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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Blue and The Gray, by A. R. White
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Blue and The Gray
+       Or, The Civil War as Seen by a Boy
+
+Author: A. R. White
+
+Illustrator: Frank Beard
+
+Release Date: April 14, 2014 [EBook #45382]
+Last Updated: March 16, 2018
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLUE AND THE GRAY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger from page images generously
+provided by the Internet Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE BLUE AND THE GRAY
+
+OR,
+
+THE CIVIL WAR
+
+AS SEEN BY A BOY
+
+A Story of Patriotism and Adventure in Our War for the Union
+
+By A. R. White
+
+With Over 150 War Photographs And Original Drawings
+
+Illustrated by Frank Beard
+
+     “We live for freedom; let us clasp each other by the hand;
+
+     In love and unity abide, a firm, unbroken band;
+
+     We cannot live divided--the Union is secure!
+
+     God grant that while men live and love, this nation may endure.”
+
+--DR. FRED A. PALMER,
+
+[Illustration: 0001]
+
+[Illustration: 0008]
+
+[Illustration: 0011]
+
+[Illustration: 0013]
+
+[Illustration: 0014]
+
+1898
+
+BY
+
+K. T. BOLAND.
+
+TO THE SONS AND THE DAUGHTERS OF THE VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR;
+
+TO THOSE WHO FOUGHT ITS BATTLES AND LIVED TO INSTIL ITS LESSONS OF
+PATRIOTISM IN THE HEARTS OF THEIR CHILDREN; TO THOSE OF ALL CLIMES WHO
+LOVE LIBERTY AND THE NOBLE LAND WHERE FREEDOM HAD HER BIRTH; TO THE
+MEMORY OF THE HEROES OF NORTH AND SOUTH WHO FELL IN battle; TO ONE
+UNITED COUNTRY,
+
+BOTH NORTH AND SOUTH, FOREVER ONE IN ALL NOBLE AND LOFTY PURPOSES AND
+AIMS; TO THE HOMES OF AMERICA; THIS BOOK IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED BY YOURS
+SINCERELY
+
+THE AUTHOR.
+
+CALEB B. SMITH, Secretary of Interior.
+
+EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
+
+GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy.
+
+WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.
+
+EDWARD BATES, Attorney-General.
+
+SIMON P. CHASE, Secretary of Treasury.
+
+MONTGOMERY BLAIR, Postmaster-General.
+
+JUDAH P. BENJAMIN, Attorney-General, War, State.
+
+ROBERT TOOMBS, Secretary of State.
+
+LEROY P. WALKER, Secretary of War.
+
+STEPHEN R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy.
+
+CHRISTOPHER G. MEMMINGER. Secretary of Treasury.
+
+JOHN H. REAGAN, Postmaster-General.
+
+[Illustration: 9015]
+
+HE scenes of the war, related by a boy who followed the flag from
+the beginning to the end of the war, must carry with them a sense of
+accuracy, for they are the recollections of actual service. Those books
+which have been written upon the war have, with very few exceptions,
+been penned from the standpoint of mature opinions and experiences. In
+this work the views and struggles of a boy who went into the army, from
+an honest desire to do right, are portrayed. To fight was abhorrent to
+his nature, but there was a call for men who were willing to defend the
+institutions of his beloved land. And that defense was only possible
+through bloodshed and conflict. Tenderly instructed by a loving and
+gentle mother, whose early home was in the South, it was almost a
+wrenching of her cherished opinions, to give him up to fight against
+her kindred. But her boy did not enter the contest with a thought of
+conquering his fellow-beings, but as a duty which, though painful,
+must be performed. How that dear mother gave him to his country, how he
+marched, and fought, and endured hardships, are here set forth in the
+colors of truth, for it is a true story.
+
+And that the boys and girls of to-day and their fathers and mothers may
+follow the varying fortunes of the boy of our story, thus ushered into
+the conflict, with pleasure and profit, is the heartfelt hope of
+
+The Author.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+Abraham Lincoln and His Cabinet.........................008
+
+A Business Street in Manila.............................389
+
+A Cuban Home............................................371
+
+Allan Pinkerton and Secret Service Officers.............073
+
+An Alexandria Anti-bellum Relic.........................069
+
+Appomattox Court House..................................227
+
+Artillery Going to the Front............................126
+
+Asking for Furlough.....................................095
+
+A Southern Mansion......................................086
+
+A Stolen Child..........................................338
+
+A Sugar Factory in Manila...............................377
+
+Attack on Fredericksburg................................145
+
+Attack on the Mail......................................337
+
+A Typical Colored Boy...................................080
+
+Battle of Bull Run......................................051
+
+Battle of Chancellorsville..............................298
+
+Battle of Malvern Hill-Lee's Attack.....................076
+
+Battle of Phillipi......................................046
+
+Battle of Shiloh........................................194
+
+Bearing Dispatches......................................106
+
+Burning of Chicago......................................328
+
+Burnside Bridge.........................................135
+
+Burying Old Bill........................................142
+
+Camp Douglas............................................159
+
+Camp Fire Songs.........................................117
+
+Camp Life-In the Kitchen................................071
+
+Camp Life on Monday.....................................077
+
+Camp of the Army of the Potomac.........................104
+
+Capitol at Richmond.....................................065
+
+Captain John L Worden Commanding the Monitor............175
+
+Capture of a White Child................................340
+
+Caring for the Dead.....................................055
+
+Charge of a Confederate Cavalry at Trevalian Station... 221
+
+Colonel John S Mosby and a Group of His Raiders.........211
+
+Confederate Soldiers' Monument--Richmond, Va............259
+
+Crossing Big Black River................................191
+
+Custer's Last Charge....................................347
+
+Death of Sitting Bull...................................343
+
+Decoration Day--Gettysburg..............................262
+
+Destruction of Cervera's Fleet..........................385
+
+Devil's Den.............................................208
+
+Dewey's Victorious Battle...............................375
+
+Diamond Joe and Aunt Judah When Young...................082
+
+“Do Any of You Know Peter Hall?”........................123
+
+Drinking from the Same Canteen..........................245
+
+Earthquake at Charleston................................334
+
+Episcopal Church at Alexandria, Va......................088
+
+Fairfax Court House.....................................027
+
+Fall of General James B McPherson near Atlanta..........215
+
+Federal Gunboat--Foraging...............................072
+
+Foraging................................................197
+
+Fort Donelson...........................................161
+
+Fortress Monroe.........................................022
+
+Fort Sumter.............................................019
+
+Franklin Buchanan Commanding the Merrimac...............172
+
+Fremont's Body Guard....................................101
+
+Fun in Camp.............................................119
+
+Garfield Lying in State.................................314
+
+Garfield's Struggle with Death..........................316
+
+General Grant's Birthplace..............................309
+
+General Hancock and Friends.............................153
+
+General Lee on His Favorite Horse.......................295
+
+General Longstreet Wounded by His Own Men...............213
+
+General Meade's Headquarters............................298
+
+General Miles...........................................393
+
+Gettysburg Cemetery Gate................................212
+
+Grant's Tomb-New York...................................258
+
+Grant Breaking a Horse..................................311
+
+Grant Plowing at the Age of 11..........................310
+
+Hailing the Troops......................................064
+
+Harper's Ferry..........................................040
+
+Horticultural Hall, Philadelphia........................323
+
+House Where Lee Surrendered.............................242
+
+Indian Chief............................................349
+
+Indian Dance............................................339
+
+Indian Schools of To-day................................341
+
+Indian Scout............................................350
+
+Interior of Hospital....................................249
+
+In Winter Quarters......................................105
+
+Jefferson Davis and His Cabinet.........................010
+
+Joe Hiding in the Woods.................................083
+
+John Brown's Capture....................................042
+
+Location of the Union Troops--Henry House...............053
+
+Making a Military Road Through a Swamp..................198
+
+Map-Battlefields of the Great Civil War.................147
+
+Map-Loyal and Seceding States...........................052
+
+Map--Showing the Seat of War............................132
+
+Map-The Shenandoah Valley...............................121
+
+McLean House............................................232
+
+National Cemetery at Richmond, Va.......................217
+
+Negro Village in Georgia................................036
+
+Off for the War.........................................018
+
+Old Aunt Judah..........................................081
+
+Old City Hall-New Orleans...............................113
+
+On Board the Hartford-Battle of Mobile Bay..............168
+
+On the March............................................039
+
+Picket Off Duty Forever.................................059
+
+Proposed Monument to Jefferson Davis....................260
+
+Portrait-Alexander H Stephens...........................024
+
+Portrait-Abraham Lincoln................................236
+
+Portrait-Admiral Cervera................................381
+
+Portrait--Benjamin F Butler.............................043
+
+Portrait-Brigadier-General Neal Dow.....................222
+
+Portrait-Buffalo Bill, a Foe of the Indians.............342
+
+Portrait-Belle Boyd.....................................257
+
+Portrait-Charles A Dana.................................133
+
+Portrait-Captain Charles Wilke..........................203
+
+Portrait-Capt Raphael Semmes............................218
+
+Portrait-Commander David D Porter.......................186
+
+Portrait-Christopher Carson.............................351
+
+Portrait-Colonel Charles W Le Gendre....................214
+
+Portrait-Florence Nightingale...........................255
+
+Portrait-Frances Willard................................358
+
+Portrait-General Ambrose E Burnside.....................125
+
+Portrait-General Custer.................................218
+
+Portrait-General George B McClellan.....................047
+
+Portrait-General George E Meade.........................151
+
+Portrait-General Grant..................................163
+
+Portrait-General Grant..................................231
+
+Portrait-General Hooker.................................154
+
+Portrait-General John A Dix.............................025
+
+Portrait-General James Longstreet, C S A................062
+
+Portrait-General Joseph E Johnston......................091
+
+Portrait-General John C Fremont.........................100
+
+Portrait-General John A Logan...........................190
+
+Portrait-General James B McPherson......................196
+
+Portrait-James Abram Garfield...........................315
+
+Portrait-General Lee....................................399
+
+Portrait-General Lew Wallace............................127
+
+Portrait-General Oliver O Howard........................220
+
+Portrait-General P T G Beauregard.......................045
+
+Portrait-General Phil Kearney...........................139
+
+Portrait-General Pickett................................209
+
+Portrait-General Rosecrans..............................136
+
+Portrait-General Stonewall Jackson......................182
+
+Portrait-General Winfield Scott.........................030
+
+Portrait-General Winfield Hancock.......................152
+
+Portrait-General William Tecumseh Sherman...............189
+
+Portrait-General Wade Hampton...........................205
+
+Portrait-General Robert Anderson........................292
+
+Portrait-Harriet B Stowe................................206
+
+Portrait-Henry Ward Beecher.............................021
+
+Portrait-Hobson.........................................383
+
+Portrait-Honorable Charles Sumner.......................087
+
+Portrait-Horace Greeley.................................204
+
+Portrait-James Murray Mason.............................020
+
+Portrait-John Slidell...................................020
+
+Portrait-John Brown.....................................041
+
+Portrait-Jennie Wade....................................209
+
+Portraits (from Photographs)-John M Morgan and Wife.....216
+
+Portrait-John A Winslow.................................219
+
+Portrait-John B Gordon..................................229
+
+Portrait-Jefferson Davis................................230
+
+Portrait-John Wilkes Booth..............................237
+
+Portrait-Lee's Surrender................................239
+
+Portrait-General Montgomery Meigs.......................026
+
+Portrait-Major-General Philip H Sheridan................226
+
+Portrait-Miss Nellie M Taylor...........................251
+
+Portrait-Miss Hattie A Dana.............................252
+
+Portrait-Mrs Mary D Wade................................252
+
+Portrait-Miss Clara Barton..............................253
+
+Portrait-Major-General Fitzhugh Lee, C S A..............094
+
+Portrait-Miss Louisa M Alcott...........................256
+
+Portrait-Mrs Mary Livermore.............................254
+
+Portrait-Miss Margaret Breckenridge.....................256
+
+Portrait-Robert E Lee...................................078
+
+Portrait-Rear Admiral David G Farragut..................186
+
+Portrait-Thomas A Edison................................325
+
+Portrait--Walter Q Gresham..............................223
+
+Portrait--William H Seward..............................320
+
+Portrait-William McKinley...............................356
+
+Portrait-William J Bryan................................356
+
+Pickets Examining Passes................................175
+
+Prayer in Stonewall Jackson's Camp......................183
+
+Prayer at the Funeral of the Maine's Victims............369
+
+Punishment in the Army..................................207
+
+Ralph and the Officer...................................029
+
+Ralph's Good-Bye........................................032
+
+Recruiting Office, New York City Hall Park..............181
+
+Rejoicing...............................................066
+
+Review of Soldiers-Washington...........................241
+
+Ruins of the House......................................085
+
+Sharp Shooters..........................................107
+
+Sheridan Reconnoitering at Five Forks...................224
+
+Siege Gun...............................................020
+
+Soldiers Near Santiago..................................395
+
+The Art Palace, World's Fair............................353
+
+The Battle of Atlanta, Ga...............................097
+
+Stand of Flags..........................................170
+
+The Death of Ellsworth..................................043
+
+The Frigate Cumberland Rammed by the Merrimac...........173
+
+The Sister's Farewell...................................277
+
+Thomas A Edison and His Talking Machine.................326
+
+The Soldier's Farewell..................................180
+
+Troops Going to Manila..................................373
+
+Uncle Ned...............................................149
+
+United States Military Wagon............................035
+
+Warning the Inhabitants.................................332
+
+Wesley Merritt and His Staff............................199
+
+West Point..............................................293
+
+What Caused the War-The Negro and Cotton................057
+
+Wounding of General Stonewall Jackson...................178
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+[Illustration: 9021]
+
+OOKS without number have been written upon the Civil War. There will
+probably be many more, for it is a fruitful theme. Many of them are
+faithful and accurate presentations of the great deeds done in that
+war. But whether large or small, they are all imbued with a desire
+to perpetuate that love of our country which should become one of the
+absorbing passions of the soul. It is a truth worth remembering--that
+the man who is a traitor to his country will be a traitor to all the
+relations of life.
+
+Our land, young as it is, has received an awful baptism of fire and
+blood. It sprang into being amid the anguish of the Revolution, and
+before it had achieved a century of freedom, it was plunged into one
+of the saddest conflicts which ever desolated a nation--the conflict
+between brothers, speaking the same tongue, living under the same
+government, and enjoying the same great privileges. But from that
+terrible ordeal it has emerged, and we are once more one in aim and
+purpose, and have taken our stand among the proudest nations of the
+earth, their equal in intelligent achievements, religion and progress.
+
+The little book we offer our young readers is the simple story, told
+in plain language, of a boy who was really in the army--one who left a
+pleasant home, as did thousands of others, a mere lad, loving his native
+land, knowing her need of strong hands and willing hearts to defend her.
+His purpose was noble, his mind fresh and ready for impressions; the
+scenes of those days are as ineffaceable as though written on marble,
+and not even the corroding touch of time can eat them away. So the
+present volume has been penned, that the boys and girls who read its
+pages may know of the hardships and self-sacrifice of the boys of those
+days--how cheerfully they enlisted to uphold the “starry flag,” whose
+folds shall ever “float o'er the land of the free, and the home of the
+brave.”
+
+There are other lessons to be taught, as well as that of courage alone;
+the lessons of patriotism, of sacrifice, of respect for a government
+that offers to all its protection so long as they obey its just and
+equitable laws. No one doubts the courage of our boys, but they must
+remember that there is a higher quality than mere bravery--regard for
+human life, that' it be not destroyed wantonly, a respect for others'
+rights and opinions, a readiness to submit to discipline, a willingness
+to yield up life when honor and duty demand it. All these thoughts were
+impressed upon the boy of our story, and made him a grander man for
+their lessons, when the pursuits of peace claimed him.
+
+To the boys and girls whose fathers and friends fought that a great
+principle should live, to those whose dear ones fell in battle, or died
+of wounds, to all who read this true history of one boy's life in the
+army, we send forth this picture, the type of a true soldier, who did
+not love war for its noise and glitter, but who conscientiously
+fought the battles of his country because he revered her beneficent
+institutions. It was there that he was taught what true freedom meant,
+and through all his trials, his privations, he kept his faith in God and
+humanity undimmed.
+
+Such was our boy, and of such material heroes are made.
+
+The Publishers
+
+
+
+
+THE CIVIL WAR AS SEEN BY A BOY.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. THE BEGINNING OF WAR.
+
+[Illustration: 9023]
+
+HE early {017}spring days of 1861 were dreams of beauty. The skies
+smiled blandly upon the earth, and every heart was glad that the long
+winter was over, and the charms of outdoor life could be enjoyed once
+more. Surely nature had done her part in making men happy.
+
+A spirit of unrest and uncertainty, however, brooded in the air. The
+long conflict between opposing ideas, which had waged so long and
+bitterly in politics and churches, and through the columns of the press,
+had come to a focus, and dread murmurs were abroad, of an impending war,
+and its attendant horrors. Men looked in each other's faces, and asked,
+with sad forebodings--“What is coming next?”
+
+The South made ample preparations to seize two South Carolina forts,
+Moultrie and Sumter, as early as December, 1860.
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner was the commander of Fort Moultrie, and,
+loyal to the government, he sent to Washington asking for reinforcements
+to help him hold that fort. This request offended the Southern members
+of Congress, who construed it into an insult, and demanded his removal.
+This demand was acceded to by Secretary of War Floyd, and Major Robert
+Anderson of Kentucky was appointed to supersede Colonel Gardner.
+
+Major Anderson, {018}faithful to the trust reposed in him by the
+government, soon decided that Fort Moultrie could not be held against
+a vigorous assault, and he moved his garrison secretly to Sumter, a
+fortress across the harbor. This fort could not be approached by land,
+and, consequently, from this fact, was deemed more secure against any
+opposing force. The undertaking was a dangerous one. The harbor was full
+of guard boats, vigilant and watchful, and only their supposition that
+the little rowboats containing Major Anderson and his men were laborers
+going to the other fort to work on it, prevented their detection and
+arrest.
+
+[Illustration: 0024]
+
+Moultrie's guns had been trained to protect this transfer in case the
+Major's intention was discovered, and the fort, whose defense rendered
+the gallant Anderson immortal, was occupied by his troops at only twenty
+minutes' notice! We think that was the quickest “moving time” on record.
+
+A siege gun which was turned upon Fort Sumter is shown on page 20.
+Its carriage is broken, and it was thus rendered useless by the
+Confederates, when they abandoned the fort in 1864.
+
+France {019}and England would not acknowledge the South as an
+independent nation, but the Confederate government did all possible to
+bring this about by sending Messrs. James M. Mason of Virginia and John
+Slidell of Louisiana to London and Paris with the hope that their claims
+would be recognized. Henry Ward Beecher, when in the height of his fame,
+afterward went to England, addressing immense audiences, and setting
+forth the true condition of American affairs.
+
+[Illustration: 0025]
+
+The hope of the Southerners was that the government would allow a
+peaceable withdrawal of the dissatisfied States, and that no bloodshed
+would be necessary, but as time went by and the most active preparations
+for keeping them in the Union were made by the general government, they
+commenced hostilities, and the first gun of the war was fired by the
+Confederates under General Beauregard on the morning of April 12, and
+while the officers and men within the fort were eating their breakfast,
+a perpetual bursting {020}of shells and shot kept them awake to the fact
+that the peace had been broken, and war had begun.
+
+[Illustration: 0026]
+
+After breakfast the force was divided up into firing parties and
+the first reply on the part of the Union was made by Captain Abner
+{021}Doubleday. But their guns were very light.
+
+A bombardment followed, and on the 14th of April, 1861, General Robert
+Anderson evacuated the fort.
+
+[Illustration: 0027]
+
+Blockade running was so common it became necessary to fit out out an
+expedition to close the most valuable of the openings, Hatteras Inlet.
+The first expedition projected for this purpuse was fitted out near
+Fortress Monroe and was under the command of Flag Officer Silas H.
+Stringham. The engagement lasted three hours with a complete victory for
+Stringham, and several blockade runners entered the inlet and were
+captured.
+
+The news fell like a pall upon the North. It was impossible so many and
+old man urged, that Americans, our own people could be so disloyal. Why
+had they done it? What did it mean? And when, in consequence of this
+act, President Lincoln ordered them to disperse within twenty days, and
+called for 75,000 men from the various States, to enlist to “suppress
+this combination against the laws,” the response came swiftly.
+
+In every town and village the patriotic fires were kindled, and boys and
+old men pressed on, side by side, willing to give their lives, if need
+be, to uphold their country's flag.
+
+{022}
+
+[Illustration: 0028]
+
+Many {023}a smooth-cheeked lad, loved dearly and tenderly reared, went
+forth from his home, never again to enter its portal. Alas, for those
+sad days!
+
+[Illustration: 9029]
+
+Recruiting went swiftly on. Speech-making and passionate appeals to the
+people were heard in every quarter of the North.
+
+Women could not fight, but they could organize sewing societies, and
+work untiringly for those who had gone to the front. Many an article
+found its way to the army that was useful, and when blood had been
+spilled, these same patient and tearful women sent lint, and bandages,
+and medicines, for the sick and wounded.
+
+As the call for soldiers awoke the boys and men of the North, so did a
+like summons from their leaders arouse the spirit of the South. They had
+orators in their midst, whose tones swayed them, and they, too, enlisted
+to form an army which should repel the “encroachments” of those whom
+they deemed their enemies.
+
+Boys went forth from luxurious homes, and stood shoulder to shoulder
+with the humblest, clad in the gray, all equally ready to sacrifice life
+and home to their idea of duty.
+
+One {024}lad, in his Western home, a dreamer thus far, the light of his
+widowed mother's life, heard the war cry, and the blood tingled in his
+veins as he listened to stirring arguments day by day, and saw one after
+another of his companions leave their homes to join the forces that were
+being hurried forward to headquarters.
+
+[Illustration: 0030]
+
+He felt that{025} he must go with them. Why not? His eye was as keen,
+his brain as clear, his arm as strong to do whatever his country
+required of him, as were theirs.
+
+[Illustration: 0031]
+
+This longing haunted him by day and night, until it became unbearable.
+He went to his mother, and with earnest words begged her to send him.
+Alas, that mother was not equal to the task. {026}She was loving,
+gentle and shrinking, and when he urged her to let him go, her answer
+was--“Ralph, you know not what you ask. Do you forget that I am a
+Southern woman, whose childhoods days were spent in that beautiful
+country? All my people are there. Would you have me send my boy away to
+fight those I love, and whose feelings I must share? You are asking too
+great a sacrifice at my hands.”
+
+“Mother, it is true that you were born and educated there. But did
+you not love my father so dearly that you left your home and all your
+friends to come to the North with him, where I was born?”
+
+[Illustration: 9032]
+
+A tender smile flitted across her still beautiful face. “Yes, I did love
+him,” she said softly to herself, “and I honor his memory. What shall I
+do?--I cannot forget my dear childhood's home. It is too hard a question
+for me to decide.”
+
+“Let me decide for you, mother. You surely love your Northern home and
+friends. The people of the South have fired upon our forts in Charleston
+harbor, and driven the garrison away. I, too, am a Southerner in many
+ways. Are you not my mother, and do you not know I honor every thought
+or wish of yours?”
+
+“There must be some other way to bring them back, rather than by
+fighting. War is a cruel and unnatural alternative. Why, they will be
+firing upon their own people--like brothers in one family falling out,
+and seeking to do each other deadly harm.” {027}
+
+[Illustration: 0033]
+
+Ralph {028}was silent. His heart burned with patriotic fire, and it
+seemed to him that it was his duty to help swell the numbers of those
+who were ready to respond to the President's call. But he also knew that
+his mother loved her early home, and that it seemed to her unnatural
+for him to be so ready to take up arms against “her people,” and he
+respected her too deeply to wound her willingly. That mother had been
+gently born, and when she met the young Northern lawyer, she had loved
+him from the first, and cheerfully shared his humble but peaceful home.
+She was now left alone in the world, with her three girls and this boy,
+the youngest. The fortunes of war were too varying. She might never see
+him again, and how could she live without him?
+
+To Ralph was presented a problem that he was called unexpectedly to
+solve. He pondered over it in the silence of night, and in the busy
+hours of day. Was it right to fly in the face of his beloved mother's
+prejudices by joining the Federal forces? On the one hand he felt that
+he, too, was Southern in feeling and in birth. His father was a Northern
+man, and he would uphold the old flag; but which side it was his duty to
+join, he could not determine. He was resolved to go into one of the two
+armies. In the crisis that had come, it was clearly every one's duty to
+come to the front.
+
+The boy talked with every one whom he could interest. He was not able
+to study out the problem alone. One of his schoolmates had the proud
+distinction of having an uncle who was a commissioned officer, and he
+took the bold step of meeting him one day when he was walking past his
+home.
+
+“Sir,” he said timidly, “may I speak to you?”
+
+“Certainly,” the officer replied. And then and there he poured forth his
+doubts, his desire to do what was right, his mother's objections--all,
+he told the waiting gentleman whose opinion he so desired.
+
+The officer laid his hand kindly on the boy's shoulder.
+
+“Your wish does you credit. The fortunes of war are too varying for me
+to decide for you. Try and work out the proper answer yourself, and may
+you be helped to make a wise decision.”
+
+Alas, {029}the question was too hard for a boy like him to answer. He
+was humbly trying to see where his duty lay, and then he was ready to
+enlist on whichever side called him. On one hand was his mother and her
+early teachings, on the other his dead father, with all his views. “What
+side would _he_ choose were he here?” was the ever-recurring thought in
+his anxious brain.
+
+[Illustration: 8035]
+
+But after weeks of this long, weary struggle, he decided to join the
+Union army. His mother saw that he believed he was shirking a duty, and
+that he longed for action.
+
+She thought she would make one more effort to change his purpose. She
+said to him suddenly one day, when she saw his troubled face: “Ralph,
+you are only seventeen. You have never been away from your home, and
+know nothing about hardships and privations. Do you think you could face
+a cannon, and know that its deadly mouth might lay you low on the field,
+mangled and torn?”
+
+“Oh, mother, I never think of such things. If I enlist, I must take my
+chances with the rest. I want to go with the other boys. Eddie Downing
+and George Martin have and are going into camp to-morrow, at Readville.”
+
+“But will the government accept you? Eddie and George are three or four
+years older than you. There are plenty of men, without taking a boy who
+is his mother's chief comfort.”
+
+{030}
+
+[Illustration: 0036]
+
+“I am strong and well. When I come back, you will be the proudest
+mother in the land, to think you sent your boy away. I may go with your
+blessing, may I not? That will protect me.”
+
+The {031}boy's eyes were moist with emotion. His mother, with a sigh,
+gave her reluctant consent, and though many a bitter tear was shed in
+the loneliness of her room, she bravely hid them from the boy she loved.
+
+Now that the decision was final, she made every preparation for the
+comfort of the boy who was to leave them so soon. His sisters wept
+continually--not a very cheerful parting, but Ralph was the idol of his
+home.
+
+“Mother,” he said to her a day or two after she had given her consent,
+“do not worry about me. I shall do my duty. This war _can't_ last long.
+Then I'll come back to you, and stay at home as long as I live, depend
+on that.”
+
+His beaming face half reassured her, and she began to share his
+enthusiasm. He was enrolled as a soldier. Although his youth was at
+first objected to, his earnestness carried the day, and he was told to
+report at Camp Hale at once.
+
+He was a real soldier at last! A genuine soldier, who must fight. He
+did not belong to the would-be soldiers, such as they used to call the
+“militia,” who simply paraded on the open green, or turned out on dress
+occasions, with the curious for an audience, who would watch and be
+astonished at their evolutions and their showy uniforms, when the Fourth
+of July or kindred days made their demands upon them.
+
+In his neat-fitting suit of blue, the cap setting jauntily upon his
+head, his musket in hand, and his belt with its bayonet buckled around
+him, he looked so manly that a thrill of pride flashed o'er his mothers
+face, as she looked at her boy, her Ralph, in his “soldier clothes.”
+
+But when the day came for him to leave the only home he had ever known,
+and he turned to take a last look at its plain walls, his heart almost
+failed him. His beloved mother stood in the doorway, her hands pressed
+over her face, while she strove to keep back the choking sobs, as she
+bade her boy--“Good-bye, and may God bless and protect you.” Those
+solemn words came back to Ralph in many a lonely hour, and brought him
+consolation and support.
+
+Thus, {032}in many homes, both North and South, were the heartstrings
+torn, as mothers and sisters bade farewell to the boys in blue and gray,
+who went to the front, to lay down their lives for duty's sake.
+
+Ralph was a proud boy when he joined his companions in camp, wearing
+the blue uniform, with its shining buttons bearing the U. S. stamp upon
+them.
+
+[Illustration: 0038]
+
+{033}
+
+[Illustration: 0039]
+
+He was naturally retiring, but now he felt as if the eyes of the world
+were upon him. He had taken an important step, and he would show his
+friends and that great big world that he knew exactly what he was doing.
+
+Camp life was one continual drill--so it seemed to him. Readville was a
+quiet little town, but its people were ablaze with patriotism, and the
+“boys in blue” were the recipients of perpetual admiration. Every move
+they made was noticed and approved, and it is not to be wondered at if
+some of them did greedily swallow considerable flattery, which led them
+to assume quite lofty airs.
+
+The sameness of life in camp soon wearied, and Ralph longed for
+something more stirring. When the bugle call rang out, every man sprang
+up, and, after a hasty ablution, at a second call they made a charge
+upon their breakfast with vehemence, and tin cups and plates rattled in
+a most discordant fashion. Then the drill began; first with musket and
+rifle, and then with the bayonet. A bayonet charge was a fierce reminder
+of the real thing. When men meet the enemy with fixed bayonets, a
+dreadful slaughter may always be counted on. This drilling was kept up
+at intervals, all through the day; first in squads and companies, and
+then the entire regiment would take part in the use of these weapons,
+and the various evolutions that the drill-master taught.
+
+Ralph was very anxious to become proficient in their use, and while many
+of the older men grumbled at this work, he kept on, learning at each
+repetition something more of their actual value.
+
+“You'll have to know all about this,” said Lieutenant Hopkins to them,
+or you'll be in a nice hole when you're caught out in the field. “We
+don't know how soon we may be sent to the front, and then there won't be
+much time for this sort of practice. It'll be march and fight then.”
+
+Way down in his heart this quiet stripling, hitherto jealously guarded
+from a knowledge of the world by a fond mother and sisters, had his own
+dreams of fame burning brightly and steadily. What if he could plan or
+assist in some grand sortie, and be mentioned {034}in the dispatches
+as “the gallant private of Company K---- Mass. Volunteers, whose valor
+turned the tide and carried the day?” Then probably he would be summoned
+before the commanding officer, and honors would be thrust upon him.
+Perhaps, if he kept on, he might be a general! What would the dear ones
+at home say then? The picture was too brilliant; his head fairly grew
+dizzy at the prospect.
+
+“I'll tell you,” he said to a comrade, “we are in no danger of starving
+here in camp, at any rate, if we don't have much variety.”
+
+“That's so. What's the matter with pork, beans, soup, bread, molasses
+(here he made a wry face), rice and hard tack? If we get enough
+of these, we'll pull through all right,” his companion responded
+cheerfully.
+
+“And we sleep as sound as kittens in our wooden bunks, with plenty of
+straw for a bed, and our big army blankets over us,” continued Ralph.
+
+“The pillows might be a little softer,” said Harvey Phillips. “Overcoats
+doubled up ain't quite as easy shook up as feathers.”
+
+“No, but our captain tells me that we are living in clover just at
+present. Wait till we go into a battle. Perhaps we'll come out without
+any heads, then we won't need any pillows,” laughed Ralph.
+
+“That's true. Your easy times are right here just now,” said a “vet,”
+ who had been in many a battle in the far West with the red men, and had
+“smelt powder” to his heart's content. “War looks very pretty on paper,
+with the big fellows at Washington moving the men like they're at a
+chessboard, but wait till the guns speak up on the field, and men to
+men are hurled against each other, to fight like demons. The real thing
+ain't so romantic, let me tell you youngsters.”
+
+“You can't frighten us,” said Harvey. “We are no three months' men. We
+enlisted for the war and we propose to see the war out.”
+
+“Boys, I tell you war aren't no pastime. It means work, and hardest kind
+of work, at that. It's a great thing to organize an army, and keep its
+various parts in trim. We don't usually {035}go out to fight the enemy
+with only a flask of powder, and a knapsack filled with soda crackers.
+There are men and horses and ammunition to carry along.”
+
+“Who takes care of all these matters?” asked Ralph.
+
+[Illustration: 0043]
+
+“The quartermaster. He looks after the rations, the ammunition, in
+fact, all the supplies--blankets for the men, medicines for the sick and
+transportation for the baggage. He is usually a captain or a lieutenant.
+The government appoints him.”
+
+“Does he fight?”
+
+“Oh, no. He's got no time for that. He has to look after the fellows who
+do the fighting. The quartermasters have excitement and danger enough,
+however, in protecting their stores They ain't like the sutlers.”
+
+{036}
+
+[Illustration: 0044]
+
+“What is a sutler?”
+
+“He's a chap that gets permission from the government to carry things
+to sell to the soldiers. He furnishes them at his own expense, and then
+trades and sells them to the boys.”
+
+“Is he a soldier?”
+
+“Not much. You don't see him in the battlefield. He takes good care not
+to interfere in any skirmishes going on. Somehow, the smell of powder
+don't agree with him.”
+
+“Then he goes to war to make money?”
+
+“That's {037}just what he does. He oftener loses it, though, and then
+his friends don't cry nor take up a collection for him. Still, he's
+generally a good sort of a fellow. He's obliging and always willing to
+trust a man. Often the boys help themselves to his goods without his
+leave, and then he's out that much. He has his ups and downs like the
+rest of us.”
+
+[Illustration: 0045]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. ORDERED TO WASHINGTON.
+
+[Illustration: 9046]
+
+AMP life {038}was pleasant, aside from the perpetual drilling, marching
+and countermarching. Friends had access to the boys at stated times,
+little gifts and pledges were exchanged, and the time passed swiftly.
+One day there was great excitement. Coffee was swallowed hastily,
+knapsacks were packed in a hurry, arms were brightened up, ammunition
+was dealt out, and the word ran through the camp--“We are ordered to
+report at Washington.”
+
+“Now I shall know something of what is going on. Poor mother, she will
+grieve over her absent boy, and fancy me in a thousand dangers. But I
+will write to her often, that will cheer her up.”
+
+And he did. Many a line he scribbled on his knee with a bit of pencil or
+a blackened stick, telling her of his safety and health. These short but
+welcome missives were read over and over, and fondly kissed, the dear
+little messengers of love and hope.
+
+The war cloud was growing darker. The government arsenal at Harper's
+Ferry had been burned by Lieutenant Jones, who knew it would lessen
+its value to the Southern forces, who were marching upon the town. The
+latter, however, saved considerable of the government property, and next
+seized the bridge at Point of Rocks, thus circumventing General Butler,
+who was near Baltimore. They also took possession of several trains,
+which they side-tracked into Strasburg, a measure which helped the
+Confederate train service in Virginia very perceptibly.
+
+The ride of the boys in blue to Washington lay through the mountains
+of West Virginia, where nature revels in grand surprises. Many a little
+cabin perched far up the hillside was the home {039}of those who had
+shed tears when old John Brown was led forth to die. Poor and scanty
+though their daily fare was, they were loyal and true, and the spirit of
+defiance to the old flag found no echoes in their breasts.
+
+[Illustration: 0047]
+
+To Ralph the scenery appealed with deep solemnity. He was born in the
+West, where the green seas of the prairies seemed to know {040}no limit.
+To him hills and valleys, with their somber shadows, were objects of
+awe. He noted the beautiful homes of wealth and taste as he was whirled
+swiftly by on the train. He saw the black faces of slaves working in
+garden or field, and heard their voices as they talked.
+
+[Illustration: 0048]
+
+“Fore de Lawd!” he heard a grizzled old darkey say, as they drew into a
+small station for water, “pears like dey look jess like de white folks
+do down here!”
+
+“You 'spected dey had horns, didn't you? Well, I knowed better. I'se
+been Norf wid Massa too many times to take in dat _idee_.”
+
+Washington, the capital of the nation, was reached. As they {041}steamed
+into the depot, and began to unload, Ralph, for the first time since
+leaving home, felt lonely. He saw throngs of people, but all was strange
+and new to him, and his heart sank. The city was full of soldiers
+waiting for orders, so full that it was a puzzle where to quarter them.
+
+[Illustration: 9049]
+
+The Government buildings were full to overflowing, they
+“bunked” every-where, and wild pranks these boys played, their love
+of fun leading them into many a mad frolic. The city was too small for
+their mischievous natures, and it was no uncommon thing to make a trip
+into the surrounding territory, bent on extorting all the sport they
+might out of what most of them regarded as a sort of a gala time. “But
+we are ready whenever we are called upon,” was their unanimous cry.
+The shooting of Colonel Ellsworth at Alexandria, because he tore down
+a secession flag, so short a time previous, and his prompt avenging, as
+you remember, had roused them to a sense of the hostility which was felt
+by those who sought to divide the North and South. Then the attack of
+the mob of Baltimore upon the Sixth Massachusetts, {042}while being
+transported from one depot to another, was another proof that their
+brothers of the South had trampled friendly feelings beneath their feet,
+and that the fires of sectional jealousy were burning fiercely.
+
+[Illustration: 0050]
+
+Their journey lay through a hostile State, and sober faces succeeded the
+jokes and laughter of the past few weeks. The South was plainly up in
+arms, and that “rebellion,” which the whole North at first thought but
+the task of a few weeks to crush, began to assume the appearance and
+proportions of a long and cruel conflict.
+
+General Butler was in command of the military department of Virginia.
+
+[Illustration: 8051]
+
+“Wonder {043}if that means fight?” soliloquized Ralph. “The lads say
+he is a smart lawyer, but I don't know as that proves him to be a good
+fighter.”
+
+Ralph wrote often to that dear mother who was praying for her boy. “We
+move to the front to-morrow,” so his letter ran. “I know how fond you
+are of your boy. I am going to do my duty, I believe. But is it not an
+awful thought that it is no foreign foe we shall meet, but our own
+people?--that is the sting in it to me.”
+
+[Illustration: 8051]
+
+The night before the battle the boys slept as calmly as if they were at
+home. At dawn they were called to march, and after an attack upon their
+rations, they began the advance into Virginia. Raw and undisciplined,
+they did not accept the gravity of the situation. They marched along,
+light-hearted and gay, enjoying the change from quiet camp life with all
+the zest of school boys. Many of them fell out of the ranks and picked
+the luscious berries growing thickly by the wayside, while others
+wastefully tossed out the water in their {044}canteens and filled them
+with fresh every time they came to one of the springs which abounded in
+that beautiful and fertile region.
+
+“This isn't hard work,” Ralph thought. “We are having more fun than
+ever.”
+
+A halt had been called for a few moments' rest. A few rods from the road
+a dark stream ran slowly by, whose depths no one knew. A swim in its
+cool waters was proposed at any hazard, and, quickly disrobing, some of
+the younger ones plunged in, and were having a merry time, when the roll
+of the drum was heard and the marching was resumed. Here was a fix! The
+army began to move, and a dozen soldiers were still in the stream, who
+snatched up the first garments they saw and hastened to dress. In their
+confusion they had almost to a man seized the wrong clothes, and the fit
+of some of them was ludicrous. But changes were quickly made, and after
+much good-natured “chaffing” they fell into line, and were as sedate and
+soldierlike as any “vet” among them.
+
+The cry, “On to Richmond!” sounded throughout the land.
+
+Officers and soldiers had been massed near Washington long enough,
+and the people, as well as the boys in blue, were impatient tor some
+results, now that an army had been called into being. The soldiers pined
+for action; the people were anxious to know what would be the outcome.
+
+“Who commands the Southerners?” Ralph asked old “Bill” Elliott, a
+soldier who had taken quite a fancy to the boy, and was ready to answer
+his questions at all times.
+
+“Beauregard, the same chap who opened fire on Fort Sumter.”
+
+“And what does he propose doing now?”
+
+“Well, as I am not in his confidence, I can't just tell you, but I 'low
+we're not going to be in the dark long, neither are we likely to be the
+gainers by any move he makes if he can help it. He's got some thirty
+thousand men with him, and we'll have a lively time soon, you bet.”
+
+“The {045}men want a brush, I think, from what they say. They're
+becoming tired of waiting.”
+
+[Illustration: 0053]
+
+“And so does the country; but they don't know how much easier it is
+to talk war than to be in it. What does the man who stays at home know
+about the dangers and trials of a soldier's life? How is he capable of
+judging whether it is time to fight or where it is best to strike,
+or how many odds a general of an army has against him? We'll have war
+enough before long--they needn't fear.” {046}
+
+[Illustration: 0054]
+
+“Well, {047}I suppose we'll some of us be in it soon, and who knows how
+many of us will come out?”
+
+[Illustration: 0055]
+
+“Why, boy, you're not showing the white feather, I hope!' and Bill
+peered anxiously into the lad's troubled face.
+
+“No, {048}sir, I am not, but I can't help thinking of my poor mother,
+and, besides, you know I am going to fight her people. My mother is a
+Virginian.”
+
+“Is that so? I know, then, she must feel bad have you in our army. I
+can't blame her, nuther.
+
+“But she's loyal to our flag, Bill,” the boy hastened to add. “It would
+break her heart, though, if anything should happen to me.”
+
+“Cheer up! You'll get through all right. I can feel it in my bones.”
+
+Ralph laughed. “Why, of course I shall. It seems to me this war won't be
+a very long one.”
+
+“Perhaps not--you can't tell. But McClellan taught the Johnnies a lesson
+at the 'races' the other day.”
+
+“The 'races?'” Ralph's eyes opened wide.
+
+“Yes, the 'Philippi races,'” Bill went on. “The Confeds ran so fast from
+our boys at that battle that they dubbed their retreat the 'Philippi
+races,' in honor of the speed they showed. He has been made a general,
+and given the Ohio troops to command. He crossed the Ohio with four
+regiments and banged after the enemy. He found it hard work, for they
+say Colonel Porterfield burned all the bridges. He wasn't long in
+putting them in order, though, and getting over some big reinforcements.
+He routed them at Philippi and at Rich Mountain. Government ought to
+remember him, I tell you.”
+
+And it did, for “Little Mac,” as he was called, was made
+commander-in-chief of the Army of the Potomac. {049}
+
+
+{050}
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. RALPH'S FIRST BATTLE.
+
+[Illustration: 9057]
+
+T Washington all sorts of rumors were plenty. It was generally known,
+however, that General Beauregard was making for Bull Run, where the
+stream presented a natural barrier. General McDowell left Washington
+with a force, whose accompaniments of civilians, following the marching
+columns on foot, reporters, congressmen and idle sight-seers in
+carriages, was a motley and curious sight. Everyone declared this to be
+the battle which was to close out the rebellion, and all were jubilant
+at the prospect.
+
+On the army pressed under the brave McDowell, who was planning to
+execute a flank movement upon the Confederates' left. A two hours'
+engagement routed the Rebels, who fled before the Union charge.
+
+The victory seemed to the Federal troops an easy one, but Generals
+Johnston and Beauregard took the field in person, and, planting their
+artillery in a piece of woods, they held the open plateau across which
+the Federals were advancing, wholly at their mercy. General McDowell
+could see nothing of this, owing to the shape of the ground, only by
+mounting to the top of the Henry House, where they took their stand, and
+where the attack was resumed in the afternoon.
+
+The men on both sides were raw troops; they had not become the machines
+that after fighting made them. This was to most of them their first
+encounter, and as shot and shell flew rapidly by them, as the Union men
+advanced over the open ground upon the enemy, who were concealed
+within the woods, only to be picked off, one by one, by the Confederate
+sharpshooters, who took the gunners at their batteries, they became
+disheartened.
+
+[Illustration: 0058]
+
+[Illustration: 0059]
+
+The {052} fight in the forenoon had exhausted them, and they were
+unprepared for the work still to be done.
+
+The battle was fierce; men were falling like hail, in all the agonies
+of death. Here a drummer boy was lying face downward, his stiff hand
+clutching the stick whose strokes would never wake the echoes again.
+There an officer, his uniform dyed with blood, lay prostrate on the
+ground, his horse half across his stiffening body, while at every turn
+the wounded were huddled together, in the positions in which they fell.
+
+[Illustration: 0060]
+
+Ralph's heart turned sick, as he saw the brave fellows who manned the
+batteries tumbling over each other, many of them shot through the heart,
+as the Confederates, tempted by their success, stole nearer to the guns.
+
+Captain Griffin, who made the sad mistake of thinking the troops were
+his own men coming to his aid, permitted the nearer approach of the
+Confederates. He discovered his error when a volley of musketry took
+nearly every gunner and stretched Lieutenant Ramsay low in death, as the
+rebels rushed in and seized the guns.
+
+{053}
+
+[Illustration: 0061]
+
+The {054}fighting went pluckily on; both sides were in deadly earnest.
+The batteries seemed to be the coveted prize, and they were taken and
+retaken, first by one army, and then the other.
+
+Worn and harassed, in the confusion that ensued, regiments and companies
+became mixed, and thousands of men lost track of their companies and
+wandered about, not knowing where they belonged.
+
+In the dense smoke that covered the battle ground, Ralph became lost,
+and, making a short turn, found a clump of trees with a thick growth
+of underbrush. He heard voices, and threw himself flat upon the ground,
+determined not to be taken prisoner.
+
+“Wonder what General Beauregard's next move will be?” The tones were low
+and even.
+
+“Well, Lieutenant, we cannot know at present, but it is certain we have
+taught the Yanks a lesson this day. They'll never forget Johnston's
+brigade. They were so sure of whipping us. It was a hot battle, and
+three or four times I thought we had lost. Those fellows fight well, but
+they're no match for the South. What's the matter over there? See, our
+men are retreating. Don't they know we've won the day?”
+
+It was true. So many times had the victory changed hands, that it was
+hard to tell who had won finally and it looked as if the Confederate
+line was breaking.
+
+Jeff Davis' heart sank as he came up from Manassas and found that
+hundreds of Confederates, under the impulse of fear, were fleeing to
+the rear. He kept on, only to find that the Northern army was in
+full retreat, and the battle of Bull Run was a bitter defeat for the
+Federals.
+
+Ralph lay there in ambush, pale with dread. He feared capture more than
+death. He rose quickly as the two officers galloped away, to stay their
+men, and looked upon the scene. Lines of men in blue and gray stretched
+away in the distance, while the noise of the guns, the neighing of
+wounded, horses, the huzzas of the victors, drowning the groans of the
+wounded, made him faint with horror, and his cheeks grew white as he
+saw men lying on their backs, their glassy eyes staring up to the sky,
+{055}their faces ghastly and white, and peaceful, or else distorted with
+pain. Here a wounded soldier would half raise himself on one arm, and
+beg for water, while others, bleeding and dying, lay uncomplainingly,
+their eyes fixed on the blue sky, which nevermore would greet their
+waking vision.
