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.