ance to the laws in Democratic strongholds; by predatory bands of desperadoes threatening violence in the borders; by avowed declarations of opposition to conscription; by base appeals to passion from an Ex-President of the United States, who designated the loyal conflict as the "mailed hand of military usurpation in the North striking down the liberties of the people;" by these acts of treachery, together with peace talk in the highways and popular assemblies, the "fire in the rear" rekindled the flickering embers of treason in the South by the blaze of such fuel as burning orphan asylums. The despair of the retreating rebel was turned to joy by shrieks of helpless black children pursued by the peace Democrat in riotous demonstration against the loyal draft. The peace conspiracy was wide-spread and elaborately planned.1

On the Democratic standards of the North the bewildered gaze of treason was now fastened. As the banners of the foe went down before the tramp of our armies, his cause rose wherever

1 "The first blow - the signal for uprising—was to be struck at Chicago during the sittings of the Democratic Convention, when eight thousand Confederate prisoners, confined in Camp Douglas, near that city, were to be liberated and armed by the rebel refugees. from Canada there assembled, and five thousand sympathizers with the conspirators, and members of the treasonable league, resident in Chicago. Then the Confederate prisoners at Indianapolis were to be released and armed, and the hosts of the Knights of the Golden Circle were to gather at appointed rendezvous to the number of full one hundred thousand men. springing out of the earth as it were, in the rear of Grant and Sherman, would, it was believed, compel the raising of the siege of Richmond and Atlanta, and secure peace on the basis of the independence of the 'Confederate States.'"

This force,

a Democratic caucus or convention gathered. Guided by the light of history, it is safe to say, that, in all that makes man respect his fellow-man, the war rebel of the South stands, in the estimation of the world, far in advance of the peace Democrat of the North.

CHAPTER IX.

UNION BALLOTS AND UNION BULLETS.

GRANT had said, in concluding one of the most comprehensive military reports ever written, that his object was "to hammer continuously against the armed force of the enemy and his resources, `until by mere attrition, if in no other way, there should be nothing left to him but an equal submission, with the loyal section of our common country, to the Constitution and laws of the land." That he regarded it as essential that public opinion should second the hammering process is proved by the following letter: —

"I have no doubt but the enemy are exceedingly anxious to hold out until after the presidential election. They have many hopes from its effects. They hope a counter-revolution; they hope the election of the peace candidate; in fact, like Micawber, they hope for 'something to turn up.' Our peace friends, if they expect peace from separation, are much mistaken. It would be but the beginning of war, with thousands of Northern men joining the South, because of our disgrace in allowing separation. To have peace on any terms, the South would demand the restoration of their slaves already freed. They would demand indemnity for losses sustained, and they would demand a treaty which would make the North slave-hunters for the South. They

would demand pay, or the restoration of every slave escigs ing to the Nortà.

As lieutenant-general, Grant had not only to face the schemes of the peace Democracy strain ing to embitter public sentiment and embarrass the North, but the Army of the Potomac exhibited something of a divided attachment, and looked with distrust, if not discontent, upon its new commander. That noble army had in it the best fighting qualities; for it had been pitted against the ablest general the South had put in the field. Under various chiefs it had dashed against Lee, but only, as the waves dash against a rock, to roll back, as it were, exhausted with vain effort, These battles had made the soil of Virginia a vast burial-ground of heroes; but no victory had yet crowned our arms on that bloody arena. Antietam had forced the invader from Maryland, and Gettysburg had hurled the great leader of treason back to his lair in distress and disappointment, without decisive results. Still the Army of the Potomac blazoned with deeds of valor; and its scarred veterans loved, with no common affee tion, their old commanders. The familiar names were dear to them, and it was not with altogether satisfied hearts they saw the Western hero rise above their favorite generals. Grant knew and felt the difficulties and discomfort of the situation. He knew also that the rebellion would never be

tors at the South were thus hailing the treasonable glimmer made by their brethren at the North, the President had, by proclamation, ordered salutes of one hundred guns at all military and naval arsenals, and advised the people to give common. thanks at their respective places of public worship the ensuing sabbath to commemorate the victories of Farragut at Mobile, and the victory of Sherman at Atlanta. A few weeks after these glorious tributes to the national cause were rendered, the great body of the American people went to the polls, and so cast their suffrages,1 that, by overwhelming majorities, Union ballots upheld the flag for which thousands had fallen, and around which a million of armed men now stood ready

1 The result of the presidential election gave great joy to all the true friends of the Union at home and abroad. That election was waited for with the greatest anxiety by millions of men. A thousand hopes and fears were excited. Vast interests hung upon the verdict; and for a while in our country every thing connected with trade and manufactures seemed to be stupefied by suspense. Gold, the delicate barometer of commercial thought, fluttered amazingly as the hour of decision drew nigh. length the result was announced.

At

Principle had triumphed over expediency. The nation had decided by its calmly expressed voice, after years of distressing war, and with the burden upon its shoulders of a public debt amounting to two thousand million dollars, to fight on, and put down the rebellion at any cost. A load was lifted from the great loyal heart of the republic. Congratulations came over the sea like sweet perfumes; and out of the mouths of the dusky toilers on the plantations of the South went up simple, fervid songs of praise to God for this seal of their deliverance. For the election had surely proclaimed "liberty throughout all the land to all the inhabitants thereof."

By it the hopes of the conspirators were blasted. They well knew the power that slumbered behind that vote, and which would now be awakened in majestic energy.