- phia, Pa., in attendance upon the Eepublican National Convention, convened at Assembly Hall, in that city, on the evening of June 5th, and organized with General Ambrose E. Bumside, of Rhode Island, as chainuan, and General Darnel Woodall, of Delaware, as secretary. On motion of Col. L. E. Dudley, it was resolved tliat a committee of one liom each State be appointed by tlie chair, and that said committee be instructed to issue a caU for a National Mass Convention of Soldiers and Sailors. At a meeting held on the following morning the committee was announced, aud requested to meet, the same evening, at the Continental Hotel. At tlic meeting of the committee Gen. A. E. Bm-nside was added as a member at large, and elected its chairman, and Col. L. E. Dudley was elected secretary. The officers of the committee were then authorized to prepare and issue the call, which they did on the 5th of July, in the foUowiag words : — THE CALL. Headquaeters Veterans' National Committee, FiFTU Avenue Hotel, New York City, July 5, 1872. To the Soldiers and Sailors who served in the Union Army and Navy during the late War: Comrades — The undersigned, a committee appointed for the purpose by a meeting of veterans from all sections of the country, who were assembled in Philadelphia upon the 5th day of June, in attendance upon the Eepublican National Convention, and which meeting unanimously resolved to abide by and sujjport the nominations of said convention, hereby invite you to meet in mass convention at Pittsburg, Pa., on the 17th day of September, 1872,^ for the purpose of expressing oui" unreserved belief that the destinies of tills country, for the ensuing four years, should be under the protection of men who never faltered in the houf of our country's greatest danger. We believe that men should be placed in high positions of State, who, in the hour of our greatest peril, gave that intellect, personal reputation, and personal faith in the justness of our cause, which was necessary to save the country and place us in the position we now occupy. We congratulate ourselves upon the fact that the government, duiing the past three aijd one-halt yeai'S, has been administered by one of our comrades, who has shown wonderful Mjivil capacity in aiding the reduction of the public debt, in conducting our foreign affairs with great skill, so that we now stand at peace with the whole world, and in preserving peace in sections of our country where sentiments were entertained calculated to disturb the reorganization of the States lately in rebellion. We have full faith in him as a peaceful man, because, had he felt disposed to exercise his power as a personal governor, he would have done it while nearly a million of men were in arms and under his command, instead of aiilin"', a? he did, the rapid i-eduction of the army to a peace footing. We believe him to be honest, capable, and courageous. We believe that it will be a source of pleasure to all who battled for the Union, to meet once more and revive the memories of our old campaigns. We believe that an expression of the feelings and opinions of those who defended the nation on land and sea would, at this time, be most opportune. We believe that such an expression would be regarded by all right-thinking men as one proper to be made; and that it would be productive of the. most beneficial results. We believe that our comrades universally desire that such measures shall prevail as wilj secure the greatest possible happiness and prosperity of the whole people. We believe that our country's old defenders are actuated by no partisan or factious mo- tives, but are in favor of good government, purity of public men and measures, and the ele- vation and purification of our institutions. We believe that while all the old veterans are loyalists in the extreme, and utterly op- posed to any doctrine which would tend, in the slightest degree, to revive the heresy ot S'icession, they are desirous of extending charity and full forgiveness to all of their former enemies in the field Avho now recognize or who may hereafter recognize the great wrong that they have done to our country. Believing, as we do, that great good will result from the meeting proposed, we most cordially and earnestly invite all our former comrades to meet with us at Pittsburg, on the tenth anniversary of the battle of Antietam, September 17, 1872. Let us come together again, as we did in 1861, sinking all partisan differences, take our stand now, as then, for our country, and, before and beyond all else, labor for her honor and o-lory. Fraternally yours, General A. E. BURNSIDE, Chairman. L. E. Dudley, Secretary. Gen. Powell Clayton, Gen. J. T. Averill, Capt. B.vrrour Lewis, " George E. Srencer, Mai. 0. C. French, Gen. W. G. Veasey, Col. J.oiEs CoEY, B. B. Cahoon, Capt. W. H. H. Stowelt, Gen. R. J. Ogelsby, Gen. A. M. Dexnison, Col. Jasies H. Plait, " Sol. D. Meredith, " A. F. Stevens, Gen. Lucius Fairchild, '•' Gr4kville M. Dodge, " William Ward, Col. James Lewis, Lieut. Col. R. J. Hinton, " S. L. Woodford, Gen. Joseph C. Abbott, Gen. John M. Harlan, " F. C. Barlow, " E. F. Noyes, '• Jas. D. Fessenden, " Daniel Woodall, " James S. Negley, " Selden Conner, " Chas. M. Hamilton, " Edward McCook, " Horace B. Sargeant. " Louis C. Wagner, " N. P. Chipman, " J. H. DuvALL, " C. H. T. Collis, Maj. Joseph W. Houston, " E. W. Hixks. " A. L. PiERSON, Gen. B. F. Potts, " Joseph R. Hawley, Capt. A. W. Norris, Col. William Breeden, " Jaz. H. Van Aij^n, Gen. Charles R. Brayton, Gen. Geo. A. Max\vell, " F. W. Swift, " James Davidson, " J. W. Fisher. All soldiers and sailors who approve the objects of this call, are requested to com- municate with the conuuittee, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City, t Iiniiiedintcly after proniulj?atiiiJi: the call, the committee prepared blanks and (listributcHi them tluoughout the country, with a view of secmiiio- an ex- pression of the veterans npon the views set forth in the call, and receivi-d tlio signatiu-ca of fully fifty thousand soldiers and sailors, in approval of the ol)j(}cta of the Convention. While the committee believed that the Convention itself would be of great service in the canipaign, it decided that, if thorough organization of the veter- ans of the country could be secured, that much ctlective work could l)e done and that the results of the Convention would be felt in eveiy State; therefore the following circular letter was sent to prominent veterans in each State, and in most has resulted in the formation of veterans' clubs, to act iu harmony with and aid the regular Eepublican organizations. letter inviting organization. Headquarters Veterans' National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City, July 30, 1872, Dear Slr—1 take great pleasure in informing you that the call of this committee for a National Convention of Veterans at Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 17th, has met with a most hearty response from individual veterans of all ranks from every State. No doubt now exists that our reunion will eclipse all tormer ones in point of numbers, enthusiasm, and importance. We feel confident that not less than twenty-five thousand veterans will be iu attendance. Many clubs and associations will attend en masse. It is believed that this meeting, if preceded and followed by thorough organization of the old soldiers in every town and city throughout the Union, wouid be one of the most potential agencies that could be brought to bear in this campaign. It would arouse, among all classes of citizens, tlie old feeling of patriotism and devotioij to the country which was its salvation in the time of war. We desire to institute such organizations at once in every State, and desire to enlist your active co-operation. Will you endeavor to organize the veterans of your State, or induce some one, or more, in whom you have confidence, to immediately inaugurate such a move- ment? If you could correspond with prominent veterans in every county, and suggest to them the propriety of organizing a " Grant and Wilson Veterans' Association " in every town in their respective counties, each of these clubs could send as large a delegation as ■possible to Pittsburg, and thereby swell the gathering and increase the enthusiasm there, and, returning from thence, they would permeate the whole country with the old feeling of patri- otism and devoted loyalty. ■■ This committee cordially invite correspondence from all local organizations, and will take pleasure in affording all infonnation in their power. Please reply at your earliest convenience, that we may know what to expect from your State. Very truly vours, A. E. BURNSIDE, L. E. Dudley, Secretary. Chairman. LETTERS RECEIVED. In response to the call several thousand letters were received from all sec- tions of the country. To give all these letters in fidl woidd take nuich more space than can be afforded in these images ; but we have selected a few of the more important, with extracts from many others. FROM general O. O. HOWARD. Astok House, New York City, July 15, 1872. Gen. a. E. Burnside, Chairman Veterans^ National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York Citj : Dear General — Your circular, accompanied by the kind invitation of your secretary to be pi esent on the anniversary of the battle of Antietam, and take part in the exercises at Pitts- burg, 17th of September next, is just received. I have carefully read your call, and am will- ing to adopt lis sentiments as my own. I am, perhaps, for a very warm recognitio7i of those who have been our enemies, when they step upon our platform, and would most heartily say, " Let us be brethren." /I believe it is better, more for the durability of our Government, and certainly safer to our public credit, that no radical change of administration should now take place. I am very much interested in the Indian tribes that are now rapidly coming into the light of our civilization. I should dislike exceedingly to have the erreat body of religious and benevolent societies suddenly deprived of the privilege of no'.;.inating agencies, which has begun to work so grandly in the line of reform ; and for a thousand othei- reasons, be- fiides my personal feelines of sincere regard for him who has led us to victory and to safety, my words and my acts will be in behalf of the present incumbent of the presidential chair. I am an anuy officer, witliout partisan feeling, ready to do my duty under any leader my countrymen shall select ; but, God knows that I do love a man like Cien. Grant, who does per- severe in words and in acts in the practical recognition of human rights to all classes of our fellow-men. I fear that I will not be able to join you at Pittsburg, as my duties are likely to keep me on the frontier. Sincere! V yours, O. O. HOWAKD. FROM GENERAL B. 8. ROBERTS. New Haven, July 11, 1872. L. E. Dudley, Secretary : Dear ,S'ir— Your circular and note came to me this morning, although dated Hth instant. Instead of putting forth any opinion I may have of Gen. Grant, as it could not possibly have influence with parties, partisans, or politicians, I send you an autograph letter of the late Major Gen. George H. Thomas, that goes directly to the great issues of the day, and is an expression of the judgment of the soundest and most solid" soldier of the Union Army, who knew Gen. Grant intimately and thoroughly. Were Gen. Thomas living, I do not doubt — modest and silent as he was by nature, and by^ education and habit averse to notoiiety and meaningless public applause - that his pen and voice would have sustained Grant now, as his sword and loyal natuie sustained him when he smote Hood "hip and thigh" at Nashville, and destroyed 'the last hope of the rebellion. I consider the meeting of the veterans at Pittsburg as the flank movement of the campaign, that, more than any other single evolution, is to decide the election. It is my purpose to attend in person, and to use my influence in gathering others fi-om New Engia"nd at Pitts- burg. When the old veterans sound tlielr '= assembly " it is a ten ible '' bugle-blast " ior the enemy, and certainly none know so well as they where the enemy's magazines are, and how to drop bombs and shells to explode them. Very truly yours, B. S. EGBERTS, Brigadier-General United States Army (retired). WHAT general GEORGE H. THOMAS THOUGHT. The following is the letter from Gen. Thomas, referred to above : — Sajs Francisco, Cal., Dec. 8, 1869. Gen. B. S. Roberts : Dear General — I have had your letter of the 22d of November in my possession some days, but have not had leisure to T'eply until to-day. Many persons have* of late spoken to me of the probabilities of the next four years. I have invariably declined all propositions affecting myself, and I now again do so to you. I do not approve" of the railroad speed with which the peoi)le of the United States do things. We have no stability, but are constantly not only on the go, but rush matters to the verge of confusion, if not of ruin. I sometimes think we, as a people, are specially guarded by an all-wise Providence, else our recklessness would have long since involved the nation in hopeless confusion. No sooner are public aSairs rescued from discord, and the offices filled with men who to all appearances are the undoubted choice of the people, than new combinations are formed to destroy the incumbents — if not in character, at least in usefulness— and set up a new set almost unknown, and certainly of doubtful experience. I would not like to see any alteration in the executive for the next eight years, uidess the pi-esent incumbent should prove incapacitated for his position before the expiration of his first term. I thlidv he has connnenced very fair, and I sincerely hope he may succeed to such a degree as to compel his re-election for"anothei' term. I am verv truly yours, GEORGE H. THOMAS. FROM GOV. NOTES. Columbus, Ohio, July IG, 1872. • Gen. a. E. Burnpide, Chairman Veterans' National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, Neio York City : General— I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your favor cf the 8th instant. I shall take great satisfaction in co-operating with your comniittee to the end that the Pittsburg Convention. Sept. 17th, may be a succeps. I shall send circulars all over the State in ii few days, and will soon forward to you the names and addresses of prominent soldiers and sailors, in order that you may communicate with them from headquarters directly. In my judg- ment the importance of this meeting cannot be overrated. I shall see you at the convention. Very truly your obedient servant, EDWAKD F. NOTES. FItOM GENERAL E. "W. KICK. Washington, D. C, July 8, 1872. Gen. a. E. Burnside, Chairman Veterans' National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City : General — I beg to assure you of my most hearty approval of the call for a general con- vention of soldiers and sailors of the late war, to meet at Pittsburg on the 17th of September next. When Gen. Gi^ant w'as first nominated, the voice of the soldiers and sailors was unani- mously and enthusiastically expressed at our convention at Chicago, and was gloriousl_y seconded by the delegates of the loyal masses in the Rppiil)lican Convention the following day, notwithstanding the well-known fact that many Kcpulilicaii politicians were opposed to the soldiers' choice. Now, the gre.it voting masses of the ]\cj)ublican party, appreciating the integrity and wisdom of tlie administration, have, through their instructed delegates at Phil- adelphia, again tendered us our chief as a candidate for the presidency, and again he is bit- t«rly assailed and violently opposed 1)3' the politicians who did not succeed in dictating his policy or controlling his patronage; and it is not only proper, but exceedingly important that we assemble and resjiond to their aimounced confidence and desire in terms as honest and earnest as they expressed them, and give them the positive assurance of our hearty indorse- ment of their action, and make known our great anxiety that the Government shall continue in its present policy, and under control of its fi'iends who preserved its integrity and its honor, and that it may be shielded from those who seek to seize it for purely personal pur- poses and di\nde its favors and its revenue with its enemies. I will be with you at Pittsburg, and have the honor to be, General, Very respectfully your obedient servant, E. W. EICE, Late Brevet Major-General from Iowa, FROM COLONEL T. W. HIGGINSON. Newport, R. I., August 8, 1872. L. E. Dudley, Esq., Secretary Veterans' National Committee : Dear Sir — Thank you for your invitation to be pi'esent at the Pittsbui'g Convention and to address it. I shall do so, if possible, and, at any rate, the Convention will have my best ■wishes. I wish fi'ankly to say that I was opposed to the renomination of President Grant, but am in favor of his election. I see no reason for desei'ting to the enemy because I have exer- cised the soldiei-'s privilege of grumbling at my general. There seems to me no safety for the recoirstruction measures except in the hands of the party which passed them. The main war-ciy of the new party appears to be the overthrow of centralization ; and what they call centralization is simply the effort of a national government to save itself from being murdered. In such a contest, I am with the Government. Very truly yours, THOMAS WENTWORT H HIGGINSON, Late Colonel Thirty-third U. S. C. T. FROM GENERAL CHARLES DEVENS, JR. Worcester, Mass., July 18, 1872. Dear Sir — I have your note on behalf of the committee, requesting me to be pr.^sent at Ae Convention in Pittsburg, on the 17th of September, and am much honoi-ed by it. My engagements render it absolutely impossible for me to accept it, but I sincerely trust that the gathering will prove of gieat advantage to the good cause. Yours very respectfully, CHAS. DEVENS, Jr. To L. E, Dudley, Sec'y Vets. Nat, Com, FROM GENERAL JA3IES S. XEOLEY. " I am warmly interested in the movement contemplated by the National Committee of Veterans. The proposed Convention at Pittsburg, on Sept. 17th, has induct-'J me to change my intention of visiting the Pacific coast this smnmer. I shall renniin at home to contribute personal attention to the objects of the assembly. Six years since (186B) I enjoyed the sat- isfaction of witnessing an immense gathering of returned soldiers in Pittsburg. The en- thusiasm produced in the State by the meeting yielded profitable results at the October election of that year." FROM GEXER.\X M. D. LEGGETT. Washixgtox, D. C, July 16, 1872, Den' Sir — I have just returned from a trip We.st, and find your favor inviting me to attend and address a meeting at Pittsburg, of the old army and navy, in September. If alive, I shall certainly give myself the pleasuie of attending that meetings and if occasion offers, will speak as the spirit may move. My head and heart are in full accord with the object of that meeting. Very respectfullv. Col. L. E. Dudley, Sec'i/, etc. M. D. LEGGETT. FROM GENERAL M. F. FORCE. CixciXNATi, August 16, 1872. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary : Colonel — Your letter inviting me to the Convention of Soldiers and Sailors, to be held at Pittsburg next month, came while I was out of town. I am glad such a convention is to be held. We, who knew General Grant in the field, when the sti'ess of emergencies brought the inmost traits of character to the surface, know he is an honest, sober, pure-minded man, upright, faithful, patient, devoted to duty, and those who know him best honor him most. As persons holding the office of judge abstain from taking part in political meetings, I refi'ain fnjm going to this, but I cannot refrain from having and expressing an opinion about oui" old leader. Four years ago, while whisky was selling all over the country for less than the tax on its production, distillers and tax-gatherers were growing rich ; now tiie " Whisky King" has passed away, and officials do their strict duty. Four years ago the combination called the "Indian Jibing" was so strongly intrenched that it was held impregnable. It has vanished, and supplies for the Indians are purchased and disbursed honestly. Four years ago our difficulties with England seemed inextricable, and many people looked for war for a settle- ment. England has made apology in a solemn treaty, and all questions are disposed of ia a way honorable to both nations. Long usage, amounting to an unwritten amendment to the Constitution, has thrown into the hands of the members of Congress the substantial appointment of a large part of the public offices, and these appointments being naturally given for political service, some bad appointments are inevitable. Gen. Grant, almost unaided and alone, has attemjHed to cut tl'.is evil up by the roots. His aim is shown in the appointments left in the actual control of the President : the Indian Connnissioners, the Commissioners to treat with England, and the Geneva appointments, are above cavil. His treatment of the Southern people has been, from Lee's surrender to the present day, just without harshness, kind and magnanimous without sentimentality. Comparing his administration not with an ideal standard, but with the condition of things four years ago, it is fair to say that he has done at least as much as any other Presi- dent to improve and elevate the pubhc service. The cloud of abuse which disappointed mea have blown about him will, iu due time, pass away, and his administration will shiue in history. Very respectfully yours, M. F. FORCE. FROM GENERAL JAMES A. EKIN. LouiSA'iLLE, Ky., August 2, 1872. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, N. Y. City: My Dear Colonel — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th ult., infui-ming me that "A Grand National ^lass Convention of Veterans will be held at Pirtsburg, PenD., on the tenth anniversary of the battle of Antietam, the 17th of September next," and inviting me to be present and address the Convention. Absence from the city has prevented an earlier reply. _ Pittsburo- is my native city, and to meet my brother veterans at my old home, ni the midst of my friends and neighbors, on such an interestmg and important occasion, will afford me unspeakable pleasure. Your kind invitation is most heartily accepted, and I trust that nothing may prevent me from being with you at the time indicated. I sympathize fully with tl.e object of the contemplated Convention, and it affords me unfeio-ned pleasure to "indorse the sentiments of the committee, " that the destinies of this country for the ensuing four years should be under the protection of men who never faltered in the hour of our country's greatest danger." I sincerely believe that this sentiment will receive a hearty response from the true and noble men throughout the Eepublic, and will be ratified by the American people in a manner that will gladden the hearts of not oidy the men who periled their lives in defense of the flag, but of all those who love and desire the perpetuation of the liberties we now enjoy. May they be perpetual. Heai'tily thanking you for your invitation, and with my best wishes for the triumph of the pruiciples represented by your patriotic organization, I am, dear sir, very respectfully, JAMES A. EKIN, Brevet. Brlg.-Genl. U. S. A. FROM GEXERAX SELDEN CONNOR. Augusta, Maine, July 27, 1872. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee : Dear Sir — I regret exceedingly that I am unable to accept the invitation you extend to me to address the Mass Convention of Soldiers and Sailors which is to be held at Pittsburg on the 17th of Se]3tember ;iext. I can well believe that the defenders of the Union, gathered together in such an assem- blage to do it peaceful service, reviewing the glorious results accomplished by their gi-_eat chief in leading the country through peace to prosperity, regarding the patriotic and consist- ent course of the party of the Union, and confrontmg the thinly disguised dangers that threaten the country in the efforts of a selfish opposition to obtain power, will be re-animated by the enthusiasm of devotion to country that inspired them in '61. • The citizen-soldiers, who aided in the preservation of the Union, have watched with deep interest and approval the process of its restoration to perfect integi'ity, and rejoice at the result. They have also viewed with satisfaction the careful regard of the government for the national credit and honor. The treaty with England especially calls forth their hearty commendation. _ With the mem- ories of slain comrades and of all the cruel scenes of war still fresh in their minds, and filling them with loathing of the barbarity of the resort to arms, they regard with earnest thankful- ness the patient perseverance by which the Soldier-President has accomplished the peaceful and honorable settlement of a question that was dark with threatenings of war. They feel that the denial by his opponents of credit to the executive head of the Govern- ment, for the beneficent measures which he has recommendea and carried into effect, is as unju.st as would be the withholding from Grant of the credit for the victory that came to our arms under his leadership. Truth, honor, consistency, and patriotism, imperatively call upon the defenders of the Union to stand by their colors and support the party whose record is one of the benefits to the country. Frateraally yours, SELDEN COKNOR. FROM GENERAL J. B. KIDDOO. Paris, France, September 2, 1872. L. E. Dudley, Secretary, etc. : My Dear Sir— Your kind letter of July 16, inviting me to be present and address the Convention of Veterans to be held at Pittsburg on the 17 th inst., has justbeen received.^ I regret to state that my present plans will not permit me to return to the United States in time to participate in your deliberations. 10 Thouprh it is not ciiPtomary for officers of the army to take an active part in politics, I do not lie-situte, in consick-iation of the pecuHar nature of the present canipaiirn ami its rela- tion to om- late war, to express nij earnest preference for the re-ek'ction of Gen. Grant, and am at a loss to know how any soldier who took an honorable jiart in the struggle for the maintenance of the Government can possil)l\' take any other view f)f existing ati'airs. It would be a sad connnent on the achievements of our anns, and a virtual loss of the moral of our victories, if, in less than eight years after the close of the war, the leaders in the .Southern rebellion and their Northern allies should be i-estored to the conti-ol of the affairs of the nation. Tlie soldiers and sailors who fought for the life of the nation should not forget that the party which now opposes the re-election of Gen. Grant includes within its ranks all who during the war thought we were the aggressors on civil liberty and the violators of the Con- stitution, in our efforts to maintain the integrity of the Union by force of arms. The country owes General Grant a second term, not moje for his great achievements during the war than for the success of his administration, which, thoogli it may be excep- tionable in some respects, is as free from serious mistakes as any administration since that of Washington. With the assurance that you will have a reception due heroes in the loyal city ol Pitts- burg, in which 1 lived most of my life, and from which I entered the army at the beginning of the war, and with many i-egi-ets that I cannot be present, I remain your obedient servant, J. 13. KIDDOO, Brigadier-General U. S. A. (retired list.) FROM GENERAL JOHX M. THAVER. LmcoLX, Neb., September 12, 1872. Col. L. E. DfDLEY, Secretary Veterans' National Committee : I had fully intended to meet with the veterans at Pittsburg, on the 17th and 18th insts., but my engagements for speaking in this .State prevent. I am, therefore, most reluctantly compelled to forego the pleasure of being present. Hut it is a satisfaction to believe that the same high sense of patriotic duty, which moved the hearts of the true soldiers in the late war, will govern those who meet with you now. We followed our great leader, Grant, then ; so let us march under his banner now. Very trulv vours, JOilN M. THAYER. FROM PRIVATE TANNER, WHO LOST BOTH LEGS IN BATTLE. Brooklyn, N. Y., August 12, 1872. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee : Dear Sir— Yours of recent date, inclosing call for Convention at Pittsburg, and in- viting myself to attend, is at hand. In response, I beg leave to say that every pulsation of my heart beats in unison with the proposed objwts of said convention, and I sliall consider it a high honor to attend, and by voice and vote to participate in its action. .Judging the feelings of otiier veterans by my own, I presume no class of our citizens are really more in favor of truly and speedily healing over " the bloody chasm " which now separates the two great sections of our country ; but we have learned too thorongldy what tliat chasm involves to indulge in any glittering generalities concerning it, and earnestly de- sire to rebuild njion a sound basis. If we <'vince a disposititm to reject in the structure any of the Democratic Ku-Klux bricks, it is because we so fully realize that they are not of standard durability. liecausc I distrust the sincerity of Mr. (Ji-ccley's sudden abrogation ot all party obliga- tions ; because I distrust the sincerity of his ])resent supporters, most of whom have been nis life-long opponents ; b\it, mostly because of my imlimited faith in the patriotic unselfishness, unlimited devotion to duty, ))rinciple, and the best interest^otthecountry, of Ulysses 8. Grant and HeTiiy Wilson, am I detenuined to stand unwavering atid zealously for the nominees of the I'liilatlelphia Cly. It is impossible for me to determine at this time whether I can be present or not; but, whether present or absent, my heart is in sympathy with the object of this meeting. I cannot, for the life of me, see how any citizen who value.s the Union and de- sires its preservation, can vote to elevate to the presidency of the States the man who lias deliberately avowed that, '" ^vhenever assured the Sonthern people desii-e separation, he will joyfully co-operate with them to secure the end they seek." The election of such a man "would invite disunion. The heroic achievements of tlie Union army are valueless, if such a pliiloso])liy is now to prevail, and we had better abandon the ceremony of decorating with flowers the graves of our dead comrades, as an idle mockery, if the chief advocate of Buch a sentiment is to be elected President. The lir.'uness, moderation, and wisdom of the present Chief Magistrate of the Republic, 13 displayed in the field and in council, entitle him to the continued confidence of the people, and are a certain guaranty that he will wisely administer the government another four years. With great respect, your obedient servant, WILLIAM VANDEVER. FROM GENERAL A. T. A. TORBETT. MiLFORD, Delaware, August 29, 1872. To Col. L. Edwin Dudley, Secretary of Veteran^ National Committee : Dear Sir — It gives me gi'eat pleasure to inform you that it is my desire and intention to be present at the Soldiers' Convention, to be held at Pittsburg on the 17th of September next, there to join with my former associates in any measures which will promote the success of tlio grand National Eepublicau party in tl e present contest. Very respectfully, A. T. A. TORBETT. FROM GEXERAI, C. E. LIPPINCOTT. Springfield, Illinois, August 3, 1872. Gen. L. E. Dudley, Secretary of Veterans' National Committee : Dear Sir — It is the result of accident only that your favor of July 16th has been so long unanswered. _ I will now say that I was greatly pleased at this movement, and will do all in my power to induce others to attend. I shall attend, unless sometliing now unforeseen shall prevent. Do not count on me for a speech. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. E. LIPPINCOTT. from general J. a. WILLIAMSON. Des Moines, Iowa, July 31, 1872. L. E. Dudley, Secretary of Veterans' National Committee, New Yo7-k : Sir — Your favor of the 26lh inst., inclosing call for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention, is at hand. In reply to the mvitation of the committee to be- present and address the Convention at Pittsburg, on the 17th of September, I have to say that I shall take great pleasure in domg so. I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. WILLIAMSON. FROM GENERAL GEORGE H. PATRICK. Montgomery, Alabama, September 11, 1872. Col. L. E. Dudley, Sec'y of Veterans' National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, New Tori: City : Dear <.*?(r— Inclosed find duplicate credentials of Alabama delegation to National Con- vention at Pittsburg on 17th inst., the original being sent at hands of Captain R. M. Reynolds, State Auditor, with our greeting that the soldiers of Alabama, with one single and noticeable exc;.ption, will vote solid next November for their old commander; and trusting that every State will do as well, I remain Yours, truly, GEORGE H. PATRICK. from general e. f. winslow. St. Louis, Mo., August 6, 1872. Col. L. E. Dudley, Sec^y of Veterans' National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, New Tort: : Dear Sir — In response to the invitation to be present at a mass convention to be held at Pittsburg, September 17th next, I take great pleasure in saying it will afford me sincere gratification to meet my old comrades at that time and place, and that we can cordially unite m the support of our great commander during the present campaign, in which he is certain to lead, as usurd, to victory. I cannot conceive a good reason why one of us can abandon our colore, our leader, or our princijiles so much as to remain pas^^ive during the present contest, and it is much more difficult to believe in a change of front and its consequences to the side of union and victory. 14 When the issues are more clearly defined and the consequences contingent upon a possible failure more fully undei'stood, I am confident the men who stood slioulder to shouhler so firmly will again close up their ranks and move forward ^s a part of the great civilizing and progressive rej)ublican column, to a success as great as tl/Tit of the last presidential campaign. This civil and {)olitical figlit will be no less important to tlie future of our great, united, and now pacified and prospei'ous country, than was that last named. We all interpreted our sit- uation at that time clearly and intelligently, and I have faith to believe we will see, as dis- tinctly as then, our whole duty at this critical juncture. Certainly our recently enfranchised citizens are not more likely than we to learn what is best for them, and as they have already, in one great canvas, fixed their position, we would be less entitled to our claim of superiority if we failed to know oui- duty or to do it. Yours fraternally, E. F. WINSLOW. FROM GENERAX DENNIS F. BURKE. New York, August 1, 1872. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee: Dear Colonel — Your letter of the 1st inst., inviting me to be present at the National Convention of Veterans, to be held at Pittsburg, Pa., September 17th, is at hand. I cordially accept your invitation, and look forward to the time with pleasure, and have an earnest desire to meet many of my former conu-ades of the ai-my. The old Irish Brigade followed the fortunes of the Army of the Potomac from the beginning of the war to the end. The bones of four-fifths of its members, who fell in the struggle to preserve a united country, lie mingled with the soil of Virginia and Maryland. Many of its members still survive to relate their victories and the hardships they endured. They have returned to their homes, and take a deep interest in the prosjierity and welfare of their adopted country. As they stood beneath the folds of our glorious national flag in time of war, battling for fi-eedom to all men, so do they now desire to stand ready to maintain in peace what they sacrificed so much fi)r in time of war. Confident that we have truth and justice on our side, and that it will prevail, and feel- ing proud of having served under General Grant, and proud to have the privilege of voting for him, I am, with much respect and higli regards, Yours, D. F. BUEKE, Brevet Brigadier-General U. S, A. {late Irish Brigade). FROM GENERAX WItilAM S. HILLYER. New York, August 29, 1872. My Dear Colonel — ^Your kind invitation, made on behalf of the Veterans' National Com- mittee, to be present and address the Mass Convention of Soldiers and Sailors of the late war, at Pittsburg on the 17th of September next, was received at my office during my temporary absence from the city. I take the earliest opportimity to accept the invitation and express to you my cordial sympathy and co-operation in the movement. I will meet you at Pittsburg and do what- ever I can to aid in the indorsement of the man who was first in war, and is now first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen. Veiy respectfully yours, etc., WILLIAM S. HILLYER. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary, etc. from CAPTALN JAMES H. WITHINGTON. San Francisco, Cal., August 31, 1872. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans^ National Executive Committee : Dear Sir — As I am chairman of the Veterans' Executive Committee of this State, I take the liberty of addressing you upon the political outlook in this section. The sokhers and sailors of the late war are organizing throughout the State, and it is their intention to take a i^romincnt })nrt in the coming campaign. Our organization here is larger than four years ago, and, I am proud to say, has the n S|)ect and confidence of this community. It is our intention to so amend our constitution as to admit to membership the veterans of the Mexican war, there beinii quite a number of this gallant band in our midst. 15 Also those Confederate soldiers who have more confidence in Grant, the general who made peace, than Greeley, the editor who wrote up the war. There are a large number of the above-mentioned soldiers awaiting an opportunity to join us. There are about as many old Confederate soldiers here as there are Union soldiers. We are peculiarly situated in this respect. ^Ye propose " to bridge the bloody chasm" by inviting them to a' portion of the fatted calf. We intend of course to carve, and anticipate quite an accession to our ranks from this source, as quite a number here expressed them- selves desirous of counseling with us for the welfare and prosperity of our now connnon country. We think the eftect will be good, for it will show that we who fought for our country are as ready to forgive as they are to be forgiven. Our convention, assembled for the purpose of sending delegates to Pittsburg, was large and enthusiastic, being the largest gathenng of soldiers ever held here. We send fourteen delegates, all of them representative men. We shall instruct them to urge upon the Pitts- burg Convention the propriety of holding Grant ratification meetings throughout the country upon some one day to be selected by the Convention. We think the eifect would be grand, and will guarantee that the demonstration under our auspices will be the largest ever held ou this coast. I had the honor of being a delegate to the National Convention from this city, and it was my intention to have been present at the meeting of veterans called together at the Conti- nental Hotel. As I was on this account unable to be present, Col. Coey's appointment w\is a good one. He is a gallant little fellow, and is well liked here. The Pacific coast will give her electoral votes to General Grant, California by 5,000 majority, Ox'egon 2,000, and Nevada 1,000 majority. These figures are reliable. Some of my Democratic friends admit them con- fidentially. We should be happy to hear from you, and to receive such mformation and advice as you may, from time to time, desire to give. Respectfully yours, CAPTAIN JAMES H. WITKINGTON, Chairman Veterans' Executive Committee. FROM REV. J. G. BUTLER, D. D. Washington, D. C, September 22, 1872. