Feb. 18, 1863
Mr. Editor:– About two months ago I left camp Hamilton five miles from Nashville, and directed my steps toward the noble state of Illinois, for the purpose of visiting my friends in Toulon. I remained at home about four weeks. And now Mr. Editor, I wish, through the columns of your paper to communicate a few thoughts in reference to a class of men in the north commonly called “Copperheads,” whose main object is to oppose the Administration and the President in everything they do for the suppression of the rebellion, and to discourage the soldiers now in the field.
I noticed, while in Toulon, that there was quite a number of this class of men in that place, several of whom advised me not to return to my regiment, giving as a reason that the war was being carried on a different principle from what it had been formerly. I, myself, own that the war is now being carried on different from what it was six months ago, for the Government now seems to be in greater earnest in putting down the rebellion that it was at that time. But they – the “copperheads,” – pretend to say that it is just the opposite; that the President is doing his best to destroy the Constitution and the Union. Now, what is the opinion of the soldiers in regard to this class of men? Why, they consider them black hearted traitors who ought to be strung by the neck without mercy, for advocating the doctrines they do, and we will give them the proof of this, if some of them will only come down here and give it out that they belong to the “Copperhead” school. If the [soldiers] are tired of war they will not listen to such doctrines for closing it as are being advocated by those traitors in the north. We would all be glad to see the war ended, but not by dishonorable peace propositions; rather than this, we would see the war last ten years if necessary. These northern traitors complain of suffering in consequence of the war. I wonder what their sufferings are compared to the thousands who are now bearing arms in the defense of the Union. Comparatively nothing! But yet they are willing to concede everything to the South for the purpose of ending the war, honorable or dishonorable while the soldiers – the greatest sufferers – treat with disdain any such proceedings. – I was a little surprised to find in Toulon, men who would advise (as some of them did me) soldiers to desert the army; but such is the case, disgraceful though it is.
I have written these few lines, Mr. Editor, to let my friends know my opinion as regards to the prosecution of the war, having heard that some few there reported that I belonged to the “Copperhead” school, you can publish this if you think proper, and oblige your humble servant.
F. H. Whitaker
– Published in the Stark County News, Thursday, February 28, 1863
Mr. Editor:– About two months ago I left camp Hamilton five miles from Nashville, and directed my steps toward the noble state of Illinois, for the purpose of visiting my friends in Toulon. I remained at home about four weeks. And now Mr. Editor, I wish, through the columns of your paper to communicate a few thoughts in reference to a class of men in the north commonly called “Copperheads,” whose main object is to oppose the Administration and the President in everything they do for the suppression of the rebellion, and to discourage the soldiers now in the field.
I noticed, while in Toulon, that there was quite a number of this class of men in that place, several of whom advised me not to return to my regiment, giving as a reason that the war was being carried on a different principle from what it had been formerly. I, myself, own that the war is now being carried on different from what it was six months ago, for the Government now seems to be in greater earnest in putting down the rebellion that it was at that time. But they – the “copperheads,” – pretend to say that it is just the opposite; that the President is doing his best to destroy the Constitution and the Union. Now, what is the opinion of the soldiers in regard to this class of men? Why, they consider them black hearted traitors who ought to be strung by the neck without mercy, for advocating the doctrines they do, and we will give them the proof of this, if some of them will only come down here and give it out that they belong to the “Copperhead” school. If the [soldiers] are tired of war they will not listen to such doctrines for closing it as are being advocated by those traitors in the north. We would all be glad to see the war ended, but not by dishonorable peace propositions; rather than this, we would see the war last ten years if necessary. These northern traitors complain of suffering in consequence of the war. I wonder what their sufferings are compared to the thousands who are now bearing arms in the defense of the Union. Comparatively nothing! But yet they are willing to concede everything to the South for the purpose of ending the war, honorable or dishonorable while the soldiers – the greatest sufferers – treat with disdain any such proceedings. – I was a little surprised to find in Toulon, men who would advise (as some of them did me) soldiers to desert the army; but such is the case, disgraceful though it is.
I have written these few lines, Mr. Editor, to let my friends know my opinion as regards to the prosecution of the war, having heard that some few there reported that I belonged to the “Copperhead” school, you can publish this if you think proper, and oblige your humble servant.
F. H. Whitaker
– Published in the Stark County News, Thursday, February 28, 1863
