g »i' 'i Sta C*Ylf /em. Duke University Libraries Soldiers, a gra Conf Pam q#7 Diiiiaaso- UE^D QUARTERS, ¥ OF I"JBJFK E3SS3S, QctoJer 14*, 1863. -♦-• SOLDIERS: jgrateful country has recognized your arduous service, and ; Nobly have you redeemed the pledges given in the name of :cd over your glorious victory on the field of Chickamauga. freedom to the memory of your ancestors and the rights of your n your countrymen shall more fully learn the adverse cir- posterity. That you may complete the mission to which you are stances under which you attacked the enemy— though tiny devoted, will require of you such exertion in the future as you not be more thankful— they may admire more the gallantry have made in the past : continuance in the patient endurance of patriotic devotion which secured your success. Represen- toil and danger, and that self-denial which rejects every con- of every State of the Confederacy, your stops have been sioeration at variance with the public service as unworthy of the dlowed with affectionate solicitude by friends in every portion holy cause in which you are engaged. of the country. Defenders of the heart of our territory, your When the war shall have ended the highest meed of praise movements have been the object of intensest anxiety. The will be due, and probably given, to him who has claimed least hopes of our cause greatly depend upon you, and happy it is ftl himself in proportion to the service he has rendered, and the that all can securely rely upon your achieving whatever, under ; bitterest self-reproach which may hereafter haunt the memory of the blessing of Providence, human power can effect. Though j any one will be to him who has allowed selfish aspiration to you have done much, very touch yet remains to be done. Be- prevail over a desire for the public good. United as you are in hind you is a people providing for your support and depending a common destiny, obedience and cordial co-operation are cssen- on you for protection. Before you is a country devastated by tially necessary, and there is no higher duty than that which your ruthless invader, where gentle woman, feeble age and help- re.piires each to render to all what is due to their station. He [ass infancy have been subjected to outrages without parallel in who sows the seeds of discontent and distrust prepares for the I e warfare of civilized nations. A\ ith eager eyes they watch harvest of slaughter and defeat. your coming to their deliverance, and the homeless ] efugee To zeal you have added gallantry ; to gallantry, energy; to For the hour when your victorious anus shall restre his energy, fortitude. Crown these- with harmony, due subordina- cy to the shelter from which they have been driven, farced Son and cheerful support of lawful authority, that the measure rake up arms to vindicate the political rights, the freedom, of your duty may be full. 1 fervently hope that the ferocious lity and State sovereignty which were the heritage pur- war, so unjustly waged against our country, may be soon ended, d by the blood of your Revolutionary sires, you ha e but that, with the blessing of peace, you may be restored to your homes and the useful pursuits ; and I pray that our Heavenly Father may cover you with the shield of His protection in the hours of battle, and endow you with the virtues which will close your trials in victory compb rnative of shuish submission to despotic usurpation, or the independence which vigorous, united, persistent efftrt will sccuic. All which fires the manly breast, nerves the ntriot ;ih 1 caltS the hero, is present to stimulate and sustain yoi. [Signed,] OFFICIAL. JEFFERSON DAVIS. GEORGE WM. BRENT, A. A. Goieral. L~. .iiUIN II. BEAU .i 00 S 1 "\\ 1 i: ™k I'IM.VI'. VI LAST \. '.! "K'.IA. G- peomalife* pH8.5