+
+[Illustration: 0063]
+
+In the dim light he saw all this, and knew not where to go. The terrible
+sights and hideous silence which succeeded the noise of conflict
+sickened him, and Ralph, the brave soldier boy, actually fainted.
+
+“What's this? Why, it's Ralph! Is he killed?”
+
+The tones sounded, to the boy's benumbed senses, far away, as a
+{056}heavily bearded man knelt down and placed his hand upon his heart.
+He saw it was Bill, and the flush of mortification mounted to his brow,
+as he tried to rise.
+
+“I was weak--dizzy--and I--”
+
+“I know all about it!” good-humoredly laughed Bill Elliott, for he
+it was. “This is your first appearance, and you had a sort of a stage
+fright.”
+
+Ralph bit his lips with vexation.
+
+“Oh, that's nothing. You'll make a better showing next time. You'll live
+to be a brigadier-general. But I was kinder rattled myself when I saw
+you so still. I didn't know but some fellow had tuk good aim at you!”
+
+“I'm not hurt in the least, Bill.”
+
+“Well, boy, come on. We've been whipped bad, and are most unpleasantly
+nigh those fellows with the guns over thar, and as I'm pretty tall, they
+might choose me for a mark, just to keep their hands in.”
+
+The Federal army, broken and defeated, straggled back to Washington,
+footsore, dirty and hungry. No battle during the war was fought with
+more desperation, and bravery was shown by both sides--the Union and the
+Confederate.
+
+And though the defeat of General McDowell's forces was a blow to the
+pride of the North, it carried a valuable lesson; that the South would
+not be persuaded back to its old allegiance.
+
+To the boys of this generation slavery is almost a myth. But when the
+Civil War broke out the blacks were held in bondage to masters who had
+acquired them by purchase or inheritance, and thus they represented
+property or wealth.
+
+The South bitterly resented any interference with an institution which
+many of them honestly regarded as divine. In the North opinion was
+divided, some believing slavery to be wrong, but that it would gradually
+die out. All classes were unwilling that it should be extended into new
+territory.
+
+This difference of opinion led to the conflict which caused brave men
+to take up arms and arrayed brother against brother, in defense of what
+each believed to be just and fair.
+
+{057}
+
+[Illustration: 0065]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. RALPH DOES PICKET DUTY.
+
+[Illustration: 9066]
+
+LD Bill was a little fearful, spite of Ralph's protestations, {058}lest
+his boy, as he dubbed him, was going to show the white feather, after
+all, and so he kept him well under his eye.
+
+“I don't want the tarnal little rascal skipping, for it 'ud go hard with
+him to be caught. They'd shoot him sure.”
+
+But he didn't know the true mettle of the boy. He was no coward, if he
+did turn sick at the scenes of his first battle, and he was a lad of
+honor, and would have died before he would leave his post.
+
+So he felt a little down-hearted when orders came for a detail from
+Company K to turn out for picket duty. The men themselves felt rather
+blue at this news, for they were worn out and disheartened by their late
+tussle, but they didn't expect their wishes would be considered in the
+matter. Ralph's eyes gleamed with joy, for he longed for adventure.
+
+“Bill, I believe you think I am cowardly. You'll change your mind soon,
+I know.”
+
+That individual grimly responded: “Picket duty is a very cheerful way of
+passing one's time, but I guess you'll do.”
+
+The picket line was twelve miles distant, and as the men got into line,
+the air and the excitement infused courage into Ralph's breast. They had
+been ordered out to relieve a regiment which had seen some hard work,
+and who were anxious to get into shelter.
+
+{059}
+
+[Illustration: 0067]
+
+The newcomers were told what spots needed the most watching, and as soon
+as they were stationed at their posts and received {060}the necessary
+instructions, they settled down to the importance of the duty assigned
+them.
+
+The woods lay behind them, and each picket sought their friendly
+shelter, well aware that any “change of base” on their part would be an
+invitation to the enemy to pick them off.
+
+Memories of home filled Ralph's breast. The night was dark and starless.
+A strong wind blew at intervals, now howling dismally through the trees,
+and then shifting its course, rushing down the bank, as if it would rend
+the earth and the tall grass in its anger.
+
+“I wonder if mother thinks of her soldier boy,” he pondered.
+
+When does a mother ever cease to think of and pray for her children?
+
+The night wore on. Perfect quiet reigned, and Ralph began to consider
+picket duty not half so risky as Old Bill called it, after all. But as
+he kept his eyes on the opposite bank, where the “Johnnies” were, he
+fancied he saw a small dark object creeping through the grass down to
+the river, where it seemed to be looking up and down its shore. His
+heart beat fiercely. What was it? he asked himself. Was it a man or some
+animal hiding in the grass? If it were a reb, he would be shot dead, at
+the least move on his part--that he well knew.
+
+I am afraid you will not think my boy was much of a hero, but the truth
+is, he was very much in love with life, as all young people should be,
+and, though willing to do his whole duty, he could not help feeling a
+trifle nervous about his surroundings, so he stooped quickly down behind
+a tall bush that appeared to be growing there just for his benefit.
+
+The object on which his gaze was fixed seemed so small that he almost
+laughed aloud at his own fears.
+
+“Why, it's only a dog that's strayed into camp,” he said.
+
+“Wonder if they fatten him on hard tack.”
+
+His gaze was riveted upon the dark mass, and his surprise nearly found
+vent in a low whistle, which he speedily checked, as he saw a man or a
+boy steal noiselessly along the bank, till he came {061}to a place where
+the grass was tangled and thick, and stooping down he pulled a wide
+board from its hiding-place, and picking up a long piece of wood which
+lay there, he stepped on the plank and commenced to paddle across the
+stream.
+
+Ralph lay in the grass behind the bush, breathlessly watching the
+approaching figure. Suddenly a dog began to bark on the opposite shore,
+and the man on the plank gave utterance to a low, angry exclamation.
+The dog stopped barking, and the stranger came slowly on, till his novel
+craft touched the shore within five feet of Ralph.
+
+He saw to his amazement that it was a boy, even younger than himself, it
+seemed in the dim light, and he waited breathlessly till he came closer,
+and was halted by Ralph's gun, which he brought sharply against the
+other's breast, while his own was on fire with excitement, as he cried
+aloud--“Halt--you are my prisoner!”
+
+For a moment these two boys faced each other; then the stranger threw
+his head proudly back, and, with a gesture of impatience, replied:
+
+“I will not be made a prisoner--I am merely going about my own
+business.”
+
+“And that business is to spy upon our lines!” Ralph said hotly.
+
+“Take me to your superior officer. I can soon convince him that I am
+doing no harm,” answered the boy.
+
+A stir ran through the picket lines, as the news was passed on that a
+rebel spy had been captured, and soon the lad, whose proud carriage and
+haughty face involuntarily commanded attention, was at headquarters,
+where to all questioning he remained dumb, after telling an apparently
+truthful story that he was crossing the river to visit an old uncle, and
+knew nothing of the movements of either army.
+
+“This 'old uncle' is one I fancy we'd better try to unearth,” said
+Colonel Tuttle. “His acquaintance would be worth cultivating.” {062}
+
+[Illustration: 0070]
+
+The boy would give no further account of himself. His frank, boyish face
+and manly bearing impressed the officer of the day favorably, and he
+muttered to himself--“Wonder if he is a spy. If all the Johnnies are
+as brave and resolute as this youth we'll have to work hard to conquer
+them.”
+
+An opinion which he found cause to verify often.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. RALPH AT HEADQUARTERS.
+
+[Illustration: 9071]
+
+OU'RE in {063}luck, my boy,” and Bill Elliott's face showed genuine
+pleasure as he shook hands with Ralph. “You are to show yourself at
+headquarters and receive your reward, as the good boys in story books
+always do.”
+
+An orderly came up to Ralph, and said:--“You are wanted at
+headquarters.”
+
+Ralph proceeded to the officers' tent. For the first time he stood in
+the presence of his commanding officers, and as he saluted respectfully,
+a tall, kindly-faced man looked at him with some surprise.
+
+“How old are you?” was the abrupt query, as the officer looked in the
+beardless face of the boy.
+
+“Nearly eighteen, sir.”
+
+“Have you seen any service yet?”
+
+“I was at Bull Run.”
+
+The fine face clouded with sadness. “That was hard and tedious fighting.
+You brought in a prisoner last night, whom we have strong reasons
+to believe is a rebel spy. You have shown two qualities befitting a
+soldier--pluck and forgetfulness of self. Your captain commends you to
+me, and I have thought proper to make you a corporal.”
+
+Ralph's heart beat loud and fast. What had he done to deserve this
+honor?
+
+“Your warrant will be handed to you, and you are expected to attend
+strictly to all its requirements.”
+
+To a general or a colonel the promotion would not seem very exalted; but
+to this boy, who could not realize why he had been selected, it was as
+if he had suddenly been lifted into the seventh {064}heaven To be
+sure, it only meant two stripes on his jacket sleeve, and a trifle
+of authority, but it also meant encouragement and notice from his
+superiors, He could not answer, but, bowing low, he left the tent.
+
+[9072]
+
+“A board of inquiry must be appointed at once, and we'll see what this
+lad whom Corporal Gregory brought in is doing within our lines.”
+
+The boy was marched before them, but he parried all their questions, and
+maintained a resolute and fearless mien.
+
+“I have told you the truth,” he said proudly.
+
+“I was going to make a visit when I was seized. You see I have no
+weapons.”
+
+“Spies do not always carry arms. Papers are more to their taste. You say
+you came to see an uncle. Where does he live? Why did you visit him at
+night?”
+
+“I knew {065}that the enemy lay near us, and I didn't want to be taken
+prisoner.”
+
+“Where is this uncle?”
+
+“He lives back of the bluff, on the right hand side of the road.”
+
+“We'll invite him into our camp, and see if he'll own the relationship.”
+
+[Illustration: 0073]
+
+The boy's face flushed with wounded pride, as he answered scornfully:
+
+“We call our old servants uncle and aunt. He is an old colored man, and
+lives on this side of the river--one of our old slaves, whom my father
+freed.”
+
+“We'll send you to the guard-house until more is known about you,” was
+the stern retort.
+
+The boy was removed to the guard-house. To Ralph he was {066}an object
+of much interest. His sympathies went out to him and he longed to say
+something comforting.
+
+And so when his turn to act as corporal of the guard, with the abrupt
+frankness of youth, he blurted out:
+
+“What were you doing over here the other night?”
+
+[Illustration: 0074]
+
+“I have given an account of myself to your superiors.”
+
+“Don't be so lofty. I don't mean to be inquisitive, but I thought
+you might like to know that I am awful sorry I brought you into this
+trouble.”
+
+The boys face softened.
+
+“I don't know as you could do anything else under the circumstances.
+{067}I suppose, in fact, I know, I'd have done just as you did. Perhaps
+worse,” he muttered. “I might have shot you.”
+
+“Then you don't hold any grudge against me?”
+
+“Well, I can't pretend that I'm grateful to you for my detention in this
+hole, but I can't blame you, either.”
+
+“Were you really going to see the old slave you told the colonel about?”
+
+An indescribable expression flitted across the boy's features. “I said
+so once. My word is usually taken, where I am known. Why do you ask?”
+
+“Oh, from curiosity, I suppose. You look too young to be very
+dangerous.”
+
+“I'm as old as you are. You look too young to be carrying arms against
+your countrymen.”
+
+“Oh, I'm going to help put down this rebellion.”
+
+“A hard job you've selected. It is not a rebellion; it's an uprising
+against meddlesome Yankee interference.”
+
+Ralph's eyes flashed fire. “You don't mean to say that you justify the
+South, do you?”
+
+“I not only justify it, but am proud to belong to a people who can never
+be subdued. Your people are trying to force us to give up our rights,
+but we won't be driven. We have thousands of men in the field, who do
+not know how to fear. And when their places are vacant, more are waiting
+to fill them. We despise the North, and want to be a separate people.”
+
+“You despise a government that has always protected you in all your
+rights. You have no cause for wishing to be disunited. How dare you talk
+so to me?”
+
+“'Dare?' Am I not your equal? Why should I not speak when I am
+insulted?”
+
+“Don't talk treason to me again, then.”
+
+“I am a prisoner,” the boy said, sadly, “innocent of any crime,
+surrounded by foes and powerless. Were it not so you would not give me a
+defiance.”
+
+Ralph's conscience smote him. It did appear as if the odds were on
+{068}his side, and with the quick generosity of youth he said--
+
+“I am sorry for you. We will not quarrel.”
+
+Not to be outdone in generosity, the other replied--“I believe you; but
+we had better not talk about it any more, for we can never agree, and
+we are both hot-headed. You see affairs in a different light from what I
+do, that is all.”
+
+The next day the youth was rigidly examined. He gave his name as Charles
+Arlington, stated that he was merely crossing the river to look after
+the old slave; that he had chosen the night-time as he heard the Union
+pickets were thrown out, and he did not think, with his knowledge of
+the stream, that he would be captured in the darkness. Meantime, the
+soldiers had been searching, and had found an old half imbecile negro in
+a little cabin half a mile back from the river, whom they brought into
+camp, shaking with fear.
+
+“Old man,” one of the soldiers said, “do you know this boy?”
+
+“Yas, honey. I knows him well. I'se old Marsa Thomas' boy. I bin on his
+old plantation since he was a baby. His mud-der was one of de----”
+
+“Say, we don't care who his mother was. What do you know about the boy
+standing there?”
+
+“Yas, yas, I knows lots. Why, he was de littlest pickaninny of de
+hull lot, and his father he say to me, 'Jim'--I was young and strong
+den--'Jim, dis yere boy's gwine to be your young mastah some day, if
+he ebber grows big enuff. And I tole him de sweetest posies were always
+small, like de vi'lets and lilies ob de valley, and--”
+
+“You black rascal, we don't want a dissertation on flowers. Tell us
+about the young man standing there.”
+
+“Yas, marsa, but you tole me to tell you all 'bout him, and doan't I hab
+to begin at the beginning?”
+
+“Well, go on,” the Colonel interposed. {069}
+
+[Illustration: 0077]
+
+“Dat ar chile dere was de idle of Massa Thomas' heart. My old woman,
+Easter, who's dun been dead dese free years, nussed him. {070}And when
+she died she cried mo' for leabing him alone in dis cold world dan she
+did fer me. You see de boy's mudder was put under de roses when he was
+only a few days in de world, and Easter she lubbed him mo' fer dat.
+Oh, de old times kaint come back no mo'. Marsa Thomas is in de war wid
+Gineral Johnston, and 'fore he went he say to me--'Jim, you'se been
+a faiful old servant, and I gibs you yo freedom.' 'I doan't want it,
+Marsa,' I say. 'Let me lib and die wid you,' 'Yo neber shall want,' he
+kep' on, 'go lib in de little cabin toder side ob de ribber. You know he
+owns bof sides ob dis yere big plantation. 'Go lib dar, and de chilluns
+will look arter you.' An' bress dere hearts, dey all does care for po'
+old Jim. But I fell sick wid some sort ob a feber, and de rest ob 'em
+got a little scared like, all but dis yere chile. He neber left me till
+I done got well and able to hoe my leetle truck patch. And now he's tuk
+a prisoner, fer being kind to de po' ole man, who won't lib many years
+longer, to git him into trubble.”
+
+The old man's withered features shone with a light that was beautiful;
+his utterance was choked, and the tears rolled down his black cheeks as
+his simple eloquence found its way to the hearts of those who heard him.
+
+“Sergeant, release the boy and let him go home. And while we stay here,
+see that the old man is not molested.”
+
+“Praise de Lawd! Bress you for yore kindness.”
+
+The boy bowed courteously to the Colonel, and with a look of gratitude
+he passed out of the officer's tent, with the old man hobbling after
+him. As he approached Ralph he said, “Goodbye. We may meet again.”
+
+It was not all danger and dread with the boys in the army. Weeks passed
+swiftly, and fun reigned in camp. The gypsy life held charms for them
+such as no indoor employment could offer. The men were hardy and strong,
+and with light hearts talked of the battles yet in store for them.
+And when jests were exchanged, often after having come from a scene of
+carnage, it would be hard to believe that these same men were ready
+to respond at any moment if summoned by the long roll of the drum into
+action.
+
+In {071}the early part of the war many little conveniences were provided
+for the rank and file, among them being tents for shelter, which did not
+keep out the cold, however, and many a man died from disease who would
+have lived to fight, had he been properly housed. The second winter,
+however, many huts were put up, rough enough, but better calculated to
+withstand the cold than canvas.
+
+[Illustration: 0079]
+
+Each company had a “cook tent” and a cook, generally selected from
+the men, the officers boasting a “cullered individual” who was always,
+according to his own account, a “perfeshunal.” The culinary department
+was ever a point of interest to the men, whose appetites were never so
+dainty that they failed to enjoy their daily rations. No soldier, no
+matter from what part of the North he came, {072}ever turned up his nose
+at the beans, which were cooked in holes dug in the earth, and filled
+with hot embers, in which the iron pot containing them was buried and
+kept there all night.
+
+To Bill Elliott fell the task of ministering to the hungry ones of his
+company, and many were the compliments he received.
+
+“You can broil a chicken as good as any French cook,” a man would
+coaxingly declare.
+
+[Illustration: 0080]
+
+“Not a boughten one,” Bill replied; “somehow those kind of chickens the
+sutler has on hand don't have the genooine flavor.”
+
+The hint was always taken, and alas, for the poor farmer who had a nice
+hen-roost, or a young porker in the sty. They had no regard for property
+rights, and though they were not supposed to forage, except under
+orders, yet the temptation was too strong to be resisted.
+
+At {073}such times the cackling of the fowls, whose quiet was disturbed,
+the melodious grunting of the pigs, who often led them a hard chase, and
+the laughter and shouting of the pursuing soldiers, made a scene of wild
+merriment never forgotten.
+
+[Illustration: 90801]
+
+But Ralph could not see the funny side of these depredations. To him it
+was a clear wrong to take what did not belong to them. He never would
+join them in these expeditions, a course which exposed him to much
+ridicule for his “pious notions,” but which had no effect upon him.
+
+Often their zeal in this direction brought its own punishment. On one of
+these forays a long-legged, awkward fellow, who could outrun the fastest
+chicken, chased an anxious hen into a thicket, where the grass was long
+and rank. As he peered round for his game he spied a dozen or so eggs
+shining in the sun. “Ah,” he said, “my lady hen is stealing a nest.
+Well, they look white and fresh, and I'll just confiscate them.” His
+pockets were full of sweet potatoes, he had a brace ot chickens slung
+over his shoulders, he had lost his handkerchief, if he ever owned one,
+and the problem was how to hold possession of the coveted prize.
+
+“I know how I'll fix it. I'll put them in my cap. I can carry them all
+right.”
+
+The eggs were tenderly deposited therein, and he started for camp.
+He heard the boys who were still engaged in the chase {074}laughing
+boisterously, and saw Rob Douglass, one of the new recruits, with a rope
+tied to one of the hind legs of a monstrous pig, who was jerking him
+right and left, in quite an unmilitary fashion. Now he was nearly on the
+animal's back, and next he was measuring his length on the ground, but
+he never once released the rope, while the shouts and cheers of the boys
+who were watching the contest made Rob more determined than ever to land
+his prize at the cook's tent.
+
+Zach Smith joined in the merriment and began to chaff Rob, whose face
+was grimy with perspiration, while his dust-covered clothes looked as
+though a good brushing and a few stitches would improve them materially.
+
+Seeing Zach he called to him to help haul in the “critter.” The latter
+started toward him, but Mrs. Piggie was of the same mind, for she turned
+quickly and ran between his legs. Zach lost his balance and fell, and
+as he instinctively shot out his hands to save his eggs his head struck
+them squarely, while the liquid streaming down his face and neck sent
+forth such an odor that the men, who had inhaled many strange ones since
+leaving home, voted unanimously that that particular one “beat anything
+on record.”
+
+Zach made his way back to his tent, followed by the jibes of his
+comrades, as he bade Rob, in very strong language, to settle the pig as
+best he could while he attended to disinfecting himself.
+
+[Illustration: 0082]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. ANOTHER BATTLE.
+
+[Illustration: 9083]
+
+OYS,” said {075}Lieutenant Graves, “we have our orders to turn out and
+show what we are made of. You know General McClellan has command of the
+Army of Virginia, and he thinks we've been rusting here long enough;
+so we're to help General Stone in drawing out the enemy. They've so far
+kept in hiding, and we've got to force them out into a square and open
+fight.”
+
+“The General thinks we're spoiling for a battle, doesn't he?”
+
+“I suppose so. Anyway, we are to cross the Potomac at Conrad's Ferry
+and wake 'em up. General McCall has his hands full watching the river
+crossings, and we must help him do it.” This was good news to most of
+the men, who had grown tired of inaction. The long summer had worn away,
+and Ralph had often slipped away from camp and run into the negro cabins
+near by, where he was sure of a nice piece of hoe cake, baked on the
+hearth. The garrulous darkeys liked to see Ralph coming, and many a
+question they put to him which he could scarcely answer, so little did
+he know of the true state of affairs.
+
+There are few idle moments in camp, for the duties of the soldier are
+too numerous to afford him that leisure which permits of homesickness.
+He has letters to write home, old ones to read; then, too, his spare
+time is occupied in looking for something to eat which his knapsack
+doesn't hold--not because his rations are scanty, or he is hungry, but
+he grows tired of the regular diet. He is always doing duty, police or
+fatigue, and the perpetual drilling, all keep him busy.
+
+{076}
+
+[Illustration: 0084]
+
+Mending clothes became quite an art among the soldiers, and the manner
+in which some of them darned their stockings would reflect credit
+upon {077}many a housewife who has the reputation of being an ex pert
+seamstress.
+
+Wash day in camp was as important an occasion as it is at home, and
+preparations were made with as much regard to convenience as the
+surroundings would permit.
+
+[Illustration: 0085]
+
+Ralph was very fond of running into old “Aunt Judah's” cabin, for her
+“pones” were especially toothsome. The old negress was not handsome--her
+black skin was shriveled and seamed with age; she was nearly blind, but
+she was an admirable cook.
+
+“Massa,” she said to Ralph one day, when she had filled his knapsack
+with smoking hot pone and luscious sweet potatoes, whose pulp was as
+golden as the sunflower's petals,--“I'se been pondering in my own min'
+and I kaint see what you all is fighting 'bout. Clar to goodness I
+kaint.”
+
+{078}
+
+[Illustration: 0086]
+
+“We {079}are fighting to make the Southerners come back into the Union.”
+
+“De Union? What you mean by dat?”
+
+“The Union--the States. There are thirty-five States, and how many
+slabes does he own?”
+
+“None at all. We don't have slaves up North.”
+
+“Don't hab slabes? Who totes your water and picks de cotton and hoes de
+fields?”
+
+“We don't grow any cotton, and all our work is done by people whom we
+hire and pay money to.”
+
+The old slave's eyes opened wide with curiosity.
+
+“And when dey gets sassy, does de oberseer whip 'em?” Ralph laughed
+heartily as he thought of the suit for assault and battery whipping a
+servant up North would bring about. Here was an old colored woman as
+ignorant of her relationship to the great tide of humanity as a child.
+Born in the West in a little village where no negroes were to be found,
+he had seldom met one.
+
+The old woman seemed to be talking to herself.
+
+“It pears to me dey must be dissbedient and sassy sumtimes. All niggers
+are. Wonder how dey makes dem mind. When dey runs across a right smart
+uppish cullered pusson how do dey settle wid him? Did you say, massa,
+dey neber whip dem?”
+
+“No, auntie, they never do.”
+
+Aunt Judah shook her head doubtingly. “Massa.”
+
+“The one man governs the whole of them. Your old masters didn't like the
+man who was chosen, and so they said they wouldn't stay in the Union to
+be governed by him.”
+
+“Is dat man a big man? Does he b'long to a good family?”
+
+I was plain to her the difference between servants North and South? To
+him slavery was a mere name. He knew nothing of its blighting understand
+how dreary and hopeless the life of a “chattel” broke {080}out suddenly,
+“dey flogs dem down here; dey has to, sumtimes. I neber was struck a
+blow. I was a house servant, but my man worked on de plantation.
+'Diamond Joe,' dey called him; he was lashed ebery now and den, and I
+tink it made him ugly. He was a likely boy. Wy, massa used to 'clar if
+he wan't so stubbon, jess like one of our plantation mules, he wouldn't
+take de price of two boys for him, for he could hoe and pick mo' cotton
+dan any 'mount of boys. His skin was as shiny as de satin in Missus'
+dress, and dark, and he was tall like de poplar trees, and strong and
+big. Joe lubbed me in dose days.”
+
+[Illustration: 9088]
+
+Ralph looked at her wonderingly. Here was a new thought. Did those
+uncouth black folks care for each other as white people did? Were they
+capable of attachments? She was almost hideous--had she ever been young?
+
+A tear rolled down Aunt Judah's withered cheek, and she seemed to
+be looking far away. She was silent so long that Ralph began to be
+impatient to get back to camp with his knapsack full of good things.
+
+“Well, auntie, where is Joe now? He must be pretty old by this time.”
+
+A solemn look stole over her features, and looking up to where the blue
+sky showed through the chinks in the little cabin roof, she said--
+
+“In {081}Heben, I b'leeve. Oh, honey, it makes my heart heaby eben now,
+and offen and offen de tears dey makes my old eyes burn. Many a day I'se
+asked my hebenly Fader whar on dis big yarth my Joe was, but it must
+hab been wicked fur me to ask de Great King anyting 'bout a po' cullered
+boy, fur I neber had any answer. But Joe was a powerful hansum boy, de
+best one on de plantation.”
+
+[Illustration: 8089]
+
+“How did he die?”
+
+“Die? I didn't 'spress my 'pinion dat he _was_ dead. I has looked long
+for Joe, and I 'mos knows he must be gone up above, for he lubbed me and
+he lubbed de little missie--de little daisy, Missie Flossie. She was de
+only one who could bring him out of his tantarums, fer po' Joe did hab
+spells, when he was ugly. Massa Steve--he owned us bof--I 'members dat
+day well; it was a sunshiny day, de yarth was all carpeted wid de short,
+green grass, and de flowers filled de whole land wid deir sweetness. It
+was so bright my heart was singing a song, and Missus Flora wanted to
+be druv to town to buy some nice tings for de little missie's birfday
+party. Massa {082}say 'Joe, Dicks got a sick hoss to 'tend you hitch up
+de big black team, and take your mistress to town.' Joe, he whispered
+to me--I had tuk de little lady out on de lawn--dat he cudn't dribe dem
+speerited critters, fur he had burnt his hands roasting corn in de ashes
+de night afore. 'Don't stan dar, you brack rascal,' massa said, fur he
+seed him talking to me. 'Massa, I'se dead anxious to go, but I hab a
+bery bad hand--caint Dick go dis time wid de missus?'
+
+[Illustration: 9090]
+
+“Then massa, he got as white as a sheet wif temper, and his voice was
+like thunder--'No! go as I told you. Do you want anoder flogging?'
+
+“I felt way down all fru me, sumfing was gwine to happen, for Joe he
+looked so wicked, and he kep' muttering and muttering, and I was scared,
+fur I knowed sumfing was about to break, when Joe 'muned wid his-self.
+But oh, massa, I shall neber forget de awful night dat fell, and no Joe,
+nor no missus, nor no carridge and hosses cumd home. Massa was wild.
+He tore up and down de lawn, running here and shouting dar, and sending
+fust one nigger, den anudder, to the neighbors' plantations to see if
+missie had dun gone visiting at any ob dem. Den he called fur Dick and
+his white hoss, and was jess jumping on his back when de hans' set up
+a holler ing and {083}de carridge cum taring onto de lawn, and fust dey
+'lowed Missus Flora was dead, fur she was cuddled up in a heap, as white
+as snow. Wen dey got her to cum to she tole Massa Steve how Joe had dun
+gone to town wid her and den wen she wanted to cum home he had rode 'em
+off, way off inter de woods, and way inter de midst of de fick trees,
+and gibing de hosses a terrible lashing he started dem, heads toward
+home; den dey runned all de way ober sticks and limbs of trees till
+dey foun' de open road, wen dey went so fas' Missus lost her breff and
+cudn't see any mo'.
+
+[Illustration: 9091]
+
+“You should have seen massa den! He swore so loud it made my ears ache,
+and all de time he was looking right at me. He said Joe had run away and
+he'd hab de young black debil's hide off when he kotched him, and if he
+was shore any ob de slabes knew he was going it ud be wuss for dem; he'd
+sell 'em to de very next trader dat cumd along, and dey'd be toted down
+Souf, whar dey'd be showed how to work. He swore he had nuffing but a
+pack of lazy niggers roun' him, who didn't desarve to hab a good master.
+And, honey, fore de Lawd, Massa Steve was a kind master, only he wud
+swar and cuss at us once in awhile.”
+
+“What became of Joe? Did they catch him?” asked Ralph, who was so deeply
+interested in her story that he had forgotten all {084}about the boys in
+camp who were waiting for that hot corn bread.
+
+“Yes, massa, I seen him dragged in de next day, after dey had hunted all
+night wid de dogs. Dey had torn his clothes in tatters, and his han's
+and face was all red wid de blood whar he fought wid dem. De master he
+was so mad he made de slaves all come outen deir cabins, to see how dey
+sarbed a runaway. I can see it now”--and she covered her eyes with her
+wrinkled black hands--“I can see it all. Oh, Joe, I neber forgits dat
+day. And when de cruel 'black snake' cut his back ebery time it hit him
+he neber said a word, but he kind o' shibered all over and set his teeth
+hard, but I screamed out 'Po' Joe! Will nobody pity po' Joe?' and fell
+down on de grass all cold as a stone. My breff was gone, and I fought
+de angel ob de Lord had done called me home and jess den Massa Steve
+say--'Go to your quarters, Joe.' My Joe, he walk off as proud as a king.
+Missus she was bery sorry for me, and was allus bery kind to me, but Joe
+neber sing in de field any mo'. He would fix his eyes on me so terrible
+I was almos' afraid of him, and he would mutter dat de avenger was on
+de white man's track. 'I'm gwine to be free. Neber no more will dey lash
+Joe.' I used to tink de walls would hear him and tell de massa. But dey
+didn't, and one night wen ebery libing soul 'cept de watch dogs were in
+deir beds, de hosses 'gan to stamp and kick in deir boxes, and de dogs
+were howling, and den we heard de white folks screaming, louder and
+louder, and fas' as we could, we ran outen our cabins, and dar up on de
+little knoll-whar de house stood, we saw de black smoke pouring out ob
+de windows and rolling up to de sky, and den turning redder and redder,
+and we could 'stinguish Massa Steve and Missus Flora out on de lawn jess
+as dey jumped from deir beds.
+
+“De oberseer was fighting de flames and he tole us to get all de buckets
+we could, and fotch de water from de well in dem, and he jumped on a
+hoss and galloped to de nearest plantation for help, and dey all turned
+out, white people and slabes, and brought water, and soon de fire
+{085}wasn't red no mo', but de house--you can see de walls now ober dar,
+whar dey stand to 'min' me ebery day ob de dear massa and missie and de
+little lamb, Flossie--was no house any more, all de insides gone, and de
+black outside standing up in de summer air.”
+
+[Illustration: 9093]
+
+She paused to wipe away the hot tears that blinded her.
+
+“What became of your master and his family?”
+
+“Massa and missus were presarbed, but de little white blos-whose birfday
+had been so bright, dey didn't know whar to look for her, and her mudder
+was screeching 'My baby--my baby!' and going out o' one faint into
+anoder, and her pa trying to rush inter de smoking house and calling for
+his Flossie--oh, it was enuff to make de har turn gray!
+
+“She muss hab been frightened so when de smoke got in her pretty blue
+eyes dat she didn't know how to fin' de way out, fer she was crouched
+down behind de front stairs, and dat's de spot whar Dick found her, wid
+her night-dress all on fire, but de light tole him whar to look.
+
+“When he put de little precious chile in my-arms she put her {086}baby
+fingers on my black face and she said, 'Judah, tell mamma--I am not
+hurt--but I caint see!' Honey, de nex' day she shut dem po' little eyes
+on dis world, and missie, whose heart broke den, followed her lamb to de
+hebenly pastures whar de good Lawd 'tends to all deir wants.”
+
+“What became of your master?”
+
+“Massa Steve? He went ober de sea, and he died in anoder country. De
+plantation and all de slabes went to his brudder, who had de big house
+yo' sees ober dar on de road put up. No one eber goes near de old place,
+fer dey say its hanted.”
+
+[Illustration: 0094]
+
+“But the old home and Joe? You don't think he had anything to do with
+setting it on fire?”
+
+“Massa, de good Book tells de po' creatures dat dey musn't form no
+'pinion to hurt deir neighbors. It goes agin me to say dat he did, but
+yo' didn't know Joe, and I did.”
+
+“Did they suspect him?”
+
+“I neber could look dem in de face to know, but Joe neber was seen after
+de house was burned, and dat's many years in de past.”
+
+Ralph drew a long breath, and bidding the old negress goodbye, he
+{087}went back to camp with a sad heart. When he entered the camp he
+found the men gathered in knots, discussing the news they had just
+received of a coming engagement.
+
+“What are we going out for?” asked a new man.
+
+“So as to give the rebs a chance to lay us out, or be laid out
+themselves. What do you suppose we go to war for?”
+
+[Illustration: 9095]
+
+Old Bill's gruff tones nettled the man.
+
+“It don't hurt you to answer a civil question, does it?”
+
+“Well, not exactly. You see General McCall has had an advance guard out
+reconnoitering, but he can't persuade the boys over on the Virginia side
+to show up on open ground. They say there's a big force of Confeds at
+Leesburg, five miles or so back from the river.”
+
+“This will be my first battle,” the new recruit said, with a sigh, “but
+I don't expect it'll be my last.”
+
+“That's right--never say die. The man who is a little chicken-hearted at
+first, often turns out to be the most courageous soldier.”
+
+“I remember reading once,” Ralph interposed, “that at some charge on a
+battery in one of the battles Napoleon fought when the odds were greatly
+against him, his attention was called by one of his officers to the
+cowardice of one poor fellow who was pressing on, up to the cannon's
+mouth. His knees were shaking, {088}his eyes bulged out, and he gave
+every evidence of being terror-stricken. But his gaze was fixed on the
+coveted point, his teeth were set hard, and he kept resolutely on. 'That
+man is not a coward,' said the great general; 'he sees that his life is
+in danger, and still he does not shrink from his duty, but faces death
+like a man. He will be shot before he yields.”
+
+[Illustration: 00896]
+
+“But the soldier was not wounded. He lived to become an officer in the
+very regiment which one would have expected to see disgraced by his
+cowardice, and won great fame through his heroic bravery in after
+engagements.”
+
+“Boys,” said Old Bill, who was always the spokesman for the {089}party,
+“the 'Little Corporal'--that's Napoleon Bonaparte,” he continued in an
+aside to the new man, who made a wry face at being singled out for an
+explanation--“was right. It's agin human nature not to feel a little
+shaky when you are going into your first battle. It's how you do your
+duty that settles your standing. If you attend to that no one can blame
+you for having a leetle private fear of your own.”
+
+[Illustration: 0097]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. THE DISASTER AT BALL'S BLUFF.
+
+[Illustration: 9098]
+
+HASTY {090}breakfast, with a rigid inspection of their
+muskets, and a hurried packing of knapsacks, preceded the long role of
+the drum, the signal to be up and doing. The sight of a body of soldiers
+with their glittering arms and tasty uniforms is inspiriting, and dull
+and cold must be the bosom that does not leap quicker at the thought
+that he belongs to this grand whole. Ralph felt a thrill of exultation
+as he realized that he was a part and parcel of the men who were massed
+on the bank of the Potomac that bright October day. There were Ralph's
+regiment of Massachusetts men, the Forty-second New York, Seventy-first
+Pennsylvania and a Rhode Island battery, counting, in all, some 2,000
+men, watching for a chance to cross at an island which lay there.
+
+The day was beautiful--the sun poured down his warm beams, for in
+that region the winter is late. Many were the openly spoken murmurs of
+impatience, however, on the part of the men.
+
+“We shall never get across till doomsday,” Bill Elliott said to Ralph.
+“Look at our men, over 2,000 of them, and we've only got two or three
+old boats to carry us over. With all due respect to General McClellan,
+I think he's made a great big mistake, as General Stone will find to his
+cost before we're over. The Johnnies can see all we're doing and get
+all ready for us. Why, it'll be dead easy for them to receive us in fine
+shape.”
+
+“They are having hard work with that battery, getting it up the bluff.
+See how they slip at every step.”
+
+And as Ralph watched the battery being dragged up with prodigious
+exertion his heart felt heavy, and he, too, began to fear there was an
+oversight somewhere.
+
+[Illustration: 0099]
+
+At {091}the top of the bluff lay a broad field of about ten acres,
+hemmed in on all sides by thick woods, so dense that neither infantry
+nor artillery could penetrate them in line. Colonel Baker was given
+entire command of all the troops. Then began a desperate and gallant
+attempt, which the Confederates met, dashing out from the timber, and
+though the Federals fired round after round from their battery, it was a
+hopeless conflict, for the rebel sharpshooters picked off their gunners,
+one after another, and the pieces were left useless.
+
+Still {092}on the Union forces pressed, to be met by a heavy body of
+infantry, whose hot fire cut them down. For two hours they stood their
+ground gallantly, and returned the fire with spirit. Suddenly an officer
+riding a splendid horse, whose snowy sides were covered with foam,
+dashed out of the woods, and coming toward them, waving his sword over
+his head, he beckoned the Union forces forward.
+
+Colonel Baker took new courage; he thought he recognized General
+Johnston in the horseman, and wildly cheering to his command to follow,
+he pressed forward, hoping at last he should meet the enemy in an open
+fight. But he was met by a fierce onset of the Confederates, who came on
+with tremendous force. Like a solid wall they met the Federals, and as
+part of the latter's columns charged, Colonel Baker received the whole
+contents of a revolver in the hands of one of the rebels, and fell dead.
+
+His body was rescued through the bravery of Captain Beiral and his
+company, who fought their way back through the thickest of the opposing
+force, and with desperate courage rescued the body of their dead
+commander, and conveyed it to the island. At once the rout began, and
+the Union forces were driven back, down the steep clay bluffs, one
+hundred feet high, falling, jumping down, pushed by the Confederates,
+who followed at their heels, killing and taking prisoners.
+
+It was an awful spectacle. Men whose courage could not be doubted, were
+panic-stricken, and throwing away coats, muskets, and everything
+that could impede them, plunged into the river, whose rapid current
+overwhelmed them, and to their shrieks as they drowned, was added the
+rapid firing of the Confederates on the cliff above, the roar of the
+artillery, the cries of the wounded, making a scene of horror which
+cannot be described. The imagination alone can fill in the picture.
+
+Among the incidents of this day may be mentioned a desertion of one
+of the regiments by its colonel, who swam the river on horseback, thus
+making his escape. Many took to a boat, which was quickly filled, and
+as quickly sunk with every soul. A {093}captain in the Fifteenth
+Massachusetts came to the rescue of the fleeing Federals, with two
+companies, and charged up the hill, only to see how little help he
+could give, and a few moments decided him to wave his handkerchief, and
+surrender to the Confederates.
+
+Dispirited and weary, the remnant of the troops moved back to camp.
+Their loss had been heavy. Over five hundred soldiers had been captured
+by the Confederates, Colonel Baker had been shot, and they had lost
+arms, ammunition and clothing.
+
+Corporal Ralph Gregory had shown coolness and clearheaded courage, equal
+to the oldest and bravest. When the battle began, the color-sergeant
+had received a ball in the breast, and had fallen dead. Seizing the
+flag from his stiffening fingers, Ralph rushed to the front, and held
+it manfully, through the storm of bullets that riddled its folds, and
+clinging desperately to it, he carried it proudly and safely, soiled and
+torn, but not disgraced.
+
+But his strength was not equal to his courage, and handing it to a
+stalwart comrade whose arm was more powerful, he bade him to “protect
+it from capture.” The colors went back to camp, and with them, went the
+story of the boy's bravery.
+
+Ralph was weak, his nerves were unstrung. His ears still echoed the
+noise and confusion of the battle that had not yet died away. Still the
+Union men were fleeing, pursued closely by their enemy, who wounded them
+with muskets and swords, as they ran. The agonized shrieks of those
+who met their death in the swift-flowing stream rang in his ears with
+fearful distinctness, and he vaguely wondered if he would ever cease to
+hear them.
+
+He was unnerved. It was not cowardice, but the reaction that so often
+follows times of great excitement. Exhaustion, complete and unavoidable,
+had taken possession of him. He reeled like a drunken man. Making a
+frantic effort to recover himself, he sank on the earth amid a clump of
+leaves and brush, that half hid him from observation. How long he lay
+in this stupor he could not tell, but when he became conscious of
+the dreadful {094}place he was in, he slowly struggled to his feet,
+half-dazed and bewildered. His first thought was to wonder where Bill
+was. He recollected that he had fled in hot haste with the others, and
+the last glimpse of him which he had, was when the plucky Massachusetts
+captain made his stand, but was compelled to surrender. He was sure that
+he had been wounded, for he saw blood streaming down Bill's face, as he
+ran.
+
+[Illustration: 8102]
+
+“Could he have escaped, or is he among the dead lying here?” he thought.
+“I must search for him.”
+
+And as he threaded his way among the dead and wounded as best he could
+in the twilight, he stumbled over the body of a boy. Kneeling down, he
+turned the lad's face upward, and in the dim light he knew him.
+
+“It is Charlie Arlington!--he is surely dead!”
+
+The boy opened his eyes, and seeing Ralph, he assured him that he was
+not wounded, but he feared his ankle was sprained. “I told you,” he
+said, with a smile, “that we should meet again.”
+
+“You did, but I did not think it would be so soon. Are you injured?”
+
+“Only by my horse, who stumbled and threw me with such force against
+that old stump that I fainted with pain. Do you think my leg is broken?”
+
+“Let me examine it. No, I don't think it is. How are you going to ride,
+however? Where is your horse?”
+
+“Oh, he ran away after serving me that mean trick. But why {095}are you
+here? Don't you know you are my prisoner now?” he continued, smiling
+broadly.
+
+“How's that?” Ralph spoke sharp and loud.
+
+“Hush!” the other cautioned. “You'll have a dozen soldiers after you.
+They're coming back to bury the dead. Of course you're my prisoner.
+You're on our field--were you not routed?”
+
+This fact rather staggered Ralph. It had not come home to him till then;
+he looked anxiously toward the river's bank.
+
+The boy divined his thought.
+
+“It's no use to try to swim that stream here. The current's too strong.”
+
+[Illustration: 8103]
+
+“It seems I'm your prisoner, then.” Ralph's sad tones spoke volumes. The
+horrors of captivity stared him in the face. He thought at that instant,
+of his mother, sisters and the dear old home, and his heart was heavy as
+lead.
+
+Charlie appeared to be enjoying the advantage he had over Ralph, for he
+never removed his gaze.
+
+“I've but to raise my voice and you'd be surrounded in an instant.”
+
+“But how is it you are here now; I thought you knew nothing about the
+army,” said Ralph.
+
+“I {096}didn't when I last saw you, but I joined the Southern army the
+next week. I am in the cavalry service.”
+
+Ralph's curiosity would never be silenced. “Do you like it?” he asked.
+
+“Yes, and no. I have been in several engagements, but the hardest blow
+I had was when they carried my father home dead, and I asked for a
+furlough, to go home to see him once more, and was refused.”
+
+Here the boy nearly broke down. Ralph's sympathies were aroused at
+once. He knew not what to say. But Charlie recovered himself soon, and
+continued--“You see how I'm placed now. I shall _have_ to take you into
+our camp.”
+
+“I wish Bill were here!” Ralph blurted out. “He wouldn't see me taken
+prisoner so easily.”
+
+To him Bill represented the sum total of all knowledge, and he felt
+confident of his ability to rescue him, even in the face of the danger
+that now menaced him.
+
+A low whistle startled both boys. A few feet from them, stretched
+lengthwise of a fallen tree, lay Bill, who raised his head, which was
+bleeding freely.,
+
+“I've a good mind to take you both prisoners!” he said, jocosely. “What
+are you exchanging courtesies for? The boy's right. Unless we can get
+away in a very big hurry, he can land us both in the rebel camp, and
+then it'll be all over with us. You'd better be planning each other's
+escape, and then you'll both be likely to be court-martialed!”
+
+“It's my luck, isn't it? I can't blame Charlie if he does take me. But I
+haven't got anything against him.”
+
+“Neither has any of us got anything against any of the Johnnies. This is
+not a personal affair, at all. But just the same we've got to fight 'em
+because they're agin the government.”
+
+Ralph looked closer at Bill. “You're wounded, and will be carried to
+prison, too! Oh, Bill, what will become of you?”
+
+{097}
+
+[Illustration: 0105]
+
+“It's nothing but a scratch. I lay here awhile till those fellows'
+{098}guns gave out, for I felt a little dizzy, and didn't care to get up
+till the smoke cleared away, and I could make out my bearings.”
+
+A groan from their companion recalled them to their position. Ralph was
+in a fever of anxiety. War was a brutalizing affair, he pondered.
+“You mustn't have any feelings at all, Bill, if you want to be a good
+soldier.”
+
+“Nary a feeling. Humanity don't cut no figger in a battle. Why, boy,
+I've stood in the ranks and seen father on one side, and son on the
+other, blazing away with hate and bitterness in their eyes. And all
+on account of a mere difference of opinion.” Ralph shuddered. “It is
+dreadful; but war shall never make me so hardened and indifferent to
+suffering that I will not do all I can in honor to relieve it. I intend
+to fulfill all my duties as a soldier, but do not see why I should
+hesitate to show mercy to an injured foe.”
+
+“He's the right sort,” Bill chuckled to himself.
+
+With that thought in his mind, Ralph went nearer to Charlie, and
+said--“Give me your handkerchief, and I will bandage your ankle.” In a
+few moments he had finished binding it on, tightly and skillfully, while
+the boy looked his gratitude.
+
+“It feels a little easier,” he said, “the pain was intense.” Bill
+watched them both narrowly. In his heart he admired “the little rebel
+cuss,” but he wished him a thousand miles away, for he saw that it was
+impossible to make their escape, as Charlie had only to raise his voice
+as he had suggested, and the enemy would be upon them.
+
+It was a moment of anxiety for the man and his companion. Charlie was
+the most indifferent of the three. “I'd rather have been killed than
+have to go to their prison, for who knows how long it may be before I am
+exchanged?” thought Bill.
+
+The firing had ceased, and darkness had settled o'er the earth. Suddenly
+Charlie seemed to recollect something, for he whispered--“Go--you must
+go, at once. The detail will soon be here, to bury our poor boys, and
+they will have you, sure. Go down the bluff as still as you can; don't
+loosen a pebble even, for there {099}are sharp ears near. Keep close
+to the river bank, and about half a mile down you'll see an old tree
+standing that has been struck by lightning. Two rods north of the tree a
+little skiff is hid in the tall weeds. Take it and row across. Go quick,
+and, above all, make no noise. My life, as well as yours, is in danger.
