The Continental Monthly , Vol. 2 No. 5, November 1862: Devoted to Literature and National PolicyVarious
History
The Continental Monthly , Vol. 2 No. 5, November 1862: Devoted to Literature and National Policy
Various
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century -- Periodicals
Let no doubts, then, vex the mind of a single hearty Unionist as to the
issue of our great contest. The Proclamation has not added a thousand to
the number of our enemies, while it has supplied four millions with the
most cogent reasons for being henceforth our friends. These millions are
humble, ignorant, timid, distrustful, and now grinding in the
prison-house of the traitors. They are not, let us frankly admit, the
equals in prowess, capacity, or opportunity, of four millions of Whites;
but they are, nevertheless, human beings; they have human affections and
aspirations, and they feel the stirrings of the universal and
indestructible human longing for liberty. "Breaking in a nigger" is a
rough and pretty effectual process: it crushes down the manhood of its
subject, but does not crush it out. Should the republic say to-morrow to
its Black step-children, "We want one hundred thousand of you to aid in
this struggle against the slaveholding rebels, and will treat you in
every respect as human beings should be treated," it would not have to
wait long for the full number. Hitherto a low prejudice, studiously
fostered by Democratic politicians for the vilest party ends, has
repelled and expelled this abused race from the militia service of the
Union. The exclusion is absurd where its impulse is not treasonable, and
must share the fate of all absurdities. "Would you," asked a Unionist of
a Democrat, "refuse the aid of a negro, if you were assailed and your
life threatened by an assassin?" "Yes," replied the Democrat; "I would
rather be killed by a White man than saved by a nigger." Who does not
_know_ that this man at heart sympathizes with the rebellion, and
deprecates the War for the Union as unnecessary and ruinous?
That war will go on. Our new and vast levies, our new iron-clads, our
new policy, will add immensely to the strength already put forth in
vindication of the rightful authority of the Federal government and the
integrity of the Union. Yet a little while, and the immense superiority
in every respect of the moral and material forces of the loyal States
will make themselves felt and respected. Yet a little while, and the
authority of the Nation will be acknowledged by its now revolted
citizens, and the rebellion will subside as suddenly as it broke upon
us. Yet a little while, and ours will again be a land of peace,
returning joyfully to the pursuits of productive industry and radiant
with the sunlight of Universal Liberty.
HOW THEY DID IT.
The magnates of Richmond all swore out of hand,
That the war must go in the enemies' land;
And it did: when they crossed to the Maryland shore
They turned all into foes who were friendly before!
FROM MOUNT LAFAYETTE, WHITE MOUNTAINS.
Silence and light and scenes stupendous greet
My wondering sense and sight! Here midway meet
Those rocky splendors where th' embracing clouds
Above, below, wrap them in misty shrouds.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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