Suggestions to the Drafted.
By H. S. GURNEY
BRO. WHITE: It seems that something should be said through the "Review," which will give more definite instructions to those among us who may be drafted. I am not prepared to give the needful instructions, but will give a few hints. The first thing is to get the necessary papers, showing that we are non-combatants, or opposed to bearing arms. These papers should be got up in shape to satisfy the Secretary of War. No other officer has anything to do with them more than I have. Therefore these papers should be sent directly to the Secretary of War, with a request that he would assign duty in accordance with the Act, &c., defining it. Until the communication returns from Washington, no one should order us to leave the State. The communication when received would appoint our duty and inform us where to report, giving intructions to the commanding officer according to the rules and regulations of such an Act. If this matter is put into the hands of our regiment officers, who in fact have nothing to do with such papers unless they are inclined to favor, many of whom are tyrannical, and exalt themselves above measure, and rule the people with rigor, when they should be in a degree servants of the people;—I say if these papers are left with such officers, it only increases the difficulty, and makes the matter uncertain. If this matter can be clearly understood, I think those difficulties with which our people have been troubled would be avoided. Would it not be advisable and proper that the S. D. A. P. Association print a formal letter addressing the Hon. Secretary of War for the benefit of those who may be drafted? With these hints I leave the matter for the present, hoping that some one will make it clear. Yours in hope of life, where the people will learn war no more.
H. S. GURNEY.
Jackson, Mich.