+They'd shoot me in a minute, if they knew I helped you escape.”
+
+“You're a brick--you are!” broke out Bill, admiringly. Ralph wrung his
+hand. “What will you do? You can't lie here all night.”
+
+“They'll find me all right and carry me off to the hospital. I can talk,
+if I can't walk, and I'll soon let them know where I am. But you haven't
+a second to waste. Go!”
+
+The hint, so urgently given, was acted upon, and none too speedily, for
+a moment after, the men appeared, and Charlie was suddenly seized with a
+violent fit of coughing, so loud and boisterous, it was well calculated
+to cover any noise which Ralph and Bill might unintentionally make. He
+was placed on a litter and borne away.
+
+Bill scarce drew a breath until his feet touched the bottom of the boat.
+Charlie's violent cough had served them well, for though they stole
+noiselessly down the bluff, the night was so still that a breath almost
+could be detected. They were soon across the noble river, and their
+hearts beat tumultuously when they found themselves safe within the
+Union lines.
+
+Bill's wound was not serious, so he declared. He even objected to the
+few days in the hospital which the surgeon prescribed. His good nature
+never left him.
+
+“Sick men may go and lay up, but you cain't kill Old Bill. I'm presarved
+for something better than to stop a bullet. I've been through too many
+hard sieges to give in for a little blow like that was.”
+
+“You've got another invite to see the Colonel,” a grizzled old soldier
+said to Ralph a day or two after the engagement. “He desires the
+pleasure of your company in his tent. Leastwise, that's what it amounts
+to, though that ain't the language he {100}made use of. Wonder why I
+don't be asked once in awhile? He don't know what he's losing by not
+consulting me. But hurry up--'tain't perlite to keep him waiting.”
+
+Ralph trembled visibly, and every drop of blood turned to ice. He knew
+something must be wrong. Perhaps he ought not to have helped Charlie,
+but what else could he do? He walked briskly toward the tent of the
+officer.
+
+Colonel Hopkins was a stern, battle-scarred old soldier, who wasted no
+words. His keen vision could discover merit, however, and as he looked
+steadily at Ralph, he took his measure at once.
+
+[Illustration: 9108]
+
+“Your captain tells me you saved the colors of the regiment, in the late
+engagement?”
+
+“I did, Colonel.”
+
+“And you risked your life in so doing.”
+
+“Why should I not? I am a soldier, sir!” and the boy's “I will, with the
+help of Heaven!” was Ralph's fervent utterance, as he followed the
+orderly from the Colonel's tent.
+
+{101}
+
+[Illustration: 0109]
+
+One of the most brilliant affaire of the war was the charge of a body of
+cavalry under Fremont. This was a fine and choice {102}array of cavalry,
+known as “Fremont's Body Guard,” whose exploits were famous. It was
+commanded by Major Charles Zagonyi, a Hungarian, whose military record
+had been made in Europe.
+
+[Illustration: 9110]
+
+This dashing and fiery soldier, with a band of 160 men, charged upon
+a Confederate force of 2,000, who were drawn up in a hollow square.
+He rode across the field, unheeding the firing of the skirmishers, but
+charged into the midst of the Confederates, and with pistols and sabers,
+scattered them like dry leaves in the autumn wind. Not content with
+this, the daring Major chased them into the streets of Springfield, and
+fought them hand to hand.
+
+After this daring and unequaled achievement, he hoisted the National
+flag upon the courthouse at Springfield, sent a guard to care for the
+wounded, and then went quietly back to Bolivar.
+
+[Illustration: 0110]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. THE ARMY IN WINTER QUARTERS.
+
+[Illustration: 9111]
+
+INTER so {103}far had brought them much suffering and privation.
+To Ralph it was peculiarly dreary. With the prospect of a period of
+inactivity, it was strange that so little provision was made to protect
+them from the cold, raw winds that were so frequent. Many of the
+soldiers put up rude huts, made from the fine timber which grew
+so plentiful in that region, and those who were independent and
+enterprising enough to build for themselves, often fashioned a very
+snug, cozy little house. The rough stone fireplace, put together with
+Virginia mud, was never wanting. What though it was neither symmetrical
+nor artistic? The warmth and cheer compensated for the absence of both
+these features.
+
+In some of these huts--they surely deserved a better title--the men
+threw themselves down at night on the ground, which was covered with
+blankets, rubber coats, and any material the jovial occupants could find
+to keep out the dampness. Some, more pretentious, constructed bunks or
+boxes round the sides, which were as comfortable as a spring bed would
+be at home. It was quite common to find home-made chairs, benches and
+tables, round which they gathered when off duty, and told stories or
+discussed the situation. The walls were papered with illustrations cut
+from newspapers, which added to the charms of the dwelling.
+
+{104}
+
+[Illustration: 0112]
+
+But the greater number shivered under canvas tents, feeling keenly the
+light snows and rains, followed by days of thaw and sunshine, which were
+so frequent. To add to the dreariness of their surroundings, the funeral
+dirge was often heard, as the dead were carried out from hospital, who
+had succumbed to that apparently {105}simple disease, the measles, but
+which leaves its victim feeble, exhausted, and unable to rally.
+
+To a new recruit, or to one who is full of sensibility, as Ralph was,
+these sights were particularly depressing.
+
+[Illustration: 0113]
+
+A snowstorm during the day had been succeeded by a windy, cold night.
+Ralph had been writing to his mother, and while he took care to
+make every word as cheerful as he could, and never to mention his
+discomforts, vet the mother heart between the lines, and knew her boy
+was homesick, pining for her, as she, alas! was longing for the loving
+caress and the sound of his voice.
+
+As he pushed back the stool which had answered for a writing desk, the
+wind gave a sudden whirl and lifted the canvas, sending a shower of
+sleet over him which made him shiver.
+
+“The winter here is full as cold and disagreeable as up North!” he said.
+“I thought this was a land of perpetual sunshine and flowers!”
+
+He {106}peered out at the sentry, who hugged his great coat closer, as
+he paced to and fro. He fancied he saw in the gloom a man and horse, and
+heard the sharp challenge--
+
+“Halt! Who goes there?”
+
+The horseman drew up, and replied promptly--
+
+“A messenger from General Shields, with dispatches for Colonel Hopkins.
+I must deliver them at once.”
+
+[Illustration: 0114]
+
+The sentinel called--“Sergeant of the guard--post number five--a message
+from headquarters!”
+
+The words were passed along the line of guards, until it reached the
+sergeant, who came instantly.
+
+He carried the papers to his colonel, who read them hastily, and signed
+each one, handing them back to the orderly, who rode swiftly away.
+
+Ralph was by this time outside his tent, unmindful of the sleet
+{107}which tore his flesh like sharp-pointed arrows. He longed to
+know what those dispatches signified, but his curiosity had to remain
+unsatisfied, and he went back to his tent to try to sleep, as well as he
+could, for the biting wind that forced its way into every crevice.
+
+[Illustration: 0115]
+
+He seated himself on the side of his bed, and tried to think. He
+wondered when General McClellan was going to take Richmond. The cry “All
+Quiet on the Potomac” was heard continually, and weary men and weeping
+women all over the land were longing for the dawn of peace which should
+bring back to them fathers, husbands and sons. But ah, that peace was
+far distant. The boy reasoned that he had no right to criticise the men
+who held trusted positions in the army. But surely the boys in camp
+and field were doing all they could, under orders, to hasten the end of
+these troublous times. Would the conflict ever cease?
+
+Perplexed {108}and worn out in trying to solve the problem agitating so
+many of the most patriotic and the most far-seeing, all over the land,
+Ralph at last fell asleep, to be roused by the reveille. He sprang
+up, sure that he must be dreaming, for he had just been sleeping but a
+moment--a mere “cat nap,” and this couldn't be a summons to leave his
+comfortable bed. He had neither time nor right to object, however; his
+sole duty was to obey orders, and he hastened to dress. Outside, the
+soldiers were hurrying about, most of those who were called on glad of
+any break in the monotony of their first winter in camp.
+
+“Breakfast at two, march at half-past,” was the captain's peremptory
+order.
+
+“What an unearthly hour,” was Ralph's comment. “Where, are we bound? And
+why march at night?”
+
+“Can't say,” a comrade ventured, “unless it's so we won't have to march
+by day!”
+
+They were not long in suspense.
+
+A portion of their regiment was ordered to assist a force of Ohio and
+Indiana men under Colonel Dunning, in routing a body of Confederates who
+were posted near Romney, Va., at a point called Blue Gap.
+
+The wind had died away, the stars were out, and the moon shone
+brilliantly. The cutting sleet had turned to snow, and the soft carpet
+lay white and pure, muffling the sound of their footsteps. It was a
+weird sight--that mass of men tramping along with steady steps,
+while their shadows falling on the ground danced and flickered in the
+moonbeams with startling vividness.
+
+Blue Gap was a natural opening between hills, and was well defended by
+howitzers and rifle pits. As they approached the Gap, Ralph's keen
+eye detected a dozen men piling up limbs, straw, and other inflammable
+material, against the bridge that spanned a stream running through the
+Gap.
+
+“Captain,” he said, “some of those fellows have left the lines, and are
+fixing things nice to burn that bridge.”
+
+“We'll block that game, instanter. We need that bridge more than they
+do.”
+
+A {109}dash was made for the bridge, led by the captain, who opened fire
+upon them, and thus ended that attempt. On the hills the entrenchments
+were held manfully, but the Confederates had scarce time to pour forth
+their fire, before the two Ohio regiments dashed upon them, and captured
+two pieces of artillery. The surprise was so complete and the attack so
+overwhelming, that defense was vain.
+
+The hills were swarming with Federals, fighting hand to hand, and
+forcing their opponents back. The houses on the other shore were filled
+with sharpshooters, whose constant firing harassed the Federals, and
+brought down a soldier at nearly every shot.
+
+A score of men sprang into a large boat lying at the bank, and with a
+storm of bullets hissing and rattling about them, they crossed to the
+shore where the sharpshooters were hidden. Death menaced them, but with
+a huzza that would have put life into a stone, they rowed fast, and
+sprang out of the boat. Dashing up the hill, to the houses which the
+enemy had used for vantage ground, they found them vacated.
+
+“They didn't wait to make our acquaintance,” Ralph said.
+
+“No, but those sharpshooters introduced themselves to us in fine style.
+Why, a man went down at nearly every shot.”
+
+Bill said not a word, but leaned heavily over the side of the boat. No
+one paid him attention, for their hearts were filled with a longing for
+revenge.
+
+“Boys, we have missed the rebs ensconced in these houses, but we can
+prevent their using them again. We will burn them to the ground, and
+take good care that not a timber stands, after we have done with them.
+They have picked off some of our best men, and we won't leave a roof to
+shelter them.”
+
+A dozen pairs of willing hands were at work in an instant gathering wood
+and brush, which they piled around the dwellings. With faces grimy and
+soiled, these resolute men touched the pile with a match, while they
+stood ready to shoot the first man who dared to show himself to protest,
+and soon the flames leaped upward, crackling, sputtering and curling
+round doors no and {110}windows, licking up every object within reach,
+till naught but the charred and blackened timbers stood to mark the spot
+where the sharpshooters had dealt their deadly work.
+
+The skirmish was brief. It was an easy victory, and no loss had been
+sustained by the Federals, save those who were shot in the boats. But
+the Confederate loss was greater. Forty soldiers were lying dead in the
+grass and weeds, and as many more were carried back to camp, prisoners.
+
+Even while the houses were being consumed, Ralph went back to assist
+those who had received the bullets of the sharpshooters. Some had fallen
+overboard, and sunk in the stream. Others were lying as they had fallen,
+their cold hands still grasping their weapons, which they would never
+use again. One poor fellow was kneeling in the bottom of the boat, his
+finger on the trigger of his musket, and his staring eyes fixed on the
+shore. Ralph shuddered. Could he ever become inured to these dreadful
+sights?
+
+Bill Elliott was leaning over the side of the boat, in a half-stupor. The
+wound in his head had opened afresh, and the red stream was running down
+his face, staining its ghastly whiteness crimson. His arm hung useless
+by his side, shattered by a bullet. Opening his eyes at the sound of
+Ralph's voice, he whispered faintly: “I thought you'd come arter me.
+They've fixed me this time, sure,” and he relapsed into unconsciousness.
+
+A litter was soon hurried together, and Old Bill was placed in hospital.
+
+[Illustration: 0118]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. FAIR OAKS.
+
+[Illustration: 9119]
+
+HE Johnnies {111}are busy these times, aren't they?' “And so are we,
+chasing them up. I don't see that we are any nearer Richmond than we
+were a month or so ago.”
+
+“Nor we won't be,” broke in another man, “if General McClellan repeats
+his Yorktown tactics. Perhaps, by the time we get to Richmond, we'll
+find some 'Quaker guns' there.”
+
+“It must have been kind of disheartening to the boys after lying 'round
+a place a month to have the rebs move out just as they were getting
+ready to go in, and find they had left a lot of wooden guns behind.”
+
+All the next day the soldiers were working on the redoubts, and wholly
+unaware of the surprise in store for them. May 31st dawned, and while
+they were still fortifying their position, a tremor ran through the
+line. “The Confederates are upon us!” was the cry, and as they tossed
+aside the shovels, the Confederates charged upon them with their
+well-known “yell” that so often echoed and re-echoed on the
+battle-field.
+
+But they found brave men ready to repel their assault. The Chickahominy
+had swollen to such a height that bridges were carried away in its mad
+rush. General McClellan had thrown the left wing of his forces across
+the stream, but it was impossible to get reinforcements to their help.
+
+Both sides showed unexampled bravery. General Johnston moved on toward
+Richmond, six miles away, where he halted, for the purpose of striking
+the detached wing of the Union forces. The rise of the river had
+hampered the movements of the latter, and it seemed as if capture was
+certain.
+
+The half-finished redoubts had been occupied by General Casey's
+{112}division of Keys' corps, and although they rallied several times,
+it was in vain. The rebels, made a detour, and stole upon their rear,
+and they could no longer hold them. Their line was in danger.
+
+Meanwhile General Johnston's evident intention was to bring up a heavy
+flanking force between General Casey and the river whose banks had risen
+so unluckily for the Federals, cutting off all hopes of reinforcements.
+
+And now a magnificent exhibition of courage was shown by Sumner. He
+expected orders to go to the rescue, and his men were drawn up in line
+ready for the summons. One bridge alone remained with which to cross the
+river, and its approaches were under water. Some of its supports were
+gone, and as the soldiers stepped upon it, the frail structure swayed
+to and fro, mid the rushing waters, but they passed over as speedily and
+safely as though it were a solid piece of masonry.
+
+General Sumner's appearance was most opportune. He met the flank attack,
+and was victorious. The slaughter was fearful. In this battle 12,000 men
+gave up their lives--5,000 Northern men, and 7,000 Southern.
+
+General Johnston fell, a Federal shot having taken effect. He was
+carried off the field, and at first it was feared by the Confederates
+that his wound was mortal, but after some months of suffering and
+enforced retirement he recovered, and a year after assumed command of
+the Confederate forces of the Mississippi.
+
+Ralph was sent with one of the details to bury the dead and bring in the
+wounded. Trenches were dug, and the dead piled in them. Many were left
+where the last shot had struck them down, and earth was heaped
+upon them. The ground was literally blood-soaked. The dead were
+everywhere--the battle-field was one vast graveyard, with its tenants
+left unburied.
+
+Ralph entered a little log house in a pasture near the railroad, and
+seated himself on a bench for a moment's rest. Just outside the door,
+he found the dead and the wounded packed so close that he could scarcely
+avoid stepping on them. To distinguish {113}them was a hard task, for
+the wounded lay there so quiet and motionless, fast in that silent
+resignation born of despair, that, save for the dull blackness that
+covered the faces of those from whom life had fled, it would be easy to
+mistake the living for the dead.
+
+[Illustration: 0121]
+
+All sorts and ages were there, in one mass--the boy, who had gone from
+home, ardent and hopeful, the old man who had left the record of an
+honorable life behind him; officers who had cheered their commands on to
+victory, privates who had fought fearlessly--all lay there, while horses
+had fallen dead across their riders, or were struggling in agony. The
+picture was horrible! He was r e minded of h is duty by the voice of an
+old man, who came into the room where he was musing.
+
+“This is a cruel war, sir!” he said to Ralph. “I've been raised here,
+man and boy, nigh onto seventy years, and I never thought, when I played
+in these fields, that I should ever live to see them desecrated with
+human blood.”
+
+Ralph {114}raised his head, and looked at him earnestly.
+
+“No,” the old man continued, “I have looked for the coming of the Lord'
+these many years, but I never thought He would come in blood and smoke,
+and the noise of battle.”
+
+“What do you mean?” the boy asked, breathlessly. “How has the Lord
+come?”
+
+“Has He not come to set human beings free? Is not the black man's
+bondage nearly over? Is not slavery doomed? Then the only blot upon the
+fair name of America will be wiped out. The North and South will become
+brothers again, and go hand in hand in all worthy undertakings. Thus, as
+one family again, they will march on, to a grand and glorious destiny.”
+
+“If my mother could hear him talk!” his listener thought. “What does he
+mean by the blacks being set free?” For the Proclamation of Emancipation
+had not yet been given to the world, and the position of the slaves
+during hostilities had not been settled.
+
+“Are you a Northerner?” he asked the old man.
+
+“No, I am a Southerner,” with a tinge of pride in his tones. “How do you
+dare say such things?”.
+
+“I am an old man, and they call me childish and silly. But I love my
+country, and I want to see her truly great.”
+
+“Have you always talked in this way?” queried Ralph, puzzled at the old
+man's language and manners.
+
+“Always. Oh, I have paid dearly for my opinions. I have had my house
+torn down over my head, I have suffered in my young days; but I have
+lost all I ever loved, and they pity me now. I know I shall live to see
+my prayer answered--that we may become a free and united country. Then I
+shall be ready to die. Yes, it comes to that with old and young. We must
+all be ready to die at any moment.”
+
+With a courteous nod to Ralph, he passed out of the door, and the boy
+was left alone.
+
+“We must be ready to die at any moment!” The words sounded like a knell
+to Ralph. Was _he_ ready to die? He had, been carefully nurtured by that
+blessing to a child, a praying mother, {115}and his boyish days were
+spent in the Sabbath school. Like all in the springtime of life, death
+seemed afar off, something that would not approach him for many years.
+Death was the expected portion of the old, but he had always resolutely
+put aside all thoughts of a future that did not belong to this life.
+
+Now these words came home like a shock. Was he ready? He had never been
+a bad boy, in any sense, but still he was not ready or willing to die.
+At that possibility his courage forsook him; memory went swiftly back to
+many a childish piece of wrong-doing, which, under the fear of death,
+he magnified into black and unpardonable sins. Filled with sorrow and
+repentance he fell on his knees on the hard floor of that little cabin,
+with the dead so near him, and cried--“Help, O Lord, or I perish!”
+
+A wave of tender feeling swept over his soul, and his mother's favorite
+psalm, the 118th which she had read to him so often, came to his
+remembrance, and one verse was as music to him,--“The Lord is on my
+side; I will not fear. What can man do unto me?” He rose to his feet,
+refreshed and made strong.
+
+[Illustration: 0123]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. CAMP FUN.
+
+[Illustration: 9124]
+
+HAT time {116}should not hang heavy on their hands, much inventive
+genius was brought into play, and no schoolboys, famous for their
+ability in making up games, could equal these grown men in originating
+sports to fill in the hours that otherwise would have been exceedingly
+dull. Some such safety-valve was necessary, or else many would have
+broken down with memories of the dear ones at home, and the depressing
+sights of war, and its hardships.
+
+The camp echoed often with the songs so dear to all who can be moved by
+tender thoughts. Many of the men were the possessors of rich, melodious
+voices, that brought many a thrill of delight to their listeners, in
+their tones.
+
+Ralph had a fine voice, and to please his comrades he often sang the
+sweet old songs of childhood, while they listened with an enthusiasm
+and rounds of applause that many a prima donna could not have inspired.
+Throwing themselves around the blazing camp fire whose ruddy sparks flew
+heavenward, the whole company would join him in singing the melodies
+with hearty goodwill, and at those moments care and danger were
+forgotten. Now he would give them a plaintive, gentle ditty that would
+make the eyes of those brown-faced soldiers moist with emotion, as home
+pictures started into life before them, and then a stirring song of
+patriotism and victory would ring out, until the blood would leap
+in their veins, and each man there was ready to attack any foe
+single-handed.
+
+But the boy's heart was heavy, even while his humble efforts in the
+musical line were giving pleasure to his comrades. His constant prayer
+was that some decisive move might be made, by which the war might be
+brought to a speedy close. He {117}was lonely, too, for “Old Bill,” as
+he always called himself, had been in the hospital for some time, and he
+missed his cheery ways.
+
+[Illustration: 0125]
+
+One afternoon as he sat in his tent reading, he heard peals of
+boisterous laughter ringing out upon the air. Going to the opening,
+he saw a group of soldiers gathered round some object, and heard them
+chaffing some one whom he could not see.
+
+“What is the excitement, Harry?” he asked a companion who had evidently
+come from the scene of action.
+
+“I just came for you to pile out and see the fun. They've got {118}one
+of our boys, and are amusing themselves at his expense. Come on, or
+you'll be too late. The performance will be over.” Ralph hurried after
+Harry, who was off like a deer, and going straight up to the group, he
+saw a crowd of men tossing another one up in the air, and letting him
+fall into a blanket, amid screams of laughter, and cries of “Send him up
+higher!”
+
+“Pickle him in his own salt!”
+
+“Head him up in a barrel, and send him to the cook!”
+
+“We'll make a high private in the rear rank of him!”
+
+“Gently, boys,” the victim panted. “You don't want to be too hard on a
+poor fellow for having a little joke of his own.”
+
+“Who is it--what has he done?” inquired Ralph, who didn't enjoy such
+rough sport, and was really concerned lest they might carry it so far as
+to injure the man.
+
+“It's Corporal Fred Greene, the funny fellow of Co. H,”
+
+Tim Mackey responded. “It's his birthday, and we re celebrating it. And
+he's having a high time.”
+
+Fred was a mischievous young fellow, who had just seen his twenty-third
+birthday. If there was any chance for a joke on any member of the
+company, he never lost the opportunity of making the most he could out
+of it.
+
+In order to impress the fact that he had a birthday, he had invited a
+score of his comrades to a “small spread” in his tent. The colored cook
+was in the secret, and through his connivance, and the help of a few
+cracker boxes draped with bunting, and some tin cans, he had succeeded
+in making quite a tasty looking table. Before the banquet began, he
+made a short speech of welcome, which was responded to in good faith by
+Franklin Field, who was deputed to do the speaking on all occasions, as
+he had quite a gift of extempore oratory.
+
+Without further ceremony, Fred cordially pressed all of them to “fall
+to.” Just at this interesting moment, the cook, a loose-jointed,
+wrinkled old darkey, whose huge mouth looked as if it was always ready
+to utter a guffaw, entered the tent, and scraping and bowing to the
+“gemmens,” broke out with--“Sorry to put back your 'joyment, Massa Fred,
+but youse wanted outside, bad.”
+
+Fred {119}rose, and with a graceful salute to his guests, begged them,
+in a most elaborate manner, to attack the food, which was entirely at
+their service. It was unfortunate that he should be disturbed at such
+a moment, but duty called him, and he would return at the earliest
+opportunity.
+
+“This black rascal is bound I shan't have my share, but fall to,
+friends.” Once outside, he hunted a safe hiding place waited behind a
+hedge.
+
+[Illustration: 0127]
+
+Those left behind sat a moment lost in wonder as to where the good
+things sprang from. They did look inviting to these devourers of hard
+tack and bacon. The table had for a centerpiece a fine-looking chicken,
+flanked on both wings by oranges, potatoes roasted in the ashes, canned
+fruit, and--two huge cakes!
+
+“Where did Fred get these dainties? He's too lazy to forage, and I don't
+believe he could buy them at the sutler's tent. His {120}credit, ain't
+good enough,” was the comment made by one of his “friends.”
+
+“Never mind where he got 'em,” a gaunt, hungry-looking fellow answered.
+“Let's try 'em fust, and investigate afterwards.” No further urging was
+necessary. They all “fell to,” as they had been ordered, but the wry
+faces, choking, gasping breath, and muttered expletives, as one after
+another bit into some tempting morsel to find a mouth filled with salt,
+pepper or sand, would have been a subject for a painter. The chicken was
+a sham; its unusual plumpness was due to a liberal stuffing of cotton
+batting, the oranges were well sanded, while the cake was plentifully
+seasoned with salt and pepper--two condiments that are very well in
+proper proportions, but rather nauseating when taken in large doses.
+
+They rose in a body--all were of one mind when they rushed out after
+their host, who was making for the woods at the other end of camp.
+A dozen fleet-footed men soon overtook him, and, bringing him back,
+proceeded to inflict summary punishment, amid roars of laughter, for he
+was liked by every man of the company.
+
+Fred didn't play any more jokes upon those boys, and after his undesired
+elevation, he was quite subdued. But they all forgave him, and “Fred's
+birthday party” passed into a byword, when some illustration was needed
+to indicate a good time.
+
+Ralph was homesick. It was useless to disguise the fact, for it began to
+tell upon his health. Malaria had fastened its strong hand upon him,
+and he grew more listless every day. He did not waver in his duties,
+however, and when marching orders came, he was among the first to pack
+his knapsack and shoulder his musket.
+
+{121}
+
+[Illustration: 0129]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. SOUTH MOUNTAIN.
+
+[Illustration: 9130]
+
+HE summer {122}of 1862 was hot and dry. Streams were parched, the grass
+was brown and burned. The army trailed through the dust, and lay down at
+night footsore, weary and sick. Often the only water they had to
+drink was supplied by “brackish” ponds, whose surface was covered with
+greenish slime. Fevers and malaria broke out among the regiments, and
+dissatisfaction was loud and outspoken. Now and then a brush would
+take place, or a skirmishing party would sally out, surprise a party of
+Confederates, bringing some of them into camp prisoners.
+
+“Knapsacks and rations ready by seven in the morning!” Fred Greene said,
+one September afternoon as they were watching eagerly and impatiently
+for some move to be made. .
+
+“Sure its not another of your jokes, corporal?”
+
+“No joke this time, as you'll find to your sorrow, perhaps.”
+
+“How many days' rations are we to carry along?”
+
+“Can't say. We're going out to interview General Lee. His victory at
+Manassas the other day has given him the idea that he can bring the
+whole State of Maryland into his army. He's traveling in that direction.
+He has a poster out inviting the Marylanders to enlist, but by all we
+hear, it won't bring many valuable accessions to his ranks.”
+
+“Why not?”
+
+“For two reasons. If they want to enlist, they'll do so, without his
+starting recruiting offices. Most of the able-bodied men who wanted to
+go to war did so long since. Then again, most of the Marylanders are
+fond of the old flag. The State has never left the Union. General Lee is
+a fine military man, but he {123}surely don't understand the people he's
+trying to interest. Hallo! what's a woman doing here? She's coming this
+way.”
+
+A woman, dressed in cheap, but neat and tidy-looking clothing, and
+holding the hands of two sad-eyed, poorly attired children, was making
+her way toward them. A soldier stepped up to her, and with a pleasant
+smile asked her if she was looking for any one.
+
+[Illustration: 9131]
+
+The woman looked earnestly into his face, as she said--“You'uns all look
+kind. Can you show me whar to find Peter Hall?”
+
+The man looked puzzled, and uncertain as to how to answer her.
+
+“Don't know him, ma'am. What regiment is he in?”
+
+“I can't tell you, sir. He is my man, and he 'lowed he wouldn't go
+against the old flag, for any one. The neighbors said he was a traitor
+to the cause, and wouldn't give him any work. So he went off in the
+night, and told me he'd make his way into the Union army, and as soon as
+he could he'd send me word whar he was. He 'lowed I could take care of
+the babies somehow, but I've found it mighty hard work to get bread for
+'em often. They're good children, though, no better nowhar, and they
+don't complain, not even when they're hungry. I heard you'uns were in
+the neighborhood, and I thought as perhaps you'd know whar my Peter is.”
+
+“Boys!” the soldier cried to a group who were listening at a little
+distance. “Do any of you know Pete Hall?”
+
+“_Peter_ Hall,” the woman corrected, with great dignity.
+
+“Excuse {124}me, ma'am; _Peter_ Hall, I meant to say.”
+
+“Why, certain, I know him,” a man answered. “He's in the Second
+Maryland, and they're over there, on the brow of that hill. Go right
+over, ma'am. You'll find him, I hope,” he added in a lower tone. “Don't
+be afraid. No one will harm you.”
+
+“Me and the children have walked twelve miles since yesterday noon,
+and we want to see Peter bad. He'd have come out and met us, I know he
+would, if he'd have thought we were so near,” she added, with refreshing
+simplicity. The idea of Peter's leaving his company, even for so
+important a matter as meeting her, caused a general laugh, which she did
+not seem to observe, but continued--“You see, we have moved since Peter
+went away, and he doesn't know where we live now.”
+
+“God bless the woman and her Peter,” was the honest invocation sent
+after her, as she hurried away in the direction pointed out, and they
+were rewarded a few moments later, by seeing a soldier spring up from
+the grass where he had been lounging, and hasten forward to receive
+the greeting of his wife, who sobbed for joy upon his breast, while the
+little ones could only jump and shout in the fullness of their pleasure
+at seeing “Pa.”
+
+Many a man stood there, and silently wished some of their loved ones
+could meet and greet them also.
+
+The entrance of the boys in blue into Frederick was a perfect ovation.
+General Lee had retired from the town only two days before.
+
+This welcome thrilled their hearts. From every door and window the
+national flag fluttered, and the stores were decorated with the colors.
+Banners were strung across the streets, from house to house, while
+crowds of happy men and women with radiant faces, spoke words of
+welcome.
+
+Good luck seemed to be showered upon them, for General McClellan here
+captured a copy of the orders of General Lee, which gave him a key to
+the whole situation. It was of very recent date, and the Confederate
+commander had mapped out his campaign. The {125}information contained in
+these explicit instructions to his generals, enabled General McClellan
+to see plainly how to thwart General Lee. So he proceeded to send two
+corps through the two Gaps of South Mountain, with the prospect of being
+able to cut the enemy's forces to pieces.
+
+[Illustration: 9133]
+
+Dividing his command, General McClellan ordered Franklin to Crampton's
+Gap, while Reno and Hooker, with Burnside at their head, were sent to
+Turner's Gap.
+
+It was a toilsome task for even those sturdy men to ascend the sides of
+the Gaps. South Mountain towered a thousand feet above them, while the
+most accessible points were the two Gaps, each nearly 400 feet high.
+
+“We've got to reach the top of those hills somehow,” Ralph said. “But
+it's one step forward, and three backward. Our men are gaining a little.
+They show splendid pluck.” Clambering, toiling up the rocky hillsides,
+the Union forces made their painful way. From behind ledges and trees,
+the rebel riflemen marked their slow progress, and sent many a man
+to his death. The company to which Ralph belonged was under Reno, and
+assaulted the southern crest of Turner's Gap. On the northern crest of
+the mountain General Hooker, with splendid courage, kept on.
+
+{126}
+
+[Illustration: 0134]
+
+Ralph now realized how desperately men will fight. He even felt that hot
+hatred which two foes ever feel, when pitted against each other. He saw
+the Federal army, scratched and bruised from forcing their way through
+the brush and over rocks, while the Confederate riflemen poured bullets
+into their midst like {127}rain. Hot, and panting with their efforts,
+still they never wavered. Gibbon, with his brigade, was trying to force
+a passage through the turnpike in the Gap, and here also the enemy did
+terrible execution. The heat was blistering. The fervid rays of the
+September sun burned into their very blood, and the dust which rose in
+clouds mixed with the smoke of the powder, and choked and blinded them.
+
+[Illustration: 9135]
+
+They had fought continuously the entire day. Their canteens were
+empty--their mouths parched and dry. Ralph saw a tall officer spur his
+horse forward, and fire at General Reno. That gallant soldier reeled in
+his saddle, and fell, but as he was borne to the rear to die, his eyes
+were fixed on the men he had so gallantly led, with a last look of
+farewell.
+
+This contest was long. Each side fought to the death. As Ralph turned
+to speak to a companion he heard a wild shout: “Forward! One more such
+charge, and we'll have the Gap.”
+
+It was the colonel's voice, and as he rose in his saddle and cheered
+them on, they took fresh courage. Wild responses answered his appeal,
+and new strength was given them.
+
+“We are sure of victory,” Ralph said to himself, At that instant a horse
+dashed madly by. He bore General Garland, of the Confederate force,
+who was lying half across his back, as he was vainly striving to raise
+himself in the saddle. His hat rolled down the hill as he came to the
+ground with a shock; his fine features were distorted with pain, and his
+long, dark hair was dabbled with blood. He made one frantic effort to
+recover {128}his sword, which had slid from his grasp, and then he sank
+half on his knees, a livid corpse. Ralph was so near he could almost
+have touched him, and to his dying day, he never forgot the look of
+agony on the wan face, as the eyes fast glazed in death.
+
+Darkness settled down upon the earth, before the battle was won, by the
+Confederates withdrawing and leaving the Union forces masters of the
+field. But what a sacrifice of human life!--three thousand human beings
+sent into eternity, as the result of one day's conflict.
+
+The loss of life was felt equally by the two opposing forces; but
+the boys in gray suffered a loss of fifteen hundred, who were taken
+prisoners.
+
+The night was warm. The stars looked down with kindly gleams upon
+thousands of worn-out soldiers sleeping as quietly as little children,
+while the wounded were groaning with pain, as the life-blood slowly
+trickled over the grass which the hot sun and the trampling of feet and
+stamping of horses had matted into a tangled and brown mass.
+
+Ralph's captain threw himself down by the side of the boy, as he was
+trying to shut out the dreadful pictures which were burned upon his
+brain.
+
+“Is the victory ours?” he asked.
+
+“It is, and a dear one to us,” the captain replied. “We have left over
+a thousand dead upon the field; but the Johnnies have moved off, and we
+have orders to push on to the western side of the mountain. They raked
+us down in terrible fashion, but the men stood their fire like statues.
+There was some heavy firing over at the other Gap a while back, but
+it has stopped now. Hallo!” he called to a man in the uniform of
+an officer, “where are you going in such a hurry? Has anything
+happened--any new move ahead?”
+
+The man stopped suddenly, and coming up close to them, with features
+convulsed and pallid, with either pain or fear, he made answer:
+
+“Oh, captain, I'm sure I'll die, I'm in such misery. I'm all doubled
+{129}up, and can't sleep. I'm in perfect agony. There--there goes that
+twinge again. I must try and find my regiment, and hunt up the doctor
+right away.”
+
+Ralph looked incredulous at the man's apparent suffering. He felt sure
+it was a pretense. “It's strange that he's so far away from his command,
+and going in an exactly opposite direction. Can it be that he's going
+to skip?” This was a painful thought, and brought an angry flush to his
+brow, for he held nothing in such scorn, amounting to abhorrence, as he
+did cowardice or dishonesty.
+
+“Are you going in the right direction to join your company? If you
+keep on the way you are faced, you'll be more than likely to find some
+friendly boy in gray to snap you up.”
+
+The officer looked steadily at him a moment, while his face turned
+scarlet.
+
+“Your advice is not required, sir. I shall remember your incivility at a
+more fitting time.” And he stalked away, quite oblivious of the anguish
+that had racked him so short a time before.
+
+“That fellow must be a mind-reader,” laughed the captain. “He plainly
+knew what you thought about him. But seriously, your opinion was rather
+harsh; he's probably shamming to get excused from duty. For the honor
+of our cause I should hope no officer would be guilty of such dastardly
+conduct. Nor a private, either,” he added, a moment after, “for the
+boys who carry the muskets have true grit, and don't run, only after the
+enemy.”
+
+“I know that's so, but when I saw him making such haste to get away, the
+suspicion would come into my mind. To me it seems a shame for a man with
+a spark of cowardice to wear a uniform.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. MORE FIGHTING.
+
+[Illustration: 9138]
+
+ALPH arose {130}from the heap of leaves and brush which had served him
+for a bed the night through, with his bones aching and sore. The army
+was already stirring, for although the Passes were won, there was
+promise of another engagement at once. Word was passed along the line
+that General Lee had withdrawn his forces and crossed the Antietam,
+where he took up his position on a high bluff near Sharpsburg, and was
+thus able to command a view of the whole country. But he had met with
+great losses, from the dead in battle, and from stragglers. He realized
+the injury the latter had done him; indeed, he complained openly and
+bitterly, saying that his army was “ruined by straggling.” But the
+best men of his army were still left with him--picked men, of splendid
+courage and vast endurance. He was determined that the coming battle
+should decide the campaign, and he waited calmly its issue.
+
+“Lee has the choice of positions,” the men said. “He has both flanks
+resting on the streams. He has the whole four bridges across the creek
+well guarded; that is, all but one, and that's the point we have to
+take. We intend to call the attention of the Johnnies to our point of
+attack, and throw our entire strength against the bridge that is left
+unguarded, and then cross. They say Lee hasn't much over 40,000 men, but
+they are a body we shall be proud to meet, and whip.”
+
+The artillery practice on both sides was sharp all day, but not much
+execution was done. At nearly five in the afternoon General Hookers
+corps made, a dash across the upper bridge, and advancing through the
+woods, fell upon General Hoods brigade, and a fierce skirmish followed,
+but the darkness brought it to {131}a close for that night, and both
+armies rested, eager for the morning light, that they might rush at each
+other again.
+
+Before sunrise General McClellan hurried Mansfield's corps to Hookers
+aid, while Sumner was ready to follow.
+
+The renewal of hostilities began early. As the sun rose, his beams
+lighted up the two armies, angry and threatening. General Hooker threw
+his forces with vigor against General Jackson's, and pressed him so hard
+he fell back. The batteries came promptly to the front, and raked the
+Confederates with shot the entire length of their line, breaking their
+ranks in wild haste.
+
+Crowding and forcing them back, General Mansfield came to the Unionists'
+aid, when a shot struck him, and he fell dead, but his command kept on,
+and entering the woods, got their position and held it, against immense
+odds. General Hooker here received a serious wound, and was carried
+away, just as General Sumner crossed the stream, drove the boys in gray
+before him, and entrenched his men near the little church of Dunker.
+Here the fighting raged so madly, and the artillery fire was so heavy,
+that a historian relates that years after, when the trees were cut down
+and sent to a sawmill to be made into logs, the saws were torn to pieces
+by the quantity of metal that had pierced the trees, and been hidden
+there by the growth of the wood. But in spite of this vigorous fire, no
+irresolution was shown, and as fast as men were shot down at the guns,
+others were ready to take their places, with undismayed zeal.
+
+A lull occurred, and as the sounds of firing seemed to die away, there
+was great rejoicing, for to the Federal army a victory was apparently
+assured, when the hope was suddenly dispelled by the arrival of two
+divisions of the enemy, who, with a loud yell, threw themselves into
+a gap in Sumner's line, forcing him from his position, and across the
+meadows and cornfields, where he made a stand, but the foe retired again
+to its own position.
+
+{132}
+
+[Illustration: 0140]
+
+“Harry, see those regiments,” Ralph said to a fellow soldier--“look
+at the race. Which will come out ahead, I wonder? They are pretty well
+matched--both are fleet-footed.”
+
+It was a race, indeed. A New Hampshire regiment was marching parallel
+with a Confederate regiment, and each were intent on reaching a certain
+high piece of ground. As they ran, the bullets whizzed {133}back and
+forth, from both sides, and these pleasantries were kept up.
+
+“The Johnnies are ahead--no, they have fallen back a little. The New
+Hampshire boys are in the lead now. They've reached the ground. Hurrah!”
+ shouted Harry, and in his excitement he threw up his cap, and caught it
+on the point of his bayonet. As soon as the winners gained the coveted
+point, they poured shot into their late rivals' ranks.
+
+[Illustration: 8141]
+
+The artillery was heaviest near the church, and the dead lay so thick
+that they could have formed a foot bridge the entire length of the line.
+
+“Wonder why Porter and Burnside keep so still?” This question was
+asked again and again. “See the rebs mowing down our men like ripe
+grass! Why don't they come to our assistance?”
+
+“They are keeping their troops as reserves. The Confeds don't hold any
+of their men back, but launch every one of them at us.”
+
+“That don't seem to me to be the right policy,” said Ralph. “But
+look--Franklin has come up from Crampton's Gap just in the nick of time.
+He is very welcome, for there are fresh troops advancing, from the right
+flank of the boys in gray.” Franklin's opportune coming infused new
+hope, and the boys' {134}eyes brightened, cheery words went round, and
+muskets were handled with a will.
+
+“General Burnside's orders are to take that bridge. We've got to do
+it; it won't be very much work, and then we'll soon be over to see our
+friends on the other side.”
+
+“You think that's easy, do you? Wait and see. We're on low ground here,
+but the land over the other side is higher, and the road runs alongside
+the stream. Those fellows have their guns well placed, and can damage us
+bad.”
+
+The bridge they were expected to take, was of stone, and rather narrow.
+The first brigade to attempt to cross was General Crook's.
+
+“Hark! he's gone the wrong way. The rebels are pouring shot into him.
+He'll be cut all to pieces.”
+
+The General had struck the wrong road, and was being subjected to a
+heavy fire. A Maryland regiment and a New Hampshire followed him on the
+double quick, but retreated, as they could not stand the fire!
+
+“There is help for us now,” said Ralph, “for they are bringing up some
+guns that will speak loud for our side.”
+
+Two heavy guns were soon thundering over the ground, and commanding
+the boys in gray who were guarding the bridge? Their persuasive tones
+opened the passage, and triumphantly the Union men crossed the bridge,
+and secured the position.
+
+Four hours had been consumed, and thus General Lee improved his chance
+to bring fresh troops to his aid, who drove Burnside from the heights,
+and retook a battery which he had captured.
+
+The battle was over. When the rattle of musketry is heard, the smoke of
+battle, and the wild plunging of the frightened horses, and the shouts
+and fierce onset of a maddened mass of human beings is felt, there is an
+excitement, a fever in the blood that strengthens the arm, and
+hardens the muscles--thoughts of self are forgotten. But when those
+accompaniments are missing--when the awful stillness of a deserted
+battle-ground succeeds them, then the heart grows faint and cold.
+
+{135}
+
+[Illustration: 0143]
+
+Both {136}armies were glad to rest; both sides had been rent and
+dismembered. Many regiments in both lines had been slaughtered
+unmercifully. The victory belonged to McClellan, but the sorrow and
+anguish belonged to those who loved the fallen ones--to the friends
+alike of the blue and the gray, in cottage and mansion, all over this
+broad land of ours.
+
+[Illustration: 8145]
+
+Daily papers were a luxury, and the boys in the army were always glad
+to purchase them at a good round price. The newsboy is ubiquitous. He
+is the product of the century, and will never be shelved as are so many
+useful things. Their cries were welcome to those men, who were anxious
+to know what each day was bringing forth and when one galloped into
+camp, two days after the battle of the Antietam with a bag heavily
+freighted with New York dailies, he was surrounded at once, and his
+stock rapidly melted away.
+
+“Good news!” flashed through the ranks as they eagerly devoured the news
+of the battle of Iuka, with Rosecrans at the head.
+
+“It was a daring attempt,” Ralph read aloud to the eager group; “the
+account says that the Union forces attacked Price's men in a narrow
+front, with ravines filled with undergrowth, where it was difficult to
+maintaining a foothold, with but one battery, and with hosts against them,
+three to one. Yet they swept down the enemy, and fought till darkness
+overtook them, and in the night the Confederates beat a hasty retreat.”
+
+This {137}news cheered the hearts of the boys in blue, and while they
+were giving vent to their joy in different ways, Ralph's heart was
+filled with a solemn thankfulness, for to him it seemed as if One above
+surely ruled their destinies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. OLD BILL DIES.
+
+[Illustration: 9147]
+
+HE beautiful {138}autumn days grew shorter. Novembers blasts were keenly
+felt, even in that sunny clime, and the boys looked forward with dismay
+to a winter passed in inaction.
+
+“Why, we'll have to fight to keep warm,” jolly Fred Greene said to the
+comrades gathered round.
+
+Old Bill had been in hospital for many months. Ralph visited him
+often, and the sick man's face would brighten, and his voice grow
+stronger whenever the boy came to his bedside. But he seemed to
+have lost interest in everything pertaining to this life. Ralph tried
+earnestly to induce him to talk of the events passing around them, but
+without success.
+
+One morning early in November, when he went to pay his usual visit, the
+boy said:
+
+“Bill, this is my first experience as a soldier. But you have seen
+plenty of service before?”
+
+The sick man shook his head slowly, but made no reply. Ralph waited a
+few moments, and began to think his question had not been considered
+worthy of an answer, when Bill suddenly spoke:
+
+“Yes, I have been out on the border fighting Indians, for years. How I
+detest the redskins. They seldom come out and give a man a fair show,
+but they just go on the warpath, and then it's skulk and lie in ambush,
+and burn sleeping villages, massacring women and children. Their mode of
+warfare don't suit me.” And the disdainful curl of the lip showed what
+he thought of them. After a long pause, he resumed:
+
+“Then I was in the Mexican War. I was quite a stripling then, and I
+fought under General Phil Kearney. He was a fighter, {139}brave as a
+lion, and when he lost his arm not a man under him but would rather it
+had been his own arm shot away. He's one 01 General McClellan's most
+trusty officers. His experience is worth millions to younger men. How
+I'd like to see noble Phil Kearney!”
+
+“Why, Bill, didn't you know that he was killed at the battle of
+Groveton, Va., in September?”
+
+[Illustration: 9148]
+
+“Kearney killed--and I've been lying here, and knew nothing about it!
+It's too hard. Let's hear all you know, Ralph.”
+
+“I can only tell you what we heard. You know we wasn't there to see
+it, but he was sent to Hooker's support, when the lat-ter's men charged
+Jackson with bayonets. They had an awful battle, but General Kearney had
+been sent to their assistance too late, and he was forced back.
+Hooker almost broke the enemy's line, but fresh bodies of Confederates
+hastening up, changed the outlook, and so the Union boys were repulsed.
+At six in the afternoon General Pope ordered another attack, and Kearney
+came up in fine style, seizing a railroad cut on the Warrenton turnpike
+{140}where Jackson was nicely entrenched, and holding it for awhile. One
+of the Confederate regiments who ran short of ammunition, hurled great
+stones and fragments of the rocks at our men, killing many. General
+Kearney still maintained his position, but was overpowered by numbers,
+and driven out of the cut.”
+
+Ralph paused, but Bill's eyes were gleaming with excitement “Go on,” he
+said, earnestly--“is that all?”
