Staunton Vindicator

Message of Abraham Lincoln.

We are prevented by want of space from publishing the Message of Abraham Lincoln, but we incline to the opinion that our readers lose nothing thereby a its perusal would scarcely pay, there being but little in it of interest to us.

In regard to the present position of affairs he states, that his armies hold and maintain all the important points possessed by them at the time of inditing [sic] his previous Message, while we know that the campaign in Louisiana and Arkansas resulted in driving the enemy from nearly every portion of those States, except a narrow strip adjacent to the Mississippi River. He speaks of the movement of Sherman as the most remarkable military operation of the year, yet hesitates to speak of its success. When its result is known if we can judge from the tenor of the news, partly unwritten, from that section we will be surprised if Sherman shall escape from the hazardous position in which he has placed himself, while we doubt not from the success which has crowned the advance of Hood into Tennessee that ere long not only a portion of but that entire State will be freed from the rule of Lincoln and his man Friday Andy.

He continues to hold out the same inducements to us which he has so cheerfully offered us on previous occasions--to lay down our arms, and submit to the edicts of Lincoln. In this connection it must be remembered that he avows his determination not to deviate a hairs-breadth from his action in reference to our peculiar institution.

With these splendid (?) inducements held out it is highly probable that the only true conclusion at which he seems to have arrived will obtain, that between the contending forces, it must be decided by victory and defeat. No negotiation will be effective. Nothing but victory will be decisive. This we believe and hope ere long our cause may be crowned with a victorious result.