They have yielded to superior numbers and
resources; beaten, but not disgraced, for they have, even in
rebellion, proved themselves what they are--real Americans. They
are the product of the American soil, the free growth of the
American republic, and to disgrace them were to disgrace the
whole American character and people.
The wise Romans never allowed a triumph to a Roman general for
victories, however brilliant, won over Romans. In civil war, the
victory won by the government troops is held to be a victory for
the country, in which all parties are victors, and nobody is
vanquished. It was as truly for the good of the secessionists to
fail, as it was for those, who sustained the government to
succeed; and the government having forced their submission and
vindicated its own authority, it should now leave them to enjoy,
with others, the victory which it his won for the common good of
all. When war becomes a stern necessity, when it breaks out, and
while it lasts, humanity requires it to be waged in earnest,
prosecuted with vigor, and made as damaging, as distressful to
the enemy as the laws of civilized nations permit. It is the way
to bring it to a speedy close, and to save life and property.
But when it is over, when the enemy submits, and peace returns,
the vanquished should be treated with gentleness and love. No
rancor should remain, no vengeance should be sought; they who met
in mortal conflict on the battle-field should be no longer
enemies, but embrace as comrades, as friends, as brothers.
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