+
+“The two armies rested till the next day, when a still fiercer attempt
+was made to rout the rebels, but in spite of the most stubborn fighting,
+our army was withdrawn from the field, and fell back to Fairfax Court
+House; but the next evening, September 1st, Stonewall Jackson made
+another attack upon General Popes flank, which was resisted hotly, and
+General Kearney, with Hooker, Reno, McDowell and Stevens, were there
+to help, but General Stevens fell dead at their fire, and as all their
+ammunition had been used up, his men retired at once. General Kearney
+started forward to reconnoiter, and was confronted by a Confederate
+band; he put spurs to his horse, hoping to escape, but they shot him
+dead.”
+
+Bill shook his head solemnly, and leaning back on his pillow, he closed
+his eyes, as if he had fallen asleep. Glad to have awakened even so
+slight attention as he had succeeded in doing, the boy continued:
+
+“Bill, we have a new commander now. The President has relieved General
+McClellan, and we are to have General Burnside. What do you think of
+that?”
+
+A look of the old time came into Bill's face, as he answered:
+
+“Yes, I have a new commander--one whose call will soon be heard!”
+
+Ralph shuddered. He knew too well the meaning of Bills words.
+
+“I mean our army commander, Bill; General McClellan has been relieved of
+his command, and General Burnside has been appointed in his place.”
+
+“General {141}McClellan--yes, he's too slow. It needs some one with a
+little push. But it's all the same to me, now.”
+
+And that was all he said about the change. He lay on his cot, looking
+intently at Ralph, and suddenly he broke out with--“I don't know why
+I'm so fond of you, boy, unless it's 'cause you mind me of Eddie. He was
+just such a little plucky, fair-faced lad as you are, and I can't help
+mixing you up with him.”
+
+Ralph wondered who Eddie was, but he waited patiently. Bill's eyes
+burned with a luster the boy had never seen there before. The sick man's
+face was very thin. The brown tint that outdoor life always gives had
+faded, and the sharp features looked more pinched and wan from their
+pallor. He went on in a weak and trembling voice:
+
+“She was a beauty, and I was powerful fond of her. Her eyes were like a
+young fawn's, and her hair was brown as the chestnuts when they ripen
+in the sun. She liked Frank better nor me, and she told me so. Then
+when they were married, I hated him bitterly. But when the little fellow
+come, and they sent for me, somehow from the first time I took the
+little tot in my arms, and he smiled up into my face, all my anger died
+out. After that I would have died sooner than harm his daddy. They were
+happy with each other. But he died when the lad was ten or so, and left
+the poor wife alone. I didn't know how to comfort her, and she grieved
+continually. One day, when he was quite a lad, nearly sixteen, and
+needed his mother most, they found her dead on her husband's grave. Ah,
+that is the way some women love!
+
+“That nigh killed me, but I meant to be a good friend to the boy. They
+took even that comfort from me, for they carried him away down South to
+his father's folks, and I never seed him again.”
+
+The man's face was fever-flushed now, and his words came almost in a
+whisper. He tossed uneasily from side to side.
+
+“Ralph, my head bothers me--it aches so strangely. I wish--”
+
+But {142}the wish was never told. A wild look came over his face, his
+words became incoherent. A delirium had seized him, and kindly as he was
+tended by the nurses and his comrades, he never regained his senses. A
+few days of apparent suffering, and Bill Elliotts kindly heart ceased to
+beat. The uncouth, rugged, but brave soldier had passed on to the Great
+Beyond.
+
+[Illustration: 0151]
+
+It was late in the afternoon of a raw November day, while the winds
+shrieked mournfully, when they carried him to a little valley in which
+they had dug a grave, into whose depth they lowered the body of a brave
+and true soldier, who never shirked a duty. The chaplain, a plain and
+tender, man, read impressively that beautiful Psalm:
+
+_“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
+
+“From {143}the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is
+overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
+
+“For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
+
+“I will abide in Thy tabernacle forever. I will trust in the covert of
+Thy wings. Selah_.”
+
+In a clear and ringing voice he read the solemn burial service, and the
+comrades of the dead soldier listened reverently. When he had concluded,
+some one suggested that they sing, and a clear, sweet voice broke
+plaintively into that exquisite hymn,
+
+               ”_Abide with me, fast falls the eventide;
+
+               The darkness deepens--Lord, with me abide; *
+
+               When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
+
+               Help of the helpless, O abide with me._”
+
+The voice suddenly broke into a passion of tears, and Ralph threw
+himself on the grave, which was fast being filled up, and cried--“Bill,
+Bill, you were my best friend--I cannot let you go.”
+
+There were many looks of sympathy for the boy, but death was, after all,
+nothing but a passing incident to men who faced it every hour, and as
+Ralph went back to his tent, his heart rebelled at the levity which
+allowed the merry jest to pass around, as to whose turn it would be
+next.
+
+To him it was a new experience. He had seen hundreds of men shot down in
+battle, but no one had died whom he had cared for, and it came home to
+him. He had become deeply attached to Bill, whose cheerful, off-hand
+manners had enlivened the homesick boy. He had lost his comrade, but his
+memory was cherished, and he was missed for a long time.
+
+[Illustration: 0152]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. FREDERICKSBURG.
+
+[Illustration: 9153]
+
+T was {144}with many forebodings and some outspoken prophecies of
+failure that many of the Union officers learned that they were to move
+at once upon Fredericksburg.
+
+“It looks to me like a mad freak to send us out to assault such
+fortifications as are thrown up on the hills south and west of the
+town. It isn't right for a soldier to grumble, but when he sees a
+man perpetrating a piece of folly, that is going to cause a needless
+sacrifice of life, why, he can't help expressing himself as opposed to
+the scheme.”
+
+The plaint of the captain found a ready echo in the hearts of his fellow
+officers, but a soldier must obey instructions unquestioningly.
+
+Early morning hours came, the camp was astir, and all preparations were
+made for a speedy move upon the fortifications.
+
+“Lee has thrown up forts for five miles will stand any attack that
+General Burnside can make. We are going to our death.”
+
+A two o'clock breakfast, eaten in haste in the fog of early morning, was
+all that the men were allowed. The outlook was gloomy. The river must
+be crossed, but while Burnside was trying to lay pontoon bridges, the
+engineers were terribly harassed by the continuous fire of the rebel
+sharpshooters, who were using the houses skirting the river bank as
+places of refuge.
+
+{145}
+
+[Illustration: 0154]
+
+General Burnside determined to try the effect of shelling the town. The
+men who were detailed to lay the pontoon bridges were falling at their
+posts by the rifles in the hands of a Mississippi detachment which was
+hidden securely in cellars, behind walls and fences, and in every corner
+where it was possible to {146}conceal a man. Crack! crack! their rifles
+were heard, and many a boy in blue was tumbled into the water with
+a bullet in his brain, to be carried away by the current. It was a
+fruitless endeavor to keep on with the work, the loss of life was so
+great. The Federals had better luck at the lower bridges, being able to
+dislodge the sharpshooters from their rifle-pits.
+
+“What are the prospects for crossing?” asked Sergeant Gregory of an
+officer who passed at that moment.
+
+“We'll be over somewhere about doomsday, judging from the outlook. The
+three bridges we need the most can't be laid under the present regime.
+We've got to evict those sharpshooters from the houses along the river
+bank, for it's worse than murder to post our men there to be picked off
+in that cruel fashion--all to no purpose, for bridges can never be built
+when men are shot down as fast as they show their heads.”
+
+The country was hilly, now and then dotted with clumps of trees, while
+barns, fences, and everything that was combustible, had been converted
+to use by the two armies, as each in turn had passed over the land. All
+was dreary and desolate. The sky was leaden-hued, save when a burst of
+flame from the cannonading would lighten it for a short space, and then
+it would die down, leaving it almost a pitchy blackness.
+
+General Burnside's resolve to bombard the place had no power to oust the
+sharpshooters, even when tons of shells were thrown into its streets,
+setting fire to many of the buildings. When, after a brief rest, the
+engineers resumed the construction of the bridges, the same result
+followed--destruction of their numbers.
+
+The town itself was almost impregnable, being completely encircled by
+hills, save on the river side. These heights were bristling with forts,
+entrenchments seamed them in every direction, and batteries were planted
+in such profusion that no opening presented itself for attack. {147}
+
+[Illustration: 0156]
+
+How long this slaughter would have continued it is hard to tell,
+{148}but a happy inspiration came to General Hunt, chief of artillery.
+He suggested that a body of men could make a dash for the river, cross
+in boats, and besiege the sharpshooters in the houses, driving them out,
+and taking possession.
+
+The daring of the plan almost took away one's breath, but it seemed the
+only way to silence the enemy's murderous fire, and it was quickly put
+in execution. The pontoon boats lay at the river bank. A band of tried
+men was selected for the perilous undertaking, who at a sign, without a
+sound or word of command, rushed from their concealment, leaped into the
+boats, shot out from the shore, and were half across the stream before
+the Confederates realized their intention. Then came a shower of bullets
+from their rifles, rattling like hailstones about the heads of the
+brave men, who held boards up before them for protection, dodging the
+murderous fire as well as they could, while those who were rowing pulled
+with a will, and the boats were across the stream in swift time. A few
+were shot, falling into the river, but the largest number went over
+safely.
+
+Reaching the shore, the regiments ran up the hills, and succeeded in
+forcing the sharpshooters from their lairs, capturing over a hundred of
+them, while the rest fled to the hills.
+
+The way was now clear for the completion of the bridges. A pontoon
+bridge is a fine piece of ingenuity.
+
+Heavy boats, perfectly flat, often twenty feet in length, are anchored
+at equal distances from each other, lengthwise of the current, and beams
+are placed upon them to unite them; then strong, thick planks are laid
+across the beams, thus making a steady, wide roadway, strong enough to
+endure the weight of horses, heavy pieces of artillery, and the tramp of
+thousands of men.
+
+While the bridge was being made, the enemy did not remain quiet, but
+dropped shells at various points along the river, which exploded, but
+happily did little injury.
+
+{149}
+
+[Illustration: 0158]
+
+The smoke of the artillery, the flames bursting from the houses, and the
+struggling army of the Union exposed to a pitiless fire made a picture
+which was never effaced from Ralph's mind, and {150}years after, when he
+saw the panorama of “The Battle of Gettysburg,” in Chicago, the memory
+of that day at Fredericksburg came back with vivid force. He was once
+more a stripling, in the midst of the noise and shock of battle, with
+comrades falling about him, torn and mangled out of all semblance of
+human beings, while he was miraculously preserved.
+
+That night the Union forces rested on the ground, in the mud and frost,
+not far away from the pontoon bridge; and though they knew the morning
+would plunge them into further conflict, yet tired limbs and aching
+heads found the refreshing slumber which they needed. Early next
+morning, after a hasty breakfast, they were ready for any events which
+the day might bring forth.
+
+A heavy fog hid the other shore, while the air was cold and raw. Long
+before the sun scattered the mists, cannonading began at the bridge, the
+main point of attack, but the firing became so severe that orders were
+issued for them to retire behind the bluffs.
+
+At last the bridges were finished, and the army crossed to the other
+side of the river, under the continuous shells of the enemy. Now began
+a terrific struggle. General Franklin had advanced against the troops
+on the hill, but they had repulsed him, with much loss. General Meade's
+division was chosen to lead the attack. Down across the railroad they
+dashed, under heavy fire, their skirmishers having been sent forward,
+while the well-directed batteries hurled against the hills did some
+execution.
+
+But the Confederates from their elevated positions poured destruction
+into their ranks, mowing them down. The Union forces were not daunted,
+but made an entering wedge between two rebel divisions, turned back
+their flanks, and captured prisoners and battle flags. Scaling the
+heights, they were met by the second line, which drove them back in
+confusion, and they were only saved from utter rout by General Birney,
+who threw his command in front of the enemy, who were pursuing them.
+
+[Illustration: 0160]
+
+The sounds of battle grew louder, and as the divisions of French
+{151}and Hancock moved in columns through the town, the Confederate
+batteries burst upon them, but they charged across the open ground, to
+be met by a veritable sheet of flame, which swept into their faces, and
+literally consumed them. No bravery, no determination, could withstand
+that awful fire of the enemy, who {152}had taken advantage of an ambush
+which nature had seemed to furnish them, from whence they sent forth
+their deadly aim.
+
+[Illustration: 0161]
+
+A road ran at the foot cf Marye's Hill, which had sunken so much as
+almost to be unobserved, at a little distance. This road was bounded
+at its outside edge by a stone wall, where were hidden two brigades of
+Confederates, who had sent forth this {152}sheet of flame and death.
+Their numbers were so great, that every man at the wall was assisted by
+several behind him, who loaded muskets as fast as they could, and passed
+them to him, while he discharged them as rapidly, leaving only his head
+exposed for an instant, as he raised it to take aim.
+
+In the face of these fearful odds, the Union soldiers were undismayed.
+No disorganization, no wavering in their ranks, but they kept on, only
+to meet certain death.
+
+And now General Hancock, he whose presence was an inspiration, led the
+charge with 5,000 men, whose intrepid daring carried them within twenty
+yards of the fatal wall, only to be beaten back, leaving 2,000 dead to
+tell the tale of the slaughter at Marye's Hill.
+
+General Burnside was beside him himself with rage. In the face of these
+defeats, he demanded that General Hooker make a bayonet charge, and
+those doomed men rushed forward, with a valor never surpassed, rallying
+again and again, until nearly half their number lay dead on the road, or
+torn with fearful wounds.
+
+[Illustration: 0162]
+
+The rebel artillery was not idle, but as the Federals retreated, sent
+shells after them, still plowing their numbers with deadly effect.
+
+A heavy storm of rain came on in the night, and under cover of
+its inclemency, the Union troops withdrew to the north bank of the
+Rappahannock, although it had been General Burnside's determination
+{154}to renew the assault the next day, and lead it in person. This
+was a step which needed a vast deal of dissuasion on the part of his
+generals ere he relinquished his mad attempt.
+
+Mud was over the shoe-tops, and the rain was falling fast when the
+Union army received orders to evacuate the town, and no time was lost in
+obeying. The pontoon bridges carried them safely across from the scene
+of disaster, and left the army in a sorry plight.
+
+Decimated in numbers, the dead alone counting 12,000, disappointed,
+hospitals full to overflowing, the dead to bury, the predictions of
+defeat had been bitterly realized. It is said that the {155}brave and
+dashing General Meagher went into that battle with the Irish brigade,
+over 1,200 strong, and came out with a little over 200.
+
+It was plain that the men had been sacrificed through incompetency and
+stubbornness. Murmurs and discontent were abundant, as the army prepared
+to settle down in its winter quarters.
+
+[Illustration: 0164]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. RALPH IS SENT HOME.
+
+[Illustration: 9165]
+
+FTER the {156}slaughter at Fredericksburg, Ralph rapidly failed in
+strength. The excitement of that scene of carnage and his increasing
+exhaustion told upon his frame. He fulfilled his duty as well as he
+could; he was cheerful and alert; he wrote more often to his dear mother
+without ever alluding to his health.
+
+“I can't understand what ails me,” he thought. “I have never received a
+wound, while some of the boys who have been badly cut up are well again,
+and seem as strong as ever. I do believe I miss Old Bill more every day.
+I never felt sad or lonely when I had him to cheer me up.”
+
+He grew daily worse. Often when on duty he would halt, with weak and
+failing breath. He lost all desire for food, and his lusterless eyes and
+pale skin told how he suffered.
+
+“What seems to be the matter, sergeant?” one of his comrades asked,
+anxiously. “You don't pear to have any vim about you. Why, if you hadn't
+shown such pluck--fact is, if it was any one but you, I mout 'cuse you
+of playing off.”
+
+“I'm all right, Hank. I feel a little weak and have hard chills
+sometimes--but I'll be better soon. I'm a little sick, that's all.”
+
+“That's enough. You ain't been yerself since we fit at Fair Oaks I've
+seen it a long time. That malary from the swamps has finished many a
+strong man.”
+
+At last Ralph had to succumb. His condition was observed by the doctor,
+who called the attention of his captain to the fact that he was no
+longer fit for duty. And when one morning he was not able to report at
+early {157}roll call, it was with gloomy forebodings that he heard the
+order that he be removed to the hospital at once.
+
+“Is this the end of my ambitious hopes?” he queried. “Am I going to die
+when I am willing to serve my country? I would not mind being killed
+in battle, as a soldier should be, but to die in hospital, far from my
+mother. It is hard!” And he buried his face in his pillow to hide the
+hot tears that he could not keep back.
+
+When weeks passed, and Ralph grew no better, the Colonels attention
+was directed to his case. He was a severe disciplinarian, but he had
+a kindly heart, and he speedily forwarded a recommendation to the war
+department that Sergeant Gregory, Company K, Massachusetts Volunteers,
+be honorably discharged from the service of the United States. A
+document granting the request came back in due time, to the Colonel,
+who passed it to the captain, and he handed it to Ralph, who could not
+repress his emotion.
+
+“I enlisted to the end of the war. I do not want a discharge. Could you
+not have obtained me a sick leave? I know I shall be strong soon.”
+
+The doctor shook his head solemnly.
+
+“You are not fit to march, or do active duty--perhaps' never will be.
+The hardships incident to a campaign have broken you down. You were very
+young to have undertaken them. I do not wish to wound your pride, but
+the government does not want sick men on its rolls.”
+
+So Ralph was given his papers, and after writing his mother a few lines,
+saying that he was quite sick, lest his sudden coming should alarm her,
+he was sent home by the same route by which he came. It was a painful
+journey, not alone from his physical suffering, but his heart bled as he
+noted the ruin that had been wrought in the land--the deserted houses,
+the neglected fields, miserable-looking people, mostly women and
+children, whose woe-begone faces told of the privations they were daily
+enduring, uncomplainingly. The {158}contrast between the early days of
+the war and the present was bitter, and he felt how terribly real that
+war was to these people. Their farms had been overrun by the tramping
+of two armies, and each had equally despoiled them of their
+possessions--both were alike unmindful and indifferent to their sorrow.
+
+But brighter thoughts succeeded these gloomy musings, as he drew nearer
+to his home, and already saw his beloved mother's sweet face, and felt
+her warm kiss upon his cheek. But even in the Western country, as the
+train stopped at the various stations, he noted careworn faces, and
+anxious glances, as the murmured “God bless you!” was sent after the
+boys in blue. There were several soldiers on the train, some going
+home on furlough, and some on the same errand as Ralph--going home to
+recuperate, or, perchance, to die.
+
+When Ralph reached Chicago, he was glad to lie down on one of the
+benches in the depot. He found he had to wait three hours for the train
+that would convey him to his prairie home. The rest was welcome, and
+after a nap, and a strong cup of coffee, he felt a little better; so
+much so that he thought he would take a short walk of a block or so. The
+city was, so to speak, in holiday attire. The streets were teeming with
+an excited yet happy-looking people, and an unusual bustle pervaded
+them. He wondered why every one was crowding to the edge of the
+sidewalks, and as he was about to ask a bystander, he heard the tramp of
+many feet. How familiar the sound of the steps was to his ear. The boys
+in blue were coming, he thought, and again a wave of wounded pride came
+over him, as he realized that he was shut out from the ranks, by reason
+of an illness which he could not understand or conquer.
+
+{159}
+
+[Illustration: 0168]
+
+But no--these were not his comrades, he saw, as he looked curiously
+at the long procession filing past him, closely guarded by the boys in
+blue, who kept step, while the men they hurried along were the subjects
+of ridicule from the thoughtless crowd. They were prisoners--these
+{160}men, some clad in the well-known gray, some wearing butternut
+suits, some of them without coats or hats, their pants frayed and torn
+clear up to the knees. Here would proudly march a clean-shaven, erect
+young fellow, with a suit of gray, scarcely soiled, while at his side a
+mere shadow of a man, ragged and dirty, would shamble along, barefooted
+and wild-eyed.
+
+Nearly all of them were emaciated, while the expression upon their
+faces was one of sullen despair. Men were there who were the flower
+and chivalry of the South, who had staked their lives and fame upon the
+success of their cause, and there were men who scarce knew for what or
+who they were fighting. To the former defeat was bitter humiliation--to
+the latter capture meant something to eat, and beyond that, they did not
+look. But to the careless crowd who watched them pass, they were merely
+rebel prisoners. No sympathy their anguish and shame was felt; no pity
+for their long months of captivity, when heart and brain would chafe
+restlessly, moved the crowd, who jeered and exulted. It was so, we know,
+the country over. The boys in blue were hooted at and mocked, when the
+fortunes of war threw them into the hands of the enemy. They all forgot
+that those who wore the blue and those who wore the gray were alike
+animated by a love of country, and that all were brothers--equally
+brave, equally earnest, equally true-hearted.
+
+Thoughts like these passed through Ralph's mind as he saw the wretched
+men on their way to Camp Douglas, the military prison at Chicago. To him
+they were objects of sympathy, and he shuddered as he asked himself what
+would have been his feelings had he been taken prisoner. He was
+startled by a smart blow upon the shoulder, under whose force he almost
+staggered. He turned in astonishment, and saw Alfred Boneel, a merry
+French boy, who had been a schoolmate of his.
+
+“Why, Alph, is it possible--you are looking well. You're as brown as a
+nut, and say, where _did_ you get those whiskers?”
+
+{169}
+
+[Illustration: 0170]
+
+“In the service, of course. There's nothing like army life to {162}bring
+out a man's good qualities. But say, Ralph, I'm sorry I can't return
+compliments. You are neither brown nor rugged looking. What's up?”
+
+“They are sending me home as unfit to serve any longer,” Ralph replied,
+dejectedly. “I don't know why they should single me out for such a
+distinction.”
+
+“Oh, you'll come out all right. I see you've done something besides get
+sick, judging by your sergeant's stripes.”
+
+“Yes, I won them, and was hoping for something better. But tell me all
+about yourself, Al.”
+
+“I haven't got much to tell, but I've seen some fighting, too. I was
+at the Fort Donelson scrimmage, and it was the coldest time I ever
+saw--snowing and blowing, and afterward turning out clear, but bitter
+cold. The storm of rain and snow had been pretty severe, and the fellows
+who were in the trenches must have been frost-bitten. I know we had
+no shelter and were hungry besides, as rations had given out, and had
+nobody round to ask us in to take dinner with 'em. We had pulled up
+stakes at Cairo, and had to go up the Ohio to Smithland, and then up the
+Cumberland River. Cavalry was no good in that country, for there was too
+much big timber, and the ground was too rough. We were kept busy trying
+to plant a battery, for those fellows in gray have some sharpshooters
+worthy of their name, and though not one of them showed himself, it was
+whiz! pang! every few minutes, and some one was sure to go down. We lost
+Eddie Downing that way.”
+
+Al paused a moment to brush an imaginary fly from before his eyes.
+
+“Eddie Downing was shot? He was a noble boy. So he's dead!”
+
+Al nodded assent.
+
+“Where's George Martin? Do you know what regiment he joined?”
+
+“Oh, sure. He was in the gunboat service. Poor fellow, he fared worse
+than Eddie. He was on the Cumberland and had his right arm shot away.”
+ {163}
+
+[Illustration: 0172]
+
+“Is {164}he at home?”
+
+“He was sent home as soon as the stump healed, and his only regret is,
+so his father says, that it wasn't the left arm, for he declares he'd
+try it again. But of course they wouldn't have him in any branch of the
+service.”
+
+“Of course not. But George always had grit. But how did you come out at
+Fort Donelson?”
+
+“We had taken Fort Henry, but didn't feel so certain about Donelson.
+General Buckner had swelled the Confederate numbers there by about ten
+thousand men. Then the fort stood on high ground, and had a fine battery
+on the river front, as well as several lines of strong fortifications
+on the land side, such as immense logs, bags of sand, were well
+protected, and their riflemen were in little pits dug in the side of
+a hill. All the time the weather staid stinging cold, and we suffered
+terribly. They were resting when the gunboats came to the front. Their
+gunners looked death right in the face every instant, but the way they
+made the shells fly was lively. Commodore Foote is a hero, and {165}he
+bombarded them in gallant style. He had six boats, and the sight was
+worth seeing, as they would come up toward the fort, getting nearer, one
+by one, and then each delivering its fire, and circling round to give
+the other boats a shot at the rebs. And the fort was giving them
+trouble, too, for they were sending solid shot over the decks, which
+were doing damage.
+
+[Illustration: 0173]
+
+“When a bomb from the enemy struck the iron plates a terrible racket
+would be heard, as they crashed into them, wrecking smoke pipes, and
+tearing down the rigging, and wounding the crews. The Commodore kept his
+flagship, the St. Louis, in the front. But he received a bad wound in
+the ankle, which did not make him give up, though, but when his boat and
+the Louisville began to fall behind, and they could not be managed, it
+was seen something was wrong. It seems they had their machinery hurt,
+and their steering gear gave out. So he had to stop, for the guns of
+Fort Donelson were making sad havoc with his disabled fleet, and it
+was found that the fort could not be captured by an attack on its water
+side. The flagship had been hit fifty-nine times and the others twenty
+or thirty times apiece, before it became clear that Fort Donelson must
+be assaulted by the land forces.
+
+“That night kept us all well occupied, in making preparations for the
+next day's fight. That day was an awful one, and hundreds went down
+before the desperate fire of the butternut boys, but we drove them back
+into their entrenchments. Sunday didn't see us ready for church, for
+we had other engagements. The boys in blue had just enough taste of the
+excitement to make them want more, and General Grant had us all up in
+line of battle early in the morning, and we were waiting impatiently
+for the order to attack, when the word flashed along our ranks that an
+officer carrying a white flag had come to visit the General. We knew
+what that meant--some sort of an understanding, and we were not very
+sorry after all, for we had lost many a gallant soldier, and didn't know
+who'd be called away next. Still, we were ready, if it had to be.
+
+“Ralph, I tell you, when we heard that the distinguished looking
+{166}gentleman on the black horse had come to ask that the battle might
+be stopped for a time, so that they could argue it out on some terms,
+every man amongst us felt like throwing up his hat and hurrahing for
+the plain, unassuming little man who commanded us, when he sent his
+answer--'No terms other than an unconditional and immediate surrender
+can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.' That
+speech is as grand as any you'll ever find in history. It will be
+repeated through all the ages. Why, it's good enough to have
+been uttered by the great Napoleon.” Alph's eyes glistened, as he
+unconsciously expanded his chest, and took on a more dignified air, as
+he walked proudly by the side of his friend, who was trembling with the
+effort to keep up with his robust companion.
+
+“The whole world knows what his firm answer did. General Buckner sent
+another flag of truce, with the acceptance of General Grant's terms, and
+the Union troops moved in to Fort Donelson.”
+
+“You must have been glad.”
+
+“Glad! Indeed we were. You should have heard us shout and yell. We
+pulled the Confederate colors down in a hurry, and ran up the Union
+flag. The very earth almost shook with the cheering of the boys, while
+the band played 'Star Spangled Banner,' 'Red, White and Blue,' and
+a dozen other patriotic airs. We almost felt like having that bright
+little ditty 'In Dixie's Land' served up to us, we all felt so jubilant.
+Before an hour had gone by, we were on the most friendly terms with
+them all. We were trading off our greenbacks for tobacco, and they were
+getting bacon and biscuits from us. They didn't have any hard feelings
+against us, and I know we didn't have any, for they showed themselves
+brave and worthy foes wherever we met the Confederates in battle.”
+
+Ralph had listened with delight to his description of the taking of Fort
+Donelson. But he suddenly recollected that the train must be due, and he
+reminded Al of the fact.
+
+“That's so, and here I am, going home on a furlough, and forgot {167}all
+about it, while I was spouting. We'll hurry a little; we are only a
+block or so from the depot. You're all out of breath!” he said, half
+alarmed, as he observed Ralph's short, quick breathing, and the pallor
+of his face. “We'll be there in a jiffy, and you can rest. It's a good
+thing I'm going to be on the same train, for when we reach Marion, I can
+take you to your own place. Pa's expecting me, and we'll drop you down
+at your own door.”
+
+This was pleasant news to Ralph, for his home was over a mile from the
+station, and he sighed as he recalled how little that distance affected
+him when he was leaving home, but now that he was returning, alas! he
+knew that he could not walk so far.
+
+[Illustration: 0176]
+
+{168}
+
+[Illustration: 0177]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. RALPH AT HOME.
+
+[Illustration: 9178]
+
+OME {169}at last! And when that longing mother took her boy
+in her arms once more, and looked long and earnestly into his weary
+face, she saw only the boyish Ralph, whom sickness could not change;
+he was to her the same lad who had left his home with strong hopes and
+sunny smile. True, he was older and more careworn looking, but the
+honest look of his childhood shone from his eyes, and the same truthful,
+frank expression was on his features.
+
+Ralph, as he rode up from the depot, with his friends, the Boneels,
+looked around at the old familiar place with eagerness. He expected
+to find everything changed--he had been absent so long, that to him it
+seemed as though the landscape, even, must have taken on new features,
+or at least changed its old. But there was the same gentle slope in
+front of the door, the same trees in the fields beyond, the same sunny
+knoll where he had played when a little boy. Oh, how long ago that
+seemed to him, now, when he reviewed the experiences of the past four
+years! Al and his father would not enter the house, though cordially
+invited to do so; they did not wish to intrude upon the sacredness of
+the first meeting with his mother.
+
+She could scarcely speak for joy. At last she broke forth with words of
+greeting:
+
+“Oh, my boy, my boy, you are home once more; you have come home to me,
+and you shall never go away again.”
+
+“I am glad to be with you, dear mother; as glad as a little child, who
+needs a good petting. But it was a bitter disappointment when I found
+that I could not stay with the brave boys who are offering up their
+lives for their country.”
+
+“Never {170}mind, dear boy. You could not help getting sick. I will
+bring you back both health and strength, and then--”
+
+“And then they will take me back in the army, again. Oh, mother, do you
+think it possible?”
+
+[Illustration: 0179]
+
+Her face grew sad. She had not thought of that, and her heart
+experienced a bitter pang, for she felt that not even her love and
+care were to him so sweet and dear as was his country and her cause. It
+wounded her deeply when she saw that even in the flush of his delight
+at being home again, he could not help clouding her joy by expressing a
+wish that in her bosom found no response.
+
+She sighed deeply, and made him no answer, but he was so absorbed in
+greeting his sisters and friends who had met to welcome him, that he did
+not notice her silence.
+
+Ralph {171}could not endure patiently having to play the part of an
+invalid, but the home doctor's peremptory orders were that he should
+keep his bed, and visitors were to be admitted only when he felt as if
+he were able to talk with them.
+
+There were many long days when his voice was so faint and his strength
+so nearly exhausted that he was forbidden the excitement caused by their
+presence. But as the winter passed, under the tender ministrations of
+his mother and sisters, hope again sprung up in his breast, that health
+might return to him, and with health would come a return to the service.
+
+The medical man was using every effort to restore him to health. He was
+wise, keen-sighted and skillful, and he fathomed the secret of Ralph's
+low vitality. His diligence and care were at length rewarded, and he
+had the satisfaction of seeing the elastic, springing step return, the
+bright color come back to his cheek, and the luster to his eyes, as he
+grew stronger daily, and to those who had come to greet his home-coming,
+and had mentally felt they were taking a last farewell, his recovery
+seemed almost a miracle.
+
+Soon he could walk long distances, and even spring on the back of a
+horse for a ride. Al Boneel had returned to his regiment, but the young
+man's father had sent Ralph a horse, with a suggestion that he should
+ride every day when he was able, a privilege which brought the boy more
+healing than even the doctor's careful attentions.
+
+He had instinctively shrank from visiting George Martin, although that
+young man had been to his home three or four times during his illness.
+It was a fine afternoon, and he knew he was able to ride over to
+George's father's farm, over three miles distant. He longed to talk over
+the war with him, and yet he had a feeling of delicacy lest George might
+be sensitive about any reference to his own misfortune. But he could not
+help going, and he found George sitting on a bench in the orchard, where
+the green buds were just beginning to shoot forth their promise for
+future abundance.
+
+“I'm {172}glad indeed to see you able to come down here, Ralph,” was
+George's cordial greeting. “I've been wishing all day for some one to
+talk over old times with.”
+
+“Old times! Yes, we were happy, good-for-nothing lads in those days, I
+know, and gave our teachers lots of uneasiness.”
+
+“So we did, but I don't refer to those days; I mean the days in the
+army.”
+
+Ralph was all attention at once. “How did you like the service?” he
+ventured.
+
+[Illustration: 9181]
+
+“Liked it clear through--way down to the bottom. You know how I lost my
+arm?” he said, pointing to the empty sleeve.
+
+Ralph nodded. He longed to know more of the particulars, but would not
+ask.
+
+“That was a great day. You should have been there, and seen a real
+fight. Not that a fight on land ain't all right, but there's a dash and
+inspiration about a battle on board ship that I enjoy! You feel as if
+the boat were your castle--you can't get away from it, and you're bound
+no one else shall get into it. Then the waves rocking beneath your feet,
+the shells screaming and dancing over the water, and the thought that
+your boat is almost a living thing, lends you a desperation nothing else
+can equal.”
+
+Ralph smiled faintly. To his way of thinking those sensations were
+common to all who went into battle, whether on land or water.
+
+“You know when I went into the service I made my way to {173}Washington
+at once. I didn't wait to be enlisted here, but I knew Uncle Dick, who
+lived there, could get me onto a war-ship, and he did.
+
+[Illustration: 0182]
+
+“Through his influence I went on the Cumberland. She was a wooden vessel,
+but stanch and trim, with a good commander, {174}Lieutenant Morris, whom
+we all liked. He was brave, resolute and determined. The Merrimac, under
+Commander Franklin Buchanan, was trying to raise the blockade, and do us
+all the harm she could. She was steaming round Hampton Roads, waiting
+to sink any of the boats that were maintaining that blockade. Commodore
+Buchanan evidently fancied he had an easy job on hand, but as soon as
+we sighted the ungainly-looking craft, our hearts were made glad with
+orders to pour a broadside into her, which we lost no time in doing. We
+tried our best to destroy her, but her heavy iron plates withstood the
+assault. Had she been made of wood, we would have made a sieve of her
+with our charge. We did her some damage, though, for our shot went clear
+into her open ports, and killed some of her crew. I heard some one say
+when a man's hit he don't cry out, but I know better, for the shrieks
+of the wounded on both sides that day, mingled with the roaring of the
+shells, the crashing of shot against the iron-sheeted monster, and the
+confusion of voices as orders rang out, sound in my ears yet.
+
+“Lieutenant Morris would not say die, and when the rifled shot from the
+big house, for that's what it looked like, tore our decks fore and aft,
+the Merrimac's commander followed it up by turning his boat so that
+he rammed into our gay little vessel's side, and left a huge gash. Our
+commander's blood was up. We felt the frigate slowly settling beneath
+our feet, but not a man dreamed of forsaking his gun, but steadily
+poured fire into the Merrimac. We were willing to die, rather than
+surrender, and even though the breath came quick and hard, and we may
+have quailed a little as we looked at our watery grave, yet we waited
+calmly to hear our leader's orders, while the enemy was dealing us
+terrible blows with shot and shell.
+
+“I felt a sharp pang, a numbness followed. The whole world was growing
+black, and for a second I thought the night had suddenly settled over
+us, and I knew no more, until one day I woke up in hospital, and found
+my right arm and shoulder had parted company. A {175}messmate told me
+what happened after I fell to the deck. Our brave commander would not
+surrender; the water rose steadily, or, rather, the Cumberland sank
+steadily, until the waves washed across her gun deck, when the crew
+sprang overboard, and the ships boats carried them ashore.
+
+[Illustration: 0184]
+
+“Tom said it was a sickening sight--they had done us great havoc, but all
+of our wounded who could be dragged into the boats were saved, myself
+among the number. Tom said it was a gloomy sight when the trusty frigate
+keeled over, and sank to the bottom, but she went down game, for her
+top-masts stood above the water, with her flag flapping in the face of
+the Merrimac and her commander.”
+
+George paused. A sparkle was in his eyes, and he laughed aloud at his
+own idea. He continued: “But I had my revenge when I heard about the
+Monitor giving it to the Merrimac. You know Ericsson invented that queer
+boat. It's a curious affair. You never saw it? It looks for all the
+world like a big cheese box, with a round chimney or turret on it. This
+turret carries two monstrous guns, {176}and it can be turned round so
+that they can be pointed in any direction.
+
+[Illustration: 9185]
+
+“The mischief she did was something worth talking about. Lieutenant John
+L. Worden commanded her, but he met with a mishap at the start. He was
+looking through the sight hole, taking observations, when a shell struck
+it, and hurt him badly, making him blind for a time, and he had to
+turn over the command to Lieutenant Sam Greene. The two boats kept on
+fighting wildly, each trying to ram the other. Why, they came so close
+once in the fight, that both guns went off together, causing such a
+shock that the crew at the after guns were knocked down, and some of
+them bled at the nose and ears. They fought four hours, so the paper
+stated, and the Merri-mac went back to Norfolk, badly used up, for they
+put her in dry dock.”
+
+George would have talked on all night, it seemed, but Ralph, who had
+enjoyed the brief story of the sea-fight, said he must go, as the sun
+would soon be down. But that visit was but one of many which he made to
+George, and each one increased his anxiety to return to the army. He was
+gaining health under his mother's care and the long rest he was having,
+and he often laughingly declared that if the regimental doctor could see
+him now, he'd never believe in his own predictions again.
+
+Grateful as his mother was for his restoration to health, yet it
+saddened her, for she saw it was useless to keep him back, for he talked
+of nothing else but returning to the army. She felt {177}that he had
+done his duty, and she could not see why that did not content him. But
+she realized that it did not; she saw that he was determined to go, and
+her heart sank like lead in her bosom at the thought.
+
+The day for parting came, and as Ralph, with a few other soldiers who
+were returning to their regiments, started for the great city beyond,
+from which they were to proceed to the front, she thought her heart
+would break at this second leave-taking. Her boy loved her more dearly
+than she knew; but he honestly thought his duty to his country was above
+any private considerations, and that he should be guilty of a great sin
+if he did not return to that duty.
+
+The news from the front was most inspiring. Each day the “war news” was
+of more absorbing interest. Ralph wanted to be back with the army. He
+had no longer any ambition to win any especial distinction, but he was
+content to do his part as one of the vast army of great heroes of whom
+the world will never hear, but whose whole duty was done, quietly and
+unobtrusively.
+
+How many sublime acts of self-sacrifice, of generous comradeship, were
+performed, on the field of battle, in camp and hospital, and even in
+prison life, will never be known. But a record has been kept in a higher
+ledger than a worldly one, and when that is revealed these deeds will
+come to the knowledge of all men.{178}
+
+[Illustration: 0187]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. RALPH RE-ENLISTS.
+
+[Illustration: 9188]
+
+NCE {179}again our hero was in Chicago. The city had put on its spring
+dress, and well was it named the Garden City, for the streets at that
+time were nearly all bordered with trees, and their green foliage gave
+it, at a little distance, the appearance a wooded plain, for the city is
+built on level ground--indeed, it was once a swamp, and it has cost the
+labor of years and an outlay of millions of dollars to reclaim it from
+its original state, and fill in and grade and elevate its highways.
+
+The terrible battle of Chancellorsville had been fought, under General
+Hooker (“Fighting Joe,” as the soldiers loved to call him), and a
+victory had resulted for the Union army. The news electrified the North,
+and great results were predicted. General Hooker had been given the
+command after the utter failure of General Burnside at Fredericksburg,
+and his soldiers were ready to follow him to the death, for he was
+intrepid and fearless. This memorable engagement had been fought
+with Hooker on the Federal forces, and Stonewall Jackson, the brave
+Confederate leader on the Confederate side. He was General Lee's right
+hand man, the ablest and best Lieutenant he ever had. Close upon this
+victory came the news that General Jackson had been shot by his own men.
+When the shades of evening began to fall, he rode to the front to see
+what could be learned of the movements of the Federals, and as he
+rode back to his own lines, surrounded by his staff, some of his own
+followers, watchful and faithful to their duty, not recognizing him in
+the dim twilight, but mistaking the mounted men for cavalry belonging
+to the Union side, fired a volley at them, {180}killing several of the
+horsemen, and wounding others. This was, of course, supposed to be an
+attack from some of the Union soldiers, and to them was imputed the
+firing. The Confederate loss in the day's encounter had been severe, and
+they smarted at their defeat, They had been met by such a storm of grape
+and canister as no mortal power could withstand. The charge of Major
+Peter Keenan, which had been ordered by General Pleasanton, had been so
+brilliant that it had surprised the Confederates, who could not believe
+that Keenan, with four hundred men, would dare oppose ten thousand
+of their infantry, and they concluded that tremendous numbers must be
+behind them. The Major, with his little band, was slain, but his charge
+stopped the onset of the Confederates.
+
+The stories of individual bravery which are furnished by the annals of
+the conflict, are alone enough to fill a volume, but will probably never
+be written. The heroic Major knew that he was inviting death, but he
+never faltered. Indeed, his own words were to that effect, for he said
+to his officers, “It is the same as saying we must be killed, but we'll
+do it.” And his words proved prophetic, for he fell, and but few came
+out of that engagement alive.
+
+The twilight was falling, veiling every object in its uncertain light,
+the trees cast their dark shadows over the path which General Jackson
+had chosen. As his men, ever watchful, saw the result of their first
+volley, they became exultant at their success, and again they
+loaded their guns, discharging them at the form of the leader of the
+approaching party, who had thus singularly fallen into their hands. They
+knew that they had wounded an officer, and as he fell from his seat,
+they rushed forward to learn his rank and name, if possible. Alas,
+to their consternation, they discovered that their beloved commander,
+General Jackson, had received three wounds. His steed, mad with fright,
+plunged wildly forward, and dashed into the depths of the thicket,
+tossing him against the limbs of the trees in his path, and bruising him
+most severely.
+
+{181}
+
+[Illustration: 0190]
+
+While his men were sorrowfully conveying him to the rear, a Union
+battery belched forth its {182}fire down the road after them, one man
+was wounded, and the General fell to the ground. He was borne to an
+hospital but lived only one week, after having endured amputation of his
+arm.
+
+[Illustration: 0191]
+
+Bounties had been offered in all the Northern States. New York was
+offering liberal sums to recruits. The new levy for 300,000 men ordered
+in April had not been filled, and trouble was anticipated, as a draft
+had been threatened. But in Chicago no such fears disturbed her people.
+
+{183}
+
+[Illustration: 0192]
+
+Ralph {184}found that city full of activity. Groups were gathered on
+every street corner discussing the war and their hopes of its probable
+early ending. The South had suffered severely in loss of men and means,
+and so had the North. Many a family could point to the “vacant chair”
+ and lament the dear one who had gone, never to return. Death had been
+busy at every fireside and the cruel war had wrought the havoc.
+
+But the spirit of patriotism was not dead, but burned more brightly
+than ever, and those who had lain down their lives were embalmed in
+the hearts of a grateful people. They fell in a sacred cause, and their
+memories will live forever.
+
+Ralph walked through the streets with a hopeful step. He had won his
+mother's free consent to go to the front, but little did he dream how
+far from willing the consent she had spoken was. He knew, too, that her
+blessing accompanied him everywhere, and he wished he could see her now,
+and tell her how happy he was. Turning down a street near the river, he
+saw a crowd standing round an office, on whose front was a big poster,
+with the words--“Recruits wanted--Enlist here!” Stepping in at the door,
+he saw a motley crowd of men pushing and jostling each other in their
+desire to be among the earliest to be enrolled. A military man sat at
+a desk, with a huge book open before him, and two officers sat near at
+desks, writing busily.
+
+Ralph made known his business as soon as he could engage the officer's
+attention. He was questioned as to his age, occupation, and many other
+particulars.
+
+“You say you've been in the army already?” the officer queried, while he
+looked earnestly into the boy's face. “How is it that you are here now,
+trying to re-enlist? Why did you not serve your time?”
+
+“I got sick, really sick, sir,” as he saw a smile flit over the other's
+face. “I did not want to come home, but the doctor said I would surely
+die if I remained. I received a discharge and went home to mother, and
+she cured me all up, and I am well--well, and stronger than ever. And
+now I want to go back to {185}the boys in the army, and help them finish
+this contract they have taken, to bring the South back into the Union.
+Yes, I want to enlist 'for the war.'”
+
+As the boy concluded, his eye grew bright, his cheeks were flushed, and
+his form seemed to expand with the strength of his emotions.
+
+The officer seemed to enjoy his earnestness, and writing down his name,
+age, and place of birth, passed him over to the doctor for examination.
+He passed satisfactorily, and thankfully he heard the verdict of the
+doctor. He was sent to military headquarters, and then he was assigned
+to the Seventy-second Illinois Infantry. That regiment was the first one
+organized by the Board of Trade of Chicago. It was then at Milliken's
+Bend, after having tried in vain to make the Yazoo Pass. A canal had
+been ordered dug by General Sherman in a bend opposite Vicksburg, into
+which he was confident he could divert the river, but this plan was
+checked by the sudden rising of the river, and it was only by a miracle
+that entire regiments escaped drowning.
+
+The attempt afterward made by General Grant to enter this Pass had
+proved equally disappointing, even though an embankment which the
+Confederates had thrown up had been as promptly blown up by him. His
+boats entered the streams, whose banks had heavy growths of timber, only
+to find that the Confederates had cut down trees of immense bulk, and
+thrown them across the channel. But General Grant kept on, removing the
+fallen, trees that blocked the way, but he at once discovered that he
+was placing himself in a trap, for the rebels were felling trees and
+throwing them across the channel behind him, so that he could not get
+out again. They had also raised earthworks at a point where two rivers
+met, and they were well guarded.
+
+There was one forlorn chance left, yet untried, and that was to go up
+the Yazoo a short distance, in boats, and pass into Big Sunflower
+River, and then descend that stream into the Yazoo again. This hazardous
+expedition was intrusted to Generals Sherman and Porter, to carry
+forward.
+
+The {186}situation was desperate. The channels were narrow, there was
+no solid ground on which to plant troops, the cane-brake was dense and
+nearly impassable, and they actually had to pick their way through the
+dark and uncanny swamp by the aid of candles. It was inviting death
+too openly to proceed, for, added to natures horrors, the whole region
+swarmed with sharpshooters to whom every step of the way was familiar,
+and whose unerring aim told heavily all along the lines of the Federals,
+who were glad to escape from the narrow pass.
+
+[Illustration: 0195]
+
+{187}
+
+[Illustration: 0196]
+
+Commodore Farragut, with one gunboat and his flagship, had shot by the
+batteries at Port Hudson, and several boats had passed Vicksburg. On
+the night of April 16 Commodore Porter ran by the batteries, but the
+watchful enemy had provided for this move, and suddenly setting fire
+to huge heaps of wood on the bank, a brilliant flame darted up to the
+heavens, and by its light for an hour and a half they sent a heavy
+fire into the fleet, which as industriously returned the courtesy as it
+steamed past its {188}adversary. But the Federal fleet met with no loss
+save the sinking of one transport.
+
+This was some of the history of the campaign which the regiment to which
+Ralph was sent had taken part in, and the thought of joining it gave him
+unbounded delight.
+
+“I was not contented, dear mother,” he wrote to her a few days later,
+“until I was back with the boys in blue. This is a lovely country. When
+this war is over, I'll bring you down here, and we'll spend our days
+where nature has done so much for her creatures.”
