MAJOR SQUIRE TURNER From a Portrait " - The Filson Historical ...

1951] Squire Turner 45depended the prosperity and happiness of the people; . . . thatI was proud of the name of an American citizen, a name thatwas honored throughout the habitable globe.Knowing this, I need not tell you how much I was gratifiedat the nomination of General McClellan for the presidency andmy hearty approval of his letter of acceptance.I have been called a Southern Rights man; but, like most ofthose so designated in this part of the state, I never for onemoment permitted my judgment or feelings to be alienated fromthe Union and Constitution bearing the signature of GeorgeWashington.My only sin has been in never having had confidence inAbraham Lincoln, and in pointing out in public speeches earlyin his administration that he would visit on us the oppressionwe now fear.It may be asked what we have to expect from the election ofGen. McClellan. I answer, we may expect to have trial by juryrestored, and be free from arrest, unless proved to be guilty ofan offense by a creditable witness; . . . that a person arrested shallbe furnished with the charges against him, and the accused allowedto refute the charges by evidence.State institutions and constitutional rights and private propertywill be respected, and beyond all, Black Republicans andabolitionists will cease to rule.I believe that if McClellan is elected we will have peace witha restored Union and ycith little more bloodshed.No more of our people will be dragged into the army, and ourtaxes will be not further increased.The Southern people have no confidence in our present rulers.They believe that the subjugation of the South, the confiscationof Southern property, and the destruction of slavery are the mainobjects of the war with the party now in power. They wellknow that McClellan would not insist on these things, and thathe and the party which would come into power with him wouldnot infringe on state institutions or carry on a servile war.Long experience has taught me that in settling controversiesconfidence of each party in the desire of his adversary to do whatis just and right is indispensable. I confidendy believe that theSouth would confide in General McClellan's desire for a reconciliationon fair and equitable principles. What a gloriousachievement it would be for a settlement with a restored Unionand a respected Constitution.