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary, etc. Sir — In reply to yours, just handed me by my esteemed friend General James A, Ekin, U. S. A., so courteously communicating the request of the National Committee that I be present and act as chaplain of the National Mass Convention of Veterans, to be held at Pitts- burg on the 17tli inst., I regret that pending family bereavement necessarily detains me at home. I appreciate the honor conferred by the committee, and. did the providence of God per- mit, I could not deny myself the privilege of meeting the veterans- representing the noblo men who, under God, brought freedom and peace to the land — manyofwh(jm I have met in days darker and less hopeful than these. Our country is still safe in the keeping of the self-sacrificing men and women who saved it. Our honored chief has won no less the honor and confidence of the nation as our Executive than as the gallant and generous defender of our flag in the field. We who know him at home are pierced by the slanderous attacks upon his personal character. Modest, courteous, kind, patient amid abuse, going in and out among us as a man among luen, regularly and devoutly hearing the Lord's Word on the Lord's Day, we honor and esteem him. In the magnanimity of Christian patriotism, it is om's to heal and bind that which was rent by fraternal bondage and civil strife. The vaiied nationalities and sectionalisms of this great people are yet to be welded by the educational and religious influences of our common Christianity. The school-book and the church for the common brotherhood, education for all, imbued with a gospel broad as the Word of God. With an abiding faith in the triumph of truth, with an unfaltering confidence in the veteran survivors of many battles, and with an unswerving trust in the Lord Jehovah, our fathers' God, I pray that Heaven may guide your deliberations, and, in the future as in the past, give victory to the right. Again thanking you for the kind invitation, and regretting my inability to be with you, I am, for God and our country. Very truly yours, J. GEO. BUTLER. 16 EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS RECEIVED. The following are extracts from a few of the thousands of letters received in response to the call : — Horatio Jenkins, late Colonel of the Foui'th Massachusetts Cavalry, and Brevet Brigadier-General, writes : — "As one of those who served under the banner of the Republic for three years in defense of the Union, I beg to assure you of my hearty approval of the call for a general convention of soldiers and sailors of the late war, to meet at Pittsburg, Penn., on the 17th of September next. "1 am sure the proposed convention will give such an expression of faith in the integrity of Gen.Grant, and in the principles of government it cost so many valuable lives to establish and to preserve during the late rebellion, as shall convince Liberal Republicans, Democrats, and Ku-Klux that the lies and slandere they have uttei-ed against the President and his ad- ministration have only strengthened the enthusiasm of the veterans in support of the party that crushed the rebellion, and in support of the well-tried leader wlio has borne the standard of the Republican party ' full high advanced,' with no less courage, firmness, wis- dom, and success in peace than in war." Cornelius Gr. Attwood, of Boston, writes, under date of July 25th: — " We oi-ganized yesterday, undei- the call of the Veterans' National Committee, for a con- vention at Pittsburg, Sept. 17th, with Gen. Horace Binney Sargeant in the chair. A committee of twelve prominent soldiers (with power to increase their number to 100) were elected to have entire charge of the ' On to Pittsburg ' movement. The baU has been started, and will roll until we send ofl" a very large delegation in September." William Peterkin, late gunner United States Navy, writes : — " Will you ]ilease place my name on your veteran list for Pittsbui'g. Let us again stand shoulder to shoulder, and victory will be ours in the future as in the past." John H. Husted, late Company H, Ninety-fifth Regiment New York Voltin- teers, says: — " As I am one of the many w^ho responded to the call of duty in 1861, to defend our Re- public and establish the principle that all should enjoy the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, so I may be found now, with the same object in view, heartily responding to the call of your committee for a Veterans' Convention, to assemble in Pitts- burg, Penn., on the 17th of September next." John R. King writes from Baltimore as follows : — " We had .a large and enthusiastic meeting of soldiers and sailors on Tuesday night. Great interest was manifested, and the prospects are that a delegation numbering fully 250 men will go to Pittsburg. Some of our enihusiastic friends even estimate it at 400. I will send you a list of those who indorse the Pittsburg call next week; in the meantime send me some more blanks, so that I can send them through the State. We have another meeting next Tuesday evening, and propose keeping it up lively." Gen. John T. Averill, the gallant cavahy commander, writes : — " I have your favor of 16th inst., inviting me to be present at the Grand National Mass Convention of Veterans, to be held at Pittsburg, Penn., on the 17th of Sejnember next. In reply I have to say that I know of nothing now to preclude my attendance. I heartily rejoice to see the veteran element of our country arou'-ed and zealous in the work. The blessed rights and piivileges, procured at the cost of property and life, can only be main- tained by keeping from power the hostile hands that opposed our eflbrts when the country was in peril." Brevet Major-Gen, E. L. Molineairs, of New York, says : — " I feel fully identified in any movement tending to the re- election of Gen. Grant, and ehall heartily sujijiort in every way in my power the Republican nominations headed by Grant and Wilson." F. C. Mann, formerly momhcr of the Chicago Mercantile Battery, writes : — "As one of the 'boys in blue' who participated in the war, and at the great demonstra- tion in Pittsburg in 1866, I heartilj' give my suppoi-t to the proposed reunion in Se])tember at that place. "To my mind the people, and especially ihe veterans of the old army who car- ried the Stars and Stripes from Minnesota to Texas, should unite closer than ever to sup- 17 pon our old and tried leader, U. S. Grant. I cannot see that the old issues are dead. I am not willing to have a change in atfairs ; therefore, gentlemen of the committee, I shall be pleased to meet you in September, and hope that we will triumphantly re-elect our old loved chieftain." John S. Cluandler, Company E, Seventy-fourtli Hlinois Regiment, writing from Sbelbina, Mo., says : — " I cannot see how any true soldier can desire to see the rebel Democracy restored to power, and this is exactly' what the election of Greeley would accomplish ; so you can put me down for one vote for"Grant and the good old Republican party." Col. Wm. Phelps, of Detroit, Mich., says:— •' We have the same foe before us that we had from 1861 to 1865, whipped— but unre- pentant rebels and copperheads, to whom are united a few soreheads, all out of office, seek- ing it at all hazards and by all dishonorable means. Recent conversations and intercourse with late rebels from Mississippi, Louisiana, and other Southern States, who claim to accept the situation (only because they cannot help it), have led me to see the same spirit and desire they had in the rebellion, as I witnessed it, and who find a sympathy and fellow-feel- ing among the copperheads in our State, are the most abusive of our chief magistrate, and stoop to the most malignant slander. Thev were the most earnest in recommending Greeley a nomination and indorsing it. While the call of Johnson, Gordon, and other rebel generals, appear at the Baltimore Convention for the Confederates, North and South, to meet to consider the 'lost cause,' and how through Greelev they may regain it, the 'boys in blue, in Michigan, will tall into line and stand by Grant as he stood by us and our country." T. J. Downing, says : — " I was a soldier of the late war; was at Antietam, a member of Company B, Sixtieth New York Regiment. For one I heartily approve of the call for a Veterans' Convention at Pittsburg, Sept. 17. St. Lawrence County turnished many soldiers, and, as they were for the Union then, so they are now." Ricliard S. Tuthill, late Battery H, First Michigan Ai-tiUery, (Logan's old division), writes from Nashville, Tenn. : — " There is no enthusiasm here among Democrats over the Tammany candidate, and all efforts to manufacture it have proved fruitless. For every weak-kneed Republican who votes for the Democrat — Greeley, Grant will gain ten votes in Tennessee from honest, sensible Democrats. I am satisfied that a thorough canvass will carry our State for Grant and WiLson. Capt. W. M. Taylor, late Tenth United States Cavalry writes from Ottawa, m. :— " As long as I see so many one-armed and one-legged men about me, as long as so many orphan children go about the streets, as long as so iiiauy widows mourn the loss of their husbands, / doitt i^opose to believe the issues of ten years ago are dead. Neither do I pro- pose to go for Horace Greelej^, the man who is willing to forget every good he has done, and nullify his past record for the nomination of a mongrel Democratic ' loose' Republican sore- head Convention. Book me for Pittsburg, Sept. 17th, 1872." A private letter from a distinguished ex-soldier from Fredericktown, Mo., says: — ^vt • , " I hope to be able to meet those of our comrades who will be present at our National Convention at Pittsburg, on the 17th of September next, and I shall endeavor to secure the attendance of a large delegation from this State." Capt. Clifford Coddington, Fifty-first New York Volunteers, who was se- verely w oiinded at the battle of Antietam, wiites from Kingston :— " It will afford me great pleasure to attend and to do anything in my power to advance the success of the proposed reunion. I believe with Horace Greeley, before he became a convert to Tammany, that ' Gen. Grant will be far better qualified for the presidential chair in 1872 than he was in 1868.'" Gen. John L. Beveridge says : — " I have received the kind invitation extended by the committee, through you, to be pres- ent and address the Convention of Soldiers and Sailors to be held at Pittsburg, Penna., on the 17th of September next, and thankfully accept the same." 2 IS Capt. Bicbard Carter, of DodgeTflle, Wk., says : — *- 1 k:»n- oif DO soldier who has piv^Ssfed Bepahficaa |xiiidpl«s who fihets sow.* A joint letter £rom Hagfir Basbyschell, L> apfvovv me BOBmutiaB cfGnuat and WifsoD, w« respec^alhr a^ thai our names he eiiralkd as in e%«i war bkdoc^K: tdie sentiments set forth in toot calL pledgii^ what- ewr mftaeace w« may poEeeas in fnrdiaing the great canse of Ri^MibiicaDism pore and ona- dnltented.' Col. James Luke and liajw James B. HtHoci- write : — " We sntmely &vor the movement calSi^ for a meedi^ of * eol£ets and saikws to in- dorse tite renecsisaxion of Gen. U. S. Gract." "^ J. H. SteToisoii, late prirste One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, eaye: — "^ Under Beps&ficaB nk dmii^ the past decade, our covntiy has prosfMredb^nMid pre- cedent, and if wxe have perfbnned same ok oar duties dowij. it most be remenibe^vd we bad to %ht evefT men oft me w«t ; our progrese was at ertery ssi^ imp«ikd by the bold, defiant aad^weffjl ceganiODon known as die DcsK«ntic party : and although they have * caved : all dke pafatts ol d jiftwan o e. yet they haTv not ' oome in.' ' THE PAXiGSR OF A DEM'^CBATIC TXTTOST. Xew Hatex. Coxjf „ July 6, 1872. I_ E. riTDLET. -S g rc M/ y Vaermmt SmiKimiai C^mamiitee: Dear Sir — Thtt ad di e aB of joor eoBBUttee meets my convicfion *£ die dirties the extra- e?di3arr cris? of the omntiy d e %ul% « b on the k^ neO; who stood hv the old flag and pot down theiehelSon. The sp ertade of a '^ new depntore ** that has taken sodi Aaife as to hanoonize the Coppeihead Demoency of dw North and the rebel Democracy of die Soodi with the »>- caBed Obetd ScpobScaiK. headed hy Mr. Greeley, is really cutse of akrm. I^ioiild this departure saeeeed in Ae purp o B C of its kaden and break np the BepabGeaa party ._ it is not imposaMe that oar children wosld be tenting on oar old eauap-gronnds fi g htin g again gigan- t3c oEzanmd lebelSoEi. I a^ dierefiwe the mote earnest in my deare to see a fidl and &ir expresaoo of dieeen- tznente of ife Yvfienae toward die pr^ent diet Hagistrate. and I diink that their senti- mentE win ha«« potential influence widtdkehoBBEtinilfiaiB of loyal people who have not yet Sxaotten their g ' *iii«»«i» to that annr and its iliaElnoas duef who saved the Federal Union. ~ In my jodgment, the re-dectiaB of Preadent Grant at diis criss is qoite as important to die e wmtij as his pvomodon to the stqveme command rf die army was in die daikeet davs tif^eicbdSoa. He cono n Bn d the idbdBon dien,hewin preaerrc the costly resoha of its fin liliiei' now, if re deefeed. I am, ar, verr retpeetfidhr. R S. BOBEBTS. BmH Briyadier-Gtmeral U^ittd StJin Armtf. tutt t m ei M S OX EVXET 5IDK Of EVEEY QTTESTlOy. Deiboit, Mich., Ja!y 9. 1?r2. Mr iMmr Gr men i T So6aag in die press fisnatdhes the call fior a meeting of s^> d'ers azjd saDor^ wiK> astprove the actioa of the Fhihddpfaia Conventioo. to be h^ at Pittsborg on the 17th of Sepaanber, I take oeeiaon to saj ^at this movement has mj moex earnest a^mpauiy. The eooBbig *— »«r«f!* wiD he one of £T«at importance : ae innch so. perhaps^ as any ibM hw oujiiie d aaoe ^ fiNmdatkn of t^ Gonrnment. The resohs of oar finer years at mii hle war are at stake, and tfan* can only be a e uund by die dection of oor old diie^ U. S. Graac In my opinion, he has ^own himself ae great in managii^ civQ officers as in lead- iMT anees Oor c umhIi» wn? never more praepoooe and h^py dian imder bis a dmin - BMML Onr paWe "fcKftin— have been met even before dier were doe. All oar great >WI tW TfTTf i>fifl "" « j ««J p— ■■«■"*»*«> whi«4i th#j- f«nM net ferf mider 19 a govemTiieiit presided over by that poor old Tacilladng Aenaagogae. vho hze been oe er^rr side of every ptblic qoestion for the last thirty years — ^fioiraee Greeky. I shall endeavor lo be in Piit>bur^ at the meeting, and shall be pleased to renew the associations so dear to me formed daring nearly four years of active serviee in the late war. Wishing the movement the most complete sacceas, I remain. Toare verv tralr, A- iL EDWARDS. Zidfe Colonel TwHt^fourtk Michigan Infantry. Gen. A, E. BrESsrOE. Fifth Avecne HoteL Xew Tort Gen. Jcxirs White, of CMcago, savs : — " Please enrol; ray aaaje as one of "L-.-se who fevor eocb an asemblage ; and, if it be sot oat of place, let rue uow express the hope that the men who defended the eoantiy in its time of peril, will not deem onr aban doom est of the party, far whose principles they fought, a saie thing to do at present, if e\ er.' XOT EEADT FOE A EEBEL COPAETXEESHIP. Wm. A- ScHiJiDT, late Colonel of the T-wentr-scTenth IDiiiois Yolunteers, and Brevet Brigadier-General, says : — '• I hereby inform you ot my hearty indorsement and a|^pKOTal al the call fiw a Ceavea- tioa of .Soldiers and Sailors on the ITth of S^enber next, at Pilteburg, to ratify the nnnina- tion of onr glorious leader. U. S. Grant, and his asodate aa the tickc^ Heniy Wlkon. In the same month (Sep>tember) ^x years ago, a similar eonvoition m^ in the same i^aee to condemn the attempted role and prevent the tran^cx- c^ the control of govemmeaat firam the hands ot the grand Bepnbliean party to those of the B^>d Democrai^. I had the honor and pleasure to be present at that Convection, as a del^ate from the great State cf IIlinca& A similar attempt, in my opinion, is being made at this time, to plaee the eoontry in the hands of those who would, if they could, have destroyed it. For one, I am not ready to sdl out to rebels, or to even form a copartnership with Democrats; ^ocfore, I prtqwee to adhere to the principles for which I fought, a^d stand by the men with whom and 10x10* whom I stood in the fore-front at battle. Circmnstances permitting. I shaQ be in Pittsbor?.^ STKATTXG ^^^ox rxiroBJts. E. P. Hell, late private First Marine Heavy Artillerv, sa^: — '■ I h"pe there will be a large aiten'iaace at Pinsburg. and shall be thoe if po^ble. This Giieeley movement is simply the old rebel trick <^ stealing oar nni&HFms.'^ W31. M. PrRKTXs says : — *' I hereby teuder yon the heart and hand rfa 'high caapoial,'' during most eamestly to add my fetrble effort for the ftntheranoe of the giorions object in view, viz., the extirpaiion erf the least and last remains of the rebijlion &om our midst, whether it comes &om the Sooihem lire-eater or the Northern renegade. I believe that soeh resnhs can wily be achieved by the continuance in pow»- of the present e^Sciait administration, and I am one of many who hold the opinion that chaos and civil turmoil would follow the eleetion of sndli a vacillaling oSce-seeker as Horace Greeley to the head of this nation." A VOICaE FBOM AXDERSOXVILLE. A. T. Decker, late Corporal Company L, Seventh Xew York Heavy Artil- lery, says : — •• In the campaign of l-ro4 I was t^kea prisoaer at Cold Harb(»v and was in Andosom- ville ten mouths. I weighed jasi niaety-six poonds whaa I came oat of i^at ieaifb] place, and I now leel no incliEaiion to join haiics xvith Horace Greeley and the reb^ aoA oqpper- heads who advocate Ms eleetioa. Let lis re-elect Gai. Grant, and give Horace an of^mttDnity to tell us more of * what he knows " aboaT tanning, so that we may cnhrrate oar IdO aoes iatelligeDtly,'" Josepii L. D, Biker, late private Company C, Fonrteenth Xew York Vohm- teers, says : — " I aj^^'prove m g>i.»od a cause, God bitfss our Preadent."' Capt. Jolm McGk^han says: — '• The men who both by land and sea loTlowed the lead of soch captains as Grar:, Sher- man. Sheridan. Farragui. Porter. Dupon*. and oihcrs. who so noblv did their darr in their pn>i ti-r sjibt^!-es. wE^ not rail to do thrir v."..'3e draij by the coimtzy ii, its pr^s^ii cnsis." 