+
+Down the river they steamed. When they reached Milliken's Bend,
+Louisiana, their corps united with Grant's army in its memorable march
+on Vicksburg. Ralph was on the alert to see all that he could of the
+country. But there were no signs of aught but desolation. Fences had
+been torn down, and consumed to cook the camp fare on marches; here a
+pile of charred timber told where a house had once reared its stately
+head; a few half-starved animals roamed round an old, deserted place,
+in search of the food they needed. Poverty, devastation and ruin were
+evident everywhere, and spoke plainly of the blight that followed in
+the wake of the armies that had tramped over and destroyed the beautiful
+homes of former days.
+
+The morning of May 16, they reached Champion's Hill, where they found
+severe work. General Sherman had been left at Jackson to destroy the
+railroad, and the factories which were making goods for the Confederate
+soldiers. He performed this task with thoroughness. He now received
+orders from General Grant to send forward an ammunition train, so as
+to be ready for the battle that must take place soon. He was not
+disappointed. At Champion's Hill, on rising ground, he found General
+Pemberton waiting to receive him, with 23,000 men drawn up in line.
+His force held the vantage, as they were stationed on high ground,
+commanding three roads, and thus it was admirably calculated for a
+defensive point.
+
+{189}
+
+[Illustration: 0198]
+
+For hours the fighting went on. The Union force's made a overwhelming
+{190}charge, and the rebel lines wavered, but speedily regained their
+position. It was a desperate duel, and fought to the death. General
+Pemberton had a splendid army of well-disciplined men, and when the two
+lines met with impetuosity, the day seemed lost to the Federals. General
+Logan saw the danger threatening them, and pushing forward on the right
+with his magnificent division, he passed the rebel General's left flank,
+and secured the only road by which the latter could make his retreat.
+
+[Illustration: 8199]
+
+The enemy were dismayed. Cut off from escape, they knew defeat was
+inevitable. The movement of Logan had been so sudden and brilliant that
+there was not a moment of grace given them. But that General was not
+conscious that he held the road in his grasp, and when General Hovey,
+who was besieged vigorously by the Confederates, a few moments later,
+shouted for aid, Logan fell back to his assistance.
+
+{191}
+
+[Illustration: 0200]
+
+Now was their chance, for the road was left unguarded, and a dash
+was made by General Pemberton, whose flying columns were {192}in full
+retreat, without giving a thought to his dead and wounded, left uncared
+for on the field. He also abandoned thirty guns, and crossed the Big
+Black River.
+
+The battle was over, and to the opportune move of the brave Logan was
+due the hard-won success of the day. Four hours of hard fighting had
+been followed by the usual harvest of dead and maimed. Nurses and
+hospital stewards succored all whom they could find, but wounded men
+were lying between the lines and in every corner, groaning with the
+anguish of uncared for injuries. Among those lost on the Confederate
+side was General Tilghman, who fell early in the day.
+
+The soldiers found a brief rest in sleep. Ralph had thrown himself on
+the ground in a state of perfect exhaustion. He would not confess, even
+to himself, that he had overrated his strength. But when the stars came
+out, and the silence of night succeeded, nature asserted her rights, and
+he slept undisturbed by dreams of carnage and bloodshed, but his visions
+were of home and its charms.
+
+“Wake up, young fellow!”
+
+He sprang to his feet, while a man of about forty, who had been shaking
+him violently, said, with a hearty laugh:
+
+“You're something of a sleeper. Rip Van Winkle is nowhere. Reveille
+has sounded, the regiments are ready to move as soon as we get a cup of
+coffee, and you've been sleeping through it all, as sweetly as if you
+were in your little bed at home. It's a mighty fine thing to have a
+clear conscience.”
+
+And the pleasant-faced soldier gave Ralph a gentle push as he gathered
+himself up, and made a jump for one of the fires that were burning in
+different spots, kindled by the hungry men to boil their coffee, or cook
+a bit, before they took up the march again. The other followed
+closely at his heels, and sitting on a fallen log they were soon busy
+“fortifying their inner man,” amid much laughing and chaffing going on
+around them.
+
+That is a marked trait of the American soldier, be he from North or
+South. No amount of hardship, no deprivations, can destroy that love of
+fun which is inborn. He is always ready to {193}see the comic side of
+all situations, as he merrily laughs at danger, and jokes almost in the
+very presence of death.
+
+That day General Pemberton was overtaken at the Big Black. Here he had
+stationed his main body on high land, but on the east of the stream the
+ground was low and wet, and on this spot the remainder of his command
+was held.
+
+“We have got to dislodge Pemberton from his position,” Ralph heard a
+comrade say. “He has a splendid view of all we are doing, and can make a
+stanch resistance. But we'll soon set him running again, and he'll have
+to find a better lookout than the one he now occupies.”
+
+“See!” shouted Ralph. “General Lawler is leading the attack on their
+right flank. They give way--they fall back! The General is in his shirt
+sleeves, and looks as if he were in earnest!”
+
+“Shouldn't wonder if he was. He's a hard one to tackle, and won't stand
+on ceremony. He don't go into battle in a full dress suit. Just look
+over there. Pemberton is retreating, skedaddling. His men have set fire
+to that bridge, and how is he going to cover the retreat of his rear
+guard down there in the bayou?”
+
+“He's not trying to save them at all, but is looking after No. One. By
+George, he's off, and has left those poor fellows to be captured, or
+shot down, he don't care which.”
+
+It was true. He ran away in mad haste, making no effort to cover their
+retreat, but abandoned the panic-stricken men in the lowland to their
+fate. Wild with terror, with no leader to direct, many of them flung
+themselves into the river, only to sink beneath the waters, and those
+who were left were taken prisoners by the Federals. {194}
+
+[Illustration: 0203]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. CROSSING THE RIVER.
+
+[Illustration: 9204]
+
+ENERAL {195}GRANT set to work at once building bridges by which to cross
+the Big Black. General Sherman's corps were soon busy felling trees and
+laying planks. A raft bridge was now constructed, and a bridge was also
+hurried together, with cotton bales for pontoons. The next step was to
+cut trees on each side of the river in such a manner that their trunks
+were not severed, but clung to the stumps. In falling across the stream,
+their boughs met and grasped each other firmly, and the planks laid
+across them made a secure road, over which the troops passed, while the
+two Generals, Grant and Sherman, sat on a log and watched the living
+mass of blue-coats march over, with the smoky, ruddy light of pitch pine
+torches throwing their weird shadows over the scene. It was a wild and
+picturesque panorama. The vast body of human beings moving fearlessly
+across the swaying structure, the fitful gleams of light reflecting from
+their muskets, the two great generals sitting there as calmly as though
+watching a festive procession--the somber depths of the forest on either
+side, where danger lurked in many shapes--what heart could fail to be
+impressed by the solemn spectacle?
+
+By the morning of the 18th that vast army had crossed to the west side
+of the river, but the rebel general had not waited to receive them, but
+flown, without attempting to give them battle. He hastened to the city
+of Vicksburg, behind whose walls he found shelter. He was speedily
+followed by Grant, who got his army in position, placing General Sherman
+on the right of the line, General McPherson on the left of Sherman, and
+McClernand next, his command touching the river below Vicksburg. Sharp
+resistance was offered, and the Confederates lost ground in {196}a
+skirmish on the 19th, but made an onset which almost regained it for
+them, but the National troops checked their assault and moved to a more
+advantageous position. The Federal forces were nearly famished, for
+rations for five days had to do duty for three weeks, eked out by
+what they could confiscate from the people as they marched through the
+country, one of General Grant's first steps was to make roads in the
+rear of his line, so that supplies could be obtained more easily. These
+roads ran through swamps and miry places, where no team could force its
+way.
+
+[Illustration: 9205]
+
+“We are expecting an attack from Johnston. He has been laid up with the
+wound he received at Seven Pines, and has all the Mississippi forces
+under him,” Ralph's captain said to him. “Our line of defences is
+thrown out six or seven miles, so I hear,” answered Ralph. “We are well
+prepared for them.”
+
+“That is true, but we may look for an attack in our rear. McClernand
+reports that he has taken two forts, and is in imminent danger, and
+sends a request for reinforcements at once.”
+
+Ere he finished speaking, the ball was opened vigorously.
+
+{197}
+
+[Illustration: 0206]
+
+The {198}river heights were fortified strongly, earthworks rearing
+their heads for miles, bristling with guns, against which the Union army
+hurled its strength in vain. Grants purpose was to carry the works by
+storm, but though splendid courage was shown, and the color-bearers at
+many points reached the breastworks and planted flags upon them, they
+proved impregnable.
+
+[Illustration: 0207]
+
+When {199}Ralph saw their efforts, he could not repress his enthusiasm,
+but shouted--“Hurrah! Our flag is floating on the breeze. We shall soon
+be in the city!”
+
+His excitement was contagious, and with a ringing shout the advancing
+men hurled themselves vigorously against the obstructions, only to be
+driven back slowly but surely.
+
+“General Grant has just received a dispatch saying that McClernand has
+two forts of the enemy in his possession. A brigade has been sent to his
+aid, and firing has been resumed-Boys, at them with a will!”
+
+[Illustration: 0208]
+
+As {200}they entered a cut in the road, Ralph saw the color sergeant of
+one of the Illinois regiments, who could scarcely stand from fright. The
+balls were whistling by their ears, the leaves of the trees were falling
+in showers, scattered by the rifles' fire. The man was ashy pale, and
+his knees trembled so he could not stand erect. Ralph thought of what he
+had related to boys months ago, about the French soldier, but this, he
+saw, was not a parallel case, for this man was clearly a coward, and as
+he watched him, he expected to see him fall down, and trail the colors
+after him. The man saw that he was observed, and he made one
+desperate effort to raise himself to his full height, but suddenly
+the pleasant-faced man who had taken interest in Ralph sprang forward,
+wrested the flag from the cowardly fellow, and carried it valiantly to
+the front.
+
+Ralph looked for the sergeant. He had shrunk to the rear, and was busy
+hiding behind a huge tree which towered above the field.
+
+“Thank heaven!” said Ralph, “our flag was saved.” He felt sure that his
+new friend, who was corporal of the color guard, would be rewarded in
+some way, but the soldier who had rescued the flag, when summoned
+before the commanding officer, and offered promotion to color sergeant,
+promptly refused it, unless the one who had so belittled his trust were
+reduced to the ranks. This was not done, for some reason, but the man
+who had rescued the colors was made a sergeant--a deserved promotion.
+
+The rumor proved false, for General McClernand, so far from taking the
+two forts, had been repulsed, and the men who were sent to help him were
+many of them killed; they were made the victims of a misstatement, to
+put it as mildly as possible. A short time after, General Grant relieved
+him of further responsibility, and General Ord succeeded him.
+
+This assault was a costly one, for two thousand five hundred men were
+sacrificed, and Grant determined to besiege the city. He went to
+the rear, earth-works were thrown up, and mines were dug under
+the fortifications. By day and by night the big guns were booming
+{201}across the space, which daily grew narrower, as the Union soldiers
+brought the trenches nearer to the line of defense. Those were days that
+tried their courage and patience, but not a murmur was heard.
+
+One day a great commotion took place among the soldiers. Three objects
+were seen whirling through the air, and fell in the Union lines, within
+five feet of where Ralph was standing.
+
+“What is it? Where did it come from?” was the query, as several hastened
+to the spot, to find three men, two white ones lying on the ground dead,
+and one negro nearly so.
+
+“Something struck some one that time,” Corporal Calvin Strong said.
+“See--the colored man's coming to.”
+
+And so he was, and as he raised up, he began to rub his head, and look
+wildly about.
+
+“Say, he's contraband of war, and we must confiscate him,” the
+Corporal continued, laughingly.
+
+“Whar--whar be I? Is dis yere de bottomless pit?” the black man asked.
+
+“Yes, Sam, you've arrived at your proper destination, and now you've got
+to be flogged every day, until your sins are all paid for.”
+
+“Oh, massa, spare a poor cullered boy who neber did nuffing wuss den
+steal a chicken, or grab a few eggs. Neber did no mo'.” And falling on
+his knees he began to jabber away in pure fright.
+
+“Get up, you black rascal; you're in the Union lines now,” Sergeant
+Harmon said, as he pulled the shaking darkey to his feet.
+
+“Bress de Lawd! In de Union? I'se whar I'll git sumfin to eat, now,
+sure.”
+
+“How far did you come, Sam?”
+
+“Bout free miles. I'se come to stay, too. I'll neber go back dar any
+mo'.”
+
+And Black Sam did stay, and made one of the most faithful of servants.
+He often referred to his first appearance among the soldiers. When the
+mine exploded at Fort Hill, it killed the {202}two white men, but by
+some miracle Sam escaped, and when he recovered consciousness, and found
+himself surrounded by men black with powder and dust, he had really
+fancied that he had landed in a certain world where they tell us cold is
+unknown.
+
+Day after day the noise of the great guns was heard. Shells were thrown
+into the beleaguered town, and much injury was inflicted. Vicksburg
+at this time might be called a city of caves, for they were dug in the
+banks wherever a street was cut through a clayey hill, and these caves
+were tenanted by entire families, who lived in comparative safety, while
+shells and balls were whizzing over their heads. Nor did the darkness
+bring a cessation of hostilities, the night proving no barrier to
+Grant's vigorous attack. As the two lines came nearer together, a mutual
+understanding was had, after this fashion:
+
+“Well, Yank, how are you getting along?”
+
+“Oh, fine. We'll soon be over there to see you. Have the ice-cream and
+cake all ready, for it's a hot day.”
+
+“Oh, that'll be 'all right. We'll freeze you out sure. Say, you come up
+on top where we can get a look at you.”
+
+“If you'll put your old guns away, and not pop at us, we'll come up.”
+
+“That's a bargain. We promise. But you must do the same by us.”
+
+“Agreed--that's fair enough.” And true to their word, they would show
+themselves, and a running fire of jokes and ridicule would be launched
+at each other.
+
+“Say, Johnnie, how are the hotels over there? Engage us rooms at the
+best one, for we want good accommodations when we get there.”
+
+“We have everything fine, and are waiting to receive you in first-class
+shape.”
+
+“Good eating?”
+
+“The choicest cuts of mule-steaks, roasts, soups, any shape you order
+it. Say, Yank, what's the news your way?”
+
+“Oh, were having a jolly time. We've got everything we want, {203}save
+your town, and when we get that, the old mud stream will be open for a
+sail way down to the Gulf.”
+
+“Well, you won't take your sail very soon, then, for you'll never get
+Vicksburg. Say, have yer got any terbacker?”
+
+“Lots of it. Want some?” Then the exchange would be made, and after this
+friendly pause, both sides would resume hostilities, as earnestly as
+ever.
+
+[Illustration: 8212]
+
+Work in the trenches brought the prospect of subduing the almost
+invulnerable heights nearer and nearer. Famine threatened the besieged
+city, with its horrors. Forty-four days had been consumed in laying
+siege. Soldiers lay down in the same clothes which they had worn through
+all these weary weeks of bloodshed and resistance.
+
+General Pemberton sent a flag of truce to General Grant, and
+negotiations were carried on, but the Federal commander was now prepared
+for a final grand assault. The Fourth of July was near, supplies had
+given out within the walls, and the Confederate general, who had held
+out bravely, surrendered without making any conditions.
+
+General Grant took possession in a most magnanimous manner. By his
+express command not a man of his army was permitted to cheer; not a
+single salute was fired, and silently, with dignity and generosity,
+the half-starved Confederates were fed bountifully, the Union soldiers
+emptying their own knapsacks, and giving their contents to {204}them.
+All the prisoners taken at Vicksburg and those at Port Hudson were
+paroled, under the supposition that they would return to their homes,
+and await a proper exchange.
+
+[Illustration: 8213]
+
+War has its humor as well as peace. The help afforded by Porters fleet
+and Farragut's had been considerable during the siege. The Confederates
+had sunk the Indianola, one of Porter's boats, and were trying to raise
+it, when they saw a monitor coming down full upon them. Admiral Porter
+had fitted up an old flatboat with pork barrels for smoke stacks, and
+furnaces made from mud, in which a fire had been started. He sent it
+sailing down the river, with not a human being on board, to the evident
+terror of the Confederates, who were watching her and who fired point
+blank at her, without stopping the supposed monitor. Dreading lest they
+would lose their prize, they promptly blew up the Indianola, before they
+discovered that they were sold.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. THE PROCLAMATION.
+
+[Illustration: 9214]
+
+LACKS {205}were constantly coming into the Union lines, and though it
+was a hard problem to dispose of them, yet General Grant's care of them
+was most humane. Few among them were aware of the immortal proclamation
+of Abraham Lincoln, but believed themselves still subject to their old
+masters.
+
+[Illustration: 8214]
+
+The colored folks all through the war had shown very friendly feelings
+toward the Union army, as many an act of kindness at their hands had
+testified. Those who came into camp, as well as the white refugees, were
+put to various labors. Surely no race, save the African, ever produced
+such a quantity of culinary artists, judging from the claims they set
+up. Whenever a darkey was queried as to his calling, whether he had
+been a field hand or a house servant, he always answered that he was “a
+fust-rate cook, massa; can gib yo' some fust-class dishes.”
+
+“Still more good news, boys; General Lee has been routed at Gettysburg,
+and several of his generals killed or wounded. Among the latter is
+General Wade Hampton. Lee's brilliant sortie has been checked by three
+of the hardest days' {206}fighting ever witnessed in this war. Both
+armies fought like demons. But we have driven Lee and his followers off
+the soil of Virginia. General Meade, the master spirit, has given them a
+taste of his fine generalship.
+
+“He's never jealous of his officers under him--that is another trait of
+his,” spoke up a man who had fought under him.
+
+“Yes, and Pickett, with his magnificent column, was there, and was
+nearly annihilated, for he lost nearly every officer he had.”
+
+[Illustration: 9215]
+
+“The fight was hottest, they say, at Round Top. The Confed sharpshooters
+held Devil's Den, and a ghostly place it is. I know every inch of the
+ground, for I was born three miles from there,” said another man.
+
+“How strange,” said Ralph, “that two such glorious victories should
+follow each other--Gettysburg in the East, and Vicksburg in the
+Southwest. General Lee has been instructed that an invasion of the North
+is impossible, and we have cut the Confederacy in two by opening the
+Mississippi to navigation from Cairo to the Gulf. Surely, the God of
+battles is on our side,” he reverently continued, for Ralph knew that
+without His overruling care, we are but naught.
+
+[Illustration: 0216]
+
+The {207}martyrs of Gettysburg, those who had laid down their lives for
+universal liberty, were not forgotten by A National cemetery, in which
+the soldiers' who fell in that campaign were to be buried, was laid out.
+The ground was dedicated on the 19th of November, 1861, and here, with
+the wintry winds making music round their graves, the remains of 3,560
+brave men were laid to rest, according to the order of their respective
+States. It was a fitting tribute to bravery, and the occasion was most
+impressive.
+
+{208}
+
+[Illustration: 0217]
+
+[Illustration: 9218]
+
+Edward {209}Everett was chosen as the orator of the day. President
+Lincoln was invited to honor the event by his presence, and he received
+a gentle hint that his voice would be a welcome tribute.
+
+He came, with no speech prepared, save a few fugitive thoughts which
+he scratched down on an old envelope, on his way to Gettysburg, and
+intended solely as references.
+
+[Illustration: 8218]
+
+When he was called on, he rose, and in his simple, unaffected way he
+gave to his hearers an immortal speech.
+
+A long time after its delivery, Mr. Lincoln, at the urgent request of
+friends, rewrote it and affixed his signature.
+
+The copy gives an exact facsimile of his handwriting, and thus in
+a double sense it becomes a most valuable addition to one's reading
+matter. {210}
+
+[Illustration: 0219]
+
+{211}
+
+[Illustration: 0220]
+
+The {212}days of idleness had not come to them yet. Victory did not
+mean inaction. They were embarked on board a steamer, bound for Natchez,
+Mississippi, which town was taken with little resistance. They also
+seized several pieces of artillery, a large number of prisoners, and
+5,000 head of cattle designed for use in the Southern army. A quantity
+of Government stores fell into their hands, also. At Natchez they were
+detailed to do provost duty.
+
+[Illustration: 0221]
+
+This was to Ralph a pleasant change from the awful scenes of carnage he
+had been a participant in. The morning of September 1st the regiment
+was ordered out to attack a body of rebels who were harassing the Union
+people at St. Catharine's Creek.
+
+{213}
+
+[Illustration: 0222]
+
+They found a small force stationed here who were levying contributions
+from the country around, but they promptly drove them {214}back to their
+hiding-places. At Cross Bayou, Louisiana, they were again called into
+action, and suppressed the guerrilla bands who preyed on all alike.
+
+[Illustration: 8223]
+
+Guerrilla warfare is most exasperating. The West was full of these
+vicious and irresponsible men, who, under a leader of courage and
+brains, would unite to prey on and murder rich and poor alike. They
+could skulk in the depths of the woods, and dash out upon their victims,
+and after gratifying their murderous designs, they would flee to their
+homes and lie in concealment till some new exploit would reveal their
+lurking place. Probably the best organized and most reckless of these
+bands was led by Colonel John S. Mosby, whose daring deeds made his name
+a terror. His raids were remarkable for their boldness and success. He
+never was captured, although his band was thinned often by the frequent
+efforts on the part of the Federals to bring him to justice.
+
+“We are ordered back to Vicksburg, to do provost duty there,” the captain
+informed his men, who heard it with variable feelings.
+
+Grumbling was heard from some of the younger ones, who were anxious to
+be “at the front,” and to them acting as provost guards smacked too much
+of being kept in the background. The older ones heard the news with much
+satisfaction, however.
+
+{215}
+
+[Illustration: 0224]
+
+They returned to Vicksburg, with very different emotions to those they
+felt just after the surrender of General Pemberton, and even though they
+were not welcomed, their coming insured peace and protection from the
+contentions {216}without, and the rough element within. Doing post duty
+is quite as necessary as constant warfare, but few were the occasions
+for interference on the part of the soldiers.
+
+[Illustration: 9225]
+
+Skirmishes were frequent, but the days of the rebellion were drawing
+to a close. The Confederates realized that the hours of the Confederacy
+were numbered, but still they struggled on. How ardently Ralph wished
+that peace would dawn. He abhorred the bloodshed that the protracted
+conflict entailed.
+
+Time passed heavily, and he began to fret at the duty assigned.
+Events so brilliant that everything paled before them were transpiring
+elsewhere, and the boys spirit burned to be in the fray.
+
+Morgan, the Confederate guerrilla, had planned a bold raid across
+the Ohio, and had captured Columbia and Lebanon, Kentucky, seized
+two steamers, and, going into Indiana, had left a trail of ruin and
+destruction behind him, as he hastened toward Cincinnati, burning
+bridges and stores, tearing up railroad tracks, and plundering every
+one, irrespective of their views. How far his depredations would have
+been carried, cannot be judged, but at Buffington Ford he was pursued so
+closely that he was driven make a stand and fight. Here he was defeated,
+and, fleeing up the stream, was again attacked at New Lisbon, where he
+surrendered, and was sent to the Ohio penitentiary, but a few months
+later he dug under the walls and fled.
+
+{217}
+
+[Illustration: 0226]
+
+July 18 the regiment was again aroused by receiving orders to move on to
+Grand Gulf, Mississippi, where a large force of Confederates {218}were
+posted. They found them waiting for them, and gave battle at once,
+taking a few prisoners, who were sent to the military post for future
+exchange.
+
+[Illustration: 9227]
+
+The awful Battle of the Wilderness had gone down into history, with its
+record of unparalleled daring, and its list of 60,000 dead on the two
+sides, sending up a wail to Heaven. It was in this fatal battle that
+General Longstreet, of the Confederate army, received a severe wound
+on the same ground and under a similar mistake, as that which cost
+Stonewall Jackson his life, a year before The General was returning
+from the front, when he was seen by some of his own men, and fired upon,
+under the supposition that he belonged to the National cavalry.
+
+The Atlanta campaign, which had added to General Sherman's everlasting
+renown, had lost to the Union cause one of its bravest generals--the
+brilliant McPherson, who lost his life by venturing into the woods
+almost alone, where he was shot by the Confederates, and his horse
+dashed into the Union lines bleeding, but riderless.
+
+The Confederate vessel Alabama, commanded by Raphael Semmes, was at
+Cherbourg, France. She had been cruising round for two years, preying
+upon American commerce. The United States man of war, Kearsarge, Captain
+John A. Winslow, lay {219}off the port, expecting Semmes to come out.
+The latter sent a polite request to Winslow, asking him not to leave
+those waters, as he intended to fight him. This was exactly Captain
+Winslow's wish. On Sunday, June 19, the Alabama went out of the harbor
+with flying colors, only to be lured off eight miles from the coast, by
+Captain Winslow, who then turned and attacked the enemy.
+
+[Illustration: 9228]
+
+After the Kearsarge began the battle, the firing was terrific and her
+shots told heavily. Captain Winslow's shells cut the mizzenmast of the
+Alabama in two. The crew were half of them killed by a shell, and the
+gunners had been swept away. After an hour's battle, it was seen that
+the Alabama was sinking, her officers struck their colors, and threw
+the swords, that would no longer avail against their adversary, into the
+sea.
+
+Captain Winslow lowered boats from his vessel to save the remaining crew
+of the Alabama, when suddenly her stern went down, her bow was tossed
+into the air and the Alabama went to the bottom, carrying nearly all the
+men. Semmes was picked up by a yacht, with forty sailors, the Kearsarge
+rescued some, and all the rest were drowned.
+
+The autumn had come. October had put on its gaudy dress, and the
+Seventy-second were still in Vicksburg. By their sedate and manly
+bearing and perfect discipline, they had won the friendly toleration of
+the very people who had dreaded their coming, but who now felt secure in
+the protection of their property.
+
+Business had been to a certain degree resumed, quiet had settled down
+over the city, and the great events of that year were had in {220}the
+papers from the North, which came freely into the city.
+
+“At last we are going to move again,” said Ralph, as they gathered round
+headquarters. “We are to report to General Howard and go with Sherman on
+his 'March to the Sea.'”
+
+[Illustration: 9229]
+
+“Well, it'll be a relief, for this sort of life is too much like playing
+soldier to suit me,” a gray-haired private responded.
+
+It was a light-hearted body of men who left Vicksburg that day, but when
+they reached Nashville, they were disappointed to learn that they were
+too late to join Sherman, but the Seventeenth Corps was cut off and
+assigned to General Schofield's Command, then stationed at Columbia,
+Tennessee. It was approaching winter's rigors, and General Hood had
+harassed the Federal army at all points, and was trying to persuade
+Sherman away from Atlanta. When he found he could not do so, he massed
+his whole strength for the purpose of destroying General Thomas' forces.
+Turning his face in the direction of Nashville, he met a barrier in the
+heavy rains which had fallen, rendering the roads almost impassable,
+and it was well into November before he reached Duck River, forty miles
+south of Nashville.
+
+{221}
+
+[Illustration: 0230]
+
+General Schofield expected him, but Hood flanked him by crossing to
+the other shore, which led the Union general to deem it {222}prudent to
+attempt to reach Nashville.
+
+[Illustration: 9231]
+
+Quickly he retired to Franklin, where he succeeded in getting across the
+river, throwing up earthworks, and placing his artillery. The scene
+was a stirring one. General Hood forced his men up against the strong
+breastworks with a recklessness that was appalling. They were doomed,
+for the terrific onslaught of musketry and artillery cut them down so
+fast that they were piled up in heaps, dying and dead, the entire length
+of the line.
+
+The struggle at the breastworks was so fierce that it became a hot, mad
+encounter between the two armies, who fought literally, hand to hand,
+while their fire flashed in each others faces. Officers dismounted, and
+fought beside their men. The contest became so close that the standards
+of both armies were upon the earthworks at the same time.
+
+A ditch ran outside the works, which was filled with the Confederates,
+who could not cross it under such a blinding fire. Here they met their
+heaviest losses. The smoke from the National side was so dense, and
+kept so near to the earth, that it added to the horror of the scene by
+bringing on almost complete darkness. {223}It was one of the hardest
+fought battles of the war, and not until midnight did General Schofield
+order a retreat to Nashville, a wise move, for had he been content to
+remain at Franklin, the fortunes of the day would have been changed very
+essentially, for Hood planted all his artillery there that night, and
+thus, aided by General Forrest's cavalry, the victory of the day before
+would surely have been turned into a defeat.
+
+[Illustration: 9232]
+
+They were worn out--unable to fight longer, and so completely exhausted
+by lack of sleep that many of the men in this retreat stumbled and fell
+on their faces, and only the vigorous pricking of the bayonet by their
+companions aroused them to a sense of the danger they were in of being
+captured,--thus they were hurried along.
+
+The whole strength of the army was now concentrated on the defeat of
+Hood. On the fifteenth of December General Thomas, who had been grumbled
+at and called “slow,” delivered a crushing blow by moving upon Hood's
+front and flank with such force that he fled precipitately toward
+Franklin, with Wilson's famous cavalry in hot pursuit.
+
+{224}
+
+[Illustration: 0233]
+
+General Thomas made a clean sweep of the {225}artillery, capturing every
+piece, and taking forty-five hundred prisoners.
+
+The morning of February 9 was cold and frosty, and as the soldiers
+huddled round the crackling fires built in the open air, they recounted
+tales of the incidents they had seen, or fought again the battles of the
+past four years.
+
+“I enlisted to the end of the war,” said Ralph. “'When this cruel was
+is over,' I shall go home and try to be content,” Some of his companions
+shared his feelings; to these the prospect of returning home was a
+delightful one, but others had grown so fond of this life of danger and
+peril that a return to the peaceful pursuits of home-life seemed tame
+and dull. War hardens and blunts the finer feelings, making men callous
+and indifferent to the gentler ministrations of home.
+
+It was with mixed feelings of joy and regret that the regiment embarked
+on the steamer for New Orleans. The voyage was a break in the daily
+life, but when land soldiers are penned up on board a boat there is not
+much r to break the monotony. At noon of the fourth day they laid up
+at a little landing to “wood up.” Not a house was to be seen, the tall
+trees stood up black and gloomy, and the dull gray sky lowered ominously
+over them. Glad to feel the earth beneath their feet, a few of the more
+venturesome leaped ashore for a “run in the timber,” as they expressed
+it, though they prudently kept near the boat.
+
+Ralph was sitting on the deck when he heard the report of a rifle, and
+jumping up, he called out, “Our men are attacked!”
+
+Instantly every man's weapon was pointed in the direction from whence
+came the sound. A poor fellow had roamed a few steps farther from his
+comrades than caution would have dictated, and had been fired upon by
+guerrillas, who were skulking behind the trees in the leafy depths of
+the forest. Another man staggered to the edge of the bank, and would
+have fallen overboard, were it not for Ralph's quick leap. He had been
+wounded in the arm, and as he was helped on board he said; “There is a
+band of them up there in the woods.”
+
+“Fire!” {226}came the word of command, and the bullets whistled after
+the fleeing band, who did not return the shots, however. Whether they
+were hit, was not known. A detail was sent to bring in the body of the
+dead soldier who had fallen just at the edge of the woods. This incident
+checked the gay spirits of the men, but, after all, it was one of the
+possibilities of war, and might have befallen any one there.
+
+[Illustration: 0235]
+
+They reached the city of New Orleans on the evening of February 21st,
+and encamped at a beautiful little village about eight miles below that
+city. But their stay was brief, and again they were transported across
+the Gulf to Dauphine Island, Alabama. The March weather was
+health-inspiring, but they had no leisure for admiring natures lovely
+face, for there was more fighting ahead.
+
+{227}
+
+[Illustration: 0236]
+
+{228}
+
+Mobile Bay was now the destined point. Crossing over to the mainland,
+they spent several days in skirmishing, it being General Grants design
+to divert the enemy's attention from his real intention, which was to
+attack and subdue Spanish Fort, before whose walls they were arrayed on
+the dawn of March 27. Bombardment began early. A dense curtain of
+smoke hung over the fort, like a pall, and after four days of vigorous
+assault, their guns were silenced, and just before the midnight hour,
+the works were carried, amid wild cheers and exultation.
+
+[Illustration: 9237]
+
+Great events were taking place while the Western army was busy. Sheridan
+and his cavalry had not been idle in the Shenandoah Valley, and at
+Waynesboro' General Custer, the intrepid, who commanded his Third
+Division, routed General Early, and took 1,500 prisoners, and every gun
+and train he had. Sheridan was not content with this victory, but
+he ruined the locks in the James River Canal, destroyed parts of the
+railroad, thus cutting off supplies, and then joined General Grant's
+army, and passed through Dinwiddie Court House with his splendid body
+of cavalry, and attacking the right flank of the Confederates at Five
+Forks, found no {229}difficulty in dislodging their cavalry, when a
+strong force of infantry came to their rescue, who in their turn routed
+Sheridan most unexpectedly. At once Grant hurried the Fifth Corps
+forward to his assistance, but it was noon of the first of April before
+he could get them into position.
+
+[Illustration: 0238]
+
+Bringing up his mounted force in front, who dashed forward in gallant
+style, he led the Fifth Corps so as to completely encircle {230}the
+Confederates. This manouver was an unpleasant surprise to the enemy, and
+a victory for the Federal side. Five Forks was held by them, and 5,000
+prisoners fell into the hands of the Union army.
+
+Following up his advantage, General Grant leveled two more forts, whose
+defenders still resolutely held out--Forts Gregg and Whitworth, at the
+latter of which the Confederate General Hill was shot.
+
+[Illustration: 0239]
+
+General Lee's flight was a sad ending to his earnest hopes and faithful
+espousal of the cause which he believed right. He was pursued closely by
+General Grant, who attacked him whenever {231}the two armies approached
+each other. These conflicts were severe and destructive, as it presented
+the strange fact of two bodies of soldiers, both skilled and brave,
+moving along over the open country, unprotected by any entrenchments,
+and continually falling upon each other with desperation. To add to the
+gloom of Lee's situation, his men were half-famished and nearly worn
+out.
+
+[Illustration: 0240]
+
+Arriving at Appomattox Court House, a week after leaving Petersburg, he
+was again checked by Sheridan's dismounted cavalry, {232}who were massed
+in a solid line across his path, but this gave him no uneasiness. He
+advanced with confidence that he could easily break their ranks, when to
+his dismay they drew off to the right, and his progress was barred by a
+heavy force of blue-coats, with their glittering weapons.
+
+[Illustration: 0241]
+
+A halt was made, and as Sheridans men {233}were about to charge
+upon them, a flag of truce was sent out, which caused a cessation of
+hostilities.
+
+General Lee's hopes had suddenly been destroyed. He had bravely held
+out, even in the face of adverse fate, and even in March had summoned
+General Gordon, who had command of Stonewall Jackson's old corps, to a
+conference, and that general had frankly told him the hopelessness of
+a further struggle. His own admission was that his army were almost
+starving, he could not furnish men, or food, or horses, and after
+visiting the Confederate Congress at Richmond the next day, he came back
+almost heart-broken, but with no power to stay the tide of blood. The
+desperate attack on Fort Steadman and the failure of the Confederate
+troops to cover their retreat followed.
+
+General Grant's liberal terms which he dictated to the defeated men were
+a marvel of generosity. He merely asked that they lay down their arms
+and return to their homes, where he promised them fullest protection in
+all their rights, so long as they did not again take up arms against the
+government. He also permitted them to take their horses with them, as
+they “would need them for plowing,” so sure he was that the end of the
+terrible war had come, and that men would be glad to resume the peaceful
+pursuits of life.
+
+The two great commanders, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, had
+exchanged several notes relative to the surrender, and on the 9th of
+April they met at the McLean House, where the terms were made known, and
+the next day General Lee issued a farewell address to his army, whose
+love and devotion to him had proven itself in many a hard-fought field.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. THE SURRENDER.
+
+[Illustration: 9243]
+
+ICHMOND has {234}surrendered! The army of Lee has retreated! From every
+little village, and in every vast city the glad cry rang forth on that
+bright April morning, early in 1865, till the echoes bore the joyful
+tidings to every camp and bivouac in the Union army, “Shout the glad
+tidings!” The words rang out, and the streets of the cities were filled
+with excited crowds of men and women, who were frantic with joy. Even
+the little children seemed to have become inspired with the enthusiasm,
+and laughed and danced, they knew not why.
+
+Flags were run up in haste, men and boys ran wildly around, singing and
+cheering, strangers clasped each others' hands gladly, while women wept
+with joy.
+
+The “good news,” however, had been received at first by the army to
+which Ralph belonged, with incredulity, and such expressions as “We've
+heard that before!”
+
+“My feet are pretty sore tramping!”
+
+“I'm going right on to Richmond now!” and it chagrined the officer in
+charge so deeply to think that they could not accept it as a truth, that
+he had the men drawn up in line, some 6,000 strong, in the pine woods
+through which they were marching, and appointed officers to ride up
+and down the line and announce it officially. And then what a roar and
+thundering of cheers aroused the echoes in those old trees! No more
+weariness then, no more stumbling and grumbling, but they made all haste
+to the town to which they were nearest, and set up a playful bombardment
+with blank charges, to celebrate the event, much to the rejoicing of the
+citizens there, who were as glad as they.
+
+To the worn-out, sunburned soldiers it was good news, and as they
+{235}gathered in groups loud rejoicing and eager discussion was heard
+among them. To Ralph it brought the grateful thought that the dawn of
+peace was near, and the Union would once again be restored, and his
+heart was full of a quiet thankfulness that words could not express.
+
+But alas, for the jubilant people--for those who were rejoicing, and to
+whom a feeling of relief had come, because there was no more war.
+Those who had so bitterly opposed each other on fields of battle, whose
+differences had received a “baptism of blood,” met daily, more like
+brothers than late enemies. True, bitterness and disappointment rankled
+in some hearts, but it is also true that all over our broad land, both
+North and South, men rejoiced together that they could return to the
+homes they had been so long exiles from, and once more take up the
+thread of social and business life, with a surety that it would be
+no more severed But even while the North was trembling with excess of
+happiness, a terrible shadow darkened the brilliancy of the victory--the
+four years of struggle and bloodshed were obliterated, so it seemed, by
+a wave of sorrow that swept over the heart of the North, paralyzing its
+throb of ecstasy. Abraham Lincoln, the friend of all mankind, whose
+life was free from petty vindictiveness, and whose whole aim was the
+restoration of the republic on a fair and just basis, a grand and
+unselfish man, was struck down by the hand of an assassin--J. Wilkes
+Booth. The President was shot while sitting with his wife and other
+friends, in a box at Ford's Theater, Washington, April 14, 1865, and
+he died the next morning. The entire nation was dumb with grief and
+consternation. On the heels of sweet and gentle peace came the dread
+question--What will be the outcome? A nation had been plunged into
+mourning by the mad act of a fanatic.
+
+{236}
+
+[Illustration: 0245]
+
+At once the War Department issued a poster, offering a large reward for
+the capture of the murderer, and on April 26 he was tracked to an
+old barn on Garrett's farm, twenty miles from Fredericksburg, with a
+shattered leg. He refused to surrender, {237}and the building was set
+on fire, and he was shot in attempting to escape, and captured. He had
+received a mortal wound, from which he died.
+
+The surrender of General Lee was followed by that of all the principal
+armies of the Confederacy; the last to throw down their arms being the
+command of General Kirby Smith, on the 26th of May. Thus very little
+was left for the Government to do, save to reconstruct the shattered
+portions of our land, to repress wandering bands of outlaws, and to
+maintain order.
+
+[Illustration: 9246]
+
+The close of the war was welcomed by North and South alike--it was as
+if a hideous nightmare had been banished, and now the waking dreams of
+desolated homes, reunited, could be realized.
+
+To the boys in blue who had fought valiantly and untiringly, the news
+that the opposing armies had surrendered was a relief, although they
+sorrowfully turned their faces homeward, at the remembrance of those who
+came not with them; still a deep joy filled their souls as they thought
+of those who were waiting to receive them.
+
+The same scenes were transpiring at the South, where patient wives,
+mothers, sisters and daughters were waiting and watching for those who
+had been so strangely preserved to them, and happy voices and beaming
+smiles made their home-coming glad.
+
+The two armies--the Army of the Potomac and Sherman's Army--were sent to
+Washington late in May for review, before being mustered out of service.
+The scene was inspiring. The {238} streets were packed with a surging
+mass of people, proud to shout and cheer for the brown-faced men who
+fought for the upholding of their beloved government.
+
+[Illustration: 0247]
+
+{239}
+
+[Illustration: 0248]
+
+Banners, garlands of flowers, tumultuous cheering, marked the marching
+divisions of the Army of the Potomac, as they wheeled into line, and
+arriving at {240}the grand stand at the White House, where President
+Johnson and his cabinet reviewed them, the officers gave a royal salute
+with their swords, while the commanders of the divisions sprang from
+their horses, and went upon the stand as their commands filed by.
+
+The following day, May 24, Sherman's noble army of bronzed and
+weather-beaten men were reviewed in the same manner, and as the marching
+columns kept step to the music of their bands, the enthusiasm was
+intense, and broke into cheer after cheer, while the houses, sidewalks,
+and every spot where human beings could find a foothold, was one mass of
+waving flags, handkerchiefs and streamers.
+
+As Ralph, in far-away Montgomery, where the regiment was to remain but
+a day or so, read the account of the monster ovation, his bosom swelled
+with pride, and life seemed to, take on a rosier color. Every cheer
+that was uttered, every look of welcome to those who passed through the
+streets of Washington that day, he considered a tribute to every soldier
+in the land; for had they not all done their duty and stood by their
+colors?
+
+He claimed a share in that rejoicing, even though could not be there,
+and he vaguely wondered if those who had died to save this glorious
+Union did not also rejoice at the dawn of peace, and the new birth of a
+nation, whose proudest boast should ever be that “All men are born free
+and equal.”
+
+His soul went out in peace and love to all--to those who had fallen in
+battle or died of wounds on either side; to the dear comrades whom he
+remembered long; to that grana martyr--the type of freedom, justice and
+love for all--Abraham Lincoln!
+
+“Dreaming, are you?” a cheery voice broke in upon his musings.
+
+“Yes, Steve, I am dreaming--dreaming of the time when I can go to my
+mother, and tell her how grateful I am that I have been saved through
+all the sad scenes the past four years have shown me.”
+
+{241}
+
+[Illustration: 0250]
+
+“Well, {242}it won't be very long before you can go. I have no mother
+to welcome me; you're a lucky boy, Ralph. But we are ordered to Union
+Springs, about forty miles or so from here, to do post duty. They are
+having lively times down there between the darkeys and their former
+owners, and they need us to adjust matters. The boys are being disbanded
+as fast as possible, and it will be our turn soon.”
+
+[Illustration: 0251]
+
+“I shall not be sorry, but I have had many instructive and useful
+experiences. Life in the army has been to me the best school I ever
+knew. It has taught me the beauty of discipline, the value of freedom,
+and an insight into military affairs which I never could have had. It
+has left me, too, with a warmer admiration for the blessings of a wise,
+just and stable government.”
+
+“Well, {243}I never gave these things a thought, but I believe you are
+right, and I don't know but I'm better prepared to take up the business
+of life than I should have been without this training. But to the case
+in hand. We leave here in a day or two, and shall be compelled to say
+good-bye forever to some very nice people we have met.”
+
+“That's true, Steve, and I am sorry it must be so.”
+
+Two days later, and while the daily papers were full of the descriptions
+of the gorgeous spectacle the review furnished, they moved on to Union
+Springs. Here they found a turbulent element which only the presence of
+soldiers could quell. Remaining here until the middle of July, they had
+orders to proceed to Vicksburg, where they were to be mustered out of
+the service of the United States.
+
+It was August before they reached Vicksburg, where they were discharged
+from further service. When Ralph stepped on board the steamer which was
+to convey them to Cairo, he was overjoyed. His spirits bubbled over like
+a schoolboy's, and he mingled with the gay crowd of passengers, with a
+light heart. The water was low, and as they sailed between the banks,
+the sounds of industry were plainly to be heard, as the blacks worked in
+the fields.
+
+As they glided along, the merry throngs were amusing themselves, some
+in the cabin, dancing to the music of the piano, some chatting as
+pleasantly with the soldiers as if their acquaintance had extended over
+years, and all light-hearted and careless. A sudden commotion was heard,
+and the quick, sharp voice of the captain giving orders. Too late--a
+sudden jar, a trembling of the boat, and a crash, over all of which were
+heard shrieks of terror and the hoarse shouting of the officers, as the
+boat, with her hull completely torn away, began to settle into the muddy
+bottom.
+
+A huge snag, floating down stream, had caught the boat's hull, and
+completely destroyed it, and the steamer was sinking like lead.
+
+The river was alive with frightened human beings, some of whom {244}had
+jumped at the first shock, while others had been hurled into the water.
+Ralph was among the latter, and his terror was intense, as he wondered,
+with lightning-like rapidity, whether he had passed through so much
+danger, only to perish miserably just when he felt that he was safe. He
+was overcome but a moment, however, and seeing the gang plank floating
+a few yards away, he swam toward it, and seizing one end, he raised
+himself upon it and began to plan what he should do next. The cries of
+some were growing feebler. He saw men on the bank putting boats out from
+shore, and as he floated along he called loudly to those within sound of
+his voice, trying to encourage them. He caught a lady by her dress and
+placed her on his raft, then a child floated by, whose light form he
+grasped firmly, as he laid her on the planks. Thus Ralph managed,
+by courage and strength, to save fifteen persons on his clumsy but
+exceedingly useful craft.
+
+He paddled them to shore, and on his way he saw a young black girl who
+had been on board with her mistress. She was being drawn at a rapid pace
+through the water, by hanging to the tail of a mule, who was swimming
+vigorously to land. One moment her head would be under the water, as
+the mule went along, and the next she would come up to the surface,
+sputtering and shaking it from her streaming head, but never for an
+instant relaxing her hold of the frightened animal, who must have
+wondered a little why he was being used for a tow boat. Ralph's love of
+fun and the queer spectacle overcame him, even in the midst of danger,
+and as she went by, he asked her how she was getting along.
+
+“Fust rate, massa. We'll make de passage, I 'low, sooner dan yo' crew
+will.”
+
+All the passengers were saved, and those who owed their rescue to
+Ralph's courage, would have made him the hero of the hour, but he
+modestly disclaimed any praise, for it was by mere luck, he said, that
+the gang-plank came his way, and any one would have done as much, or
+even more. {245}
+
+[Illustration: 0254]
+
+A {246}gunboat was sent to take them up the river, and soon the placid
+scenery of the Mississippi was exchanged for the ripe fields, the
+well-tilled farms of Illinois, as they were whirled on the train toward
+Chicago. The sun poured down his hottest beams, the skies were sultry,
+and the pavements hot and dusty, when they reached that city, but a
+reception awaited them, which made the heat and dust seem trifles, as
+they marched through the lines of people who greeted them on their
+return from the war. And as the battle flags were borne aloft, some mere
+tattered rags, some with blood dyed folds, carried by maimed and scarred
+veterans, whose eagle eyes scanned the throngs to find some one whom
+they knew and who would clasp them by the hand as in the olden time,
+there was not a man in those thinned ranks but thanked his heavenly
+Father that once more he trod the soil of a clime where peace folded her
+snowy wings, and the sounds of war and discord were heard no more.
