20 know, is not the doctrine of the so-called Peace-men ; yet it it^ iniue, and hence I take issue with them on this question. If, liowever, tlie majority of the peo))]e shall adopt the theory of tlie Peace-men, then, in accordance with my own princij^al, 1 shall boM' to that decision, whatever may be my private opinions as -to its wisdom. I AM INFLUENCEl). IN THE SECOND PLACE, IN MY JUDGMENT ON THIS QUESTION BY THE PUBLISHED VIEWS OF THE EMINENT GeNERALS TO WHOM WE HAVE COMMITTP^D THE MILITARY CUSTODY OF OUE CAUSE. What do they say ? Let me give you a few examples. General Grant says : — " I state, to all citizens who visit me, that all we want now to insure an early restoration of the Union, is a determined unity of sentiment North. The Rebels have now in their ranks their last man. They have robbed the cradle and the grave equally to get their present force. The end is not far distant, if we will only be true to ourselves. I have no doubt but the eneni}' are exceedingly anxious to hold out until after the Presidential election. They have maiiy hopes from its effects. They hope a counter-revolution. They hope the election of the Peace candidate." So writes General Grant— a soldier and a hero who has made himself well known to the American people. General Sherman, in his recent letter to the Maj'or of Atlanta, remarks : — ""■ We must have Peaoe^ not only in Atlanta, but in all America. To secure this we must stop the war that now desolates our once happy and favored country. To stop the war we must defeat the Rebel armies that are arrayed against the laws and Constitution which all must respect." "We do want, and will have a just obedience to the laws of the United States." General Hooker tells us, that "we must treat this rebellion as a wnse parent would a vicious child, —we must whip him into subjection—no milder discipline will answer the purpose. Some are crying peace, but there can be no peace as long as a Rebel can be found with arms in his hands." " This Union must be preserved ; and there is no way of preserving it but by the power of our armies, —by lighting the conspiracy to death."
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