20 THE UNHOLY ALLIANCE. E. L. Campbell, late Colonel Fomth New Jersey Volunteers, and Brevet Brigadier-General, says : — "1 have taken no active part in politics for six years past ; but the recent unholy alliance of our natural enemy with those who should be ashamed of t-lic association makes me feel much like rendering such service as I may be able to do toward combating and defeating it. Please enroll me for Pittsburg.'' Wni. Hemstrect, formerly Captain Eighteenth Missouri Volunteers, and Brevet Lieuteuaut-Coloiiel, says : — " 1 have never held any civil otlice nor asked for any, and I am just as enthusiastically in favor of Gen. Grants re-election as I was for his first election. I think for myself, as one f)f ihe people, and from the time I lirst met Grant on the nuul-flats at Cairo,_ in lf:*l31, until now, I have only unciualified admiration of him as a prwluct of Americanism. I intend to fight his defaniers, as I have from the first his enemies in front of him." L. M. Tuxal, late private One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteers, says : — "I beg to state that, having been a soldier in the late war for four years, I most heartily approve of the movement and indorse the object thereof to the fullest extent." Thomas Brown, late private Company D, Eighty-eighth New York Volun- teers, says : — '■ I'lease ' count me in' in any undertaking your committee may think proper to com- mence in order to support Gen. Grant and his administration.'' A KEBEL FLANK MOVEMENT. Enos G. Burr, late private Eighteenth Ncav Jersey Volunteers, says :— " The nomination of Mr. Greeley by a few so-called ' Liberal Kepublicans' working for and in tiie intei-est of the Democratic party in its new departure, will avail nothing if we and our leaders are watchful and active; and if he is elected by men who have hated and cursed him for years, but who have now overconx! and bound him upon the funeral-pile of iiolitical death, we to a certain degree will be resi)onsiblefor the results. But it seems to me that the loyal men of the country cannot allow so great a change to come to pass. _ We must remember that it is our old enemy tryirg to flank us— Jeff. Davis and all united with him — to destroy our republic. , o i " C:;n any of our comrades so easily forget their brothers moldenng under Southern soil from starvation, caused by unprincipled foes, and can they forget their own hardships in the work of overcoming that foe 1 " 3. E. Morrison, late private Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, says :— " I believe every soldier and sailor in Northwest Ohio will heartily indorse this cure. To my knowledge, there is not one Kepublican in this county supporting Greeley. The Democrats are sore at the proposed .'^ale to be made at Baltimore on the 9th inst. With Greeley nominated, the Democratic i^arty will be divided, and Grant, with every sail filled by a favoring breeze, will sail over the course triumphantly, and come to an anchorage in the White House again in November.'' Private C. W. Hazzard says : — " Hv all means let us have a bumper at Pittsburg ! Our experience of a former convention at the same place will warrant the going ahead with this. The Pittsburg boys will come right up with the woi-k of getting ready and being ready, I am sure." Jas. E. ^Montgomery, late Major and Assistant Adjutant-General United States Volunteers, says : — " I hope to be able to be present at the meeting of soldiers and sailors to be held at Pitts- burg on the next annivei-sary of the battle of Autietam, and shall do all in my power to in- duce othei-8 to unite in the movement.'' STANDING nV THE OLD COMJLXNDER. Private "William McCanick says : — " I heartily api>rove the object of the call issued by your committee to the veterans ol the late war, and I as.snro you it gives me the greatest ple.-vsure to urge on all, and especially my former comrades, the necessity of standing by their old commander in this trying Lour, instead of yielding the country to the hands of still unrepentant rebels.'' 21 Robert M. Davies, late Captain Sixty-second New York Volunteers, says :— " As one of the veterans who served under Gen. Grant duruig the war, allow ine to express my approval of the objects of the proposed Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention. I am as well satisfied with Gen. Grant's management of civil affaiis as I am sure I was myself and all loyal men were, with the brave and gallant manner in which he gave the country peace. I, for one, shall stand under his banner and gladly hail him as my next President." H. S. Hendee, late Surgeon One Hundred and Fifty-third New York Volun- teers, says: — " In common with those who served their country against treason and rebellicm, I rejoice with my whole heart at the call for the Veterans' Convention at Pittsburg, Sept. 17th. It will have the presence of many, and the sympathy of all loyal men in the nation. The soldiers and sailors have no sympathy or respect for the vacillating advocate of Spiritualism, Four- ierism, Browai-Breadism, Jeff.-Davisism, Tammany-Hallism, and, finally, Whisky-Democ- racyism and his own isms besides; but they have confidence, sympathy, respect, and love for those 'who never faltered in our country's greatest danger,' and will heartily support the hero of a hundred battles and the honored and favorite son of the Republic, Gen. U. S. Grant." Private C. W, Kilborn says: — " Such an expression in favor of Grant 'and Wilson as will be given by the proposed convention must have its ^yeight with the people, who still regard the wishes of those who for their sake and that of Kepublican principles placed themselves between them and all harm. The country trusted tlie army and navy then, and was saved. Has its fiiith and confidence in them ceased now '? It cannot be." Col. Gus. G. Frick, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, answers: — "Yes; let us have a general movement of the boys in the direction of Pittsburg. We hear in the distance the same old yell so many of us heard during 'the time that tried men's souls' on the other side of the Potomac and the Ohio, and it behooves us again to unfurl our flags, burnish up our arms, and prepare to meet the old, but disguised enemy. Let us throw- out our skirmishei-s at Pittsburg, guard well against a 'pressure' fr(ym the rear, and thenput the lines in motion, and keep moving until he is completely and finally vanquished. This is the feeling that pervades the ranks of the men in this direction who wore the blue, and who are now putting on their badges and mustering for the fight. An easy victory awaits us under our gallant leader. Gen. Grant, over the men who confronted us in the South, and those who fought for their country and flag north of the Susquehanna and Delaware, 500 miles away from danger." W. W, Brown, late private First Pennsylvania Rifles, says:— "The bovs in blue never came together in any other than a good cause. They never have had, and I doubi if they ever will have, a relish for Tammany or Tammany candi dates. They have a vivid recollection of 1863, when the army had to be divided in the most perilous hour of the Eepublic, in order to put down treason in New York. It is no satisfac- tion t(» know that Mr. Greeley has been faithful among the faithless ; the question is, how does he stand now? That he leans upon ' Boss' Tweed for support is as plain as that he relies upon Trumbull. That Jefl". Davis is his supporter none can deny; and that they should go into the same political grave is quite appropriate; and that the soldiers should assist at the funeral is according to the eternal fitness of things." Col. David Bronson, of Missom-i, says : — " I attended in 1866 a similar gathering as a delegate from Missouri, and propose to be present this year." John Beverly, late Lieutenant-Colonel Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers, sends word : — "I cannot see how any old veteran can adopt the rebel battle-cry of 'Anything to beat Grant.' This cry did not save the rebels, and it cannot save Greeley. I know of no old veteran that will vote for Greeley in this vicinity."- Capt. W. D. Phillips says :— "I heartily approve of the objects of the call for a great national meeting of soldiers and sailors who served the Union in her hours of trial." Lieut. J. M. John, of Mount Carniel, I'enna., says : — " Oar county, ' Northumberland,' will gladly respond, and send her delegates to confirai the majority that will be cast for our great leader in November." 22 Private Clifton W. Wiles, Tenth New York Cavalry, replies :— " I cannot ))ersuade myself that the men that promoted secession by their acts and words sliould yat be permitted to take control of a government which they endeavored to destroy and failed. The next election must be to them what Vicksburg and Gettysburg were to the Confederacy." Sergt, F. J. Edwards, of Dowagiac, Mich., says : — " Our picket-line in this connnunity is still unbroken. We will march on the works of that man Greeley and send our votes with doubled interest to uphold the man who has done so well for our nation. We love him and we ivill support him." Major Henry O'Connor, late Attorney-General of Iowa, writes : — "The call made by the committee for a convention of soldiers and sailors, to be held at Pittsburg on the 17th September next, meets with the Avarmest res])ouse from every soldier whom I have heard speak on the subject, and all desire to be thei-e. I believe that at least 100,000 men from the old army and navy will be at Pittsburg on that day, all animated by a common purpose to manifest their love for the old flag, and "to do honor to the man under whose lead that flag never was lowered. Gen. Grant's character needs no defense, either as soldier or civilian, general or magisti'ate ; but, in the personal and coarse abuse which has been recently hea))ed ujion him by rebels, copperheads, and soreheads, every soldier feels that lie is himself insulted, and that, too, because he was a soldier." D. Anderson, late Colonel Nineteenth Michigan, says : — "I know that the great mass ot the soldiers and sailors that saved our country are sound to-day, and caiuiot be liumbugged by any cry of corruption or returm coming from men so lately the open enemies of our counti-y — or their friends. We want no such experiment. We know that under the present administration our country is safe, and we meiui to keep it so." Philadelphia, Penx.\., July 15, 1872. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee : Dear Sir — Noticing the call of your committee for a mass convention of the veteran soldiers and sailors of the late war, to meet in Pittsburg, on the 17th of September, I desire most heartily to indorse the same and express my sympathy v/ith its objects, and I trust that the assembly call will bring together a body ot veterans equal in numbers and enthusi- asm with that which met in the same place and for a similar purpose in 1866. With respect, very truly yours, JAS. STEWART, Jr., Late Colonel Ninth New JerB3y Volunteers, and Brevet Brigadier-General Commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Eighteenth Army Corps. Col. A. P. Ketchain says : — " You may put me down as one of those who approve the objects of your call most em- phatically." John H. McMurdy, of Georgetown, Col., says :— " As one of the soldiers from the Territory of Colorado, my name may be used to call the National Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention, and I am much mistaken if from every hamlet in the land there does not come the same spontaneous response." PENNSYLVANIA SOLDIERS UNANIMOUS FOR GRANT. W. C. Gray, of Chester, Penna., says : — "We, the soldiers ot Delaware County, Penn., are for U. S. Grant unanimously, with- out regard to former party prejudices, and in November will give the Grant electoral ticket the largest majority ever given for any ticket in this Republican stronghold." William A. Short, late private Company E, Seventieth New York Volun- teers, was secretai-y of the committee which organized the Convention of Sol- diers and Sailors at Pittsburg, in 18(36, and was removed from his place in the Tieasury Department by Andrew Johnson for his labors at that time. The f(Jllo^^ing extract from his letter shows that he still keeps up with tlie fiont line : — ,• , i " I send herewith a list of names of veterans who indorse the call for a soldiers and sailors' conventions to be held in Pittsburg, Sept. 17, 1872, most of whom express their inten- tion ot attending the same. Our " boys in blue'' in this section have not forgotten (Jreeley s "on to Richmond" one day, and " peace at any price " the next; nor his gratitude, aftei- 23 ward manifested by his uncalled-for opposition to the bill for equalizing the bounties, and hi^ mean and bitter attacks upon those of the rank and file of the army who drafted the bill an 1 advocated its passage' as a matter of simple justice to the early volunteers. The DemocratiL party, both during and since the war, has been the implacable enemy of the Union soldier and sailor, and to support Horace Greeley now, the representative of that party, would be a stultification of every principle for wluch we contended in the field." grant's "SMOKIN'G AXD summering" in VIRGINIA IN '04 AND 'o?. EoTjert W. C. Mitchell, private Eigliteentli New York Cavalry, says : — " Having taken a hand in the war for the Union, I can hardly see how I cannot heartily approve of the objects of the call of the committee of which you are chainnan. I trust th(} b- pointed, if alive." The above was indorsed as follows : " We also heartily approve of IhijD call, and signify our intention of being present at the Convention." HENRY ABBOTT, H. D. BUNSING, SAML SEBLERY, PETER TIPPENS. FR03I GENERAX W. W. BELKNAP, SECRETARY OF WAR. War DEPAiiTMENT, Washington City, September 10, 1872. Dear Sir— I have delayed answering your letter of invitation to the Grand National Convention of Soldiers and Sailors at Pittsburg, in the hope that I might be able to givt? vou the assurance that I would be present; and it is with much regret that I find m^ytieli compelled, by the pressure of official duties here, to decline the invitation. But, though not permitted to be present with you, I cannot forego the opportunity of expressing to you my gratification at the spirit which has prompted the call for this Con- vention. At a time when party strife has made our opponents forget the eminent servicer, during the war of the man who so often led us to victory, it is most fitting that his old coim-ades in arms, associates on many fields, should meet together in enthusiastic gatherings, to remind the republic that his achievements are not forgotten by those who, under hij leadership, saved it from destruction. It is not for me to recount his services. They are recorded in our hearts and in tho history of our country. Those who know him have no fear that the Government will not be well conducted, if placed in his hands for another term. His administration of it for the past four years has been marked by a steady decrease of the public debt, by increased con- fidence in ])ub]ic credit, and by just and upright execution of the laws. A wise and steady policy in the same direction is the assurance to be derived from the experience of the past. With a cordial greeting to all, and with my best wishes for a most pleasant meeting, I am, very truly voiirs, WM. W. BELIvNAP. L. E. Dudley, Esq., Secretary, etc., New York. 24 FROM GEXER.1L H. H. WELLS, EX-GOX-^RXOR OF VIRGIXIA. ElCHMOXU, Va., September 4, 1872. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary, etc. : J o '-'r^'""'' ^^'^^^^' ^^^'^"S me to be present and address tiie Mnss Convention of Soldiers and bailors at Pittsburg on the 17th oftliis month, is at hand. While compelled bv duties here to decline your invitation, I cannot willingly forego the opportunity of expressing inv earnest approval and cordial sympathy with the great enterprise in which our comrades are engaged. _ On the day that General Grant joined the army of the Potomac, to assun^e for the first time the command of it, I went with him to General Meade's headquarters. Ou the way between Manassas Junction and Brandy Station, the General said: " What do you think would be the consequence of electing as President, at this time, General McClellan, or any other Democrat r' I answered, " That it would, in my judgmeut, inevitably result in the early recognition of the independence of the Confederate States." His reply was : " It could not be otherwise. This war must be successfully dosed up, and the MepuMican party ahme can be trusted with the responsibility of settling its issties." What our great captain said then is true now. And I believe that General Grant's re- election is as vital to the great interests of the country as was the re-election in 18(34 of our martyred leader, hero, and patriot — Abraham Lincoln. Glorious to oui- armies, and honorable to the foes that opposed us, as was the surrender at Appomattox, neither General Grant's work, nor that of the Union soldiers, was there ended. It remained for him to protect the brave men who had already surrendered, and to secure for them the peaceful enjoymentof the just andmagnaniniDus terms he had prom- ised ; but it remained as well for him and us to secure for the common benefit of the whole country— the South as well as the North— the precious fruits of tlie great battle that was won. Good government is not yet fully established. The supremacy of the law is not every- where m.aintained, nor do all the citizens possess the same full, bounteous measure of rights and privileges ; the same just e(^uality, nor the same ample protection and security for^'tlie safety of their persons, the enjoynient of their estates, or the fi-ee expression of their opinions ; and, until this has been accomplished, our work will not be done. The men who sought to defeat Abraham Lincoln and the Union arn/v in 1864, seek to defeat General Grant and the Republican party in l>^72. The weapons' are not the same, but the consequences involved in a defeat now are quite as disastrous as then; and, in my judgment, a surrender to Mr. Greeley would be more dishonorable than a defeat by General Lee. The Union men of the South appreciate the fact that the campaign of 1872 means for them a fierce and unremitting battle for existence against a foe that is unscrupulous, remorseless, and brutal. _ We know that the party represented by Mr. Greeley treats all men in the South, not acting and voting with it, as enemies who aa-e entitled to none of the rights seeui-ed by the rules of civilized warfare, but to be mercilessly persecuted, and cruelly punished for what is no crime iinder the constitution of God or civil society. It denounces all l£e]>>il>licans as either "niggers," "carpet-baggers," or "scalawags," and evtr^ one of each class as an outlaw and_ a scoundrel, to be hunted down by paid spies, tried on the testimony trf" suborned witnesses, and condemned by ])acked juries and ])artisari judges. It regards the negro as not fit for the rights, nor entitled to the privileges of citizen- ship, and, therefore, to be sjjeedily remitted to a worse condition of ignorance and degradation than that in which he has heretofore been kept, which can best be done by alx>lishing con- stitutional provisions adopted for his protection, closing the public scliools, excluding him from the jury-box, even when his own race is on trial, and by the general re-establishment and frequent use of the whipping-post. It regards every native of the State, no matter Avhat his lineage, virtue, patriotism, standing, or character, if he is a Ki-publican, as a proper subject to be assailed, abused, and defamed, threatened, intimidated, and persecuted ; b;ini'shed from society, cut off fi-om his former friends, and degraded in the public estimation to tiie last degree of human endurance. The same infamous party creed is not less cruel nor remorseless towards the citizen who comes liere from another State. If an active Republican, no matter how long he has been here, liow extensive his ])Ossession.s, how unblemished his character, how useful his