+
+When the train rolled into the depot, Ralph heard the shouts and cheers
+going up for the boys in blue, and a six-pounder was fired off, giving
+them a salute of thirty-six guns. He felt proud to belong to that
+stalwart band of men who had borne the brunt of the battle, and whose
+hands had helped to rear the massive structure of a reunited nation
+upon an enduring base--freedom for all. And then cheers broke forth from
+thousands of throats, women's faces grew brighter, children caught the
+contagion of joy, and men shouted v and hurrahed until they were hoarse.
+The boys had come home from the war, and their toil and privations were
+past. Never again, it was to be hoped, should the wave of dissension
+sweep across the land, but the banner of liberty should float from every
+tower and dome, for all nations to honor.
+
+The soldiers had caught the glad spirit of welcome, and as they wheeled
+into line and kept step to the music of their bands, every nerve tingled
+and burned, and their hearts beat tumultuously. They were to be shown
+still farther attention, for they were escorted to a hall, {247}where,
+when they had “stacked arms,” they clasped hands with old friends, and
+after a half hour passed in renewing old friendships and making new,
+they were invited to an elegant banquet, to which they all did justice.
+
+To Ralph the scene was a revelation--the brightly lit hall, the perfume
+of countless flowers, the kind attentions of beautiful women, and the
+eloquent speeches--all in turn charmed him, and the home-coming seemed,
+indeed, a delightful fairy vision.
+
+But there were yet three weary days of waiting ere the final forms were
+gone through with, the regiment paid off, the Board of Trade having
+assumed the payment, so as to permit the men to return home more
+speedily, and to Ralph they were the longest and most tedious he ever
+remembered. But at last his face was turned homeward, and as he sprang
+from the car, and hurried along the one short mile that divided the dear
+mother from him, his sunburned and speaking face, the erect form and
+swinging, elastic step, bore no resemblance to the boy who had come home
+to die, two years before.
+
+His mother and sisters stood in the doorway, and as they threw their
+arms around him, and pressed him to their hearts, he knew at last the
+sweet and tender bliss those two simple words conveyed--“Home again!”
+
+And when, in the years that followed, the simple army boy rose to
+position and fame in the field he chose for a life-calling, his dearest
+memories were of the toil and pain and sacrifice of the days he spent
+in the army. His proudest boast was that, humble as were his services,
+obscure as he was, he gave all he had, youth, energy, enthusiasm and
+endurance, to the cause of universal freedom, and dearly as he loved his
+mother and home, he still more dearly loved the land of his birth.
+
+
+
+
+THE SANITARY COMMISSION.
+
+I want to tell the boys and girls who have followed Ralph's simple story
+to the end of the war, about a grand body of men and women who worked
+valiantly for the soldiers while they were fighting in the field.
+Indeed, it would be unjust to the wives, mothers {248}and sisters of the
+boys of the days of the war, did I not say something about this noble
+enterprise.
+
+It has been said that women cannot fight, but even that assertion is not
+strictly true, for the records of history have furnished many cases
+of women going to the front with their husbands, disguised as men. But
+though they did not help swell the quota of soldiers, they did noble
+deeds--they cheered and comforted the boys in the field, and took
+tender care of them when sick or hungry. And one of the most powerful
+outgrowths of this humane and womanly sympathy was the Sanitary
+Commission.
+
+When the war broke out, in 1861, the women of the North met at once in
+many places to confer with each other as to the best means for taking
+proper care of the sick and wounded. They commenced to form societies,
+and chief among their objects was the wise one of bringing the sick home
+wherever it was possible, purchasing warm clothes, provisions and little
+additions to their comfort which the Government could not supply, the
+sending of books and papers to the camps, and keeping informed as to the
+condition and needs of the soldiers, by corresponding with officers of
+regiments, thus learning all they could about individuals.
+
+Such efforts were lofty and patriotic, and coming to the notice of Dr.
+Henry Bellows and Dr. Elisha Harris, they talked the matter over, and
+proposed to call a meeting, to get things into shape. They saw the
+value of the aid which women could give, so selecting Cooper Union.
+New York City, for a gathering-place, they invited all the societies of
+women whose aims were similar to meet with them, and this hall, one
+of the largest at that time, could scarce contain those who came, so
+earnest was the interest taken in the matter. A permanent association
+was formed, and a constitution was framed by Dr. Bellows.
+
+{249}
+
+[Illustration: 0258]
+
+The next step they took was to send a committee to Washington, offering
+the Government their services. General Scott received it kindly, but did
+not see that it was right to give the members {250}any authority. But
+they were not discouraged, though it is sad to say that the first days
+of the Commission were very dark, for they found army officials full of
+jealousy, for they could not see that anything which could be practical
+and useful could exist outside of the regulations.
+
+The Government itself had just gone through the hard task of making
+matters straight between the regular army and the volunteer, and very
+naturally dreaded any further agitation, or the opening up of any new
+topic. But after trying so hard to accomplish something, they were glad
+of even the permission given them to form a commission, which should
+consult with the government as to the sanitary condition of the people.
+This was a small concession, but it was the beginning of an immense
+undertaking.
+
+Still, they were distrusted and suspected, and at this unfortunate
+juncture, their friend, Surgeon-General Lawson, died, and was succeeded
+by Dr. Clement Finley, who was bitterly opposed to the movement. Another
+long struggle ensued, which was ended by permission being given them to
+form a commission that should act only in connection with officers of
+the volunteer army, and have no authority whatever. This was permitting
+them to do good only on their own responsibility. Even Mr. Lincoln,
+whose heart was ever in the right place, seemed to consider their
+plans and aims as of small account, but he, with Secretary of War Simon
+Cameron, yielded, and the association was, on June 13, 1861, made real.
+
+One of its first steps was to obtain the discharge of boys (of whom
+there were a large number in the army) who were too young for hard
+service, and sickly men who had been mustered in through careless and
+hasty examinations.
+
+From this time the Commission grew, until it had so many, avenues of
+usefulness that it became too vast to attempt to carry out its designs
+under one head, and so women everywhere were called upon to help in the
+great work by forming local societies, to carry on their labors. More
+than 7,000 such sprang into {251}existence, all of whom raised supplies
+of food and clothes and money to bestow on the brave boys in hospital
+and field. It is estimated that in the course of the war the Sanitary
+Commission provided 4,500,000 meals for sick and hungry soldiers. They
+also had ambulances, and were often found on the field with supplies,
+and at the very front, rescuing those who were wounded. It had hospitals
+and depots for the objects of its care. It had camps for soldiers who
+were convalescent, and not only looked after the physical needs of
+the boys in blue, but in connection with the Young Men's Christian
+Association measures were taken looking to their souls' needs, also, and
+religious reading matter was given them, prayers and addresses were had
+at the recruiting offices, and a hymn book was compiled, which seemed to
+be exactly what a soldier needed.
+
+[Illustration: 9260]
+
+The Sanitary Commission had a ready assistant in the Christian
+Commission, which came into existence as a working body on November 14,
+1861. These two organizations worked harmoniously together, and it can
+never be told how much good they did.
+
+Among the many women who gave their whole strength with sincerity, we
+have space for but a few names, although the list might lengthen out
+indefinitely, for to woman is due the credit of unselfishness and
+patriotism and earnestness in whatever project she engages. She never
+gives her efforts grudgingly, but puts her whole soul forth. The women
+of the North and of the South gave all they had---their dear ones whose
+going away clouded the light of home, their services in ministering to
+the sick, their patient skill in furnishing articles for their personal
+use. All these things women did for the cause, and much more.
+
+Miss Taylor was born in New York, but lived at the breaking out of the
+war in {252}New Orleans. She was ever ready to work in the hospitals,
+and gave liberally of her means to the boys in the army.
+
+It is told of her that it was well known that she loved the old flag,
+and this caused bitter feelings, a mob once even surrounding her
+house, and demanding to know her sentiments. She was watching her dying
+husband. They gave her five minutes to say whether she was for the North
+or South, and threatened her that if she was for the North, they would
+tear down her house. Her brave answer was, that she was and ever should
+be, “Tear my house down if you choose!” she said To their honor, be it
+said, although very angry with her, they dispersed without doing her any
+injury.
+
+[Illustration: 8262]
+
+A young lady who volunteered as a nurse just after the first battle
+of Bull Run was Miss Hattie A. Dada, also of New York. She worked
+incessantly through the entire war, part of the time in the Eastern and
+part in the Western armies. She was taken prisoner by the Confederates
+after the retreat of General Banks in the Shenandoah Valley, and
+was held three months. After her release she spent two years in the
+hospitals at Murfreesboro, a very arduous field of labor.
+
+[Illustration: 9261]
+
+Philadelphia was a point which received Hi a large number of soldiers
+who passed through that city, either going to the front or going home on
+furlough--often disabled. Several ladies established an eating-house for
+their benefit, where they could obtain meals free.
+
+{253}
+
+[Illustration: 0262]
+
+One of the most tireless workers in this direction was Mrs. Mary B.
+Wade, who, in spite of her being over seventy years of age, never left
+her post save {254}for necessary sleep, but waited on them night and
+day, during the four years of the conflict.
+
+[Illustration: 8263]
+
+There were many other opportunities for women to work in the cause.
+Bazars were held, materials were solicited and manufactured for sale,
+speeches were made, arousing patriotic sentiments, and societies were
+formed to assist formed to assist the families of soldiers. There was no
+end to the calls for kindly offices.
+
+Among the foremost of those who turned their talents to this use, was
+Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, of Boston, the celebrated pulpit orator. Her
+efforts were given freely to making the Northwestern Sanitary Fair, held
+at Chicago, an immense success.
+
+Perhaps no woman's name is so widely known, after Florence
+Nightingale's, of the Old World, as having labored long and unceasingly
+in the cause of humanity, as is that of Clara Barton. Her arduous
+services in field and hospital, her untiring devotion to the welfare
+of the soldier, her efforts to find the dead and missing, so as to send
+word to their kindred, her weary search in Southern prisons for news
+of the absent, and her formation of a corps of nurses to work for the
+helpless in the present war, have endeared her to every humane heart
+in our land. She knows no distinction--all are alike the objects of her
+bounteous care. And when the names of those who love their kind go
+down into history, Clara Barton's will be honored and revered among
+the first killed at Cold Harbor; it unnerved her so that her own death
+followed soon, and on the 27th of July, 1864, she passed away to a
+heavenly shore.
+
+{255}
+
+[Illustration: 0264]
+
+[Illustration: 8265]
+
+The famous author, Louisa M. Alcott, whose “Little Women” almost every
+girl in the land has read, was a most devoted nurse in the hospitals,
+and afterward embodied her experiences in a book entitled “Hospital
+Sketches.”
+
+[Illustration: 9265]
+
+There were women on both sides of the contest Margaret {256}E.
+Breckenridge, a relative of the celebrated Breckenridge family of
+Kentucky, served constantly in the hospitals, until she was prostrated
+by illness. Her pure face and lovely manners made the boys regard and
+call her “The Angel.” She was very ill, but determined to continue her
+“labor of love,” when the death of her brother-in-law, Colonel Porter,
+who was who {257}did effective work as spies, for the cause they
+espoused. Among the most noted of these was Pauline Cushman, a Union
+spy, who was wounded twice while in the service, and was made a major by
+General Garfield, and Belle Boyd, who was famous throughout the war as
+one of the most daring and successful spies the Confederacy had.
+
+[Illustration: 0266]
+
+The life of spies is one of incessant danger, and demands rare qualities
+of mind to carry out their designs. Whatever opinion may be formed
+of their vocation, it is a historic truth that spies are absolutely
+necessary in time of war.
+
+The scars of the great Civil War we know are healed. We have given our
+dearest and best, and as one great and united people, we are marching on
+to a grander future than even the most hopeful could have foretold.
+
+Peace had come to our land, but the man whose splendid generalship had
+won it for us, was seized with a painful affection of the throat, which
+soon developed into cancer. The heart of the nation went out to him in
+sympathy, but human aid could avail nothing.
+
+He was an agonized but patient and uncomplaining sufferer, and during
+all his illness he worked laboriously at his “Memoirs,” which he had
+undertaken to write for publication, and finished them but four days
+before he died. He had passed through a long year of pain and anguish,
+ended only by his death, which took place at Mt. McGregor, near
+Saratoga, New York, July 23, 1885.
+
+His funeral was probably the most imposing ever accorded to a
+{258}citizen of our great Republic. Although twice called to the
+Presidential chair as a tribute of the love of a grateful people, yet
+his highest title when death came was that he was a simple American
+citizen.
+
+[Illustration: 0267]
+
+{259}
+
+[Illustration: 0268]
+
+His admirers at once set to work to raise a fund to build a tomb worthy
+of the hero; it was completed, and General Grant's remains were removed
+to it, and the structure given up to the city {260}of New York, on
+the 27th of April, 1897, with magnificent ceremonies. The celebration
+occurred on the recurrence of his birthday, he having been born at Point
+Pleasant, Ohio, on April 27, 1822. His tomb stands on a height of land
+at the north end of Riverside Park, New York City, where a fine view of
+the beautiful Hudson is had, and is a just tribute to a truly great man.
+
+Our dead are not forgotten. The custom of strewing flowers on the graves
+of the dead soldiers, in the cemeteries of the North and South,
+has taken a deep hold upon the hearts of the people, and yearly the
+beautiful ceremony is faithfully observed, Thousands wend their way to
+the resting-places of the dead and cover the green mounds with those
+sweet emblems of remembrance and love.
+
+[Illustration: 0269]
+
+It {261}is a blessed thought that, though they have gone hence, and
+their battle cry sweeps no more like a whirlwind in the faces of the
+enemy, yet the sacred anniversary brings back the memory of their heroic
+deeds, and as the bands of music peal out in solemn strains, and the
+tongues of orators are heard, recounting the story that will never grow
+old, the heart is stirred by a tender love for them, and goes out to
+the dead of the army who wore the gray as well. They were dear to their
+friends, among their most precious possessions, who mourn them deeply
+yet. The boys in gray laid down their lives with a complete renunciation
+of self, and their graves should be honored and remembered.
+
+Memorial Day has become what its name signifies--a mingling of the
+friends of the Blue and the Gray, and a cordial exchange of mutual
+courtesies. The graves of both are decked in unison in many of the
+resting-places of the nation's soldier dead.
+
+The thought of decorating the graves of their dead comrades originated
+with the Grand Army men, and they inaugurated the custom on May 30,
+1868.
+
+Let this hallowed duty be observed in every graveyard of our land. And
+when the blossoms of beauty are borne to their resting-places, scatter
+them with lavish hands over the men who wore the Blue and the Gray,
+alike. They are slumbering peacefully under the green sward, and the
+sounds of conflict will disturb them no more. As we stand at their
+graves, let gentle thoughts of love and sympathy drive forever away all
+harsh or bitter memories. Let us think of them as having finished the
+battle--it is over, and they have gone to their reward.
+
+The sun shines kindly down upon them; may its beams brighten and bless
+every living soul on whom they fall.
+
+When the veil fell upon the drama of the Civil War, it was believed that
+the throes of battle would never again convulse' our land. Peace was
+welcomed and hopes were indulged that it would be perpetual. Brothers
+met brothers again in the walks of social and business life, the scars
+of discord were healed and the rude sounds of dissension were banished.
+{262}
+
+[Illustration: 0271]
+
+
+
+
+TWO VOICES.
+
+
+A {263}SOUTHERN VOLUNTEER.
+
+
+          Yes, sir, I fought with Stonewall,
+
+               And faced the fight with Lee;
+
+          But if this here Union goes to war,
+
+               Make one more gun for me!
+
+          I didn't shrink from Sherman
+
+               As he galloped to the sea;
+
+          But if this here Union goes to war,
+
+               Make one more gun for me!
+
+          I was with 'em at Manassas--
+
+               The bully boys in gray;
+
+          I heard the thunderers roarin'
+
+               Round Stonewall Jackson's way,
+
+          And many a time this sword of mine
+
+               Has blazed the route for Lee;
+
+          But if this old nation goes to war.
+
+               Make one more sword for me!
+
+          I'm not so full o' fightin',
+
+               Nor half so full o' fun,
+
+          As I was back in the sixties
+
+               When I shouldered my old gun;
+
+          It may be that my hair is white--
+
+               Sich things, you know, must be--
+
+          But if this old Union's in for war,
+
+               Make one more gun for me!
+
+          I hain't forgot my raisin'--
+
+               Nor how, in sixty-two
+
+          Or thereabouts, with battle shouts
+
+               I charged the boys in blue;
+
+          And I say I fought with Stonewall.,
+
+               And blazed the way for Lee;
+
+          But if this old Union's in for war,
+
+               Make one more gun for me!
+
+
+
+HIS {264}NORTHERN BROTHER.
+
+
+          Just make it two, old fellow!
+
+               I want to stand once more
+
+          Beneath the old flag with you,
+
+               As in the days of yore
+
+          Our fathers stood together,
+
+               And fought on land and sea
+
+          The battles fierce that made us
+
+               A nation of the free.
+
+          I whipped you down at Vicksburg,
+
+               You licked me at Bull Run;
+
+          On many a field we struggled,
+
+               When neither victory won.
+
+          You wore the gray of Southland,
+
+               I wore the Northern blue;
+
+          Like men we did our duty
+
+               When screaming bullets flew.
+
+          Four years we fought like devils,
+
+               But when the war was done,
+
+          Your hand met mine in friendly clasp
+
+               Our two hearts beat as one.
+
+          And now when danger threatens,
+
+               No North, no South, we know;
+
+          Once more we stand together
+
+               To fight the common foe.
+
+          My head, like yours, is frosty--
+
+               Old age is creeping on;
+
+          Life's sun is lower sinking,
+
+               My day will soon be gone;
+
+          But if our country's honor
+
+               Needs once again her son,
+
+          I'm ready, too, old fellow--
+
+               So get another gun.
+
+
+
+
+A REMINISCENCE.
+
+[Illustration: 9274]
+
+HE {265}night had fallen slowly and softly. The stars had stolen out,
+now dancing gaily in one corner of the heavens, and now a cluster of
+them marched forth in stately fashion. The air was quiet; even the
+leaves had quit whispering, the breeze had died away, and they nodded
+sleepily on their stems. Pretty Alice Whiting sat on the porch of the
+one-story, old style plantation house, and lazily wished the tea-table,
+whose disorder showed it had been attacked by hungry mouths, would
+vanish bodily. But it didn't, and she ruefully contemplated the prospect
+of clearing it up herself, with much chagrin, for such lovely nights,
+she declared, were not made to work in.
+
+She had come to Memphis from the North with her husband and brother, who
+had “settled” in that hospitable city. Frank and Will had gone to the
+lodge, and she had been dreaming of her far Northern home. As she sat
+there her head rested against the vines which covered the porch, turning
+it into a perfect bower of beauty. Her dark brown hair waved and curled
+around a broad, full forehead; her features were far from regular, but
+the piquant nose and smiling mouth redeemed them, and gave a saucy charm
+which was more pleasing than set beauty. And as the moon rose in the
+sky, until her pale beams lit up the darkened porch, flooding every
+corner, she made as pretty a picture as one would wish to look upon.
+Something of this thought evidently passed through the mind of the man
+who had stolen noiselessly through the garden until he stood by her
+side, for he looked earnestly upon her as if loth to disturb her,
+and then longingly at the table, which had abundance, even after the
+appetites of the household had been appeased.
+
+With a start she sprang to her feet. Her heart beat loud and {266}rapid
+with fear, as she looked at the stranger. Visions of burglars,
+guerrillas and all the clan, flitted through her brain, and held her
+dumb, unable to utter a sound, from pure terror.
+
+Certainly the man before her was not one to reassure her, for he was
+wild-eyed and dirty, and his ragged clothes had fallen away from his
+thin frame.
+
+“Don't be afraid, ma'am,” he said, in a voice intended to be gentle and
+assuring; “all I ask is a bite to eat. I'd never hurt a woman.”
+
+She drew a quick breath of relief.
+
+“Are you hungry?” she asked.
+
+“Hungry? Look at me, ma'am. Do you see any signs of the gourmand about
+me?” pointing to his pinched face.
+
+“I'll give you something to eat--for Eddie's dear sake,” she added, in a
+faint whisper.
+
+Bringing clean dishes, she poured out a cup of coffee, and bade him sit
+down and help himself.
+
+“Can I have a wash fust?” he asked.
+
+“Yes, and welcome.” Bringing him a basin of clear cold water and a
+towel, she had the pleasure of seeing some of the tawny hue disappear,
+and he seated himself and began to eat most heartily.
+
+It was just after the war, and the city was full of homeless men, who
+roamed its streets, unable to find work, and actually living on charity.
+Some of them had no home to go to, and others could not raise the means
+to take them there.
+
+“Pears like we wus whipped bad,” he said, between the mouthfuls.
+
+She nodded an affirmative.
+
+“I 'lowed General Forrest would help me to get back to Georgy. There's
+whar I belong.”
+
+“Did you ask him?” The General was a resident of Memphis at that time.
+
+“I went to see him about it, and he couldn't do nothing--said he had no
+money,” which was a fact, no doubt.
+
+“I {267}tell you, them cussed Yanks fit well. They had good pluck, after
+all.”
+
+“I think they proved that,” she said faintly, her terror returning,
+for she saw he thought her a Southerner as well as himself, and she had
+misty visions of being strangled, the silly girl. “Oh,” she thought,
+“will Frank never come?”
+
+The man ate as if he had not seen food for many a day, and all the time
+his discourse was about the Yanks and what he'd like to do to' them.
+At last his hunger seemed satisfied, and rising, with his ragged, faded
+soldier cap in hand, he began to thank her profusely for her kindness.
+Something in her face arrested his attention, for he suddenly paused,
+and coming a step nearer to her, he said:
+
+“I didn't like to beg, but I was nigh dead. If those Northern cusses
+hadn't beaten us into poverty, I'd have been home with my old mother
+now. I don't 'low they'd ever give a crust to a dog to keep life in his
+body!”
+
+Her face flushed, and a sudden courage came to her. She answered,
+defiantly--
+
+“Indeed, you do not do us justice. You do not know us.”
+
+“Know you? Ain't you one of our people, ma'am?”
+
+“I am one of those people you despise--a Yankee,” she answered, looking
+him steadily in the face.
+
+“A Yankee? And you have fed _me_. Fed a man who has been abusing you
+right along, and you must hate him?”
+
+“I do not hate you. Oh, no, I could not hate a single human being. You
+are one of God's children, and so am I.” The scowl of doubt and distrust
+fled from the man's troubled face. He towered above her, tall, gaunt,
+but powerfully built.
+
+“But it seems strange you'd be so willing to help me out, when you knew
+that I was agin your kind. Why did you do it?”
+
+“You were hungry, and asked me for food. I have a better reason than
+that, even. I am but a girl, but I had a little brother younger than I,
+the idol of our home, who went to war, as a bugler. He was so frail and
+boyish that they wouldn't enlist him as an able-bodied soldier, but he
+would go. He was wounded {268}and taken prisoner in the Battle of the
+Wilderness, carried to Andersonville, where he died. I made a solemn
+promise to my own heart that never, while life lasted, would a human
+being ask me for food in vain, even though I took the food from my own
+lips to give him. I will keep my word. You are welcome to all I have
+given you. May you never want.” The man looked down at her, and in a
+choked voice said: “Ma'am, may I take you by the hand?”
+
+She held out both hands toward him, and as he grasped them and
+reverently bent over them, a tear dropped on their whiteness, and he
+walked quickly away into the silence and darkness of the night.
+
+[Illustration: 0277]
+
+
+
+
+THE LITTLE BLACK COW.
+
+AN INCIDENT OF THE WAR.
+
+[Illustration: 9278]
+
+T {269}was the autumn of 1864, and the supplies for the boys in blue
+were being hurried forward. The Government purchased cattle in the North
+and West, and sent them to its soldiers, for they must be fed or they
+could not fight. The Southern army had not fared so well--they were
+destitute of nearly everything. Foraging had been kept up the troops
+on both sides, until the land was almost devastated. Families were
+suffering from hunger, for most of the able-bodied men were at the
+front, and only old men and pretended farmers remained to till the land.
+These latter belonged to the roving bands of guerrillas who pretended to
+work the farm lands. Want stared women and children in the face. Little
+ones who could not understand the dreadful fever of hate and blood that
+was abroad in the land looked into the faces of their elders, and asked
+for food.
+
+Thomas Grant was a young fellow of nineteen who had seen some service in
+the Missouri militia, and was full of life and youth. His early days had
+been spent on a farm in Northern New York, where his reckless courage
+and fine horsemanship had made him a leader among his boy comrades.
+When he entered the Government service it was for the purpose of driving
+cattle to the army for its use.
+
+The position was one of great danger. Their steps were watched by
+guerrillas by night and by day, and many a stray shot {270}picked off
+a cattle driver or one of the soldiers who accompanied them as guards.
+Hurrying them over hill and dale, now in dense woods, and now over
+country roads, sometimes struggling and sticking in the clayey beds, it
+was a common event to have many of the tired animals, worn and footsore,
+fall down in their tracks, to be abandoned. These animals were a rich
+harvest for the guerrillas who hovered in their wake, like birds of
+prey, for they would capture the weary beasts, and convert them into
+food. It was the pride of a cattle driver when he could bring the
+bulk of his drove to the destined point, and deliver them to the
+quartermaster.
+
+It was sultry, and the dust lay in heaps along the highway. The news
+had come that a large body of Confederate cavalry were about to attack
+Stevenson, Alabama, which was held by the Union forces, and the cattle
+were hurried out of the town as soon as the first beams of the morning
+sun lighted up the earth. The boom of cannon and the rattle of musketry
+lent wings to their going.
+
+“The rebs are after us, and we'll lose every steer we have,” the foreman
+said to Tom Grant, who rode beside him.
+
+The morning breeze brought the scent of the wild flowers on its wings,
+and as the soldiers guarding the train marched with easy, swinging step,
+it seemed more like a lively walk taken for pleasure than a dangerous
+undertaking. The hills ahead were clothed in a beautiful green,
+sprinkled thickly with the white clover so dear to the bovine tongue.
+
+“We'll get away all right, Tom,” said the foreman, Jim Morrison. “But
+we must make quicker time than this. Our usual twelve miles a day ain't
+going to bring us out of the reach of the Johnnies, and before we get
+far they'd overtake us, and then good-bye to the steers, and to our own
+liberty as well.”
+
+“There's trouble ahead already,” Tom replied. He was active and lithe,
+and ever on the alert, showing much skill in managing cattle.
+
+“Blast that long-horned steer,” Cleary, the assistant foreman, cried.
+“They're on the stampede. Boys, go after them, lively.”
+
+A {271}score of drivers set spurs to their horses, while the frightened
+animals, with tremendous leaps, thundered across an open field, and made
+straightway for a gully just beyond the field. The scene was one of
+wild confusion. The shouts and oaths of the drivers, the trampling and
+crowding of the maddened creatures, as they tore over the grassy field,
+and the sounds of the firing behind them, in the beleaguered town, were
+indescribable.
+
+John Morrison and Tom Grant spurred their horses toward the flying
+cattle, intending to head them off, but Tom's horse was fleet, and
+coming up to the leading steer, he threw the whole force of his horse's
+breast against the steer's neck, and vigorously plying the whip to its
+nose, he checked its headlong career, and drew him into a circle. At
+once the remainder of the drove followed their leader, and quiet was
+restored. The unreasoning animals, governed only by instinct, were soon
+started on their original course.
+
+The lieutenant in charge of the drove complimented young Tom in the
+warmest terms, stating that he had accomplished more than any ten men.
+
+The journey was finished without any further incident. They made such
+good time that they escaped capture at the hands of the Confederates,
+and on arriving at Chattanooga, Lieutenant Reed was promoted to the
+charge of a drove of 3,000. This honor he knew was due principally to
+the ability and quickness of manouver which Tom Grant had exhibited, and
+to show his gratitude he had the boy appointed to the superintendence of
+the drove, a position which many an older man coveted.
+
+Days passed slowly by; the cattle, many of them, grew restive and
+footsore. Often one or two would lie down, and then it was impossible to
+get them up again.
+
+“Where did that little black cow come from?” one of the men asked,
+pointing to a cow walking sedately along in the drove.
+
+“I suppose she's wandered in from some farm place we've passed on the
+way,” Tom Grant said. “But anyhow she's a godsend, for we'll have fresh
+milk now.”
+
+“Can you milk?” the Lieutenant asked.
+
+“Can I? {272}What was I brought up on a farm for, I wonder!” Tom
+responded.
+
+“You're a regular encyclopaedia, Tom,” the officer laughed. “But, of
+course, the cream comes to headquarters.”
+
+“Certainly--but what shall I raise it in, my hat?”
+
+“We'll fix that. On second thoughts, think I'll take the cream with the
+milk--just whenever I can get it.”
+
+The little creature was as smooth as satin, and quite plump. To Tom's
+charge she fell, and he milked her each day as he promised he would, and
+she soon became known as “Tom's cow.”' She seemed quite at home.
+
+One hot and sultry day, when they had traveled with considerable speed,
+Tom's prize showed signs of exhaustion. At last she could go no farther,
+but lay down, hot, tired and footsore, at a cross roads.
+
+“We'd better let her rest and then we'll come back after her,” Jim
+Cleary said.
+
+“That's the best thing we can do, I believe.” So the animal was left
+where she had dropped, and the drove kept on till they found a place
+where they could feed and rest for the night.
+
+As soon as it began to grow dark Tom and his companion started back
+to where they had left the cow. She was not there, but a woman sitting
+outside of quite a pretentious, two-story house, informed them that a
+man who lived “down the cross road a piece” had driven her to his own
+home.
+
+“We'll have to get her back, Tom, for she's quite an acquisition to our
+larder.”
+
+It was quite dark when they reached the place to which they had been
+directed. It was a weather-beaten old log house, with one room down
+stairs to serve the family, and an attic or loft above. Rapping at the
+door, they heard a gruff voice bid them enter. By the dim light of
+a sputtering candle they saw a rough, poorly dressed man and a woman
+sitting at a table which had no cloth, on which was some corn bread and
+sorghum. The mother held a puny, sickly little girl in her arms, whose
+big {273}eyes roved restlessly around, as if wondering who the strangers
+were. A tin cup stood by her plate, full of milk.
+
+“Strangers, what ar' yer business?” The man's threatening countenance
+seemed to demand an instant reply.
+
+“We are looking for a cow we've lost.”
+
+“Wall, what's that to me? Yer didn't expect to find it here in this
+cabin, did ye?”
+
+“Not exactly in the cabin, but we heard it was down here.”
+
+“Wall, that's about so, but I found the critter lying down in the
+bottoms, and I concluded she was as much mine as any one's.”
+
+“That ain't so, for we own the cow; that is to say, she joined our drove
+of cattle we are taking to the army, and so we have the first claim on
+her.”
+
+The man seemed to be listening. He paused a moment, and looked furtively
+around, and then at the two armed men. He went on:
+
+“I'd not have troubled it, only for the sake of my little un there.
+She's sick, and can't eat a thing. She'll die soon without some
+nourishment,” and he pointed toward the child, who was the picture of
+starvation.
+
+Tom's heart was tender. He saw the man had not overstated the case, and
+he rose to go.
+
+“Come, Jim,” he said, “You can see the child needs that milk bad--worse
+than we do. Mister,” he said, turning to the man, “you are welcome to
+the cow, on one condition; and that is, that you promise on your word as
+a father that the little girl may have all the milk she can drink, every
+day.”
+
+The woman had not spoken till now, but with a glad look she started
+to her feet, and pressing the child into its father's arms, she
+said--“Jack, that's a fair bargain. And you're a fair man, sir, after
+all.”
+
+The man looked at Tom, then out of the window, and said--“Look here,
+young fellow, you've, shown you've got a heart, and I won't be beat in
+doing the fair thing, by any one. This neighborhood is full of fellows
+who wouldn't mind giving you a chance {274}shot. The woman up at the big
+house has given them the word that you're here, and before you know it,
+there'll be a committee sent to wait upon you. Don't go back the same
+road you came, but strike for that piece of woods, and then cut across
+the fields, and you may get away. Hurry--you haven't much time before
+you--you know the rest.”
+
+Into their saddles the two men vaulted, after thanking the man for his
+caution, and away they dashed. The stars were out in full force, and the
+darkness of an hour before had lifted, for the moon was rising, and as
+they entered the woods their shade hid them from sight. They rode fast
+through them, and struck a corduroy road, a rarity in that part of the
+country, and as they left it behind them, and were going to take the
+field, Jim whispered--“Don't stir a step. Pull your horse into that
+thicket. Over there I hear them after us.”
+
+They could hear the horses galloping down the road they had just left,
+and by the faint light could see that there was a dozen or more men.
+
+“A narrow escape for us,” said Tom.
+
+“We haven't escaped yet. They'll not let us get off without scouring
+these woods.”
+
+“Which way shall we go?”
+
+“Why, away from this vicinity as quick as we can.”
+
+“My Kentucky thoroughbred will carry me out of danger--she can outrun
+anything they've got.”
+
+“But I've only got a long, lank, rangy old mule, and half-blind at that.
+I'm destined to be captured,” ruefully answered Jim.
+
+“No, we're not--they are turning off into the left hand road; no,
+there's three or four taking the other one. Some have dismounted, and
+are talking with the man we've just left. He's true blue; he's pointing
+away in another direction.”
+
+“Well, he's not so bad after all, even if he is a guerrilla.”
+
+“Why, do you believe he's one of that band?”
+
+“Sure as preaching he belongs to the gang who are bothering the whole
+country round here, and all that saved us was your generosity {275}in
+making him welcome to the little black cow. He's got a heart hid away
+somewhere, and you just touched it.”
+
+Tom's eyes opened wide. “I couldn't see that little creature starving
+there, and not offer them something to help her out. Why, she was
+nothing but skin and bones.”
+
+“We mustn't loiter here. It is a good three miles to camp, and we must
+make it quick, or they'll head us off before we reach the road.”
+
+Touching their animals lightly with their spurs, they dashed across the
+open field toward another road, and were almost ready to congratulate
+themselves on their escape, when they heard a yell, and looking back
+they saw one of the guerrillas who had sighted them and was almost
+standing in his stirrups in his excitement, and shouting wildly to his
+companions, who were coming after him at full gallop. Tom and Jim did
+not need any further hint, but led the way, at a rattling pace. Tom was
+mounted on a racer, but Jim's army mule proved that he could run, for
+he kept pace with the horse, almost neck and neck. Whether he dreaded
+capture and being set to work, or feared being converted into mule meat,
+we are not able to say, but he held his own.
+
+With shouts and oaths that were heard by the two men with distinctness,
+the guerrillas dashed after them, while they kept on with break-neck
+speed, now through a gully, then over a broken fence, and sinking in
+the furrows of fields that had been plowed in the long ago, now past
+a ruined building that rose up black and forbidding in the weird
+moonbeams, and then the lights gleamed friendly from one that was
+occupied. What the end of this John Gilpin ride would have been, it is
+hard to say, for the guerrillas were gaining on them, but at a turn in
+the road a dozen blue-coats were seen coming toward them. The pursuing
+foe fired a few wild shots, which were returned with a will, when they
+wheeled about and fled across the field, and were soon in hiding in the
+woods.
+
+“Tom's cow came near getting me into trouble,” Jim Cleary said, when he
+finished telling the story to the lieutenant.
+
+A few {276}weeks later, when they had reached Knoxville and gone into
+camp, an old, feeble-looking farmer came into the lines looking for
+Tom Grant. His hair was grizzled, and his beard uncut, and as Tom came
+toward him, he was surprised to see the wrinkled brown hand extended as
+if to clasp that of an old friend.
+
+“You don't seem to recognize me,” the man said awkwardly. “You haven't
+forgotten the little sick gal and her mammy down in the country a
+hundred miles or so?”
+
+“You're not the man who showed us so much kindness when you knew the
+guerrillas were on our track?” Tom asked.
+
+“The very same. You see a gray wig and a butternut suit make quite a
+farmer outen me. I'll never forget you, stranger, nor how you saved my
+baby. She was the only gal we had left--we'd lost three, and when she
+took to that milk so, and you told me to keep the cow, why, I couldn't
+hold still. I'd had it in my heart to kill you both, that night. I had
+only to whistle and I'd have brought the whole band about your ears. The
+little gal--Eda, we call her--began to pick right up on that milk,
+and now she's as peart as any child you ever saw. My woman says to
+me--'Martin, go and tell that young fellow the good turn he has done
+us.' I've followed your trail for nearly a hundred mile to tell you
+that you will never be forgotten in our home, and I'll never raise a gun
+against a Yank again.” {277}
+
+[Illustration: 0286]
+
+
+
+
+A WAR STORY.
+
+[Illustration: 9287]
+
+HEN {278}the war broke out, Helen and Marie Mason, twin sisters, were
+left at home with no protector save two old slaves, Dan and Lois. Their
+father had given every dollar he had to the cause of the South. The two
+girls had grown up without a mother's care, for she had died when they
+were ten years old, and their father had mourned her so deeply that
+he had never thought of giving them a new mother. But they were not
+spoiled--they lived in this simple little home, tenderly guarded by
+their father, and all their needs had been carefully looked after by the
+two old slaves, who would have laid down their lives for them.
+
+But when in the second year of the war, Mr. Mason went into the army,
+their hearts were nearly broken. They declared they could not spare him,
+the “old darling.” Were there not plenty of younger and stronger men?
+and besides, they were half Union at heart, and did not share their
+father's sentiments of fidelity to the Southern cause.
+
+They showed no signs of their sorrow at the parting, but, with Spartan
+endurance, bade him a long farewell, and he set off, followed by the
+prayers of his beautiful daughters. Letters and messages came often
+to the little home by the Mississippi, and time did not hang quite as
+heavily as they had feared it would; but their father's letters were
+filled with bitter rancor, and he sought earnestly to impress upon their
+minds the enmity which {279}they should cultivate as daughters of the
+sunny South, against the soldiers of the North.
+
+But there was one chapter in their life which he had not fully conned.
+Marie would sigh deeply over her father's messages, but Helen, who had
+more independence and self-reliance, found words of consolation for her.
+
+In the days before the war, their home had been the scene of many a
+pleasant gathering, and among their guests were several young men of
+Northern birth, whom business or pleasure had brought to the South, and
+who had found great attractions within their charmed circle. Marie did
+not know why she took such pleasure in the coming of Walter Ryder, or
+why she felt so lonely when he was away. Her father had liked the young
+man for his manly, straightforward bearing and honest principles, but he
+could not tolerate his becoming a Union soldier, and when he learned of
+his intention, he forbade his gentle Marie ever to see him again.
+
+In vain Walter had striven to see her, if only for an instant, so that
+he might say good-bye to her. She would not disobey her father, and yet
+it was with a bitter pang that she refused to meet him once more before
+his departure.
+
+Old Aunt Lois saw how her lily drooped, but she had great faith in her
+master's judgment, and she didn't “like Northerners nohow,” and yet she
+wiped many a tear away with the corner of her blue-checked apron, as she
+lamented about “diswah dat upset eberybody's 'pinions so.”
+
+Walter had gone without a word to cheer him. He had gone from the place
+which had grown so dear, and while pretty Marie wept, Helen chided her
+for her lack of fortitude.
+
+The months went by, and they often heard through returned soldiers of
+Walter Ryder. Then came news that he was wounded, and then that he had
+died of his wound. The whole world seemed to have stopped then for poor
+Marie. She grew thin and white, and she reproached herself incessantly
+because she had so cruelly refused to see Walter. The house grew
+strangely still, {280}for there were no more social meetings, and Helen
+shared the gloom that enveloped Marie.
+
+“Pears to me dat eberyting goes wrong,” Aunt Lois said, as she stopped
+in her mixing bread, and gazed out upon the landscape, which was
+beautiful to look upon.
+
+But Aunt Lois was no poet or artist, only the colored cook in this
+lovely home. “Fust de wall cum--den Massa Mason brung home to die, and
+pretty Missie Helen sitting dar in her bodoor all alone all day, neber
+speaking a word to po' Miss Marie, who lubed her father dearly. Don't I
+know dat po' little gal is breaking her heart 'tween losing dat foolish
+man and her dear father?”
+
+“Lois--Aunt Lois!” a sweet and girlish voice called.
+
+“What is it, honey--Ise coming!”
+
+Before she could take her hands from the dough a slender young girl,
+whose pure face would have made the veriest stranger admire it, burst
+into the kitchen, and sank in a heap at the feet of the old negress,
+who, now actually alarmed, seized her by the arm, and with a look of
+anxiety on her black face, asked the girl what had happened.
+
+“I've seen him--seen Walter. They said he was dead. Oh, Aunt Lois, he
+looked so brave, so happy. I never thought he _could_ look happy again,”
+ and the tears streamed down her face.
+
+“Now cum here, chile, and sit in yo' old auntie's lap as yo' used to
+when yo' was a tiny gal, and I used to tell yo' stories and sing de old
+plantation melodies. Come, and you'll forgit all about yo' trubbles.”
+
+Lois had cleared her hands by this time of the dough, and as she took
+the girl by the hand, a loud rap sounded on the outside door.
+
+“Oh, look, there's a whole lot of soldiers on the lawn, but he ain't
+with them!” Marie added, as she peered from the window.
+
+“Ise not afraid of sogers! What do you want?” Aunt Lois said, boldly
+advancing to the door, where a tall soldier in blue stood, with a dozen
+men, all armed. “Hello!” he said rather roughly, but catching sight
+of Marie, whose face was blanched with {281}terror, he spoke more
+courteously: “I beg pardon, Miss, but we are in search of a spy who goes
+by the name of Walter Ryder. We have tracked him to this place, and have
+orders to arrest him.”
+
+“My--” she choked the telltale words, and with dignity answered: “Walter
+Ryder is not a spy, neither is he here.”
+
+“I regret the necessity, Miss, but I must search the house.”
+
+“You can,” she said, haughtily.
+
+Leaving the soldiers posted around the house, the sergeant and two
+of the men entered the dwelling, and commenced the search, but it was
+useless, for no trace of Walter was found. When they came to the door of
+Helen's room, they found it locked, and yet they heard voices.
+
+“I thought you were dead,” some one was saying. “My sister has mourned
+you constantly.”
+
+They struck the butts of their guns against the panels of the door, and
+demanded admission, but no one answered. They pushed it open, and the
+girl who sat there sprang to her feet, thoroughly frightened, but no one
+else was in the room.
+
+The three men looked at each other with a puzzled look. There was
+but one window in the apartment, and that was covered with a mass of
+clinging vines so dense and thick that they formed a complete mat. They
+pushed their bayonets through the tangled mass, but no one was there.
+
+Helen gazed at them as if half stupefied. The sergeant courteously
+raised his cap, and said: “Miss, we are in search of a man whom we think
+is a spy--he certainly was seen in these grounds.”
+
+“We do not harbor spies, sir.”
+
+“I do not think you do--but he may have used your premises for a
+hiding-place. I beg your pardon for intruding. Right about face!” to his
+men, A still more prolonged search of the grounds revealed nothing, and
+after placing a guard, the remainder left.
+
+But where was Marie? As soon as the soldiers had left the room she went
+back to Helen, who sat with bowed head, and {282}touching her gently on
+the arm, she whispered--“Sister.” A tender light shone in Helen's face,
+but she answered--“Marie, if you only knew how I have injured you--I
+have not been a sister to you.”
+
+“Not a sister to me, dear Helen? Why, you are the dearest of sisters.
+What do you mean?”
+
+“Marie, could you dream that your sister, who loves you so dearly, would
+willingly have wronged you so that you never can forgive me?”
+
+“I cannot believe you, Helen. Explain, will you?”
+
+“I poisoned our father's mind against you. I wrote him that you were
+receiving Walter Ryder's attentions, and that I had prevented an
+elopement by my watchfulness.”
+
+“Helen! How could you? And that is the reason that he would not see me
+when they brought him home wounded. How cruel! Father, you cannot hear
+me, but you must know the truth now.”
+
+“I dare not ask your forgiveness, nor dare I tell you why I did it.”
+
+The girl stood before her sister, and in low and pleading tones she
+urged--“Tell me all, Helen. I _will_ call you sister,” as the other
+put up her hand with a gesture of pain. “You know how fond you were of
+Walter once.”
+
+A frown contracted the brow of the girl who listened, and she buried her
+face in Marie's lap, as she continued--
+
+“I am ashamed to tell you, my unselfish sister, that I have done such
+a grievous wrong. I, too, loved Walter Ryder. Do not start. I was
+infatuated, and when he asked our dear father's permission to address
+you, I hated him, and from that hour I lost no chance of ruining him
+in his estimation. He went into the Northern army, and that helped my
+cause. Father swore that no daughter of his should marry a man who would
+take up arms against the South. I played a double part. I told Walter
+of our father's objections, and also persuaded him that you were half
+promised to a colonel in our army. He went away, {283}and was killed at
+Chattanooga.” And the stately Helen broke into a passion of weeping.
+
+“Sister, who told you that he was killed?”
+
+“I have letters from cousin Will, telling me so, and lamenting his
+death, for he was much attached to him.”
+
+“Did you not hear the soldier to-day charge Walter with being a spy?”
+
+“I did not hear the name of the man they were looking for--it surely was
+not Walter?”
+
+The rosy flush that rose to her cheeks made Marie turn faint. Could it
+be that her sister cared for him yet?
+
+“Do not look at me as if you doubted me. That foolish passion has burned
+itself out. My only hope is that he lives, so that I may repair, in a
+measure, the wrong I have done you both. When I have seen you pining, my
+heart has ached for you.”
+
+“Oh, Helen dear, how good you are!”
+
+The twilight deepened, as they sat there, and a shot was heard, which
+brought them both to their feet. Another rang out, and with a wild cry
+of alarm the girls fled from the house, toward the spot from whence they
+came. Marie saw a form fleeing into the darkening woods, and heard the
+command “Halt!” It never paused, and as the soldiers raised their rifles
+to fire, she sprang almost in front of their weapons, and cried--“Do not
+fire again. You have killed him.”
+
+“We have not fired at all. It was not our shot that struck him, but we
+were about to fire on the man who wounded him, and whom you saw running
+away,” Sergeant Hughes said, respectfully.
+
+At a short distance they found Walter Ryder, who was wounded in the
+side, and as they carried him back to camp, he said--
+
+“Take me to the Lieutenant. I can prove my innocence.” Marie and Helen
+threw themselves into each other's arms. Old Lois wrung her hands in
+despair.
+
+“I tole you no good wud cum outen dat man's comin' round here,” she said
+to old Dan.
+
+“I {284}doant know why not,” he said. “Wat you got agin him?”
