[143]
it would weaken us. With the draft quietly enforced, the enemy would become despondent, and would make but little resistance.
I have no doubt but the enemy are exceedingly anxious to hold out until after the Presidential election.
They have many hopes from its effects.
They hope a counter revolution.
They hope the election of a peace candidate.
In fact, like Micawber, they hope for something to “turn up.”
Our peace friends, if they expect peace from separation, are much mistaken.
It would be but the beginning of war, with thousands of Northern men joining the South because of our disgrace in allowing separation.
To have “peace on any terms,” the South would demand the restoration of their slaves already freed; they would demand indemnity for losses sustained, and they would demand a treaty which would make the North slave-hunters for the South; they would demand pay for the restoration of every slave escaped to the North.
Yours truly,
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