enterprises, or how permanent his attachment to the State, he is to be excluded fi'otn society, denied the courtesies of civilized life, treated as an intruder, derided as an enemy, harassed with vexations, prosecutions, and accused of crimes of which he is not guilty, until he either changes his politics, leaves the State, or his ostracism, persecution, and oppression are ended in a prison, or possibly in a dungeon, with a halter at the end of it. Governed by such a creed, and ruthlessly executing so barbarous a policy, there, is no necessity of Ku-lvlux, or any other secret association of cut-throats or midnight assassins ; the cost of their paint, disguises, and dark lanterns, is an unnecessary expense and a useless waste of money. There are in the South a multitude of men and women born here, too just, too patriotic and humane to believe in, defend, or justify the monstrous creed to which I have referred ; but, with Horace Greeley as a leader of his present following, and a successful presidential candidate, sucii good men and women become utterly powerless to stay the tide of disaster, oppression, suffering, and sorrow, which even now threatens us. I had occasion to express these same sentiments about a year since, nor has the year passed in any degree abated the confidence then entertained in the truth of the statements made, nor weakened the apprehensions then felt of the great and impending danger that now threatens the South. The Republican party and General Grant, and not Mr. Greeley, are the authors of every measure of justice and wise liberality which has been extended to the South since the close ot the war; amnesty, peace, and fiaternity is their pledged policy for the future; and not until the great principles of justice and equality are put into active operation, will the mission of the Kepublicau party, or the duty of the Union soldier be ended; the defeat of General Grant now would re-open all the healed wounds and inaugurate an administration disastrous to the whole country — unfortunate for the North, and cruel to the South. The soldiers who have lain down their muskets and sabres, must now take up their ballots and vote as they fought, until all men are indeed equal, and so secure in their equalities, that they can express their opinions and vote for the candidates of their choice in the South as fi-eely and with as little fear of ostracism, threats, or intimidations, as they can in the North to-day. I hope and believe that the Convention will be a great sviccess, that General Grant will be re-elected, and by the largest majority ever given to a presidential candidate, and that, by a wise, firm, and patriotic administration of public affairs, the whole country will indeed be blessed ; and that while the North rejoices in rights secured, the Soutli will hail General Grant as the great pacificator, the chieftain, and leader, who won his best triuujphs by a great victory over their worst prejudices. I remain, my dear sir, very sincerely yours, H. H. WELLS. EECEPTION OF THE VETERANS AT PITTSBURG, PA. Never before, in the history of this country, have such unusual and magnificent prepa- rations been made for the reception and entertainment of any assemblage, as was made upon this occasion by the people of Pittsburg. Nearly every house in that city was decorated with flags, banners, and mottoes. At the crossings of all the principal streets, triumphal arches, covered with evergreens and flowv.rs, were erected. At nearly every private house in the entire city the doors were thrown open to receive the many thousand guests who were unable to be entertained at the hotels. At the City Hall tables were spread, bounteously loaded with tempting viands, and in one day the noble-hearted women of Pittsburg fed at those tables over fourteen thousand solcUers. During the entire session of the Convention every prominent street in the city was so entirely filled with people as to be almost impassable. They came in a manner that would have delighted the gi-eat heart of the Martyr-President. They came as the heroic sons of the nation did, when he called for them to come with their lives in their hands to save its in. tegrity and insure its perpetuity. They came fi-om the humble cottages among the valleys of the Monongahela and Allegheny; from the workshops, the foundries, and the mines. They came ''as the winds come when navies are stranded," in thegrandeur and glory of theif might. 26 On Tuesday evening speeches were delivered to immense audiences by men of national reputation, at more than twenty dilferent places in the cities of Pittsburg and Allegheny. The enthusiasm was unbounded ; cheers, songs, and instrumental music filled the air during the entire night, and it seemed as if all had abandoned any thoughts of sleep, and had given themselves up to the full enjoyment of the occasion. On Wednesday morning the grand daylight procession was formed ; this was composed almost entirely of the Republicans of Pitt.sburg and Western Pennsylvania, intended for the purpose of welcoming the veterans of the nation to their locality ; words fail to convey any adequate idea of the magnificence of this display. The procession was exactly two hours and a half in passing a given point, and it was estimated that more than ten thousand men were in the line. Persons who had the opportunity to observe this grand display, expressed the opinion that it was the finest demonstration of the kind ever seen in the country. They saw only innuense wagons bear- ing emblems, the municipal and rural industries of Allegheny, some fantastic bodies of men, mounted delegations, and an infinite variety of people intending to participate, first moving in confusion through the streets, and a little while later evohang out of this chaos, like a huge auaconda of infinite projiortions unrolling itself, as a great long column of people in vehicles of every kind, embowered in evergreens, covered with fiags, amidst the most grotesque, sug- gestive, and indescribable associations — the whole pageant passing, in well-ordered but viva- cious procession, through the principal streets of both cities. The procession marched over the prescribed route, amid the plaudits of one hundred thousand spectators, to Friendship Grove, a magnificent cluster of forest trees on the outskirts of the city, where it disbanded for the pui'pose of listening to speeches from Gens. B. F. Butler, E. F. Noyes, and many others. The torchlight procession of Wednesday evening was the most brilliant ever witnessed in that city. The line was moi-e than ten mUes long, and was over three hours in passing a given point. An eye-witness has described it as follows ; but, to be appreciated, it should have been seen: — " Rome was an ocean of flame " — and so was Pittsburg last evening. The appeaiance of the city during the early hours, before the illumination began, was most inspiriting. Every street was jammed with ])eople, all wending their way as rapidly as possible to the centre of attraction — Fifth avenue. Almost every building was adorned with flags, mottoes, and transparencies, and nearly all prepared for the illumination at a later hour. But the climax was reached about seven o'clock. At that hour, Fifth avenue, which had been i-epos- ing in the glare of a dozen or two of street-lamps, seemed as though Plantamour's comet had suddenly swept over it, leaving its lustre behind ; thousands of flame-jets, of all colors, sud- denly flashed upon the scene, revealing the thoroughfare in all its wondrous beauty, aiid evoking long-continued plaudits from the one hundred thousand people who were thronging it. A few minutes past seven the Ninth Ward and Elizabethborough clubs — avant-couricrs of the grand anny of torch-bearers — essayed the passage of the avenue, as if to test the i)rac- ticability of forcing a passage through the dense massifs of yjeople. As they moved slowly along, holding aloft their blazing torches, they were greeted with tumultuous cheering, while red, white, and blue flames, rockets, Roman candles, etc., cast a weird-like efl'ulgence over the avenue and adjacent streets. At a later hour the grand procession began to move over ttio presciibed route, when the same scenes were repeated, only, if possible, they were inten- sified. it was a grand success. There was no blundering, no confusion. Competent men had pi-epared the plan, and willing hands executed it. It was creditable to the city. The fame of the grand disi)lay will be heralded all over the nation, and people will learn tliat the heart of the " Iron City " beats responsive to every sentiment of hospitality, and that nowhere are the "soldiers and sailors held in higher esteem." Of the untiring efibrts and lavish ex))('ii(liture of time and money by the citizens oi Pittsburg to prepare a glorious welcome for their veteran visitors, too mucli cannot be said. Every eoldier and sailer who was present has engraved upon his heart the kindest remem- 'J 7 l.mnce of the hos^pitalitv of the citv whose walls and clouds are ever black, but the hearts of whose people are ev^r warm. If anything can repay a man for the pain of wounds and dLaseeXSrthetleld. far away from the loved ones at home, it is such hearty wel- ^nTs as were accorded them by the noble, kind-hearted men and women of Allegheny County. THE CONVENTION. Tuesday, September 17, 1872. the con-v-ention called to ordek. After the sin-ing of a "Song of Welcome" by the Welsh Glee Club of Pittsburg, and the " Star Span-d^d lianner" by a chorus composed of about one hundred singers from the Pittsburg choirl under the leadership of Prof. W. J. Polk, Major Samuel Harper, of Pitts- burg, atU o'clock, A. JL, called the Convention to order, and said:— REMARKS OF MR. HARPER. Comrades— I have the honor to introduce to you, for the purpose of extending to you the hospitality ot Pittsburg, our fellow comrade. General J. B. fcwutzer. ADDRESS OF WELCOME. General Sweitzer said :— , ^ , o. ♦ Comrades— In the name, and on behalf of the citizens of Pittsburg, and of the State nf Ppnnsvlvania I bid vou welcome among us. _ i ^ ^i, n <^ I greel y.m as the'representatives of those hosts of valiant patriots, who at the call of their country went foith to battle for her honor and her flag. ^ ,, , . „, „ Wi?h t?e nials of war now over, and in the full enjoyment of the glorious results-a nation saved and reunited, with all its people free-it is pleasant to come together agam- o keep UP the memory ot past events, to thank the Providence that has carried us, com- ^amtiWunhaW, through years of fiery trial, and to drop a tear over those ILho"^ the Sue Pro^vi^lence had appointed to die, in order that a great nation might live. What rec- Xctions 1 ron' upon us, as we look bailc to that day-but itt e more than e even yeais s nce-°^.en the'bl, w struck at our countrys flag by a traitor's^ hand thrilled like an earth - ouake sh ck through the length and breadth of our land, and the streets of our cities rocked Snder the tread of"a million of men who were in arms to avenge it, when the strife was, not who should be excused, but only who should find a place in the ranks of its tlefenders Amomt the earlier of the more important engagements of the war was the battle of Antiet^ra on the anniversary of which we meet to-day. It occurred ,ust ten years ^ice, • tifi H ?;i.P.t hi.nr of the Republic. The campaign of the Peninsula had terminated Uisas- tlVu y and theT my o the Ktomac had been' withdrawn The Army of Virginia, under Pone liad been checked and driven back across the Rappahannock, and to the very ga es ot iope,_nau oeen cneui Sentember lHli2, saw both these armies shattered and disor- SbS tTe'f^iJatts'K Capital.' Such was the condition of the Union forces n the EiLst when the invasion of Maryland was resolved upon, and commenced by Lee- nnd in the nrosecution of this design the battles of South Mountain and Antietam were ought In X the o d li" ny of the Potomac [applause] won some of its briglitest laurels ; and in the laS which was one of the greatest conflicts of the war, it gained is first victory in a Venera en-a-ement over the adversary against which it had so long contended. ^ To refer°to its incidents in detail-to describe the fierce struggles on the right, under TTaokPrfcheersl S Meade [cheers], and Mansfield, and Williams and Sumner, and Satklli-Kknran^^^^^^^^ of the corn-field and the lands beyond, four times lost an. w m the storm ngofthe bridge on the left under Burnside ong-contmued cheers]-carried xym, ''"^.''7"i'"°, . • " pharffe led by that ga lant Pennsylvauian, General .John 1*. S^rrrrtlTloud ap&el: Eenfeel of tl^ Slstl'ennsylvania Volunteers, a.d the despe- SrcTfiltCenLedaidconti^ ^o^e time than I am """'If can i^^^be'rS'red to, as a whole, as one of the most momentous battles of the wa. 28 — in tlie niagnituile of the armies engaged, and in the valor displayed hj both officers and men — attested as it is by the fearful loss of life and the casualties on either side. Near two hundred thousand men and five hundred pieces of artillery were engaged for fourteen hours — from the first dawn of the morning till darkness enveloped the earth and ended the carnage, and then more than twenty-five thousand of these brave men lay dead and wounded on tliat sanguinary field. The Army of the Potomac held the ground their valor had wrested from the enemy, and was thus far declared the victor. And here ended the battle of Antietam. It '♦'as not renewed on the morning of the 18th. The troops of both armies spent the day in removing the wounded and burying their dead. The morning of the 19th was anxiously looked forward to as the time when the bloody strife would again begin ; but, alas ! the dawn of that morning revealed the fact that Lee, with his shattered legions, had recrossed the Potomac under cover of darkness, and was again on the soil of his native "Virginia. Thus ingloriously terminated this bold and desperate attempt of the rebel chieftain to get to the rear of Washington, to sweep victoriously on to the Susque- hanna, and then return and besiege Baltimore and the National Capital. Its results had been disastrous to him in the extreme. His supplies were exhausted. His ai-my was dispirited, shattered, and disorganized. His losses, since he entered Maryland, a fortnight before, were nearly thirty thousand men, and although his whole army was not captured, or ruined, as subsequent events have shown it might possibly have been, it is nevertheless certain that the failure of this campaign was the severest blow the rebel cause had yet received. A word as to the character of the contest in which you were all Lately The exciting cause had long existed. Its origin dated far back in the history of our country, even to its very beginning as a nation. In the constitution of the wisest "and best government God ever gave to man, our fathers made but one mistake. They fuuud an insti- tution here at war with the great rights of humanity, and with the very first utterances of their own sublime and immortal declaration ; and they could see no alternative but to accept it under the conviction, no doubt, that under the will of Providence and the influence of free institutions it would die; at all events, as it has just now done. They did not, however, anticipate that it was to go out in a convulsion that would rend the nation and desolate so mauy happy homes by carrying its children to the sacrifice, and dye its fields Avith such rivers of fraternal blood. It was this tolerance of evil that proved our only source of strife. It was in the very nature of things impossible that the conflicting principles of human equality and property in man should flourish side by side. It could not be otherwise than that the idea of ownership in the thew3 and sinews of labor should have a tendency not only to degen- erate labor itself, but to change tlie character of society, to engender pride, and arrogance, and aristocratic feeling, and distinction of caste, and to induce it to look down upon the hardy sons of toil — the dwellers in the F)-ee States, as an inferior race, mifit either to govern States or to encounter them in the field. It was no longer a question between the black man and the white, nor between those who thought there was an argument for the toleration of slavery and those who thought otherwise. It was a question whether the arrogant and supercilious white men of the South, who attected to despise the men of the free States, should be allowed to rend and destroy tlu; Union — that last hope of freedom to man, which had been cemented by the blood of our fathers upon many a hard-fought field. It was a direct challenge to every lover of liberty among us, whatever might have been his politics, to vindicate the right of self-government by showing his ability to defend it with the sword, if necessary. It was a test-question. The world stood waiting on the issue. The friends of liberty everywhere trembled, and the advo- cates of arbitrary power exulted as the scales hung doubtful in the opening of the conflict. The freemen of the North could not decline to meet it, and they did meet it in such way as to settle that question to the confusion of the enemies of free government forever. The world has seen nothing like the answer which they made. It was a million of men in arms, anil a million more if necessary. It was the last dollar and the last drop of blood, if the nation had wanted both for that tremendous conflict. The conflict is now over, and the root of bitter- ness, the germ of civil discord, is removed. We have weathered the only headland that could have threatened us with shipwreck. From the mighty struggle that strained our sinews to their utmost tension, we have come up with a new life, and a development of strength that has astonished the world and ourselves, and put us at the head of the great powers of Chris- tendom, with a now cloudless sky above us, that foretells a career of greatness, not in arms onl}', but in the arts of industrial life also, far beyond anything the world has ever seen. Was not all this worth the sacrifice ? Yes, even the sacrifice, great as it may have eeeiued. Of those who died, a nation saved will be the monument so long as time endures. 