+
+“He ain't our sort,” she said, contemptuously. “Nordern men am diffunt
+from Soudern--doan yo' sense it?”
+
+“Dat's not for me to explaticate. But who was it gib'd us our freedom
+but dem same Nordern men; and isn't it worf sumfing to own yo'self?
+Dat's wat de Nordern 'trash,' as you call 'em, has done for you and me.”
+
+“I neber could talk wif you, old man, for youse always on de contrary
+side,” and she left the partner of her joys and sorrows with what was
+intended for a very lofty step.
+
+“De old gal doant like my plain speaking,” Dan chuckled. “But Ise on de
+right side always.”
+
+Next morning dawned brightly. As the birds sang their welcome to early
+day, a young girl left the house and walked rapidly toward the camp,
+a quarter of a mile distant. No one would have recognized the elegant
+Helen in her disguise. She wore a calico dress, much faded and too large
+for her, pinned in folds about her form. A sunbonnet hid her lovely
+face, and an old black cape completed the outfit. She carried a basket
+of fruit, and to all appearances was a country lassie seeking a market
+for her goods.
+
+No challenge was given her. The customary “Halt!” was replaced by a
+gracious smile from the guard, and permission was given her to enter.
+
+“I want to see the General who has charge here,” she said. A broad smile
+was on the soldier's face. “The General is out on business just now,
+Miss. Indeed, I haven't seen him for some time. Won't the Lieutenant do
+as well?”
+
+The haughty look she gave him brought the flippant fellow to his senses.
+
+“Miss,” he stammered, in an apologetic tone, “if you've got anything to
+sell, why you'd do better to see the cook. He buys all our provender,
+and will take your fruit, I'm certain.”
+
+“I wish to see the officer who is in command here,” she continued.
+
+“Bob,” {285}the guard said, “go tell the officer of the day that a lady
+wishes to see him.”
+
+“The Lieutenant will see the lady at once,” the man said, on his return.
+Conducting her to a tent, she entered, and saw a very handsome young
+man, “far handsomer,” she thought, “than Walter.” His brown eyes rested
+inquiringly upon her as he arose and politely handed her a camp stool.
+She seated herself, but remained silent. He kindly said--
+
+“Did you wish to see me on any particular matter? I am at your service.”
+
+Helen's heart beat fast. She knew that she was placed in a strange
+position, but she felt she could endure any unjust comment, so that she
+could undo the wrong she had done her sister and Walter Ryder.
+
+“Sir, I came to ask you if the young man who was shot yesterday, was
+killed?” and her voice faltered.
+
+“Ah,” Lieutenant Gordon thought, “she is no simple country girl. Why is
+she interested in a Union soldier?” The query gave his voice a tinge of
+bitterness as he made reply--
+
+“He was not, though he deserved death, for he is a Confederate spy.”
+
+“Oh, sir, you are wrong. Believe me, he is no spy, and I will prove it
+to you, if you will only listen.”
+
+In her excitement she had risen to her feet, and her sun-bonnet had
+fallen off, while her long dark hair rippled over her face, which was
+flushed and eager. Again that bitter feeling crossed the officer's
+mind as he gazed at her, half forgetting that she was waiting for his
+permission to explain.
+
+“You will not shoot him as a spy--you cannot be so cruel!”
+
+“Miss, it does not rest with me to decide the fate of the young man. He
+will be tried on the charge of being a spy, and if guilty--why, you know
+the rules of war.”
+
+She looked at him steadily, and as their gaze met he felt there was some
+powerful reason for the feeling she showed. He waited courteously for
+her to speak, but her lips trembled and her voice failed her.
+
+“Have {286}you any reason to give why he should not be punished?”
+
+“I have--he is innocent, and I come to you to ask for his life. I must
+tell you the truth, and leave it to your honor to conceal as much of the
+facts as you can, consistent with his safety. My twin sister and I are
+deeply interested in him.”
+
+“And so you are yet,” he thought, with a jealous pang. “He asked my
+father's consent to address her, but was refused because he joined the
+Northern army. I did not like the thought of her marrying him, and I did
+all I could to prevent it. He went away a long time ago, and we heard
+of him now and then, but at last we learned that he was killed at
+Chattanooga. Then my heart turned to fire, for I had driven him away
+without giving him a chance to hear my sister's promises of fidelity.
+I learned quite lately that he was not dead, but that his company was
+doing guard duty at this place. I was so thankful to know that he was
+alive, that I resolved to see him and tell him the truth. I wrote him,
+begging him to come to our house, and at a signal agreed upon I would
+see him and all would be made right. I signed my sister's name, for I
+wanted to be sure he would come. He was just outside my window, and I
+had begun to explain, when your soldiers burst into my room, and he hid
+in old Dan's quarters.”
+
+“I trust the men were not rude to you,” Lieutenant Gordon said, alarmed.
+
+“Oh, no, they treated us as all true soldiers will, with respect. But
+oh, if Walter is shot, I shall be a murderess!” The look of distress
+upon her beautiful face made her still more lovely, so the Lieutenant
+thought.
+
+“I believe your story, Miss,” he said, “and will investigate at once.
+He had no right to be absent from his post without leave, but I suppose
+'the end justifies the means,'” smiling into her inquiring face.
+“Meanwhile I will send a guard with you to insure your safety.”
+
+“Please do not. I came here disguised as a fruit peddler, so as to
+excite no remarks, and I can go back the same way.”
+
+“But {287}you have not told me what you have done with the young man?”
+
+“He has been placed in the hospital. His wound is quite severe, but
+not fatal. The strangest part of the affair is, that not one of our men
+fired a shot. He was wounded by some one unknown to us.”
+
+“Who could have done it?”
+
+“I have no idea--possibly he has some enemy; most of us have.”
+
+“I must hurry away. Breakfast will be ready, and my absence will make
+them wonder. Good-morning, sir, and many thanks for your kindness.”
+
+“Good-morning, Miss--”
+
+“Mason. I live but a half mile away, and I hope, if you are ever near
+us, you will call and tell us how Walter is. Or, rather, I had better
+send old Dan, our servant, here every day to inquire.”
+
+“Do not trouble yourself to do that. I will do myself the honor of
+calling, to inform you how his wound progresses.”
+
+It was strange how long it took Walter to recover, or at least how many
+calls Lieutenant Gordon was compelled to make, ere he deemed Marie's
+nerves would endure the shock of seeing him. Helen always had a bright
+welcome for the Lieutenant, and when she requested him to allow Marie
+and herself to visit Walter, the officer shook his head wisely and
+promised to help the wounded soldier over at a very early day. The
+latter had been chafing at the delay. Lieutenant Gordon had long since
+received proofs of his innocence as a spy, and was satisfied that his
+punishment had been severe enough, but his own case perplexed him. Was
+he pleasing in her sight; could she care for him; and how dared he tell
+her his own feelings?
+
+Old Lois was always shaking her head in solemn disapproval. “What has
+dun got into dem two chilien?” she often asked old Dan. “Dey seems to be
+gitting 'witched wif dem couple Norvern men. Dey cahnt eider ob 'em hold
+a candle to Massa Colonel Allison, who's dun gone, on Miss Marie.
+Why, he's de man {288}after my own mind. His big black eyes flash like
+diamonds, and dat booful beard falls over his mouf like a willow tree.
+Doan know what young gals is tinking of nowadays.” Another shake of the
+head and a puckering up of the thick lips. “But here cums Dan; he never
+did like Massa Allison, so I won't 'spute wid him, for I 'spises family
+quarrels.”
+
+Old Dan walked slowly and as if thinking deeply, up the path to the
+kitchen door, and stood there, looking in. Aunt Lois at first thought
+she would ignore his presence entirely, but curiosity triumphed, and as
+he showed no desire to talk, but turned off into the woods, she unbent
+from her dignity, and called loudly--“Dan--ole man!”
+
+He turned impatiently, and said--“Let me alone, Ise engaged on
+particular business, dat wimmen don't know nufhn about conducting.”
+
+Lois' nose went up into the air, or rather would have gone, were it not
+so flat and heavy she could not elevate it.
+
+“How high and mighty old niggers can be!” was her retort. For a day or
+two there was an air of mystery about Dan which offended Lois deeply,
+but she wouldn't ask any questions. “If my ole man has any secrets
+from me now at his time of life, well, I'll find 'em out,” she said to
+herself. One forenoon he astonished her by saying--
+
+“Does yo' like Massa Allison?”
+
+“I dus. He's de kind of a gemman dat I likes to see 'roun. Whar's Miss
+Marie's eyes when she cahnt see how far s'perior he is to dose Norvern
+sogers who am jess libin' here now.”
+
+“Yer wouldn't like him so well if yer knew he was a 'sassin, would yer?”
+
+The old negress was all attention. “A 'sassin, what's dat?”
+
+“A wicked man what tries to murder anuder jess becase he lubs de same
+gal dat he does.”
+
+“Whose de man? Whar am he?”
+
+“I'll tell yer sumfing, but yer musn't tell. Ise had de secret a long
+time, but I cahnt keep it any longer.”
+
+“Perceed, {289}old man.”
+
+“Massa Allison lubs our sweet mistis.”
+
+“Which one?”
+
+“Why, Miss Marie, ob course. I 'lows Miss Helen is all right, but she
+cahnt--”
+
+“Dar yo' go, way off from de subjict. What did he do?” Dan tiptoed
+nearer to his spouse. “Yer 'members de day Massa Walter was shot. I
+was in dem woods after rabbits, when I seed Massa Allison wid a musket,
+lying flat on his face in some high bushes. I felt it was kind o' queer;
+yo' know he's home on leab ob absence, and so I watched him. Quick I
+heard de report, and saw Massa Walter fall right down, and Massa Allison
+rund away fast as a deer. I picked up his hankcher and his name is
+printed right on it, and I've kep' it in my bussum ever since.”
+
+“You telling de troof? If yo' is, my symperthies go right ober to dat ar
+wounded boy.”
+
+“Ise telling de troof, ole woman. And now yo' see why Ise got no lub for
+Massa Allison.”
+
+“Well, we'd best keep dis yere news to ourselves. Yo' know a nigger's
+word never'd go before a white man's down here, so we'll jess keep our
+moufs shut.”
+
+But Aunt Lois' prejudices were strong yet, and it took some little
+persuasion on the part of Dan before she would acknowledge that Massa
+Walter was as nice as one ob deir “own Soudern men were.”
+
+Lieutenant Gordon had at first, when the company was assigned to provost
+duty, chafed restlessly, for he preferred being at the front, but as the
+weeks rolled on he became wonderfully resigned to his orders, and so
+one day he assumed a fierce martial look, and stormed the fortress
+of Helen's affections. It was a singularly easy victory, for she
+capitulated at once.
+
+Walter's recovery was slow. When he first met Marie, his joy was almost
+overshadowed by timidity. He could scarce credit the assurance that she
+loved him. He never alluded to her sister's part in their separation,
+and this delicacy won for him {290}the gratitude of that young girl.
+The old slave, Dan, was jubilant. It had been arranged that Lois and
+he should accompany the two sisters to their Northern homes, where the
+parents of both the bridegrooms were awaiting them, eager to receive
+them. The dear old home was to be occupied by their cousin Will and his
+wife, a sweet-faced Southern girl, who assured them that it would ever
+be a home for them as well.
+
+One fine morning in May a double solemn ceremony was performed which
+bound Marie and Walter and Helen and Lieutenant Harry Gordon together,
+for life. A few chosen friends were there, and Lois and Dan were
+decked out in all the colors of the rainbow. Dan chuckled audibly as he
+informed Lois that “dat ar Union was what de whole Souf and Norf ought
+to celebrate--a Union forever.”
+
+Walters period of service had expired, and he was free to go. Lieutenant
+Gordon was to remain behind until the boys were discharged from the
+service.
+
+“It will not be long before we shall be together again, dear sister,”
+ Helen said. “General Lee has surrendered, the armies of both sides
+are being disbanded, and the time will pass quickly.” They sat on the
+veranda, where they had so often sat, and talked over their dreams and
+hopes.
+
+The Colonel, whose shot came near ending a life, had disappeared after
+his murderous attempt. They never heard from him again, and in their
+luxurious homes the sisters dwell, loving and beloved.
+
+
+
+
+ROBERT ANDERSON.
+
+[Illustration: 9300]
+
+HIS {291}brave and loyal officer was born at “Soldiers' Retreat,” near
+Louisville, Kentucky, on June 14, 1805. His early days were pleasantly
+situated, his surroundings and companions being of the best. He was a
+graduate of West Point, leaving that school in 1825, when only twenty
+years of age. He was a very apt pupil. He entered the third Artillery,
+and saw considerable fighting in the Black Hawk War in 1832. He was
+appointed instructor of artillery tactics at West Point from 1835 to
+1837, when he served in the Florida War, and in May, 1838, was
+made assistant adjutant-general to General Scott. He resigned this
+appointment upon being made captain, and accompanied Scott to Mexico in
+1847.
+
+He was wounded very severely at Molino del Rey, and for a time his life
+was despaired of. In 1857 he was lieutenant in the First Artillery;
+November 20, 1860, he assumed command of Charleston Harbor.
+
+His loyalty to the old flag was proven at Forts Moultrie and Sumter.
+When he took command of the former he determined to place it in good
+condition, and he asked for money to make both forts more secure; large
+sums were allowed him for this purpose.
+
+Fort Moultrie was far from being impregnable. Indeed, the land side was
+a good point for attack, so he concluded to remove to Fort Sumter, which
+was built on a rock at the entrance to {292}the bay, and could only be
+reached by boats. He made all his preparations with such secrecy that no
+one suspected his design, not even his second in command, Captain Abner
+Doubleday. The first intimation that the latter received was an order to
+go to Fort Sumter in twenty minutes. The families of the officers were
+sent to Fort Johnson, opposite Charleston, and afterward taken North.
+
+[Illustration: 9301]
+
+The clever manner in which Major Anderson deceived the Confederates
+into believing that the troops which silently marched through the little
+village of Moultrieville that cold December eve, just after sunset, were
+only laborers going to Fort Sumter, is worthy of the cool and resolute
+commander. When they reached Sumter, the laborers who were at work
+in the interests of the Confederates, putting it in shape for their
+occupancy, opposed the landing of the Union soldiers, but were driven
+into the fort at the point of the bayonet. Major Anderson afterward sent
+them ashore, in the supply boats.
+
+At noon of the next day, Major Anderson celebrated his possession of
+Fort Sumter by raising the Stars and Stripes and by prayer and military
+ceremonies.
+
+His slender garrison, all told, comprised but sixty-one artillerymen and
+thirteen musicians. After he had thus taken possession of Fort Sumter,
+they did not have a very enjoyable time, for provisions were growing
+scarce, and the markets of Charleston would sell them nothing. Fuel
+was scarce, and the cold was severe. Besides, they had to resort to
+all sorts of stratagems to {293}keep up the appearance of being amply
+provided with ammunition and munitions of war, one of which was the
+filling of barrels with broken stone, with a heavy charge of powder in
+the center, which they would roll down to the water's edge, and burst,
+giving their watchful enemies the impression that the fort was filled
+with “infernal machines.” The garrison were in no very robust condition
+for fighting, for salt pork was nearly their sum total in the meat line.
+
+[Illustration: 0302]
+
+Meanwhile, arguing went on between the Confederates and the garrison, to
+the effect that the United States government had gone to pieces and
+they ought to evacuate the fort quietly. But that was not the sort of
+material that Major Anderson was made of. And when fire was opened upon
+him, he returned it in kind, and fought valiantly. It was not till the
+13th that he had to surrender. Twice the wooden frame on the inside
+took fire, and when the flag staff on the fort was shot away, a servant
+{294}named Peter Hart made a staff of a spar, and nailed it to the gun
+carriages on the parapet under the hot fire of the enemy.
+
+On the 14th Major Anderson and his garrison sadly left the fort after
+saluting the dear old flag, and went on board the _Baltic_, which bore
+them to New York.
+
+In May, 1861, Robert Anderson was made brigadier-general in the United
+States army, commanding the Department of the Cumberland. His health
+failed so rapidly that he was shortly after relieved and brevetted
+major-general in the regular army, when he was retired from service. In
+1868 his health had failed so rapidly that he went to Europe, hoping for
+relief. His translations from the French on military matters, have been
+accepted as valuable textbooks, and are used by the War Department. The
+health he sought eluded him, and his death took place at Nice, France,
+October 26, 1871.
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE.
+
+[Illustration: 9303]
+
+ENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE came from what is known in the South, as a
+good family. He was the son of Colonel Henry Lee, who was known in
+Revolutionary days as “Lighthorse Harry.” Robert was born at Stafford,
+Virginia, January 19, 1807. He became a cadet at West Point in 1825, and
+graduated second in his class, composed of forty-six members, in 1829.
+He never received a mark of demerit or a reprimand during his four years
+at that institution, thus showing that he honored discipline--a fine
+trait in the young. He became a lieutenant in the corps of engineers,
+and superintending engineer in improvements of the harbor of St. Louis
+and the upper Mississippi. He also served with great distinction as
+chief engineer of the army under General Scott. His gallant conduct at
+Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco and Chapultepec, in the Mexican War,
+in the latter engagement receiving {295}a severe wound, won him honors,
+and he was brevetted major, lieutenant-colonel and colonel.
+
+[Illustration: 8304]
+
+He was appointed superintendent of the military, academy at West Point
+from 1852 to 1855, when in the latter year two new regiments of cavalry
+were formed, in the second of which he secured an appointment as
+lieutenant-colonel, a most deserved honor. Two years were spent
+in Texas, but a leave of absence being granted him, he returned to
+Virginia. He had command of the forces sent to suppress old John Brown
+at Harper's Ferry, in October, 1859.
+
+The year 1832 was an eventful one to him, for in that year he chose
+a fair daughter of his native State, for his bride. The lady whom he
+selected was Mary Custis, daughter of G. W. P. Custis; the latter was
+the grandson of Martha Custis, and the adopted son of George Washington.
+General Lee became heir to the estates of Arlington House on the
+Potomac, and the White House on the Pamunkey. The Arlington estate was
+confiscated by the Government during the war, and is now national
+property, and the site of a Union soldiers' cemetery.
+
+When the ordinance of secession was passed in Virginia, April 17, 1861,
+he at once resigned his commission in the United States army, and wrote
+to General Scott these words--“Save in defence of my native State, I
+never desire again to draw my sword.” He felt keenly that there was no
+need of revolution, and would gladly have asked for redress of whatever
+grievances his State felt that they suffered, but in vain, and he
+declared that {296}although his devotion to the Union was sincere, and
+he knew what was demanded of the duty and loyalty of an American, yet
+he could not raise his hand against his friends, his children, and his
+home.
+
+Virginia had seceded from the Union, but had not yet acknowledged the
+Confederacy. He was chosen major-general of the forces of the State, a
+trust which he honestly assumed, and for more than a year, although he
+was named as one of the five generals whom the State elected after it
+joined the Confederacy, in May, still he was merely superintendent of
+fortifications at Richmond, and a sort of military adviser to Jefferson
+Davis.
+
+His military record, as commander of the Southern army, proves him
+to have been one of the ablest generals that history furnishes us any
+record of. When he met General Grant in that little Virginia village,
+to confer with him as to terms of surrender, it was the meeting of two
+great commanders, each worthy of a world's admiration.
+
+After the war General Lee refused to attend any public gatherings, but
+lived a secluded life. His fortune had vanished, his hopes had been
+defeated, and he was compelled to accept the position of President of
+Washington College, Lexington, Va. This was in October of 1865. To the
+last he was in favor of reconstruction in the South, without recourse to
+arms.
+
+On the evening of September 28, 1870, he was struck with paralysis, and
+lived but a fortnight, dying on October 12. Thus passed away a man of
+great nobility of character, brave and sincere.
+
+His wife, Mary, followed him on November 6, 1873. The General had three
+sons and four daughters. All of his sons served in the civil war.
+
+
+
+
+AFTER THE BATTLE.
+
+[Illustration: 9306]
+
+T {297}was just after the battle of Chancellorsville, and the storm of
+shot and shell had ceased to rain upon the wounded, who were pinioned in
+the blazing woods, when the sudden blow which Stonewall Jackson's army
+had struck, had left a trail of woe and blood. The dense forest had
+hidden the oncoming of Jackson's forces. They stole in noiselessly and
+fell upon the Union men under General Hooker, like an avalanche.
+
+The pickets had not given the alarm, so swift and silent had been
+Jackson's advance. The battle was over. The musketry had ceased its
+rattle, and darkness had fallen, lit only by the red blaze which
+enwrapped the Confederate and Union wounded, without mercy. Some of
+them had tried to crawl away from the consuming fire, which played about
+them, and licked up leaves and underbrush, and now and then, as a gust
+of wind arose, sending the burning brands into the treetops to start a
+new conflagration.
+
+The heat burned into their wounds, and as the shrieks of those who could
+not drag themselves away rose on the air, it seemed as if demons were
+calling to each other, so madly did they shout for help and mercy from
+the pitiless wall of fire.
+
+Men were caught as if in a network, and held prisoners indeed. Choking
+with the smoke, blinded by the sparks whirling in every direction, there
+seemed no hope or chance for rescue.
+
+{298}
+
+[Illustration: 0307]
+
+Here {299}a dead man's face, caught by the flames, was scorched and
+disfigured so that his dearest friend could not have recognized him.
+Near him lay a living soldier with bloodshot eyes and aching wounds,
+terror written on his features--terror born, not from the fortunes of
+battle, not of the foe whom he has met face to face, but terror of the
+black night' the loneliness, the awful thought that the dead are all
+around him, a somber scene lit up by the fire that seizes some helpless
+one, never releasing him until he has lost the semblance of a man, and
+is only a charred fragment.
+
+That night was a fearful reality to many. Its horrors can never be
+told, for those best able to repeat the story, perished where they lay.
+Details were sent out by the Federals after Jackson's advance had been
+checked, to save the victims in the burning forest, and heroically they
+worked, but alas, they could not reach half of the wounded.
+
+At the foot of an oak whose lofty head towered above the scene, two
+soldiers fought valiantly for life. They were no longer arrayed against
+each other, but against their mutual enemy, the fire-fiend. One wore the
+blue, the other the gray. Both had gaping wounds, but their peril was
+the same, and as they struggled to their feet, weak from loss of blood,
+the bitterness died out of their hearts. They were once more friends,
+comrades, and together they labored to stamp out the destroyer. Their
+breath came quick and short, their voices sank to a whisper, but
+shoulder to shoulder as of old, they met as brothers--and nobly they
+battled with the flames, now smothering a burst of fire, now cheering
+each other with brave words, until, slowly and painfully they advanced,
+step by step, to a spot where the cool ground received them, as they
+fell, fainting, almost dying, where they were found by the boys who were
+sent to rescue, and whose work had been that of heroes.
+
+And when, once more they struggled back to life, hand met hand in a
+friendly grasp, and heart beat joyously to heart, as they thanked their
+heavenly Father that they were saved from a fiery furnace.
+
+
+
+
+A BOOTBLACK OF TENNESSEE.
+
+[Illustration: 9309]
+
+RELY {300}Percy was a product of the war--one of those stray “chilluns”
+ who drifted into camp with the refugees who were constantly coming under
+Uncle Sam's paternal care.
+
+It was but a short time before he drifted out again and into our home.
+We (Allie and I) were in search of a boy “to run errands,” and do odd
+jobs about the house, and this particular boy was sent to me by one of
+our soldier friends. When we saw his mirthful face (he had a perpetual
+grin) we thought he'd do very nicely for us. It was quite the fashion
+for boys to work in families in Memphis, washing dishes, preparing
+vegetables, and kindred labors, and though at first our Northern ideas
+were rudely disturbed by that fact, we soon became used to it, and
+enjoyed having a boy for such work. Indeed, it was rather a relief to
+Allie, for, as she said, if she hired a girl of the same age she would
+be in a measure responsible for her manners, and she would have to
+instruct her in the care of her wardrobe; but with a boy no such
+difficulties presented themselves. Like too many white boys of good
+families, it was supposed a boy could knock around and shift for
+himself; in other words he did not need any particular care, beyond
+providing him with enough to eat, drink and wear.
+
+The boy informed us when he came to us that his name was Percy. Allie
+suggested that it would be much more ready to call him Jim or Sam. In an
+instant his family pride was up in arms.
+
+{301}
+
+[Illustration: 0310]
+
+“'Scuse {302}me, Missie, but I cahnt go back on my raising dat ar way.
+It wud be slighting my marsa's family. Percy it is, and I cahnt see my
+way clar to answer to no oder name.”
+
+We afterward learned that his name was Jerry, and that he had fallen
+deeply in love with the name Percy, it belonging to a colonel in the
+Southern army who used to visit at his master's house, and so he had
+appropriated it.
+
+But Percy it remained, and if it was rather incongruous to see the
+high-born Percy scrubbing the kitchen floor or delving into the garbage
+box in search of a silver fork or spoon that he had thrown in with the
+remains of a meal, it couldn't be helped.
+
+He had some odd ways about him, that rather startled Allie. He believed
+in Voodooism and when one day he informed her in a stage whisper that a
+very elegant old lady who called often, but who had lost one eye
+through some misfortune, was a witch, and was trying to “spell” him, she
+promptly ordered him out of the house till he could learn to keep his
+thoughts to himself. He despised winter, and one morning when he woke
+up and saw a light snowfall that had come down the night before, he
+expressed himself thus--
+
+“Now, Missie, that's what you uns calls pretty. I jess tinks it's de
+debil whispering bad tings to de earth, and she's ashamed of 'em, and
+cobers up her face.”
+
+He never could be made to understand why certain articles in the china
+closet should have certain places. As for instance the closet in our
+house had shelves way down to the floor and he insisted on placing the
+silverware on the lowest shelf and then stepping into it. He had been
+talked to and threatened with punishment, and every time he'd promise to
+do better. One morning as usual the spoons, knives, etc., were found in
+the old place, and the look of perfect astonishment on his face would
+have immortalized a painter could he have caught it, as he threw up his
+hands and rolling up his eyes, said in the most tragic manner:
+
+“I clar to goodness, Missie, I neber know how dey cum dar--dey must have
+walked down all by demselves!”
+
+He {303}went to market every day with his mistress, to show her how to
+select, as he confidentially informed his companions---“Yer see she's
+only a chile, not far frum my age (he was sixteen, she was nineteen) and
+isn't 'sperienced in de tricks of dem ar market folks, so I goes along
+and helps her.”
+
+We had been teasing for a dish of roast goose for a long time, so Percy
+and his mistress started just after breakfast and made a tour of the
+stalls. She selected a huge, but plump-looking white fowl, whose snowy
+feathers attracted her attention. She was quite ready to accept Percy's
+assurance that “dat ar fowl will make seberal good meals.” The bird was
+purchased, and Percy slung it over his shoulder, while it squawked most
+horribly as mistress and boy went down the length of the market, greeted
+at every step by the grinning colored folks, who wished them “good luck
+wid dat ar young bird!” while some were anxious to know “whar yo' get
+dat snow bird, honey?” accompanied with many fervent hopes that it would
+“eat like cream.” When the fowl reached the home of Percy's mistress,
+she nearly died with chagrin to find that what she preferred for its
+snowy plumage, thinking it an evidence of youth and beauty, proved to
+be a gander whose tough old skin Charlie assured her no amount of heat
+could penetrate. So when she slyly opened the gate, and bade him wander
+forth, he did so without delay.
+
+Percy pretended much sympathy for her discomfiture, but she lost faith
+in all humanity after the goose episode, and deputed the marketing to
+her brother and the boy, who kindly relieved her.
+
+But Percy was not entirely a trifler, as a few weeks after proved. One
+night when all were sleeping and the night was full of beauty, a little
+flame, so fine it was scarce observable, shot up into the room where
+the master and mistress reposed. It grew larger, as it danced across the
+floor, and curled up over the windows, drawn by the night breeze that
+played there. Now it seized the curtains of the bed, and still they knew
+nothing of the danger. And now the flames burst forth, lighting up the
+whole room, A feeling of suffocation, a frightened cry, and they awake,
+{304}but the smoke is thick and lurid, they are blinded and dazed. Where
+is the window--how can they find the door? They are silent from fear,
+while the flames leap nearer and nearer.
+
+“Ise here--doncher be feared! Percy's here to sabe you bof,” and in the
+boy springs, and seizing Allie by the arm, he calls to her husband to
+follow close after him. He dashes to the window; he steps upon a ladder,
+and half-carrying her down, he shouts words of cheer to Charlie, who
+waits till they have reached the ground, when he takes to the ladder,
+and follows in safety.
+
+Looking up, they see the room one mass of fire, and they know that they
+owe their lives to the watchful care of the black boy who had been only
+the subject for mirth and ridicule in their little home.
+
+They were grieved indeed, when, a week later he came to the friend's
+house where they had found shelter, and after much scraping and bowing,
+he told them he wanted to “gage in anoder business--shining gemmen's
+shoes.” They tried to persuade him that it was a precarious occupation,
+and rather uncertain of returns, but there was an independence about it
+that Percy craved. So they had to bid the boy good-bye, but the generous
+donation which Charlie and Harry gave him to “set him up in business,”
+ made his eyes shine and his teeth glisten, as he “fanked dem, and wished
+'em luck.”
+
+[Illustration: 0313]
+
+
+
+
+CONFEDERATE CEMETERIES
+
+[Illustration: 9314]
+
+ANY {305}are the monuments that have been erected in Richmond, Virginia,
+through the liberality of her citizens. That city has paid particular
+attention to her brave boys who fell in battle, and her cemeteries are
+very beautifully laid out. The word cemetery is from the Greek, and
+means a “sleeping-place.” There, indeed, do those who laid down their
+lives sleep in peace, and it is the pride and pleasure of the living to
+beautify their last home. National cemeteries were first provided for
+by our government on July 17, 1862, and the noble provision has been
+carried out in all the States, both North and South.
+
+Oakwood cemetery, Richmond, contains 16,000 dead Confederate soldiers.
+Libby Hill has a towering granite column, of great beauty, dedicated
+to all the soldier and sailor dead of the Confederacy--a beautiful
+memorial.
+
+The cemetery of Hollywood is particularly distinguished for being the
+resting-places of Generals Stuart, Pickett, and Maury. Each grave has
+a tasty monument erected over it to tell who slumbers beneath. This
+cemetery has ninety-five acres, and was established in 1847. There are
+12,000 Confederate soldiers in this picturesque burying-ground, and a
+granite pyramid has been raised to their memory.
+
+All {306}civilizations have respected and cared for their dead. Even the
+Indian decorates the graves of his people, and watches that they may lie
+undisturbed. He places the weapons of the chase in the grave that they
+may take them to the Happy Hunting Ground with them.
+
+While Richmond has several cemeteries wherein her soldiers lie, it
+is noticeable for the statues of her heroes also. General William
+C. Wickham's statue adorns Monroe Park. One of the finest streets,
+Franklin, has a statue of General Robert E. Lee and General A. P. Hill,
+General “Jeb” Stuart, and President Jefferson Davis are also remembered.
+
+In the eighty-three National cemeteries established by the United
+States, and containing 330,700 soldiers, 9,438 wore the gray.
+
+          “There is a tear for all that die,
+
+               A mourner o'er the humblest grave;
+
+          But nations swell the funeral cry
+
+               And freedom weeps above the brave.”
+
+In the cemetery at Beaufort, South Carolina, all feelings of distinction
+are swept away, and yearly, on Memorial Day, the noble-hearted women of
+that town direct their steps toward the graves and place flowers
+upon all--those who wore the blue and those who wore the gray, alike
+appealing to their womanly sympathy, and sharing alike their tender
+care.
+
+On October 23, 1866, a fine and spacious cemetery was dedicated at
+Winchester, Virginia, with most imposing ceremonies. This abode of the
+dead is known as the Stonewall Jackson cemetery, in honor of that brave
+and true-hearted soldier.
+
+[Illustration: 0316]
+
+
+
+
+PART II. UNDER BOTH FLAGS.
+
+[Illustration: 9316]
+
+NUMBER {307}of years have gone by since the scenes told of in the first
+part of our book were enacted by the boy, whose interest has never
+wavered, and whose heart is as young as it was in that day. The scars
+of battle are tenderly smoothed away by the softening touch of time, and
+the blue and the gray are no more arrayed against each other, but stand
+shoulder to shoulder, eager to draw the sword, if need be, in defence of
+their beloved land and her institutions. The grassy mound and towering
+monument each tells its tale of the heroes who slumber beneath, and who
+are alike worthy of unstinted praise.
+
+Our late war with a foreign power has proven the loyalty of Americans in
+every corner of our republic, and how earnestly the men of those days,
+from North and South, have come forward to fight the battles of their
+country--one, forevermore. Valuable services have been rendered by many
+of those who were the leaders of those days, in that sad conflict,
+and whose names have ever been renowned for courage, earnestness and
+bravery.
+
+We are, as a nation, making history fast, and in a book written {308}for
+young people, it seemed proper to give them a few brief sketches of
+those whose names were prominently identified with the war of 1861.
+The boy who told his simple story is no longer a boy, but his pride and
+rejoicing are as hearty as if the “dew of youth” sat upon him yet, and
+in reviewing the lives of those who can truly be called great, and gone
+to their final reward, one of the first whose claims are strong.
+
+
+
+
+ULYSSES S. GRANT.
+
+General Grant's career was so extraordinarily brilliant, and was
+compressed into so short a time that it stands almost alone as one of
+the most astonishing succession of events.
+
+His birthplace was Point Pleasant, Ohio. Here on the 27th of April,
+1822, the future general was born. When he was but a year old his
+parents moved to Georgetown, where he grew into a sturdy, quiet lad,
+showing no particular smartness any more than the average boy. Indeed,
+he was rather dull, learning rather slowly, and with difficulty.
+There were no free schools when he was a boy. These institutions
+were supported by subscription, and one teacher had charge of all the
+pupils--from the primer class to the big boy or girl of eighteen.
+
+General Grant never saw an algebra nor any mathematical work until he
+went to West Point. He had a great fondness for horses, and was never so
+happy as when he could be with them. He was an excellent judge of them.
+When he was but seven he drove his father's horses, hauling all the wood
+used in the house and shops. When he was fifteen he made a horse trade
+with a Mr. Payne, at Flat Rock, Kentucky, where he was visiting.
+The brother of this gentleman was to accompany young Grant back to
+Georgetown. The boy was told that the horse had never had a collar on
+(it was a saddle horse), but he hitched it up, and started to drive the
+seventy miles with a strange animal. The horse ran and kicked, and made
+the companion horse frightened, and Ulysses stopped them right on the
+edge of an embankment twenty {309}feet deep. Every time he would start,
+the new horse would kick and run, until Mr. Payne, who was thoroughly
+frightened, would not proceed any further in his company, but took
+passage in a freight wagon. The boy was left alone, but with that
+faculty for surmounting difficulties which distinguished him in after
+life, a happy thought struck him--he took out his bandana, a huge
+handkerchief much used then, and blindfolded the creature, driving
+him quietly to the house of his uncle in Maysville, where he borrowed
+another horse.
+
+[Illustration: 8318]
+
+A laughable incident occurred when he was eight. He saw a colt which he
+very much coveted, and for which the owner demanded $25. General Grant's
+father said he would give $20. The boy was so anxious to possess the
+colt that his father yielded, giving him instructions how to make the
+bargain. Going to the owner the boy said: “Papa says I may offer you $20
+for the colt, but if you won't take that I am to offer $22.50, and if
+you won't take that, to give you $25.” It is needless to say what he had
+to pay for the colt.
+
+The elder Grant was not poor in the usual sense of the term--on the
+contrary, he was quite well situated for the time and place.
+
+Ulysses was sent to West Point at seventeen; he was quite apt in
+mathematics, but had no love for military tactics, and resolved {310}not
+to stay in the army, even if he graduated. He was not brilliant in his
+class here, either--he says himself that had “the class been turned the
+other end foremost, I should have been near the head.” He graduated four
+years after his entrance, No. 21 in a class of thirty-nine.
+
+[Illustration: 9319]
+
+It was feared at that time that he had the consumption, for he had a bad
+cough, but his outdoor life entirely removed it.
+
+His real name was Hiram Ulysses Grant, but some one made a blunder in
+making out the document appointing him a cadet, and as U. S. Grant he
+will be known always.
+
+On graduation he was breveted Second Lieutenant of Infantry, and placed
+in the Fourth Regiment, which was sent to the frontier. But two years
+went by, ere he was sent to Texas to join General Taylor's army, and
+here he became a full lieutenant. He was made quartermaster of his
+regiment early in 1847, after showing great valor in the battles of Palo
+Alto, Resaca, Monterey, and the siege of Vera Cruz. He participated in
+all of the engagements, and was promoted on the field of Molino del Rey
+for his bravery. A few days after an exhibition of the same quality won
+him special notice and praise from his brigade commander.
+
+When {311}the Mexican War was over, he was stationed at: Sackett's
+Harbor, New York. He had long been attached to Miss Julia Dent, the
+sister of one of his classmates, and August 22, 1848, she became his
+wife.
+
+[Illustration: 0320]
+
+Four years later he went with his regiment to California and Oregon,
+where he became captain. The summer of 1854 saw, apparently, an end to
+his military career, for he resigned his commission and tried to work a
+small farm near St. Louis, and attend to real estate in the city. He was
+{312}not intended for either vocation. Greater things were in store
+for him, and, disheartened at his poor success, he went to work for his
+father, as clerk in his store--the leather trade, in Galena, Illinois.
+
+At the first sound of war he offered his services to the government, and
+marched to Springfield at the head of a company. Governor Yates placed
+him on his staff, and made him mustering officer of all the volunteers
+from Illinois, but in June he was made colonel of the Twenty-first
+Regiment, which he had organized and drilled himself. Needing cars
+to transport it to a distant point, he was told they could not be
+furnished. So little a matter as that did not annoy him, but with that
+directness and energy which always marked his movements, he astonished
+the authorities by marching the entire regiment to the desired place.
+
+In August he was promoted, becoming brigadier-general, and assuming
+command of all troops at Cairo. From this hour his successes were great,
+and have become matters of history. He was the idol of the army, and the
+surprise of the country, which gave him the popular name which seems to
+fit him so well--Unconditional Surrender Grant.
+
+After the siege of Vicksburg and the defeat of General Bragg, it became
+plain to the government that one great mind should control all the
+forces, and General Grant was declared commander of the entire armies of
+the Union, early in 1864.
+
+It was then that President Lincoln and General Grant met for the first
+time--a meeting between two great men. The commission of full general
+was bestowed upon Grant in July, 1866, this title being created
+especially for him. From August, 1867, to January, 1868, he was really
+Secretary of War, on account of the trouble between President Johnson
+and Secretary Stanton. He received the nomination for President, in May,
+1868, at the hands of the Republican convention which met in Chicago,
+and was elected by an overwhelming majority. He was reelected to a
+second term and at its close he made a tour of the world, with his wife.
+He was received with unbounded enthusiasm everywhere.
+
+In 1881 he {313}bought a house in New York City, which he made a home in
+the fullest sense, for his family and himself. On Christmas Eve, 1883,
+he slipped on the sidewalk, and injured himself so badly that he had
+to use crutches ever after. Becoming partner in a banking house, he was
+robbed of all he had by his associates in business and had to turn his
+attention to literary work, furnishing the _Century_ with some articles.
+Being solicited to give his experiences, he wrote his “Memoirs,” which
+he indited while suffering great anguish, and which he finished four
+days before his death. His wife received for the two volumes from his
+pen $400,000 as royalty.
+
+The hero of many battles, the grand soldier, was doomed. In 1884 a
+trouble in his throat developed into a cancer, and for nearly a year he
+endured intense agony, never murmuring, but working on, that he might
+place those he so dearly loved beyond want.
+
+On July 23, 1885, he died, in a cottage at Mt. McGregor, near Saratoga,
+New York--a man whom the world is better for having known.
+
+
+
+
+JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD.
+
+Few boys have risen from such humble surroundings to the highest gift
+of a great nation, as did the twentieth President of the United States,
+James A. Garfield. His boyhood's home was a simple cabin in the woods of
+Ohio, unbroken save by the few settlers who hewed the trees and made
+a clearing for a home. His father was one of these pioneers, and the
+future President of our great Republic was a genuine farmer's boy,
+and knew how to do all the hard work upon a farm. He chopped wood, and
+helped care for the few acres they called their farm. They did not live
+in luxury, for they had no means to squander. Living on the plainest
+fare, wild game and corn, or wheat cracked or pounded in a mortar,
+performing the hardest labor, the boy's strength grew, until he became a
+hardy, robust lad, the pride of his beloved parents.
+
+{314}
+
+[Illustration: 0323]
+
+He {315}never had much schooling, as it was only three months each
+winter that his parents could send him to the district school, but most
+excellent use he made of his scant opportunities. At fourteen he was
+apprenticed to a carpenter, and three years later he worked on the
+canal. When he was a mere lad, he longed to be a sailor, but he fell
+sick, and after that he never seemed to long for the sea.
+
+[Illustration: 8324]
+
+The little village of Orange, Ohio, where he was born on the nineteenth
+of November, 1831, was soon to see him no more as a resident, for in
+March, 1849, he left home and entered Geauga Seminary at Chester, and
+soon was fitted to teach a district school. But he had to work at his
+trade (the carpenter's) to help pay his way, his mother not being able
+to assist him, save by a loan of $17.00 which she furnished him the
+first term that he was there. Every morning and evening, and Saturdays,
+as well as his entire summer vacation, he spent in labor at the bench.
+The next three years he passed in the Eclectic Institute at Hiram, and
+here his finances still continuing low, he willingly acted as student
+and janitor, and afterward as student and teacher. He was unable to
+earn enough to pay for his tuition at William's College, and although
+he practised the closest economy, when he graduated he owed that
+institution $500, a debt which he afterward faithfully discharged.
+
+He accepted the Professorship of Ancient Languages and Literature in
+Hiram College, at twenty-six becoming its president, which he continued
+to be until he entered the army in 1861.
+
+In 1858 he married Lucretia Rudolph, who was a teacher, and a very
+cultivated woman, who proved a valuable companion in his literary
+career. He had studied law while President of the college, and was
+admitted to practice in the Supreme Court cf the United States in 1866.
+
+His {316}military services were large and valuable. He was an authority
+upon American finances. He held many important positions and was honored
+by all his colleagues. He was made an honorary member of the celebrated
+Cobden Club of England.
+
+[Illustration: 0325]
+
+He made many able speeches in Congress, and was elected to the
+Thirty-eighth Congress in 1863, and reelected successively {317}to
+the Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, Forty-first, Forty-second, Forty-third,
+Forty-fourth, Forty-fifth and Forty-sixth Congresses.
+
+The year 1880 was an important one to James A. Garfield, for in January
+he was elected by the Ohio Legislature Senator for the term beginning
+March 4, 1881, to succeed Allen G. Thurman. But on the 8th of June
+a still greater honor was shown him by the Chicago convention, which
+nominated him for president, and the November election showed him to be
+the choice of the people.
+
+His public life was destined to be a short one, for on the morning of
+July 2, 1881, with bright expectations of a pleasant trip to New
+York and the White Mountains with his wife and several members of the
+Cabinet, he started from the White House for the Baltimore and Potomac
+station. As Secretary Blaine and he entered the station, arm in arm,
+they passed through the ladies' waiting-room. As they walked briskly
+on, two pistol shots were fired in quick succession, one of which took
+effect in the President's back. He sank to the floor, but was conscious.
+Dr. Bliss was summoned, and took charge of the case, but he named three
+other surgeons as assistants. Later two very celebrated physicians were
+added to the list of medical advisers. Their united opinion was that the
+ball had grazed the liver, and lodged in the front wall of the abdomen,
+but that it was not necessarily fatal. Still they did not deem it wise
+to extract it.
+
+The assassin who struck down a good man, was Charles J. Guiteau, a
+crazy, disappointed office-seeker. After suffering for weeks, and
+fluctuating between hope of recovery and unfavorable symptoms, he died
+at Elberon Park, New Jersey, whither he had been removed on the 19th of
+September, 1881.
+
+His life, with its early struggles, is a lesson to the boys of this
+age, to show them what great possibilities are within the reach of an
+American citizen.
+
+
+
+
+EVENTS FOLLOWING THE CIVIL WAR.
+
+
+
+
+THE ATLANTIC CABLE.
+
+[Illustration: 9327]
+
+ARLY {318}in October, 1851, the first effort at laying a cable for a
+submarine telegraph was begun by the United States brig Dolphin, which
+carried a line of soundings across the Atlantic. At that time there were
+but eighty-seven nautical miles of submarine cable laid, while now there
+are nearly 200,000 statute miles. Some of these cables merely connect
+islands with the main shore, others are thousands of miles long. A cable
+is laid so far below the surface that neither storms, tides or currents
+can disturb it. But the ends touching the shore are made much stronger
+and heavier, so that the waves will not impair them, and in some cases,
+near landings, they are heavily weighted to keep them in place--a thing
+it is not necessary to do in deep water.
+
+In 1854 Cyrus W. Field obtained a charter for laying a cable, and when
+the first attempt was made at Kerry, Ireland, in 1857, the occasion was
+made a very brilliant affair. It was honored by the presence of a vast
+squadron of British and American ships of war. Representatives of many
+nations were there, as well as the directors of the Atlantic Telegraph
+Company, and most of the magnates of the English railroads. It was a
+momentous undertaking, but after laying 335 miles of cable, and causing
+the heart of its projectors to beat high with hope, {319}the strands
+suddenly parted, and their hopes were crushed.
+
+The next year another expedition was commenced, which ended in a similar
+failure. But nothing could dampen the ardor of its friends, and on the
+16th of August of the same year another cable was successfully laid,
+and on the 17th Queen Victoria sent the President of the United
+States congratulations upon the successful termination of this great
+international work, to which Mr. Buchanan returned the courteous
+wish that the cable might “prove to be a bond of perpetual peace and
+friendship between the kindred nations.” The two continents held great
+rejoicings, but disappointment was again their portion, for about the
+1st of September the cable throbbed no more.
+
+In 1865 a further attempt was made, and after 1,200 miles had been laid,
+the cable broke again. So grand an undertaking was not to be given up
+lightly. Mr. Field's perseverance was unconquerable. A strong, flexible
+cable was shipped on board the “Great Eastern,” and on the 13th of July,
+1866, this gigantic boat started from Valentia, Ireland, and two weeks
+later it “glided calmly into Heart's Content, Newfoundland, dropping
+her anchor in front of the telegraph house, having trailed behind her
+a chain of 2,000 miles, to bind the Old World to the New.” It then went
+back to the mid-Atlantic, grappled the end of the broken cable of 1865,
+a splice was made, and the line was continued to Newfoundland by the
+side of the other. These lines have never failed to work. The cable
+having thus become a fact, the world was astonished and gratified. Mr.
+Field had worked heroically, and by our own land, by England and by
+France he was enthusiastically praised. The first message which passed
+over this line was a worthy one--the announcement of the treaty of peace
+between Prussia and Austria.
+
+The charges for telegraphing were formerly very high, twenty pounds for
+a short message being asked, but as rival companies began to spring up,
+competition reduced the price considerably.
