GLENWOOD, May 5,
1861.
Hon. S. CAMERON:
MY DEAR SIR: Reached home last night by way of New York. You
have no conception of the depth of feeling universal in the Northern mind for
the prosecution of this war until the flag floats from every spot on which it
had a right to float a year ago. If the Administration fails to prosecute the
war to that end, it will sink in the popular heart below that of Buchanan.
There is but one feeling with all classes, parties, and sects – that the rebels
must be made to lay down their arms everywhere, the traitors hung, and the
union of the States restored before this contest closes. There is great
dissatisfaction in New York at the ordering of Wool back to Troy, instead of
acknowledging his services at a very critical point of time when all
communication with Washington was cut off. For four or five days they heard
nothing from Washington, and no one received any orders. If you could devise
some way to have all that offer received, to remain, however, in the States
till they are called for. The men who have left their business cannot wait long
without pay from some source. In my judgment the enthusiasm of the hour ought
not to be repressed by flat refusals on the part of the Government, but let
them be held in readiness (in some way) in the States. The people in New York
and the cities are very impatient for Baltimore to be opened, and on the rumor
that the Government would not invade Virginia they were perfectly indignant,
and I wish to say to you that if the Government adopts that policy there will
be a universal execration go up from the North, and you will be as powerless in
thirty days as you are now powerful. I saw many of the solid men in New York,
and they have embarked their all in this contest, provided the Administration
will prosecute it to the bitter end, if need be, to quell insurrection and hang
traitors, so that no madcaps will ever try the experiment again.
I beg your pardon for trespassing so long on your attention.
My object was briefly to assure you that any measures the most efficient, no
matter what the cost, in prosecuting this war would be most satisfactory, if it
has for its object the foregoing results. I give you this state of public
feeling, for I am anxious that you should meet its expectation, as I
confidently believe you will.
Most truly, yours,
GALUSHA A. GROW.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series III,
Volume 1 (Serial No. 122), p. 160
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