THE MISSIONARY ARMY OF KANSAS.
By A Private; P.
This army was organized to do battle for the King of Righteousness, to pull down the strongholds of Satan, and to rescue perishing prisoners from one end of the State to the other. High hopes were entertained of the success of this army—even that it would go forth conquering and to conquer. Has it done so? If not, why not? Perhaps it has gone into winter quarters; may be all is “quiet on the Potomac;” possibly each division commander (director) has his soldiers in camp of instruction, getting everything in the best possible condition, that they may soon come against the enemy with the impetus of an avalanche, destroying, demolishing, covering, burying, and utterly making way with him and his forces in one grand charge. But that we may know which, if any, of these conjectures is true, we will inquire of the officers, especially the division commanders, as they are men “under authority having under them soldiers,” &c., How is it? Winter quarters? well, we were inclined to that opinion. But shall our winter last all the year, and from year to year, without any cessation? Last year the winter quarters excuse had some force, reminding us of Washington at Valley Forge. But now, under our present circumstances, this inactivity looks more like Belshazzar feasting inside his closed gates while besieged by the Medes and Persians. And can we expect a much better fate than this ease-loving monarch and his kingdom met, if we continue to pursue this ease-taking (almost do-nothing) course? I think the private soldiers of the Kansas department are as willing and ready as any others to go out against the King’s enemies; but they must be led, or, at least, directed. If our directors intend to quietly remain at home, and thus hold the whole army in inglorious inactivity, would it not be better to disband, so that those who felt disposed to make a small raid on the enemy occasionally would be free to do so? [Do this any way.—Ed.] But we do not wish to be mustered out. We enlisted, understanding that there was no discharge in this war. I appeal to you, then, officers of the missionary army, will you not rally your forces, take the field in person, and make one grand campaign during this favorable time of the year? This opportunity once lost can never be regained. To move? or not to move? that is the question. P. S. When you (officers) have another grand review, come and see it yourselves. Remember Lot’s wife and Rock Creek.