29 What hero of the past rests in a prouder mausoleum, or has done a work eo gi-eat for humanity as this? The dead, in such a strife, are scarcely to be mourned — for theirs is a cro^\•n of imperishable life. If they are not here to-day, it is only because the gloi'ies of mar- tyrdom were reserved for them, while we are left to share withothei-s the fruits of their great struggle. Houor to their memories ! To Tou who survive, it would be presumptuous in me to undertake to rehearse the stories of your marches, your bivouacs, and your battles — of your toils, your sufferings, and your sacrifices, during the yeare you gave to the redemption of the nation. To do so would require a recital of the history of the war. Their stories are already written, and will be read by your children as a lesson and an example. It only remains for me to express the wish that your visit may be pleasant and profit- able ; that your action while here may contribute, materially, to the maintenance of the princi- ples and objects for which you fought, and to the vindication of the Great Captain who led vou to victorj-, and who, at the head of the nation, has been as true, efficient, and successful, as he was at the head of its armies in the field. And, my comrades, may you long survive to enjoy the consciousness of duty well perfonued, and the peace you have so honorably earned. During the applause which followed General Sweitzer's remarks, General John W. Geary, Governor of Pennsylvania, accompanied by General Ambrose E. Burnside, of Rhode Island, Chaii-man of the National Committee, appeared on the stage, and both were received by long-continued cheers, which were renewed again and again. When silence was secured. Governor Geary spoke as follows : — SPEECH OF GOVERNOR GEARY. COAreADES, Ladies, axd Gentlemen — Although it is not in the programme, still, my friends, our worthy President has called upon me this morning, and within a few moments, to extend to you a few further words of welcome than those contained in the adch-ess of General Sweitzer. I'most cordially indorse all that was said in that excellent address, and I may say to vou that I most gladly appear here this morning for the purpose of meeting, face to face, so many of the familiar faces that I have met in times of trial and great difficulty — in the throesof this ration. I am glad to meet you as a citizen ; secondly, as a comrade ; thirdly, as the Chief Magistrate of the great State of Pennsylvania. [Applause.] I come before you this morn- ino-ln the name of the great commonwealth of Pennsylvania — the State in which theDeclara- tidness and mercies, and help us to live no more unto ourselves and unto the world, but unto Him who died for us and rose again. Now, otu' Heavenly Father, we pray that Thou wouldst hold in favor and bless Thy servant, the I'resident of these United States, and all others in aiith»rity, and so replenish them with the gr.oce of Thy holy Spirit, that they may always incline to Thy will ami walk in Thy ways. Endue them with Thy holy Sjiirit, that Thy great name shall be glorified in all their ways. Bless, also, we beseech Thee, the soldiers and sailors of our own country, and the widows and orphans of those who have passed away, and are to be seen araplanse and cheer.'^] ; that he has done a service to his country in the field which cannot be over-estimated [applause] ; that he has conducted the affairs of the Government, since he has been Cliief Ma^^istrate, with great discietion and intcnitv, and has shown liimself in every way disposed to peace at home and abroad, and entirely free from personal self-seeking and aggrandizement. [Applause.] We are here to express to the country our continued confidence in Gen. Grant and our purpose to elect him as President for a second term. [Uproarious applause, shouts and cheers — tlie audience rising, and many waving their hats.] And we are fortunate in having associated with him a man who has always been our staunch friend, and has, as a legislator, shown the greatest wisdom and integrity. [Ai)i)lanse.] I am quite sure that we will not make ourselves misunderstood to-d.ay by expressnig any ill-feeliuLr towards our late enemies in the field, because we have no such ill-feeling. \ye know that the hatchet is buried, and we are disposed to do all in our power to co-operate with people in all sections of our land in fonvarding the prosperity of our country. But for rulers, comrades, let us select men who in the hour of their country's iieril were true. | Applause.] Let us, of all things, refuse our support to men who believed that there was right in secession! [Shouts of applause.] And now, comrades of Pennsylvania, I desire to express to you a hope that comes trom mv heart. Gen. Hartranft [enthusiastic applause], your candidate tor Governor, is my old comrade and tried fiuend. [Applause.] He went into the field with us at the first battle of the war, and joined the North Carolina expedition at Annapolis. From that tune until the end of the war we were together; on the fields of Roanoke, Newberne, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Knoxville, Campbell's Station, Blue Sirring, the Kapidan campaign from the Wilderness to Appomattox Court-House [applause], he jiroved hiniself an etiicient and gallant soldier. Comrades of Penn.sylvania, it is clearly your duty, without reference to politics, to see that so gallant and true a comrade is not harnvcl by the malicious slanders of designing politicians. [Three immense cheers were here given tor Gen. Hartranfl.] You have but for a moment to think of the course pursued during the war by his opponent, Mr. Buckalew, in order to find the strongest reason for the firm support ot Hartranfl. [Applause.] , i w .• e Comrades, my pereonal duties require me to leave you before the deliberations ol your mt-eting are concluded. As yon all know, I am engaged in civil pursuits ; I have never in my life solicited on office, and never expect to. I can therefore speak to you my unbiased sentiments. I beg of you to make every honest etfort to re-elect Gen. Grant and to elect Gen. Hartranft to the office of Governor of the great Commonwealth ot 1 ennsylvama. [Renewed shouts of applause, and cheers.] , ^t • i n It gives me great pleasure, comrades, to announce to you that the National Committee propo-es to vou as your temporary chainnan, our gallant comrade, so well known to everv soldier in the land. Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, of Connecticut. [Loud and prolonge.l cheering. J Gen. I-Liwley's name was greeted vnt\x loud and continued applause, aiul a.* he appeared on the platform the cheering was again renewed. He spoke a? follows : — GENERAL HAWLEY'S SPEECH. Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, of Connecticut, was then chosen temporary chair- man, aud came forward, 'when he was greeted with '< Three cheers tor Gen. Hawley," which were given with a will. He then said :— COMKADES AND FELLuW-CmzKNS-I judge, from the aspect of the great city- from the multitudes that throng its streets, and the continuous roll of drums and these creat cheers, that a certain statesman of the land is slightly mistaken Ihe time for the soldier has come. [Applause.] The time for the soldier is now, and always will be in tins land [cries of ' That's so"], not to be called to the battle-field, 1 trust, perhaps, never again. I hope this may always be the land of pence, and there will always be occasion here tor hat spirit of patriotism and self-sacrificing loyalty to the country-that devot^Hl attach- ment to republican principles, that love of order, and civil law, and peace, that distinguishes the American soldier-the spirit of the army, that we are thinking of, not tlie army organization. This distinguished statesman has told us the time for the soldier has passed. S3 I tliiiik. judging by the slanders and these malignant attacks on General Grant, that the spirit of the" rebellion is still rife. They say that the doctrine of secession is now at rest, and that the policy of the nation is unduly severe and harsh towards the men wlio were engaged in the late re'oellion — that the time for the soldier to appear as a patriot and voter has come again. We have heard "that the pen is mightier than the sword ; " so it is in the long run. Charles Sumner has been an eloquent and powerful advocate of the principles over which this great contest was fought. The sword was merely used as a last resort in deciding this contest of ideas. Half a generation has passed over our heads in discussing this question. The contest was as fierce in the Senate-chamber and on the field of politics as it was on the battle-field. Now, then, to remove the presence of the soldier is an offense_ to those, who were defeated. What shall we say in the jjresence of his assertion, and in the presence of an orator who is no less distinguished for his part in the Grant campaign, and loose men who are crying and lamenting, as Horace Greeley laments in his letter of acceptance to the Baltimore Convention, and that where the spirit of rebellion is unable to send to places of trust — Palmer, Davis, Breckenridge, every man of them rebels. This same Horace Greeley is the man who desires Jefferson Davis and Breckenridge to be returned to the II. S. Senate. I want to know which is the greatest offense, the presence of Grant or Sumner? To have a regimental Hag, with its inscription, is out of place, as Sumner says. If it be out of place, then Grant is the flag bearing the odious inscription ; then, if we have to remove Grant, then let us remove Sumner and his teu volumes of orations ; also you must level every grave. That will furnish a reminder of their vnnqviished enemy. This is what Sumner speaks to us : You must remove every monument of the old contest. These men who, ten years ago, went to the front and periled their lives in the defense «f the country, are to be told, it is said, to take back seats — go to the rear, lest, indeed, their presence may be offensive to' those who were loyal in the rebellion. Of all the charges that this combination make against us, none is to me more offensive than that— that we are actuated by some spirit of hate and by a policy of revenge. Now, we may safely say, that we challenge the history of any country to produce such a record as ours -such a record of magnanimity expressed by this Union. Wherever we went in the Soutla we fed the women and children whose husbands and brothers were engaged iu rebellion against the Government. I remember well a little chapter in my own experience in Wilmington, North Carolina, of receiving ten thousand men from Andersonville, whom we fed, and also fed seven thousand white ^vomen, a majority of whom had relations in the rebellion. Was that the spirit of hate, or the policy of revenge 1 And when the last day of the contest came, and General Grant went modestly under the apple-tree at Appomattox and conducted the services of surrender, what did tliis nation, through its chosen chief soldier, do? — this nation that had sacrificed five thousand millions of dollars and half a million of lives — this Union that then had within its grasp the last of the rebellion — what did it do ? What did it say to those men? It let them go to their homes, not to be molested by the United States authorities so long as they obeyed the laws. Was that the spirit of hate? [Cheers]. Was that the spirit of revenge? [Cries of "No ! no !"] And the great soldier of the land said this to the civilians of the land. Many of them were clamorous for revenge, and men reproached him, and rebuked him for his excessive clemency. After the papers were signed. General Lee turned to General Grant and said : " General Grant, theie is one thing I had forgotten ; the papers are signed ; it is, perhaps, too late now; it is this: I was about to observe that many of our men in the ranks own their horses, both in the artillery and cavalry. I would ask that they might have them, as you have permitted the oflicers to take their side-amis." "No matter about the papers," said General Grant; "I will give orders to the officers to let these men take their horses home with them ; they will need them in the spring ploughing." [Cheers.] There was a great army, victorious and triumphant, the army of the Unite'd States, and these men would have us believe that our spirit was the same then as it is to-day, and the same to-day as it was then : that they are animated by a spirit of hatred and revenge ; was this saying to these men who were engaged in the war, go home, rest at peace, just obey the laws, and take your horses home with you, and feeding them too, the men dividing their haversacks with them [cheers], and that too by the thousands- these same rebel soldiers had been taught to hate the Yankees, but this act caused the tears to pour down their cheeks. This was an inexpressible magnanimity. Was this a policy of hate or 3 revenge? No; we are the same to-day as then. Did we confiscate property? No. Did we banish them? Never a man of them. Several thousand ot them folt a bitter hatred to the old flag, and swore thev would never live under its folds. They l>anisl)ed thenisM-lves to South America. In a siiort time many of these men were hungry, raggoil, and home- sick, and Uncle Sam brought them home free by the hundreds. Was this, again, the policy of hate or revenge? Yes, comrades, this was our government. This was our Republican party goverain,!^ the Union then; and, when a grievous visitation of Providence bi'ought starvation to \\ie South, our Congress, by our own free will, voted, one session, five millions of dollars to feed them. The ])urses of the North were opened, and the granaries discharged of theli- benefits. This, indeed, was not the policy of liate and of i-evenge. We have one request indeed to make of these men. We have but one disability, one link of appi'oval remairiing Only one statute remains -one act of legislation to show the sense of this nation that this gi'eat "rebellion was a crime. That is the temjiorary seclusiou from otfice of a few, a ver_y few of the guilt}'- superiors, the teriibly guilty lears who dragged their piMjple into this awful slaughter. Wo say to some of them — less tlian three- hundred remain now — you caimot hold otfice again until Congress jiennits. We have one thing to say to these men. We had, at the close of tlie Avar, really but one thing to ask of them. Every step of reconstructed legislation, every act taken by the Ke})ublican Con- gress, every act, and every order of General Grant, has had in view this — tlie safety of the lives and the persons and the property of our loyal brothers at the South. We have confiscated no property and banished nobody. We whi])|)ed no one, drowne:l no one, wo have hanged no one. Gentlemen, men who were in the i-ebellion, can you say as mucli for yourselves since the war? [Cries of "No, no."] Have you done none of these things to our friends dowji there ? K we have ever been angry, it is these which have filled us with righteous indignation after the flag marcljed in triumph over every foot of Southern soil — ailer you have professed to have siirrendered in good faith, and to have accepted the situation. Week after week, and month after month the cry canu' up, and was from many of the white regions in the South, that the loyal white men and the j)Oor black men were taken from their homes — were scourged — were sometimes drowned, s<)nieti!ne8 banished, sometimes hanged — that they could not enjoy their homes or raise theii- crops in peace ; that they could not hold Republican meetings, or any meetings in honor of the llag. This lias been the complaint from month to month and year to year. If we have some harshness in our legislation, it was that this might be prevented. Why, in the name of God and humanity, was this just and fair to these men, and why do they come to us with the pretense of shaking hands across the bloodier chasm, when there is a chasm and a bloody chasm at their own door— a chasm of their own making, which Ave shall have to bridge over. Do that first, and you Avill find the great heart of the North, Avhere it has been aching to haA^e all men pi-aying for the day when justice and peace may ]irevail every- Avhere; and the answer to all the appeals of these men, in answer to all tlieir cries, I have but one thing to say, I Avould placard it upon all cross-roads. I avouM put it upon every court-house. I Avould print it upon every door in the South. I would have it Avhere every one might read it: "Do unto others as you Avould have others do unto you." [Great cheers.] I say I shall not think of eulogizing here Ulysses S. Grant before these soldiers. [Cheers.] There is not an audience in this land 'that needs it less. There are jieople, hoAvever, that ought to be reminded of Avhat he has done for the country. [Laughter.] There are men Avho are famous as defenders of the land, whose 6])eeches are daily filled, and ])aper8 Avhose columns are croAvdcd with defamation of the man. Thev look in a\ the back door of his house, they peep into his cellar, they smell about his stabl'es, they hunt for the title-deeds of his lands, they search through the certificates of stock that he may hold, they sutler no relation of life to be met Avithoiit putting up()n it the venomous stain of their slander. There iieA'er has been a presidential candidate, since the organization of the Government, so venomously, unceasingly, and unforgivingly pursued. I beg for'him, in the name of the memories of the past — 1 beg for General Grant something of that universal amnesty of Avhich they are talking. [Cheers.] Forgive him! Foi'giye him! [Cheers and laughter.] 1 le may "sometimes have erred. lie may have made a mis- take. He may not be absolutely beaut"itul or sublimely porfect. [Laughter.] There never was but one man Avbo was pcrfcrt. General Grant may have erred sometinnes in the appoint- ments he has made." Alas! I know that the cry of li'is enemies is that he did make many mistakes; but I say Ave can afford to overlook seme things, and Ave must remind these men of some tilings also that he has done for the land. They say he is a man of no capacity. 