SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
—
MEREDITH, October 14, 1861.

DEAR SIR:—In your last issue, in the article "To
Readers and Subscribers," last clause, you state that the
signs of the times are favorable to the downfall of sla
very, and that soon. Now DO, in your next issue, give
us some of the signs. In the last week's N.Y. POST, I
see that our [?] the Potomac has been in chase of
a fugitive, and ran him down and sent him back to his
master under an [?] of soldiers. Now, if this is one
of your favorable signs, I must disagree with you. I
made up my mind that such great exploits as that MUST
SHORTLY close the war, and leave slavery to guide its way
as usual. I am sick and disheartened.

Respectfully yours, S. DUTTON.