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of, and the sacrifices of her defenders be held in light esteem; and it remains for us to prevent the charge that "republics are ungrateful" from becoming verified in fact.

We must stand by each other now, as we did upon many a battle-field, that no enemy to our interests shall overwhelm us.

We must not prostitute our honor by begging recognition as the saviors of the country, but we must persistently and respectfully demand this.

It is our birthright, which we hold of highest value, and to be yielded for no consideration. There are reasons why we should organize to maintain our rights, and observe the utmost vigilance. There are thousands in every State who did not go in defence of their country from unmanly motives. They are wanting in patriotism and courage. To those it will be an object to dim the glory of the achievements of the soldier, that their recreancy to their duty may not be so conspicuous. Others, whose sympathies were with the traitors and their cause, will make it an object to have little credit attached to the service of the soldier or sailor, that the heinousness of their treason may not be so apparent. Nor can we overlook the professional politicians who found it to their interests to advocate our cause and bespatter us with praise while their ends were subserved, but who in their schemes of self-aggrandizement will endeavor to make a soldier's service of secondary importance, fearful lest his claims upon a grateful country may overshadow theirs.

Every rebel soldier, and particularly those who have been very front and offending of this war, have an interest against those who fought for the Union. As our cause and services increase in the estimation of the public, that of the rebels become more dishonorable. If they increase in favor and can make it appear that it is not so bad after all to have been a participant in this unholy rebellion, then it will appear less commendable to have fought for the maintenance of the Union. These are some of the influences that it will require all the combined efforts we can command to counteract. We would not disguise the fact that they are formidable, but we have had formidable combinations to contend against before, with what result let Vicksburg Gettysburg, and Richmond tell. The same principles are involved. We claim our position as a right due us; those we have to contend against are the enemies of our country and of her defenders, and it will require the same devotedness to  our interests, the same degree of self-denial and determination not to be discouraged by seeming delay in the accomplishment of our purpose. nor to be disheartened by occasional reverses, that we evinced in overthrowing the enemies of our Government.

We must not be turned aside by questions of creed or party. These were represented in the Union army, and did not affect its unity of action or purpose. If our success has accrued to the present benefit of the Republican party, as a party, we could not have done our duty less faithfully if the Democratic party, as a party, had received the advantage. We must fight to keep before the people "that treason is a crime;" that all men engaged in the rebel cause were traitors to their country, and forfeited their rights and privileges as citizens; that what they did in