The Prescott Journal
November 5, 1862.
CORRESPONDENCE.
SPARTA, October 28, 1862.
DEAR
LUTE :—Never were political circles, in this county, more agitated than
at the present moment. Sore-headed and addled-brained Republicans are
uniting with the pure Breckenridge democracy of the E. G. Ryan stripe, against the regular Administration nominee, and we are having a “gay and festive” time.
A
few days since Capt. G. A. Fisk, and Lieut. D. W. Wilson, of the 18th
Reg. Wis. Volunteers, returned from their long and dreary imprisonment
in Dixie. They were taken prisoners at the battle of Shiloh, on the
ever memorable Sabbath of April 6th, 1862. For nearly seven months they
endured sufferings, hardships and privations, a recital of which makes
the blood curdle in the veins. Fiendishness, such as no people under
Heaven making the least pretensions to civilization, ever dreamed of,
has characterized their treatment of these noble men, who are
sacrificing themselves upon the altar of their country’s only hope.
Wilson is an excellent speaker, and he, in connection with the Hon. M.
L. Rice, of Ky., late Adj’t General of the State, have spoken to the
people of this county, Tunnel City, Tomah, and Sparta. Immense crowds
were present at each meeting, and the wildest enthusiasm. Copper-headed
Democrats, of secession proclivities, shrink away from their terrible,
withering denunciations liked whipped curs. These unflinching patriots
have done efficient service there for the Union cause. Hanchett will
get a splendid vote from gallant Monroe. Our shoulders are all put to
the wheel, and we are doing the utmost to sustain the policy of Abraham
Lincoln. The success of the Knights of the Golden Circle in
Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania; the jubilant feeling manifested in
Southern periodicals over these results, and the macchinations of traitors at home, have awakened us to a realizing sense that “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” and
and that we must pay the price if we wish to secure the blessing. To
our shame, it is said that we have men among us who talk blatant treason
in the streets, and as yet go unpunished! The reigns must be drawn
tighter. We must show that earnestness and determination in our efforts
to crush this hellish treason, which our enemies do, in their unholy
attempt to destroy the best government on earth.
The
dark thunder cloud of rebellion lowers, the shoals thicken around us,
the vortex yawns, and the boiling surge of traitorous despotism
threatens us all. But,
“Thank God ! that a limit is set.”
A
light breaks away on the lee bow. A grateful breeze from the Capitol
strikes the sails of the old ship of State. She feels it ! She feels
it ! ! The proclamation of Honest Old Abe paralyses the rebellion, the
serpent uncoils his shiny folds, and the glad light of UNIVERSAL
Emancipation breaks in upon the troubled earth.
“The memory of a glory passed away
Lingers in every heart, as in the shell
Ripples the bygone freedom of the sea,
And every day new signs of promises tell
That the great soul of man shall yet be free.”
Lingers in every heart, as in the shell
Ripples the bygone freedom of the sea,
And every day new signs of promises tell
That the great soul of man shall yet be free.”
