In the North the press was free up to the point of open treason.

The citizen could entertain his views and express them.

Troops were necessary in the Northern States to prevent prisoners from the Southern army being released by outside force, armed and set at large to destroy by fire our Northern cities.

Plans were formed by Northern and Southern citizens to burn our cities, to poison the water supplying them, to spread infection by importing clothing from infected regions, to blow up our river and lake steamers--regardless of the destruction of innocent lives.

The copperhead disreputable portion of the press magnified rebel successes, and belittled those of the Union army.