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I have to day been informed that some soldiers of
this Regiment have, at different times, expressed sentiments disloyal and
unbecoming a soldier of the Union Army, when about the Sutler shop of the
Ninety-sixth Indiana; saying that if the Regiment should ever have to go
into another engagement, not half of the men would fire a gun for this d—d
abolition war, &c. When I heard it I thought it almost impossible, that
any soldier of the gallant 120th Regiment, which so nobly stood up at the
battles of Vicksburg and Post Arkansas, to defend the old flag,
where every heart swelled with pride; when they saw the stars and stripes
first planted by the 120th, wave so proudly, succeeding the traitorous rag
on the stubborn ramparts of Post Arkansas, could make use of language
disgraceful to the Regiment, disloyal to the country, and productive of
evil only to the good cause, for which we are enlisted. If there is one
man in the Regiment who would refuse to shoot at a rebel, in an
engagement, let him step three paces to the front in order that he can be
marked as a coward and receive the reward of a traitor. Such
talk: will only strengthen the rebels, disgrace the Regiment, and further
defer that, for which we are all longing, an honorable Peace. If any of us
differ with the acts and doings of parties at home, and policy of the
administration, let us hope that those at home, who have nothing to do,
will see to that. What ever is wrong will in time, by the American people,
be righted. Ours is the proud position of maintaining the worldwide and
noble reputation of the American Volunteer Soldier, who stands classed
with the most intelligent and brave in the known world—our’s is the
patriotic position of restoring the grand and sublime American
Union—tranquility, peace and happiness to our bleeding country—knowing and
appreciating our position none but the most loyal and high-minded thoughts
and expressions can emanate from our hearts and lips.—Men! for God’s, your
country’s, your friends at home, your own and my sake, do not, either by
thoughts, expressions, or willful actions, disgrace yourselves. Stand by
the Government right or wrong. You may now do an unsoldier-like act,
which, by excited men at home may be approved, but rest assured it
will ere long come sweeping like an avalanche, your own good name and
leave you in shame and disgust over your own acts of violating your
soldier’s oath. While you are in the service, be soldiers in every sense
of the word, so that when in private life, you can ever be respected and
honorable citizens.
Delivered on Dress Parade, Monday, Feb. 22, 1863.*
* Published in the Wooster
Republican, Mar. 7, 1863. Some other commanders reacted similarly to
the grumbling against the conduct of the war and the new antislavery
policy. In a regiment near Spiegel’s, the colonel threatened to manacle
and to shave the head of any soldier whom he heard condemning the Lincoln
administration or the Emancipation Proclamation. Wooster Democrat,
Mar. 26, 1863.
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