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who fought under them; forgetting for the moment their trials and sufferings, to say kind words of the officers who had led them into so many fatal fields.
These are among the compensations which true merit receives, and are the highest honors and rewards which true valor and high soldierly qualities command.
We now return to the political aspect of the Commonwealth.
The Republican State Convention met in Worcester on the 10th of September.
The call issued by the State Central Committee for the election of delegates invited the attendance and co-operation of all ‘who will support the present national and State Governments, and in favor of all means necessary for the effectual suppression of the Rebellion.’
It does not appear, however, that any but members of the Republican party took part in the Convention.
Hon. A. H. Bullock, of Worcester, was chosen president; and, on taking the chair, he made a brief patriotic address, in which he said, that since, upon the absorbing question of prosecuting the war, we all are substantially agreed, he ‘could not see why there should be any occasion for partisan spirit within the assembly, or cause for disapproval without.’
He said he had learned many things during the past year; one of which was, ‘that African slavery on this continent is so intimately connected with the war, that the two things can no longer be considered apart.
It had been a source of strength to the Rebellion;’ and asked, ‘If this be so, why is it not the duty of the Administration to deal with the subject precisely as all the policies of war suggest, and all the necessities of our case demand.’
Further on, he said, ‘At all events, let Massachusetts, while abiding in her holy and traditional faith, hold herself in harmony with her sister States in constancy and in sacrifice to the last.’
Colonel Bullock closed his address by an eloquent quotation from Mr. Webster to avoid disunion, and abide by the Constitution.
J. Q. A. Griffin, of Charlestown, moved that a committee be appointed ‘to draft the customary resolutions.’
This motion was opposed by R. H. Dana, Jr., of Cambridge, who said this was not a day for long resolutions.
If any were necessary, he
1868. E. P. DUtton and Co. Boston,.
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