Thursday, June 20, 2013

Union for the Sake of the Union

Let every Republican, every anti-slavery man, every man who loves his country, and rejoices in Union, read the following noble utterances of John W. Forney, and profit by them:

“Two combinations are engaged in the work of undermining the fabric of our free institutions.  They work with unceasing industry and perseverance.  One is composed of armed traitors who, after stealing the property of the General Government, now devote themselves to the task of taking the lives of the freemen of the North.  The other is composed of politicians who, in a thousand ways, labor to misrepresent, assail, and cripple the Administration under the pretext of superfine devotion to the Constitution.  Every victory in the battle field by the first, elevates and strengthens the second.  Shall we profit by this lesson?  Our duty is as plain as our path:  Harmonious action in the warlike and political struggle.  No division among common friends pledged to a common cause.  No conflict over names.  No rivalries among leaders.  No criticisms upon brave men in the field, or good men in councils.  No hesitation to vote supplies in Congress. No more leniency to traitors.  With these mottoes on our banners we shall rescue our country from ruin, and build up a fortress of freedom on these shores that will stand all the ravages of time and of treason.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 2

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