3D Tliere are several tlionsands of us wlio started early in the war as captains and as colonels One of tlieni went up and up and up ; and again, by the unanimous cry of his party, he was sent up again until he was called to Washington, and the httle man, as "he gave him' his coni- inission said : " Take tliis ; as the peo]ile now trust you, so under God they will sustain you," a;id then every loyal lieai-t in this land prayed God that this little man, who seemed to have been brought from obscurity to save us and to lead us to triumph, would succeed; and when iie went down to the Wilderness we knew there was fighting to be done Then, my com- rades, you of the Western armies know that there was a soldier over the army of the" Poto- mac and that there was a man at the head who meant work. [Cries of " Good " and cheers.] There was a little man who meant vicluiy, and we all knew that if ever this country was to be saved it was to be saved in those months. On the first, second, and third of May, 18G-i. w-e hastily perfected our muster-rolls, we gathered our clothing and ))rovisions, aiid sent hack our surplus baggage. We hurried off the long roll. How many gallant boys heard their names called for the last time that night. Next morning all along the great circle we started forward and fouglit in the Wilderness, over miles of broken land, where a man could no more than see his comrade. We were slaughtered that da_y, and the next day, and the next. The fourth day and the fifth we fought until the darkness fell upon us. ' They tlid not know what we were doing or what we might do. Able men came to Grant and said": " General, we must stop a day or two. We must indeed bury these dead men ; we must, in- deed ; really, we cannot go on. We need more clothing. We must halt." Said the great general, •' You have done very Avell so far — very well under all the circumstances. To- morrow morning at half-past three the army goes forward " [great cheering] ; and, terrible as the slaughter was, as you answer now to the memory of it, so the great heart of the nation answered, " Go on," and on the night of the sixth day he wrote a little dispatch : " Our losses have been severe ; we have captured J(dnisou's division and two brigades besides, and we have taken about thirty pieces of artillery, and it seems to be with us. I shall fight it out on this line, if it takes all sununer." [Renewed cheering.] I wonder if all these enemies of Grant remember how they felt in those days — followed him through the Wilderness to the Appomattox, of which we have spoken. As a soldier he was ever3'thing the crisis demanded ; as a victor, after dictating terms never equaled for magnanimity, instead of affordmg him triumph or even time to rest, he started right from Richmond, and took his bag and started for Wasliington. [Cheers.] He started for Wash- ington,and telegraphed to stop expenses; and whatever his course has been, it has been marked throughout with forbearance ; whatever has been done has been done for peace, life, and prosperity throughout the land. Now, a single Vord and I am done. [Cries of " Go on."] The election of a candidate in the field against General Grant would have several meanings. I give as the first of them, it would be the triumph of a man who beheves in the theoretical meaning of secession. Now. I apjjeal to the files of the Tribune for the winter of 1860 and 1861, for the countless declarations to that effect. They are known to the people of the laud. [A voice, " And the year '6.i also."] You are right ; all along through the war. And if it he said that these declarations of the newspaper press may not be directly authorized by him ; it" it be said these were the sentiments then entertained, and since laid aside, I appeal to the history of the '•' American Conflict," written since the great struggle was over — deliberately in review of the principles and acts of the great struggle— many years back ; in the fii-st volume, on the 39th page of the book, if I remember rightly, he says in substance: "If any considerable number of States desire to go out, let them go, and I would resist all measures devised to keep them in by force." [Cries of " ISIever," and hisses.] This was the sentiment of Horace Greeley ; and with a full knowledge of what I am saying — and I feel the conscious- ness of the presence here, and I am fully aware of these busy pens and wires — I say to you here, that whatever there be left of the 'spirit of rebellion in this land to-day, these are the sentiments of Horace Greeley ; and if he be elected, there will be a man in the presidential chair entertaining in substance the sentiments of James Buchanan ; and with these declara- tions in view, in the event of another insiu-rection, Horace Greeley would say the same thing as James Buchanan. It is impossible to see how we could call upon him at the first symptom of insurrection to put it dowi. It has another significance now. We may differ about the details of amnesty. We are all well agreed in this, that if entire perfect peace and justice would really and thoroughly be established in the South, it would bring very soon an entire amnesty. And we are also perfectly aware that the day has not come for that state of affairs. Horace Greeley, by his letter of acceptance addressed to the Baltimore Convention, dwells at some length upon the harshness of forbidtUng the peo]>le of the South to choose its men to rule over them— there being only three hundred so excluded. According to Horace Greeley, there is a desh-e to elect these three hundred with Jeff. Davis at their head. He stands ns tlie 36 peculiar representative of tliat sentiment, and the election of Horace Greeley will be to say that we ;;re willing for those men to come back to ])laces of power. [Cries of " No, no."] Thirdly, the elevation of Horace Greeley would mean this, that the nation has been unduly harsh and unjustly severe in dealing with the rebels. That is one of the greatest points, perhaps the chief point made by them against us. If we are unduly harsh and unjustly se- vere in dealing with the rebellion, it is not the Republican party alone, hut the nation ; for the policy of the Union has been, during those eleven years, not to confiscate or take away their property; they have not hanged a man or tried a man for treason. Has this great na- tion been severe in dealing with them f Is that the judgment of the past eleven years"? The uati()n is asked as a jury to send in a verdict that this party is tried, and is found too cruel to continue in power. Will the people of this country give that verdict? [Cries of "No, no."J But further : there is one other point that the success of our enemies would decide. One other paragraph in the verdict of the elevation of Greeley would be to say that General Grant is found personally unworthy of his high position. Is not that so V Do not all their writers and their presses dwell largely, to the exclusion, I might say, of other things, upon the pers(jnal unfitness and personal unworthiness of General Grant? Then the triumph of our opponents would be the decision of these few points. Now, gentlemen, it is entirely competent and proper for us, who have been .soldiers, to have soldiers rule over the American people. We are not seeking to inaugurate a civil war, and we are not seeking to inaugurate a policy of hate and revenge; but we have come here to ask for those rights for which our brothers died, and that they shall not be ])eriied by the wiles of scheming and corrupt politicians. Now, I have entertained you too long al- ready, and we will proceed to the deliberations of the Convention. Thi'ee cheers were proposed for General Hawley, and given witli a will. CALL OF THE COXVENTION. At the conclusion of General Hawley's address the call for the Convention was read by Col. James Corcoran, of Williamsport, Pa., the temporary Secretary of the Convention. After the reading of the call. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary of the Veterans' National Com- mittee, presented to the Convention a huge roll of manuscript, which he partially unrolled. Col. Dudley was greeted with cheers, in recognition of the services be has rendered in or- ganizing the Convention. He spoke as follows; — REMARKS OF COLOXEL DtTDLEY. Comrades— ^As Secretary of the Veterans' National Committee, I desire to present a roll of signatures of our comrades throughout the country who have opproved the call which has just been read. The roll is at least six hundred feet long, containing upwards of fifty thousand names. I hope, Mr. Chainnan, as I am very hoarse, that you will excuse me from reading the names. [Laughter and applause.] temporary organization. The States and Territories were then called, and each delegation named one person to act as temporary Vice-President and one as Secretary. The list, when completed, was as follows : — New Hampshire — S. L. Guff, V. P. ; Maj. E. Vaughn, Sec. Massachusetts — Capt. D. G. McNamara, V. P.; Lieut. O. Chamberlain/ Sec. Connecticut— Lieut. F. M. Welsh, V. P. ; Sergt. E. A. Perrv, Sec. New Jersey— Col. A. Way, V. P. ; J. G. Ogden, Sec. Pennsylvania — Col. Wm. McMichael, V. P^; Col. J. Cochrane, Sec. Ohio— Capt. P. G. Watmough, V. P. ; A. A. Graham, Sec. Indiana — Gen. K. Williams, V. P.; Sertrt. A. Sabine. Sec. Iowa— Col. H. R. Stewart, V. P. ; J. R. Hammond, Sec. Michigan— Gen. W. A. Throop, V. P. ; Gen. F. M. Switl, Sec. Wisconsin— Capt. II. W. Walbridge, V. P. ; Capt. T. Kay, Sec. Illinois— E. J. Rook, V. P. ; Gen. D. E. N. M:igee, Sec. Jlississippi — C. E. Pierce. V. P. ; S. B. Sturtevant, Sec. Kansas — Mai. J. C. Wilkijisham. V. P. : K. J. Brown. Sec 37 Califoraia — Capt. Hartrayer, V. P. ; W H. Lowrie, Sec. Delaware — Capt. N. Bayne, V. P. ; Capt. E. C. Stakenburg, Sec. Matvlaud — Col. W. H. .Soudermilk, V. P. ; Capt. J, R. Kinney, Sec. Virginia— Maj. E. E. White, V. P. ; Maj. C. C. Miller, Sex;. North Carolina — Sergt. G. L. Mobson, V. P. Georgia — Col. G, J. Taggart, V. P. ; Capt. F. Hillgart, Sec. Alabama— Gt;n. J. W. Burke, V. P. ; Capt. G. H, I'atrick, Sec. Florida — Gen. C. M, Hamilton, V. P. Kentucky— Gen. S. K Pri^e, Y. P. ; Col. C. P. Willcox, Sec. Mississippi- J. C. Tucker, V. P. ; C. W. Clark, Sec. Louisiana — Sergt. C. P. Darreli, V. P. ; Capt. W. H. Wharton, Sec. Texas— Gen. A, G. Maloy, V. P. ; Capt. T. D. Mitchell, Sec. West Virginia— Gen. H, Duvall, V. P. ; Capt. C. J. Eavvruis, Sec. Rhode Island— Col John McCalmut, V. P. ; Gen. K. il. H(.yt, Sec. South Carolina— Maj. E. II. Willoughby, V. P. ; Capt. N. K. Reed, Sec. THE FLAG OF FORD's THEATKE. Gen toilowfd by the surrender at Baltimore in '72. You have noticed some susj)i- cious tactics about that" surrender. At the mcmient when the enemy drop tlieir Hag and adopt yours, they advance to the attack. This is an old trick often tiied in the war. The Democrats say they have adopted Kepublican princi[)les and Kepublican candidates, but the}'- mean to destroy the Kepublican party. They admire your camp, but they modestly think thev are worthier than you to occu)\y it. * You are told that you must again reach across the bloody chasm and shake hands with the other side. You have done it already. Everybody is torgiven who has asked forgiveness. The unrepentant few who stand out defy the judgment of their country and of mankind. Let them wait. Neither honor nor duty demand more than has been magnanimously given to those who contrived the ruin and disgrace of their country. Mr. Greeley argues that we must open the doors of the White House to Jeff. Davis before Ave can have peace. If this is what is meant by "reconciliation," it seems to me that Mr. Greeley and Mr. Sumner wasted breath in resisting the policy of Andrew Jolmson, and owe that persecuted gentleman a peu- itential jnlgrimage to his retreat in Tennessee. Gen. Schurz tells us Grant is too much of a soldier to be a good president. Such, I am persuaded, is not the public judgment. Gen. Schurz should study his logic before bringing such an argument to Republicans, for he helped to elect Grant in 'tiH. Nor can it have weight with Democrats, since they all supported McClellan in '154. Ask Illinois if Logan is less^vorthy of lier trust because lie led an army corps in the West. Ask Wisconsin if Fair- child failed as her Governor because he bore her tiag in battle. Ask ]\Iaine if she regrets tiie honors bestowed on Chamberlain. Ask Connecticut if she admires Hawley more in the field than in council. Ask Rhode Island whether her chivalrous Burnside made a bad Gov- ernor because he was a good soldier. Gov-ernor Fenton leaves the Republican party because he desires to purify the National Government. You can estimate his sincerity and success wlien you see that he has secured for his enterprise the aid of Tammany Hall ! Our people do not sacrifice their convictions to leaders, no matter how eminent. Soldiers will not desert Grant to follow Schurz ! The colored ])eopl(' will not follow even Sumner to Jeff. Davis ! Reformers will not follow Fen- ton to Tanunany Hall ! It is ditticult to understand Mr. Greeley's platform of "reconciliation," j\-hich consists in abandoning his oldfi-iends to embrace his old enemies. Nor is it easy to accept Mr.Sum- ner's new revelation of peace, whidi denounces ''a |)olicy of hate" in terms of passionate resentment against the President and his sujjpoiters. Jlr. Greeley, as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency, hails his new supporters as the best Republicans he has ever seen. If the Re))ubliean Conventicjn at I'liiladelphia had nominated Horatio Seymour, it may be presumed he Avould have found that body more democratic than the Democratic Convention at Baltimore. Mr. Greeley, although gifted with remarkable talents, is not fit for the Presidency. As a member of Congress and of the convention called to amend the Constitution of New York — the principal public employments he has filled— Mr. Greeley failed to eijual the expecta- tions suggested by liis success as a journalist. Powerful as an agitator, it is precisely in the qualities iieccssary for the direction of ailairs that Mr. (ireeley has shown no aptitude. As a leader he lacks tenacity of purpose, and at ciitical moments he is deficient in fortitude. For example : In 1^61, when the South detennined to fight for slavery. Mr. Greeley, who liad done as much as anybody to precipitate the conflict, advised acquiescence when the rebels, with arms in their h'ands' demanded sei)aration from the Union. In 18(i4, when our cause moi-e than ever needed firmness in council and vigor in action, ^Ir. (ireeley, dismayed aiid d.-moralized by the ditlicuhies of the situation, advised— nay. insisted, witli all the authority (.this position", that Piesideiit Lincoln should negotiate witli the enemy. At that junctui-e his advicfe was like that given in the platform adopted by the Nortliein Democrats, in the same year, at Chicago — with the difference that, while they had coiisistently o))posed the war in all its stages, Mr, Greeley vibrated between iitipatient deuuuids for the prosecution of hos« tiliiies und discouraging apjjeals to accept a difcieditable Deuce, And now, after sustaining all the reconstruction measures of tlie Republican party, after pressing Congress to enact laws to pi-otect the rights of the enfranchised freedmen, he changes front, and, adopting the old State Eights dogma of the Democratic party, maintains that all guaranties for personal rights must be sought exclusively in the State Governments. To these indications of a volatile character, without adhesiveness to convictions, might be added various proofs of his present indifference to objects that, sixty days ago, he professed to believe of prune importance — such, for instance, as the maintenance of a protective tariff and the ascendency of the Republican party — the political organization and the one measure ol political economy with which he has been heretofore consistently identified. These latter tergiversations unhappily coincide with his nomination for the Presidency by a party which he had for many years opposed with notable vehemence. Whether such incidents point to weakness of purpose or the temptations of ambition, or whether, as may be more leniently supposed, the Republican party has outlived Mr. Greeley's liking for it, are matters about which there is much speculation. It is enough to affirm that Mr. Greeley's attitude as a candidate, regarded either as a stratagem to gain power, or as a sudden con- version to new opinions, shows him to be unworthy of the support of any Republican and unworthy of the confidence of any Denocrat. The new institutions of the Republic are only safe while guarded by the gi-eat party that created them. Until the tardy acquiescence of the Democratic paity in the letter of these enactments shall be followed by their voluntary incoi^ioration in the legislation of the States controlled by Mr. Gi'eeley's new fi'iends, it is impossible to separate the issues of the day from the issues of the war. The re-election of Gen. Gi'ant is as essential to establish the Government ou the sure foundations of the amended Constituti(jn, as the re-election of Mr. Lincoln v/as necessary to the preservation of the Union. We have given immunity for the past — we must have security for the future. If the Democratic Legislatures of Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware had passed Mr. Sumner's Ciyil Rights bill ; if the last Democratic Legislature of N^ew York liad not endeav- ored impotently to recall the assent given by their Republican predecessors to the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution; if the Democratic member.s of the House of Repi-esentatives iiad not refused again and again to sanction the laws passed by Congress to execute the late amendments to the Federal Constitution, it might not demand excessive credulity to believe the recent action of the Baltimore Convention to be something else than a shallow election- eering contrivance. As it is, we must believe that, as the rebel armies surrendered when fui'ther resistance "was impossible, and not until then, .so the Democrats nominated Mr. Greeley because they •had lost all hope of defeating Gen. Grant by any choice tb.ey could make from theii- own ranks. Both the convention and the candidate have exhibited unusual facility of adaptation to their new situation. They unite iu a i-eciprocal amn&sty foi- the past, from which only Gen. Grant and the Republican party are excluded. They pledge an irrevocable fellowship lor the future, which depends on no other contingency than their success in ascertaining •whether the Democrats became Republicans when they nominated Mr. Greeley, or whether Mr. Greeley became a Democi-at when he accepted their nomination. Comrades ! you saw the same coalition and heard the same appeals in 1SG6, when Presideut Johnson "swung around the circle." Mr. Seward once gave to a similar move- ment the sanction of his great name. In 1868 Justice Chase was a candidate for Democratic favor on tlie same plan of operations. The most successful column always loses a few strag- glers. The Republican party survived the desertion of Johnson, the hostility of Seward, and the conversion of Chase. The campaigns of ISoH and l<3b8 were not seiiously affected by any of these casualties, because the measures of the Republican party satisfied the country. It reniiuus to be seen whether Mr. Greeley, Mr. Sumnei-, Mr. Trumbull, and Mr. Fenton exercise the control over public opinion which is claimed for them. No Republican can fairly complain that Gen. Grant has not adhered faithfully to the principles asserted by tlmt organization. In his great office he has shown judgment, firm- iiess, and moderation. Indifferent to the exaggeration and detraction always heard in the discussions of any excited canvass, the " sober second tliought " of the people will prove that they are neither ungrateful nor unjust in their apijreciation of a great soldier and a wise ruler. Grant has never lost a battle nor betrayed a cause. Let us follow him once more to victory ! Faithfully youi-s, * ' D. E. SICKLES. COL- L, E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee, New York. 40 FR(;.M THE soldiers' HOME, DAYTOX, OIIIO. The following telegi-am of greeting was also read : — Daytox, Ohio, Sept. 17, 1872. Gen. a. E. Burnside, National Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention : Tlie Union Soldiers of the National Asylum send creetings to their comrades assembled God grant you may have prosperity, unanimity, and victory. C. H. FERNOLD, President Grant and fVilson Club, National Soldier^ Home. LETTER FROM SCHUYLER COLFAX. The follovffng letter from Schuyler Colfax was received with cheers : — South Bend, Ind., September i:{. 187-2. Mil Dear Mr. Dudley — I appreciate highly the honor of your invitation to tin; Soldier's' and Sailors' Cotivention at Pittsburg on the 17th inst., but regret that I cannot lie present, having promised to be in Northern Michigan with my family at that time. In thednrk days, wiien the unity and nationality of the Republic were imperiled, tbev were at the perilous front. In these brighter days of peace, it is but fitting that they should have front Beats, and realize also the justice and gratitude of their countrymen. Yours trulv, SCHUYLER COLFAX. To Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary, etc. LETTER from GENERAL 8IGEL. The following letter was greeted with great enthusiasm by the Conven- tion: — New York, September 13, 1872. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Soldiers' and Saihrs' National Committee : Dear Sir — Your kind letter inviting me to be present at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Con- vention at Pittsbuig on the 17th inst., is received. I remember with pride and pleasure the first great convention held in that same city, in September, IBtJG, wlien resolutions were passed indorsing the policy of Congress, and especially the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment by that body. At that time there was no doubt in our mind that certain con- stitutional guaranties were necessary to prevent reaction, define American citizenship, and create a uniform s^'stem of national representation throughout the Republic. The work of the Convention was good and noble, but it is a remarkable fact that only in 18G8, two years afterward, the Foiu-teenth Amendment was ratified, while it took two years more (March 3tl, 1870) before the Fifteenth Amendment, in i-egai-d to universal suf- friige, was finally adopted. There was one fierce and continuous political struggle for more than five years after the war was closed — in Congress, in the press, on the stump, and in every nook and corner of the land — surpassing in its earnestness and grandeur even the great debates of the Frencli Revolution, when the " rights of man " were discussed and declared. Of course, before tiie new basis of the future life of the Union was established, there was not and struck up the grand old battle-hymn of the Eepublic, "John Brown," the whole audience rising and joining in the chorus. Wlien silence was secured. General Hartranft was escorted to the h'ont of the stage, and, in response to the wildest and most unbounded enthusiam, said: — REMARKS OF GENERAL HARTRANFT. Comrades — I thank you for this demonstration, not for myself, but for the Republican cause. [Cheers.] It is no more credit to me than, when we were fighting in the front, and regiment after regiment was going forward, you kept your eye upon the colors. [Cheers.] Not upon the man who carried them ; because, when he fell, another took his place. So in fills contest keep your eye well on the colors, and we will win this contest as we have ever done in the field. [Cheers.] The enthusiasm which followed General Hartranft's bi-ief remarks was so unusually prolonged that General Hawley, the Chairman, after several endeavors, could only secure quiet by the familiar command, "Attention, battalion!" which elicited renewed cheers and laughter. When silence was secured, General Hawley said: — The Committee on Permanent Organization is ready to report. REPORT OF CO:\i:\IITTEE ON PERMANENT ORGACTZATION. General Baker, of Minnesota, from the Committee on Permanent Organi- zation, then said : — " In the absence of our chairman. General Rutherford, I have the honor to report that our choice for Permanent Chairman of this Convention is General John A. Logan, of Illinois. [Cheers.] The action of the committee was unanimously ratified by the Convention rising ami cheering loud and long. General Stuart L. Woodford, of New York, Captain A. T. Maupin, of Virginia, and 42 Private J. T. Purnell, of Pcu.isvlvania, were selected as a committee to escort the President- elect to the chair, now vacated by General Hawley. General Logan was received with enthusiastic and pi'olonged cheering. He said : — SPEECH OF GENERAL LOGAN. Fellow Cojirades — I feel very highly complimented indeed, in being chosen to pre- side over the deliberations of a body 'of men' composed of veterans who have done so much , for their country ;w iias been done oy yourselves, in connection with your associates, in the late war. If there is any people in this land who have a right to meet together, consult together, and determine 'one with another as to the course they shall pursue in reference to p<)]itical mattei-s, it does seem to me that the veteran soldiers of this country are those people. You have not met together, my comrades, as has been said by our enemies, for the purjiose of exching feelings hi your breast against those in opposition to you politically— not for the purpose of making the breach wider and wider between ourselves and our enemies — not for tlie purpose of cau'sing the bloody chasm, as it is denominated, to grow widvr and deeper, but for tlie purpose of consulting together as to what is best to be done in order to preserve the gre;ft ti-uits of your labors, and the labors of the loyal people of this land. [Prolonged applause. ] Our country was said, prior to the late rebellion, to be free— to be the free home of the people of all cli'mes who desire to reside with us. But, until your action produced certain results that were produced recently, until that fi-eedom that is now enjoyed by all was brought on by a strong arm. it was not a free land. But to-day, thank God, the same right that vou have to meet together and decide as to your couise politically, or to take some action in ie!iard to the affau-s of this creat nation- that same right belongs to every man, black, wlute, or of any complexion, of of any race, whatever it may be, who are or may be dwellhig within the con'tines of the United 8ta"tes of America. [Applause. J This country, then, is a fi-ee land to all men ; and not only that, my countrymen and fellow-soldiers, but is to-day the proudest in every respect. It presents to-day an asjiect of civilization, of refinement, of progress, that is jueseuted by no other country in the civilized world. This progress has been going on since 13J0. when the power of t'he Democratic party ceased, and the power of the Ee|>ublican party commenced— all the progress .«inee that time, and all there is to day that gives a brilliancy to the world, and all that which has been done by the people of this country— I say all of these things are due to you and your associates, veterans, as the loyal people of this country. [Applause.] . ^ Our position, then, to-dav. proud as it is, is due to the Republican party. Certainly no man in this land, no matter what his political affiliation may be— there is no man, I presume, but who is ))i oud of the position we occupy to-day. Our position as to relations with foreigii countries, with everv civilized country, with every country in the world, is one to be j^roud of. This proud position'has been triven u's by the wise statesmanship and the qualities belonging to the men who are at the head of the party known as the Republican party hi this land. [Applause.] It is due to the men now holding the most responsible positions in the country. I did not ]«>-r\. nor do I now intend, to detain you [cries of "Go on," "Go on J in making a po itical sp •eoh of any length, for your work is already accomplished. In calling me to the cha., m order to preside over this vast assembly, you only intend me to preside over your deliuc...Uwus. I repeat here, your work is done, but your speech-making and resolutions will soon follow. I desiie to call the attention of the veterans of this country to the condition ot things to- dav politically, without denouncing our enemies, which we have no desire to do. ^^ e nave a friend at tb'e head of the Republican party— the President of the United States of Ainerira— U. S. Grant, as our candidate and our standard-bearer. Associated with him is- Henry Wil- son, of Ma-xsachusetts [tremendous applause]— a statesman and an honest man in every s#ise of the word. Since the time of General Washington and Andrew Jackson, no men have ever been so slan^lered, so violently abused, as have these men— especially General Grant. I call your attention to the fact that when Washington was President ot the United States, after a severe struggle of seven years, at the head of a little ariuy— alter he had given lihe.ty to this land— after the people of this land amireciated him as^ a. ted the command of our armies and faded, and all looked dark and discout aging, and the army and the people were disheartened and demoralized, rose up from obscurity step by step by his own merits, without political influence, until he was placed in command of all the armies of these United States, and tiy his powerful intellect, his military genius, and his giant grasp, crushed out the rebellion and conquered a peace, and inaugurated the proudest career for the country ever recorded in history? [Cheers.] Shall we turn our backs uj)on that man and put in his place Horace Greeley, whose nomination by the Cincinnati Convention Avas received with derisive laughter by the whole nation, who, of all the prominent men of this country is the most unstable, the least to be relied upon; who is one thing to-day, another thing to-morrow ; who is, perhaps, the most prolific writer in this country in favor of protection, and yet accepts the nomination of a free-trade party; who, by his insane cry of "On to Richmond," heralded through the country by the New York Tribune, is responsible more than any other man for the disaster of Bull Run ; and yet, when General Grant had hammered the rebellion out until it was so thin everybody else could see through it, and knew that one grip more would crush it like the merest shell, trembled with fear like an arrant coward, and was for giving up everything, acknowledging urselves beaten, and submitting, like whipped curs, to the dictaticm of the people whom we had ccmquei'ed ? Are we going to allow one of the noblest, one of the purest, one of the most successful public servants we ever had to be ignonriniously defeated ? [Cries of " Never."] That man who conquered and put down the rebellion, who did more than any other man to libfiate the freedraen and restore to them their inherent and God-given rights, and who gave us the ]iroud history of Donelson, and Vicksburg, and Petersburg; and Appomattox — are we going to allow him to be defeated by Horace Greeley, that man who has sold himself for a mess of potage, who has bartered his soul and all his life-long principles for the nomination to the presidency by the Democratic party? Who are the friends of Greelej' ? The old rebel element at the South, the opponents of the war at the North, Tammany democrats who are desperately anxious to get their hands into the Treasury, soreheads, and ihsap- pointed office-seekers. And who are the friends of Grant ? The business men of this nation, who desire its financial success and prosperity, the loyal and patriotic element throughout the land, those noble men and women who, by their labors, their prayers, and their donations, gave such powerful moral encouragement to the Government during the dark days of the war, and those brave men who tendered their lives to the Republic and won its victories on sea and land. We unfurl our national flag and place thereon, in these presidential coutests, the names 49 of Grant and Wilson. How just and appropriate that we place there, as our candidate, the name of him who carried that flag so triumphantly through so many glorious campaigns and through so many hard-fought battles, and who, with his sword, has won for it a respect and surrounded it with a halo of glory such as had never been seen before. But what lover of his country would not blush with shame and indignation to see upon that flag, as a presi- dential candidate, the name of Jeflerson Davis? But, gentlemen, when you see upon that flag the name of Horace Greeley, you may just as well read it Jeflierson Davis, for it means precisely the same thing. In response to loud calls, General Stewart L. Woodford, of N«w York, as- cended tlie platform and spoke as follows : — SPEECH OF GENERAL WOODFORD. Mr. Chairman and Comrades — fou were citizens before you became soldiers. You volunteered at the call of an imperi-led nation, that you might fulfill the highest duty of citizenship — the duty of offering life in defense of fatherland. When the rebellion had been suppressed — you were mustered out and resumed the old avocations of peaceful industry. You were and are citizens still. You assert no claim to special recognition and honor among your fellows because of your army service. You recognize that you only sought to do your duty. You do not admit that, because you were soldiers when the nation needed men ready to dare, to do, to die, you are, therefore, in these happy days of peace to be denied yom- equal share in the councils of the Government, your equal participation in all the privileges as well as in all the responsibilities of citizenship. You do not gather here to-day in these many thousands to claim any right as soldiers to rule the land which as soldiers you saved. But you come as citizens, who, because of your sacrifice and service, believe that you value this government aright, to do what you properly can to keep the National Administration in wise, patriotic, and honest hands. While you come with no boast of the past, you aluo come with no apology for your gathering. You feel that your comradeship in battle justifies your taking counsel of each other as to your duties in peace. We have met to say frankly and directly to our comrades, and all the people, that we are still grateful to the Kepublicaii pai-ty for all its grand record and work. It ahvays, alike in victory and defeat, believed in the cause for which we fought. When battle and disease thinned our ranks, it always sought to send fresh men to the fi-ont. Wlien the Democratic pai'ty, in that sad summer of 1864, gathered in convention, pronounced the prosecution of the war a failure, and counseled surrender, the Republican party pledged the Government to draft the last man and expend the last dollar in crushing rebellion and main- taining the national unity. With gi'and amen the nation responded to such pledge and ap- peal. Kneeling among the graves of our fallen soldiers, the people renewed the vow of Smn- ter. In that faith we conquered. Aye, we are grateful to the Republican party for its trust and resolution, for the sincere honors which it always paid to our fallen, for its earnest efibrt to care for our disabled comrades living, and the widows and orphans of our comrades dead. But, while we thus come with gratitude to the Republican party, we come with no spirit of hate toward our late antagonists in battle. We revive no memory of bitterness. We pluck no embers of strife from out the ashes of the past. We respect the sincerity of the men who were our foes in open conflict, but who are now our fellows in citiaenship and in the duty of a common loyalty to a common country, as ordy those can respect them who tested their endurance and valor on many fields. We have even forgiven them for Andersonville and Libby, for we believed that the horrors of these prison-pens sprang fi-om the terrible teachings and influences of slavery. We charged the crime upon slavery, and have never kept those agonies as subjects of revengeful memory against the men of the South and soldiers of the rebellion. We destroyed slavery, and then forgave Andersonville. We should never have thus ourselves referred to the merciful and generous record of the Union Army, had not the constant attacks and misrepresentations of a partisan press rendered some brief words timely and just. Let history, not mere profession, bear witness. Lee surrendered his army. The terms of that surrender were as generous and humaiie as any recorded in the auuals of civilized warfare. Grant allowed each officer to keep his 4 50 sword, that none might feel personal dishonor. Eucli man was permitted to retain his horse, that he might return to his home, plow his tiekls, and make crops for the support of his fam- ily. Supplies were issued to the beaten toe. You are silently recalling how, as by instinct, you opened your hayersacks on the Sabbath morn of that surrender, and shared your scanty rations with the men whom you had fought for four long, bloody years. You recall how, when Andr(!W Johnson, in the first frenzy of his passion, sought to break the terms of Grant's parole, to ainest Lee and place him on tnal, our chieftain replied that, so long as the Confed- erate soldiers obeyed the law and kept the peace, the parole at Appomattox should protect them, and tendered his resignation a*s General if good faith Ayas to he yiolated. The war beins ended we sought peace. We prayed for reconciliation. We reached out 1 lands of hearty fellowship to alt who would accept such fellowship on the basis of sincere submission to the law and unconditional loyalty. From that hour until now, we haye never counseled or consented to any injustice or reyenge towards the South. We forgave our foe. Good faith and simple manliood required us to secure an absolute protection to all who had been our friends and allies at the South during the struggle. Good faith and simple manhood required us to give this protection ourselves, if the men of the South did not grant it themselves. 1 1 ^ This is the whole spirit of the Constitutional amendments. Mercy could grant no more tlian absolute forgiveness to our foe. Honor could consent to no less than absolute protec- tion to the loyal white and the enfranchised black. We desire entire and permanent reconciliation to-day. In war we fought_ to preserve oar national unity, and thus to obtain enduring peace. In peace we heartily strive to secure complete reconciliation. That reconciliation will be most thorough and lasting which shall be based upon impartial laws impartially enforced. Thus it wiU be strengthened by justice "Wlien none shall seek to coerce the votes of the lowly ; when education shall he afforded to all the children of the land, black as well as white; when the true chgnity of labor shall be recoo-nized ; when, m a word, not merely the letter, but the practical administration of the law shall secure the personal and political rights of all our citizens, throughout all the States, reconciliation vnW be complete. For these ends let us patiently labor, in the sure faith, that we labor not in vain. We have met to say frankly and directly to our comrades, and to all the people that we believe that the continued ascendency of the Kepubhcan party, m the council-halls of the nation, and in the administration of the Government, is still essential to the full security of the results of the war; still essential to the protection of the loyal_ whites and the enfranchised blacks of the South; still essential to the certain payment of their justly deserved pensions to our disabled living comrades and to the widows and orphans of our dead • still essential to the maintenance of our financial cretUt and (Uir financial welfare ; still essential to the true being of the laboring classes and to the sure maintenance of that honora- ble peace with all nations, so necessarv to repair the losses of war, to develop our great and varied material resources, and to solidify that development into permanent prosperity. We have met to say frankly and directly to our commands and to all the people that we thoroughly believe in Ulysses S. Grant as President, just as we believe in him as soldier That as we knew hiin to be brave in battle, we now know him to be faithful in peace. Ihat as we then knew him to be wise in plan, skillful in strategy, and sure in execution we now know him to l>e practical in statesmansliip, merciful in policy, honest in administration, and uitlexible in the enforcement of the law. [Loud and prolonged applause.] One unbroken hue of victories, from Belmont to Appomattox, the crushed rebellion and the surrendered Confederacy, placed his name forever among the few great captains of his- tory, and justified all our faith in Ulysses S. Grant as a soldier. The steady collection of the revenue ; the steady reduction of taxation ; the steady dimi- nution of the national debt ; the steady decline in the price of gold ; the steady increase in the value of our paper currency and of our national bonds; the steady enforcement of the laws; the repression of the Kn-Klux disorders, and the steady growth of confidence and of a substantial prosperity throughout the South ; the earnest and humane attempt to dea kindly and justly with the In'dian tribes ; the manly submission of pei-sonal judgment arid will to the iudo-nient and will of the people, so grandly shown in his cheerful surrender of the San D per hundred, and upwards. Sample suit-uniforms sent to any address, on receipt of ^2. Give pi.aix post-oifke .mupkkss axi> shippixg hikectioxs, with name of State. SKND ORDKKS E.VIJLV. so ihnt they can be filled promptlv. No goods sent unless order is accompanied bv draft, nr tlic lust titv ntViencos. TERMS NET ('ASIT. We refer to" .J AY COOKE \ CO.." 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