+
+Marine cables have multiplied so fast that where there was originally
+but one or two, there are now eight, owned and operated {320}at a vast
+benefit to the entire world with which we are in communication. The
+events occurring in the most distant climes are brought to our doors
+through this medium so perfect is the system. Cyrus W. Field received
+a gold medal from Congress in recognition of his services, and the
+gratitude of the world, as well.
+
+
+
+
+ALASKA
+
+|Few can realize the magnitude of this far Northwest territory. To most
+boys and girls it seems a cold, barren, desolate country, a perpetual
+scene of ice-bound rivers and frost and snow the whole year round, with
+nothing growing. When Secretary Seward accomplished the purchase of this
+vast tract of land from Russia, he showed great wisdom and foresight. No
+wonder that, in view of its immense size and valuable resources, he
+declared the conclusion of this affair the crowning triumph of his life.
+
+[Illustration: 9329]
+
+Russia had been anxious to sell for a long time, but many feared that
+she had drained all the value from the territory, and wanted to get rid
+of it. There was bitter opposition in the United States to the plan of
+buying what every one considered would prove but “a field of ice and a
+sea of mountains.”
+
+We want to tell the young folks how great a mistake these sort of
+reasoners labored under, and how we came to be the fortunate buyers of
+this vast stretch of land.
+
+Many years ago a party of American explorers conceived the idea of
+establishing a telegraph between our country and Asia, and they went to
+Alaska for this purpose. Fancy their surprise when they saw what they
+had supposed was a desert waste, producing the largest pine and cedar
+trees in the whole world, and the most extensive seal-fisheries, with
+here and there a town, with {321}its churches and buildings. They at
+once saw how rich it was in natural advantages, and they became
+very anxious that our government should confer with Russia as to its
+purchase. They presented good reasons for this desire to Congress, and
+Secretary Seward saw at once what an acquisition it would be to us, in
+many ways. So in March, 1867, the treaty between our country and
+Russia looking to its sale was ratified. It had at that time a native
+population of 60,000, and since we have come into possession of it,
+the United States Commissioner of Education has started schools and
+appointed teachers to care for the education of the young. There are now
+twenty-four of these schools in the different settlements, two of them
+in Sitka and a manual training school has been organized here also,
+where they receive instruction in the various trades. This school must
+be very popular, for it has a large attendance for a small city like
+Sitka, it numbering over 200 pupils on its list.
+
+The chief city, or capital, is Sitka, very romantically situated on
+the shore, while high mountains rise behind it, forming a beautiful
+background for the streets and dwellings. It is an old-fashioned, quiet
+place, when compared with bustling American towns, but it boasts a
+lively weekly paper, and the Russo-Greek church has a good edifice
+there, showing that the religious education of its people has not been
+forgotten. The harbor is very beautiful, being deep, and affording safe
+shelter for vessels.
+
+The purchase of this territory has extended our northern boundary from
+the 49th to the 71st parallel, and added to our growth westward by sixty
+degrees of longitude. It can boast of the highest mountain in America,
+Mt. St. Elias, which rises 14,000 feet above the sea. The magnificent
+Yukon river runs through the territory, and steamers of light draft can
+sail on its waters for 1,500 miles. We have gained 600,000 square miles,
+and this vast area really cost our government the trifling sum of two
+cents an acre, the sum paid Russia being $7,200,000. It would require
+thirteen of our States to equal its extent. As a writer jovially
+remarked, “It is a gilt-edged real estate investment.”
+
+The {322}climate is quite endurable. The winters in the northern portion
+are excessively severe, but on the southwest coast it is warmer at that
+season than either Maine or Dakota.
+
+The salmon are very plentiful, as well as mackerel, cod and herring.
+The streams are full of them. The salmon rival those of the Columbia
+and Fraser rivers, and immense canneries are daily in operation in the
+summer, preparing them for the markets of the world. The Chinese do this
+work principally, and they are brought up from San Francisco for this
+purpose and taken back there in the Fall. Fish are mostly caught in fish
+traps and nets, but the natives spear them.
+
+The largest stamp-mill on this continent for reducing gold-bearing
+quartz is in operation near the town of Juneau.
+
+Agriculture does not flourish on account of the shortness of the
+summers. Gardening on a small scale goes on, and plenty can be raised
+for home use. The region so long remaining almost unknown, has suddenly
+become the desired bourne for men and women of all classes. It has
+always been known that its mineral resources were fine, and gold has
+been found there in small quantities, but the hardships endured in
+getting it from the soil were too great in proportion to the amount,
+but a new impetus to the labors of the gold seeker has been given by the
+discovery of the precious metal in such large quantities that thousands
+have rushed to this field eager to dig for the yellow ore. Steamers are
+leaving Pacific ports weekly, laden with those who are willing to brave
+the terrors of the Chilkoot Pass. If the tales are true, it is surely
+a land of' untold riches, as the entire region is gold-bearing, and
+for some years to come, that metal will be found by some, in paying
+quantities. One authority, Dr. Becker, states that the beach sand all
+along the Alaskan coast contains enormous quantities of gold. But even
+though there was not an ounce of it in the whole territory, Alaska has
+paid back to our commerce its price several times over.
+
+
+
+
+CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION.
+
+|The {323}United States, now in the midst of prosperity concluded to
+hold one of the most notable fairs any land has ever enjoyed. The first
+one was held in commemoration of the one hundredth birthday of our
+nation, and was projected on broad lines, and carried out in the same
+manner. It was opened May 10, 1876, and continued 159 days. It was a
+general invitation to all the world to bring their productions to our
+shores for admiration and instruction, and caused a unity and sympathy
+between the severed parts of our country such as no other event could
+have succeeded in doing. People flocked to Philadelphia from every land,
+and the North and South met in a friendly rivalry as to which section
+should be most fully represented. Over 61,000 visitors attended each
+day of the Fair, and at the close of the Fair the receipts were, in
+admissions, concessions and royalties, in round numbers, $4,307,749.75.
+
+[Illustration: 0332]
+
+It had been the desire of many patriotic people for ten years to make a
+showing of our resources, and to invite, as it were, the whole world
+to see us at home. The hope had never met with favor, but by repeated
+representations as to the importance of the idea, the people of the
+United States were at last {324}aroused, and worked so faithfully and
+rapidly to carry it out, as to surprise the world.
+
+President Grant, on behalf of the United States, asked the nations to
+take part in our rejoicing, and they responded promptly, by sending
+commissioners to attend to the details. Congress appropriated large
+sums, and all the States entered into the undertaking with hearty
+good-will.
+
+City governments and private individuals also contributed freely. A
+site was chosen, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, one of the most charming
+locations which could have been found. Five large buildings were
+constructed, covering an area of twenty acres.
+
+Each State erected a building, as did many foreign nations, within which
+to exhibit the products and manufactures of that particular State.
+
+The exposition was opened by President Grant, with Dom Pedro, Emperor
+of Brazil, and his empress, by his side. Theodore Thomas' orchestra
+furnished the music, playing eighteen airs at the opening, the last of
+which, Hail Columbia, met with tumultuous applause. A cantata came next,
+a prayer by Bishop Simpson, and a hymn followed written by Whittier, the
+Quaker poet. General Hawley presented the buildings and their contents
+to the President, who accepted them in a few words, announcing that the
+exhibition was open. The two ponderous Corliss engines which were to put
+the whole machinery going, were set in motion by the President and the
+Emperor.
+
+The exhibition was formally closed November 10, 1876, after a season of
+unexampled prosperity, in the simplest manner. Addresses were made by
+General Hawley and several others, the entire audience sang “America,”
+ and President Grant declared the International Exhibition closed. But
+it had taught foreign powers a lesson of respect for our republic, and
+caused wider intercourse between the Old World and the New.
+
+
+
+
+EDISON, THE GENIUS OF THE AGE.
+
+|To-day the old system of illumination is giving way to the splendors of
+electric glow. With man's progress came the much needed {325}question of
+artificial light.
+
+[Illustration: 0334]
+
+Electric lights not only adorn the streets of our cities, but grace our
+parlors, furnishing a stronger, a cleaner and more healthful light than
+any other known. {326}To Thomas A. Edison, who was born in Milan, Ohio,
+in 1847, belongs the glory of bringing electricity for lighting purposes
+to a successful basis.
+
+[Illustration: 0335]
+
+Other scientists before him had experimented, {327}but to Edison
+remained the work of removing the final difficulties. Electricity is
+to-day furnishing the motive power for street cars, railroads, engines,
+etc., and it is predicted that before the dawn of a new century
+more wonderful still will be the achievements of this untutored and
+remarkable man.
+
+With no less possibilities in scientific research comes the Kinetoscope,
+his latest invention, which by a thousand instantaneous pictures one
+is enabled to see the lifelike motions of “a child at play,” “a distant
+battle,” or the varied scenes of a “County Fair.”
+
+
+
+
+CHICAGO FIRE.
+
+|The terror which fire excites exceeds all other causes for fear. It is
+a subtle power that the average person cannot cope with. Its exhibitions
+are so terrible, so changeable, and so unmanageable, that it temporarily
+unnerves or unbalances the calmest brain. Great conflagrations have
+raged in many lands, and in all ages, doing exceeding great damage,
+but it is yet to be recorded that a fire ever swept over so wide a
+territory, and swallowed up so large an amount of wealth and products,
+sacrificing so much life as did the great Chicago Fire.
+
+The history of the prominent events of the times would be incomplete
+were not the attention of the boys and girls of to-day directed to an
+occurrence so startling as to arouse the sympathies of the entire world.
+
+The fire started on the night of October 8, 1871. The previous summer
+had been especially dry and hot, and was prolific of fires, many cities
+and towns having suffered in this respect, and the lumber districts
+of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and the forests of New York State,
+having been visited by the destroying element. Many causes have been
+assigned for this fire, but its origin will probably remain forever
+unknown. It burned with unabated fierceness for two days, and
+three-fourths of the city were literally reduced to ashes.
+
+On the evening of Saturday, the 7th, a fire had broken out in {328}a
+portion of the West Division of the city, and consumed property to the
+value of a million of dollars. This was thought a terrible fire, and was
+heralded in all the Sabbath morning papers; thousands visited the spot
+on that day, and commented on and shuddered at the loss. Little did they
+apprehend that the same evening, Sunday, October 8, a fire would take
+place which would do the most deadly work, ruining business, licking up
+homes and property, destroying human life, and almost wiping out a whole
+city, whose prosperity and energy had become famous.
+
+[Illustration: 0337]
+
+Nothing escaped. Private homes, public buildings, churches, banks,
+theaters, the postoffice, courthouse, newspaper edifices, hotels,
+{329}all fell before it, and not until General Sheridan ordered the
+blowing up of buildings, was its progress stayed.
+
+At half-past three in the morning, while a strong southwest wind was
+blowing, the anxious citizens were informed that the North Side was
+attacked by the fire fiend, and one of the first victims to its wrath
+was the engine house of the waterworks, thus cutting off the supply of
+water for use in fighting the flames, and driving the terrified people
+to despair. From here it leaped northward, taking in the elevators on
+the river banks, with their millions of bushels of grain, setting fire
+to vessels lying at anchor, then to the cemetery nearest the city, and
+to the beautiful park known as Lincoln, in short, to every conceivable
+object which could furnish food for the monster of destruction.
+
+The tramp of hundreds of people fleeing from the fire, the shrieks of
+terror, the noise of the engines, the hoarse shouts and calls of those
+who searched in vain for their dear ones separated from them in the mad
+chase for life, the thunderous fall of stately structures, the roaring,
+crackling, howling flames, made a wild scene that Pandemonium was
+silence compared with. The fire burned the North Side until there was no
+trace of a building left standing save one, the residence of Mahlon D.
+Ogden, which stood in a large plat of ground, entirely detached. On
+the site of this house has since been erected a fine building of stone,
+devoted to a public library, and called the Newberry. The northern city
+limits and the lake were the only barriers to the further encroachments
+of the fire.
+
+Blazing brands were seen sailing through the air, and, falling in
+some spot as yet untouched, they would kindle a new fire. The heat was
+intense, the very air one breathed almost scorched the throat. One vast
+sea of flame melted marble and stone till it crumbled and fell. But oh,
+blessed relief! The thousands who camped out on the prairie that night
+welcomed the torrents of rain that fell, even though it chilled them
+through. People went nearly mad with terror on that dreadful night.
+Robbers and thieves were busy plying their trade, taking everything
+they could {330}carry away. Some of these perished with their ill-gotten
+gains. The lake was a welcome refuge, and hundreds waded out as far into
+its waters as they dared, to escape the heat that lay behind them. It
+was said that many were drowned through their temerity.
+
+The 10th of October rose upon a waste, whose dwellers were clothed
+in the apathy of despair. For eight days after the fire, the city was
+without water, and the dread of a second outbreak hung like a pall over
+them. The city came under military rule, citizens patroled the streets,
+and every stranger was looked upon with suspicion, lest he be an
+incendiary. General Sheridan, by virtue of the fact that he was
+commander of the Military Division of the Missouri, took charge of the
+city, to protect it from the thieves and incendiaries who were at
+work. He ordered two companies of regulars from Omaha, three from
+Fort Leavenworth, and one from Fort Scott, here. General Halleck also
+furnished him with four companies from Kentucky.
+
+A hundred men were put to work on the engines of the waterworks, and in
+a week the mains were filled by pumping water into them from the river.
+Some sickness resulted from drinking this water. But eight days' labor
+resulted in forcing water from the pure lake into the pipes, and once
+more Chicago could drink its fill. Meanwhile peddlers had dipped water
+from the lake and sold it from house to house at a shilling a pail.
+Mayor R. B. Mason, on the 10th, forbade any fires kindled for cooking,
+and “cold victuals,” and in many cases no victuals at all, for a day or
+so, until the Relief Committee could distribute the stores pouring into
+the desolated city, were the order of the day.
+
+And then the great heart of the world beat with noble generosity.
+From every city, and town, and village, and from foreign lands, the
+beneficent gifts flowed in, and food and clothing. From New York,
+Boston, Cincinnati, St. Louis, London, England, and all over the world,
+generous contributions of money were poured into Chicago, to feed the
+starving--not the “starving poor,” but the starving people, for all
+were made beggars by the {331}calamity. Banks were destroyed, local fire
+insurance companies were wiped out of existence, and for months our fair
+city was kept alive by the noble and unstinted liberality of the world.
+
+The loss in property was over $290,000,000, at the lowest estimate. How
+many lives were laid down no statistics have ever been positively given,
+as there was such a large floating population, of whom no account could
+be made, but accepting the lowest computation, at least 250 people
+perished on that fearful night, and over 100,000 were left homeless, and
+without a shelter.
+
+A writer, speaking of the great loss of the fire of 1871 says that
+$1,000,000 of property was consumed every five minutes, and 125 acres of
+buildings every hour.
+
+
+
+
+THE TELEPHONE AND PHONOGRAPH.
+
+|No invention of modern times equals in interest the Telephone. It has
+remained for an American to solve the problem of communication
+between persons at a distance from each other. Scientists, by means of
+electricity and sound, have devised an apparatus for transmitting the
+voice to a distance of hundreds of miles. To Alexander Graham Bell, of
+Massachusetts, and to Elisha P. Gray, of Chicago, is due the honor of
+originating this wonderful invention.
+
+Closely following the telephone is the Phonograph, an invention based on
+the same principle of science, but brought about by different means. The
+phonograph is made to talk and sing, thus enabling one to read by the
+ear instead of the eye.
+
+
+
+
+THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD.
+
+|Fly for your lives! The dam is going!” Such was the warning the
+inhabitants of the towns received from the lips of a man who rode madly
+through the valley, warning every one he saw, on that sad afternoon of
+May 31, 1889. It was five in the afternoon. The people were beginning to
+think of leaving their {332}work and going to their peaceful homes, when
+this dread news broke upon their ears. They could not credit it, and as
+they heard the news, they looked doubtingly at each other. To most of
+them, it seemed impossible. The dam was away up in the mountains, on
+private grounds, and few had ever seen it or dreamed how vast it was.
+Besides, they reasoned, it had broken once or twice before, and no great
+harm was done. All these causes served to lull their fears. But even
+when they were warned, it was too late, so impetuous was its course.
+Nothing could have stayed the mad waters in their descent into the
+doomed valley.
+
+[Illustration: 0341]
+
+The Johnstown flood followed a long rain storm in the Alleghanies--a
+storm of several days' duration. All the rivers running east were
+swollen, and the immense dam of the huge Conemaugh valley burst with a
+thunderous report. The reservoir was a large one, four miles long by one
+broad, and over seventy feet deep. This vast body of water swept a wave
+twenty feet high at the rate of twenty miles an hour, right down into
+{333}the narrow and deep valley, where were eight villages boasting a
+population of 58,000. Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the largest of the towns
+in the valley, lay at the junction of Stony Creek and the Conemaugh
+river, and had extensive iron works, banks, and many business houses.
+This and all the villages were swept out of being in two hours, so rapid
+and vehement was the coming of the torrent. Thousands were drowned, and
+nearly two thousand people were burned to death by means of a mass of
+wreckage which was caught and held at a new bridge near the town. The
+houses were all made of wood, timber had floated down the current and
+stacked up, and hundreds of trees were piled up at this bridge for a
+space of sixty acres. It is presumed that some furnaces set fire to this
+mass, and the poor creatures whose helpless forms had been entangled in
+the débris, met an awful death by fire. There was no chance for escape;
+the raging torrent was ready to engulf them, while the fierce flames
+were eager to lap up all that the waters spared.
+
+Railroad tracks were swept away, telegraph poles leveled, and though
+Philadelphia and other cities sent help and food at once, it was
+impossible to reach the helpless victims for forty-eight hours, and when
+at last soldiers and navvies on rescue trains reached the scene, there
+was nothing to be done but to feed the living and bury the dead.
+
+Nearly 10,000 perished, and all who had escaped with their lives tried
+to succor the sufferers, save a few Hungarian Slavs and Italians, who
+plundered the dead, but who were shot at once as a reward for their
+greediness.
+
+It is not possible to picture the condition of the Valley after the
+waters receded. In many places the whole town was swept as bare as
+though a gigantic broom had passed over it, nothing but sand and gravel
+being left. Where a house chanced to be left standing, it was filled
+with mud and slime to the third story, while trees, broken timbers
+and debris was piled up to the second story. Not a house was fit for
+occupancy. Dead bodies were found in cellars, and in some dwellings
+horses had been forced into the rooms by the rushing waters, and lay
+there putrefying. {334}They all fared alike. A few citizens were held
+prisoners in their frame houses, and floated over two miles to a place
+of safety, but these fortunate ones were the exception.
+
+Medicines, clothing, money and food were liberally poured into the
+unfortunate region. Men and women from all over the country offered
+their services to care for the living and the dead.
+
+The dam whose bursting caused this awful loss of life was very
+carelessly constructed, and had no stone work in its makeup. Indeed, it
+might well be called a vast embankment of earth.
+
+
+
+
+EARTHQUAKE AT CHARLESTON.
+
+|Charleston, South Carolina, seems to have more than her share of
+misfortunes.
+
+[Illustration: 0343]
+
+This thought occurred to me when the papers all over the country on the
+morning of September 1st, 1886, {335}gave to the world an account of
+that dreaded convulsion known as an earthquake, which had taken place
+the night previous, just as the hour for retiring had come. The first
+intimation that the Signal Service Bureau at Washington city had of this
+catastrophe was only a surmise. They knew that something was wrong, for
+communication was not to be had. All the telegraph wires were suddenly
+cut off. Without a moment's warning the city had been shocked and rent
+to its very foundation. Hardly a building escaped injury and almost a
+third of the city was in half or total ruins. The whole Atlantic coast
+was more or less affected, and for leagues from the shore the ocean was
+thrown in a turmoil.
+
+People fled from the tottering houses to the parks and public squares,
+where they erected tents and remained for weeks, afraid to return to
+their own homes. It was soon discovered that these shocks were only the
+dying away of great convulsions and that further alarm was unnecessary,
+so they returned home.
+
+With true American energy the debris was in a few months cleared
+away, business was resumed and to-day were it not for a few cracks and
+fissures in buildings we would never know that anything had happened
+there to disturb their peace.
+
+[Illustration: 0344]
+
+
+
+
+INDIAN WARS.
+
+[Illustration: 9345]
+
+ATING {336}from the time of the discovery of our continent there have
+been disturbances between the whites and the Indians. The first Indian
+war was between the colonists and the natives, and dates back to 1622.
+
+At the beginning of the nineteenth century the Sioux Indians held all
+the lands between the Mississippi and the Rocky Mountains, north of the
+40th parallel of latitude. These lands were grassy, rolling prairies,
+with a plentiful supply of timber growing along the rivers and creeks
+which abounded. The government established reservations thirty-two years
+ago for the purpose of keeping those Indians who are hostile, separated
+from the peaceably disposed ones, who only went upon the hunt for game
+for food and sale. When buffalo and large game grew scarce, the United
+States furnished them with food and clothing, and placed the means
+within their power, to support themselves.
+
+The Indian question is full of interest, and comes forward constantly to
+perplex our government, which regards them as its wards. Articles by
+the hundred have been written about the red man, his possibilities and
+capabilities set forth; plans have been proposed to subdue, or rather
+civilize him, and still the fact remains that the savage nature, save in
+exceptional instances, is as untamed as the first day he came upon the
+scene. {337}
+
+[Illustration: 0346]
+
+The {338}first mail to California from the East was carried by the
+overland route, in stages, and lucky was the party that made the
+lonesome journey across the plains unmolested by the Indians, who
+swarmed about them and sent showers of arrows into the coach which was
+carrying its bag of mail and the trembling passengers. The stage was
+always guarded by United States soldiers, but in spite of this the
+half-naked savages would press closer and closer, hurling their sharp
+arrows with unerring aim, as the stage went plunging along, the horses
+half-mad with fear, but straining every nerve to outrun the screaming
+foe. The settlers of those early days were brave men and women, or they
+would not have risked falling into the hands of the roving bands who
+were always on the war-path on some pretext. Many a brave man has died
+defending the mail which the government intrusted to him.
+
+[Illustration: 0347]
+
+While our land was torn with dissension, the Indians cunningly planned a
+general uprising. This was in 1862. The Indians in Minnesota and Dakota
+massacred the settlers everywhere, In Minnesota the Sioux attacked
+outlying towns, committing {339}terrible atrocities. They pounced upon
+New Ulm, a small but thriving village, and killed 100 of its people.
+
+[Illustration: 0348]
+
+They turned their attention to two other villages, but were driven
+away. {340}Colonel Sibley was sent after them, and met several bodies of
+Indians, whom he defeated. They fear cannon greatly, and two were turned
+upon them, much to their terror.
+
+[Illustration: 0349]
+
+The garrison at Fort Kearney was surprised by Indians December 21, 1866,
+and 100 soldiers were slaughtered.
+
+The Indians have many peculiar customs. One of them is, their habit
+of daubing on the war paint and indulging in a war dance whenever they
+resolve to attack the whites.
+
+{341}
+
+[Illustration: 0350]
+
+Once seen they {342}can never be forgotten, for their lithe forms,
+hideously painted faces, and demoniac yells would startle the bravest.
+
+September of 1867 the Indians on the North Platte called a council to
+confer with General Sherman. They demanded that the building of several
+roads should be stopped, and particularly the work on the Southern
+Pacific, as it interfered with their hunting. The General would not
+accede to these demands, but promised that any loss they suffered should
+be made good to them.
+
+September 18, 1868, the 'Indians attacked our troops at Republican
+River, and Lieutenant Beecher and several other officers were murdered.
+In 1871 the Apaches killed over 200 white settlers, not in battle, but
+skulking in ambush, and shooting them wherever they met them.
+
+[Illustration: 9351]
+
+The whites met the Indians at Washita River, and defeated them, November
+27, 1868.
+
+Thus the continual outbreaks of the Indians, have been a source of
+trouble and anxiety to the government, which has sought to adjust the
+claims of the red men in a fair and just manner. That the latter have
+often been cheated and robbed by unscrupulous agents and traders, no
+one can deny, but the fact still remains that the Indian nature is
+peculiarly hard to subdue, and their natural instincts are cruel. {343}
+
+[Illustration: 0352]
+
+There are, fortunately, many bright examples among several tribes,
+{344}of the beauty of civilization, and its beneficial influence upon
+them.
+
+The Modoc massacre was a cruel return for intended kindness. This
+tribe had for its chief Captain Jack, a very intelligent man of fine
+abilities. Their removal to another reservation was violently resisted
+by them, and they retreated to the Lava Beds, where trouble was
+anticipated. At last a peace council was arranged for and although
+Colonel Meacham, the peace commissioner, urged the whites not to attend
+it, they paid no attention to his warning, but went. The Indians had
+concealed weapons, and they rose in a body, and attempted to massacre
+every white man present. General Canby and Dr. Thomas were killed, and
+Colonel Meacham received a dozen wounds, but survived them. Three months
+afterward the band surrendered, and Captain Jack and some of the other
+leaders were executed at Fort Klamath, Oregon, October 3.
+
+
+
+
+GEORGE A. CUSTER.
+
+|A the close of the war of 1861 most of the boys in blue went back to
+their homes--but not so with General Custer. He was one of the most
+brilliant soldiers of the war, and had the distinction of being the
+youngest general in the army. His graduation from West Point took place
+just about the first year of the conflict, and he was made lieutenant,
+but before the close of the last year he had attained the rank of
+major-general, and assisted in some of the most remarkable victories.
+
+He was not allowed time to visit his home in Michigan, but was ordered
+to lead a cavalry command through Texas, to teach the people there that
+the war was over, and to check the ravages of the “bushwhackers” who
+still infested that beautiful State. On his return home he accepted
+the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Seventh United States Cavalry, and nine
+years were passed in service at the frontier posts of Kansas and Dakota.
+
+His wife lived with him through those scenes of interest. She {345}had
+the gift of transmitting to paper the vivid pictures of this wild and
+daring life. She passed four months in an army wagon, and rode the long
+marches which her brave husband was forced to make. He was a hero, she
+also was a heroine, for the hardships and privations which she endured
+so uncomplainingly, were worthy of so grand a spirit.
+
+The Sioux (Soo) is the most powerful tribe of red men on our continent.
+They preyed upon all alike--with the defenceless settlements of our
+Minnesota frontier, with the Pawnees, the Cheyennes, the Arapahoes, and
+the Shoshones and, indeed, with all the other tribes, far and near.
+
+They spared no one. At the end of the war of 1861 our army was called
+on to protect the peaceable settlers of the far West, for the Sioux
+were more hostile and bloodthirsty than ever. For ten years the cavalry
+regiments knew no rest. The Indians were on the war-path continually.
+They were always rash fighters, but when in 1874 they obtained
+breech-loaders and rifles, they became a foe more to be dreaded than
+ever. They burned our forts and massacred the small garrisons in a most
+atrocious manner.
+
+Our government used every method to subdue them, feeding, clothing and
+coaxing them. Agencies and reservations were placed at good points, but
+this care for their comfort had no effect. The old worn-out Indians,
+women and children lived on these reservations, partaking of the
+government's bounty, while the young and vigorous warriors sallied
+out to murder and pilfer the whites wherever they could find them. The
+soldiers of the United States were not permitted to attack them on their
+reservations, and so they kept out of their way, and escaped punishment.
+
+An Indian in his wild state has no respect for another of his race who
+has no scalps to show. There were, however, some who made treaties with
+the whites, and kept them. But among the many who never made any promise
+to behave was a powerful medicine chief known as “Sitting Bull.”
+
+In March, 1876, General George Crook was sent against this {346}renowned
+warrior, who had entrenched himself in the hills with 6,000 “bad
+Indians” around him. From the south General Terry was sent with a strong
+body of cavalry and infantry, and General Gibbon with a small but brave
+band of frontier soldiers. They approached the stronghold of the chief.
+Major Reno left camp to reconnoiter, and was readily convinced how rash
+it would be to attack Sitting Bull, who was daily receiving accessions
+to his numbers.
+
+General Terry thought, however, it was time to start an expedition to
+discover and dislodge the enemy, and he gave the command to the brave
+and fearless soldier, General Custer. He named the 26th of June as the
+day when he and Gibbon would be there to assist Custer, but the latter,
+impatient to open the conflict, had urged his horses and men to their
+utmost so as to reach the scene. He started on the trail with the
+Seventh Cavalry, riding sixty miles in twenty-four hours. His aim was
+to have a bout with the Indians and defeat them single-handed. Coming
+within sight of the village on the left bank of the Little Big Horn
+River where Sitting Bull was encamped, he observed such tokens
+of excitement and hurrying away of ponies as to him had but one
+explanation--that the chief and his warriors were running away. Dashing
+forward with panting chest and the fire of courage flaming in his face,
+he placed himself at the head of his men, plunged hastily into the
+valley, and the last that General Reno, who followed him closely, ever
+saw of the brave Custer and his three hundred, was the cloud of dust
+their trail had left behind.
+
+The valiant Custer had gone to his death! Expecting Reno would make a
+dash such as his own, he had gallantly ridden forward, to be met by a
+perfect storm of flame and lead. In an instant he saw how vain was his
+attempt, and giving orders to mount he sought a way out, but the red men
+swarmed around his followers. Boys and even old squaws were firing at
+him and his band most viciously. {347}
+
+[Illustration: 0357]
+
+Vainly they tried to remount--they cut their horses loose, and on a
+little mound, General Custer, with scarcely a dozen men, all who were
+left, made his last {348}rally. In a few moments all was over. Of the
+twelve troops of the Seventh Cavalry, but one thing escaped alive--Myles
+Keogh's sorrel horse, Comanche, who came back into the lines a few days
+later, a most pitiable object. Thus perished General Custer, as brave
+and noble a soldier as ever lived!
+
+The Utes gave a great amount of trouble in 1879, in Colorado, pouncing
+upon a wagon train and slaying Major Thornburgh and eleven of his men.
+They next murdered Agent Meeker, and carried many women into captivity.
+
+The Apache Indians fell upon the settlers of Silver City, New Mexico,
+October 19, 1879, killing twenty-one men and women, and seventeen
+children. The men were shot and scalped, and the women tortured. Troops
+were sent to protect the remainder, but it was some time before they
+could be reached.
+
+The year 1890 witnessed one of the most serious outbreaks of the red
+men of the Dakota reservations. The Ghost Dance was indulged in, and
+the feeling of dread and fear spread all over the Western country.
+This dance was instigated by Sitting Bull, who had returned to the
+reservation eleven years previous. It has always been a superstition
+among all the Indians that the Messiah would come to them some day,
+bring all their dead to life, and drive the whites out of the land.
+Sitting Bull encouraged the Sioux in Dakota to believe this.
+
+At once the War Department was given full control of the Indians by the
+Interior Department. At the different agencies it was found that the
+Indians were stealing cattle and horses and running them off into the
+Bad Lands, where they designed starting a camp. It was well known that
+if Sitting Bull reached that stronghold he would be safe, so the Indian
+police at the Pine Ridge Agency were told to arrest him, which they did,
+and started back to the Agency, knowing a body of cavalry and infantry
+were following in their wake to assist them. But Sitting Bull's friends
+rushed to his assistance and a fierce hand-to-hand encounter took place.
+They all fought like fiends, and lost several of their numbers. But
+the police held the old chief captive, {349}and two of them shot
+him--Bullhead and Red Tomahawk. A son of the chief, Crow Foot, was slain
+also.
+
+
+
+
+BATTLE OF WOUNDED KNEE CREEK,
+
+|In the annals of American history there cannot be found a battle so
+fierce, bloody and decisive as the fight at Wounded Knee Creek between
+the Seventh Cavalry and Big Foots band of Sioux. It was a stand-up
+fight of the most desperate kind, in which nearly the entire band was
+annihilated, and although the soldiers outnumbered their opponents
+nearly three to one, the victory was won by two troops, about one
+hundred strong.
+
+[Illustration: 8359]
+
+The night before the Indians had agreed to submit, and the troops were
+up bright and early in readiness to move by eight o'clock. At that
+hour the cavalry and dismounted troops were gathered about the Indian
+village, the Hotchkiss guns overlooking the camp not fifty yards away.
+The Indians were ordered to come forward, away from their tents, and
+when the band, under the leadership of Big Foot, walked out of their
+lodges and formed a semicircle in front of the soldiers' tents, there
+was nothing to indicate that they would not submit. Colonel Forsyth, an
+Indian fighter of tried worth, never gave a thought to the chance of
+a fight. When it was made plain to the band that their arms must be
+{350}given up, the murmur of discontent was unanimous.
+
+[Illustration: 9360]
+
+When the soldiers proceeded to disarm them and search their tents
+the medicine man jumped up, uttered a loud incantation and fired at a
+trooper standing guard over the captured guns. That was the signal for
+fight, and in a second every buck in the party rose to his feet, cast
+aside the blanket which covered his winchester, and, taking aim, fired
+directly at the troop in front. It was a terrible onslaught, and so
+sudden that all were stunned but, quickly recovering, they opened fire
+on the enemy. The position of troops B and K would not allow their
+fellow-cavalry-men to fire, lest they shoot through the Indians and kill
+their own men. This the terrible duel raged for thirty minutes. Someone
+ordered “Spare the women,” but the squaws fought like demons and could
+not be distinguished from the men. The entire band was practically
+slaughtered, and those who escaped to the ravine were followed by the
+cavalry and shot down wherever found. The chief medicine man, whose
+incantations had caused the band to act with such murderous treachery,
+fell with a dozen bullets in his body. It is claimed that of the Indians
+there were but two survivors, one of which was a baby girl about three
+months old, who has since been adopted by a wealthy lady in Washington.
+
+After {351}the defeat of the Indians at Wounded Knee Creek, they were
+ready to close the conflict and make the best terms possible with
+General Miles. On the 22d of January there was a grand military review
+in honor of the victory over the redskins. Ten thousand Sioux had a
+good opportunity to see the strength and discipline of the United States
+Army, the end of the ghost-dance rebellion being marked by a review of
+all the soldiers who had taken part in crushing the Indians. Thus passed
+into history probably not only the most remarkable of our Indian wars,
+but the last one there will ever be.
+
+
+
+
+CHRISTOPHER CARSON.
+
+|The subject of our sketch was one of the most noted mountaineers,
+trappers and hunters that ever lived.
+
+[Illustration: 9361]
+
+He was no less renowned as a guide and a soldier. He was a native of
+Madison County, Kentucky, where he was born December 24, 1809. When he
+was a babe his father removed his family to Howard County, Missouri.
+Here he spent {352}many happy days in hunting wild game, and making
+himself familiar with nature. The schoolroom had not very many charms
+for him, and at fifteen he was apprenticed to a saddler, with whom he
+remained two years. But this employment was irksome to him, and he soon
+freed himself, and we next hear of him as a trapper, which was more
+congenial to his taste, as he remained one for eight years. He next
+engaged as hunter to Bent's Fort, and eight more years glided by. Few
+men understood the nature of the Indians more thoroughly than did he.
+He dealt with them in a truthful, straightforward way, which won their
+regard, and the government appointed him Indian agent in New Mexico,
+where he was singularly successful in making treaties with the red men,
+which were religiously kept.
+
+His services during the Civil War were inestimable in New Mexico,
+Colorado and the Indian Territory, for which he was promoted to colonel,
+and was brevetted brigadier-general.
+
+He died from a rupture of an artery in the neck, at Fort Lynn, Colorado,
+on the 23d of May, 1868.
+
+
+
+
+THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
+
+|The next great fair which our country saw, was planned on a huge scale.
+It was also an invitation to the peoples of all lands, who liberally
+responded. This was the World's Fair, and it was rightly named, for
+it proved a gathering of all nations. It was opened in May, 1893,
+and closed October 30. The features of the Fair were varied, and its
+inception and fulfillment were on a gigantic scale. Nearly every country
+on earth sent some representation to the Fair, and during its existence
+millions of strangers visited the city.
+
+{353}
+
+[Illustration: 0363]
+
+There was a long and earnest contest as to what city should have the
+honor of being selected to hold the great World's Fair, St. Louis,
+Cincinnati, New York, Washington and Chicago, each presenting powerful
+reasons why the choice should fall upon it. But Congress settled the
+question by giving to Chicago the coveted honor, and without delay
+commissioners were chosen, and {354}officials and citizens went busily
+to work, hand in hand, to make the fair the grandest ever projected.
+
+The grounds selected were at Jackson Park, Chicago, and comprised 640
+acres. Magnificent buildings were erected, costing from $10,000 to
+$300,000 each, and every State engaged with the others in a friendly
+rivalry. There were forty-seven State and Territorial buildings, each
+one noted for a style of architecture dissimilar to any of the rest, and
+yet all remarkably beautiful.
+
+It was well represented by foreign peoples, fifty-one nations and
+thirty-nine colonies participating. The edifices erected by the
+directors, such as Transportation, Machinery Hall, Electrical Building,
+etc., were numerous and costly. The beauties of the Art Gallery were a
+revelation to the busy, pushing American, and the man or woman who spent
+but a few days among the wonders of the great World's Fair of 1893 found
+food for reflection and pleasant memories to last a lifetime. Nature was
+not overlooked and the horticultural show was a marvel of beauty. The
+Fisheries Building was deemed among the handsomest on the grounds,
+costing $225,000, but where all were so fine and-so well adapted to
+their intended use, it is impossible to particularize.
+
+The fair, it was expected, would be opened by President Cleveland in
+person, but State reasons forbidding his presence, it was arranged that
+he should touch an electric button in Washington which should start the
+machinery here, which was done. The fair was dedicated on the 20th of
+October, 1892, with imposing and lengthy ceremonies, and opened to the
+world in May, 1893.
+
+Figures do not appeal to the youthful mind, but still they are necessary
+for comparison, and when I tell my young readers that the Vienna
+exposition in 1873 expended $7,850,000, while Chicago's outlay was
+$17,000,000, it will easily be seen that the Worlds Fair of 1893, held
+at Chicago, was carried out with a magnificence never before equaled.
+
+
+
+
+PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF 1896.
+
+[Illustration: 9365]
+
+HEN {355}in the campaign of 1896 for President of our great republic,
+excitement ran high, as the “silverites” had put a candidate in the
+field in opposition to the Republican nominee, the latter party having
+adopted a platform which upheld the gold standard, and which pledged
+itself to make every effort to obtain recognition for silver as money
+by gold-standard countries, at a ratio to be agreed upon later; it also
+declared in favor of a protective tariff.
+
+The year of 1893 had brought a terrible panic, which caused more
+suffering in its train, than any that had preceded it. Business was
+not to be had, labor was not sought, and failures were of everyday
+occurrence. People began to ask why this state of affairs existed.
+The advocates of silver answered that it was because that metal was
+legislated against, while the protective tariff people asserted that
+the troubles were due to the fact that the tariff was faulty--it neither
+provided money for governmental uses, nor work for the toilers.
+
+At once a fierce contest of words and arguments began. The silver men
+formed clubs, papers presenting their arguments were scattered all over
+the land, able speakers were employed, and nothing was heard but the
+all-absorbing currency question.
+
+The Democrats held a convention at Chicago in July with the silver men
+in the majority. William J. Bryan of Nebraska proved so convincing
+a speaker in the debates, that he held the attention of vast and
+enthusiastic audiences.
+
+In return for his efforts {356}he was nominated for President, and
+Arthur Sewall of Maine for Vice, as William McKinley of Ohio, had
+been named in the Republican body that met at St. Louis, in June, with
+Garrett A. Hobart of New Jersey as Vice-President.
+
+[Illustration: 9366]
+
+The platform sanctioned by the party was the free coinage of silver
+at the ratio of “sixteen to one,” and that the tariff was to remain
+unchanged. The watch 7 word of the party became “sixteen to one.”
+
+When the Populists held their convention they chose Mr. Bryan for the
+Presidential chair, and Thomas Watson of Georgia for the position of
+Vice-President. The Silver party indorsed the choice of Bryan, and
+the whole country became engaged in the conflict. The excitement was
+intense, and party spirit ran high. The States seemed equally divided,
+the Eastern and Central coming out for gold, while the Western and
+Southern espoused the claims of the white metal.
+
+Still another party arose, called the Gold Democrats, who convened at
+Indianapolis in September, and selected John M. Palmer of Illinois for
+their Presidential leader, and Simon B. Buckner of Kentucky for Vice.
+This party came out squarely for the gold standard only.
+
+[Illustration: 8336]
+
+Mr. Bryan took the stump and addressed the people of the country at
+large. Mr. McKinley remained quietly in his own home at Canton, and
+received delegations. It seemed as though every man, woman and child
+took sides in the great question at stake, and each was equally sure of
+success. Debates noticeable {357}for their bitter intensity were heard,
+meetings were held day and night, and each party felt certain that in
+an acceptance of its particular views alone rested the safety and
+perpetuity of our country.
+
+The battle culminated on November 5, 1896, when William McKinley was
+elected by a large majority. The rancor and bitterness died out, all
+parties accepted the people's choice, and he was inaugurated President
+March 4, 1897, amid a scene of splendor.
+
+Of his patriotism, his clear-sightedness, his wisdom, his administration
+is daily giving proof, and his conduct of our late war with Spain is the
+best vindication of the calm, unbiased, just and grand character of our
+chief executive.
+
+[Illustration: 367]
+
+{358}
+
+[Illustration: 0368]
+
+
+
+
+“HOME, SWEET HOME.”
+
+FRANCES E. WILLARD.
+
+In {359}the spring of 1863 two great armies were encamped on either
+side of the Rappahannock River, one dressed in blue and the other
+dressed in gray. As twilight fell, the bands of music on the Union side
+began to play the martial music, “The Star Spangled Banner,” and “Rally
+Round the Flag;” and that challenge of music was taken up by those upon
+the other side, and they responded with “The Bonnie Blue Flag,” and
+“Away Down South in Dixie.” It was borne in upon the soul of a single
+soldier in one of those bands of music to begin a sweeter and a more
+tender air, and slowly as he played it they joined in a sort of chorus
+of all the instruments upon the Union side, until finally a great and
+mighty chorus swelled up and down our army--“Home, Sweet Home.” When
+they had finished there was no challenge yonder, for every band upon
+that farther shore had taken up the lovely air so attuned to all that is
+holiest and dearest, and one great chorus of the two great hosts went up
+to God; and when they had finished the sweet and holy melody, from the
+boys in gray there came a challenge, “Three cheers for home!” and as
+they went reverberating through the skies from both sides of the river,
+“something upon the soldiers' cheeks washed off the stains of powder.”
+
+
+
+
+THE REV. O. H. TIFFANY, D. D.
+
+|HOW solemn a thing is death!--and yet, how wonderful a thing {360}is
+life! God appoints it, man develops it, death seals its destiny,
+eternity unfolds its ultimate issues. Each human soul in which this
+power of life is has “its secrets and histories and marvels of destiny,
+heaven's splendors are over its dead, hell's terrors are under its feet,
+tragedies and poetries are in it, and a history for eternity.”
+ Every social organism, every grand national aggregation of lives but
+generalizes the history of the individual, and thus the history of all
+life and of all living, whether in individuals, families, societies or
+nations, is one history, and that history the record of its conflicts,
+its defeats, its victories. The dawn of this life is a struggle for
+being, its growth a constant warfare with antagonisms, its maintenance
+is by continued defenses. And each and all of these create crises of
+destiny which may retard or advance, destroy or establish the whole.
+
+Our national birth was a contest with physical difficulties, our
+establishment a victory over political antagonisms; the last desperate
+struggle was a conflict of ideas, a contest of moral principles; and we
+may hope that its issue shall be one of prosperity and peace.
+
+Mountains are rock-ribbed and enduring because the earthquake has
+settled them on their foundations; the pines that crest them like a
+coronet withstand the rudest blasts, because they have been rooted by
+the storms which toss their giant branches. So universal freedom has
+been made sure by the passing turbulence of rebellion, and our national
+prosperity established by the rude blast of war.
+
+It was a war such as the world never before witnessed; it was fought by
+such armies as never before were marshaled on the field. But the end has
+come. These great armies have returned covered with honor and laureled
+with renown. They are merged again in the business and activities of
+life; they have disappeared from view like the snow in springtime,
+or the dew of the morning in the {361}summer's sun; now and then the
+halting step upon the sidewalk, here and there an empty sleeve, remind
+us in our daily walks of the stern realities of war.
+
+After war, peace!
+
+Peace to the dead. Peace through their labors to the living. These “have
+fought their last fight,” the salvos of artillery which soon shall sound
+from the guns they loved so well shall not awake them. The grass shall
+grow green in springtime, the birds of summer shall sing their sweetest
+notes, the bright glories of autumn shall tint the foliage above them,
+and the white snow of winter shall lie unbroken on their graves, but
+these shall sleep on in peace.
+
+Peace, white-robed and olive-crowned, has come to us who linger. Peace,
+with its cares and toils, peace, with its plenty and prosperity, peace,
+with its duties for to-day and its destinies for to-morrow. Let us
+welcome it and become worthy of it. Let there be in all our lives,
+thoughts, hopes, endeavors, such devotion to duty as called and sent
+these brave men to the battlefield and sustained them there; and then we
+may safely leave our future to the care of those who, coming after us,
+shall pause, amid the ruins time may make, to trace upon the marble in
+our cemeteries the names of the heroic dead.
+
+          God gives us peace! Not such as lulls to sleep,
+
+          But sword on thigh and brows with purpose knit.
+
+     And let our Ship of State to harbor sweep,
+
+          Her ports all up! Her battle lanterns lit!
+
+     And her leashed thunders gathered for their leap.
+
+
+
+
+THE UNION SOLDIER.
+
+ROBERT G. INGERSOLL.
+
+|THE past rises before me like a dream. Again we are in the great
+struggle for national life. We hear the sounds of preparation, the
+music of the boisterous drum, the silver voices of heroic bugles. We see
+thousands of assemblages, and hear the appeals of orators; we see the
+pale cheeks of women and the {362}flushed faces of men; and in those
+assemblages we see all the dead whose dust we have covered with flowers.
+We lose sight of them no more. We are with them when they enlist in the
+great army of freedom. We see them part with those they love. Some are
+walking for the last time in quiet, woody places with the maidens they
+adore. We hear the whisperings and the sweet vows of eternal love as
+they lingeringly part forever. Others are bending over cradles, kissing
+babies that are asleep; some are receiving the blessings of old men;
+some are parting with mothers who hold them and press them to their
+hearts again and again, and say nothing, and some are talking with
+wives, and endeavoring with brave words spoken in the old tones to drive
+from their hearts the awful fear. We see them part. We see the wife
+standing in the door, with the babe in her arms--standing in the
+sunlight sobbing--at the turn of the road a hand waves--she answers by
+holding high in her loving hands the child. He is gone, and forever.
+We see them all as they march proudly away under the flaunting flags,
+keeping time to the wild, grand music of war, marching down the streets
+of the great cities, through the towns and across the prairies, down to
+the fields of glory, to do and to die for the eternal right. We go with
+them, one and all. We are by their side on all the gory fields, in the
+hospitals, on all the weary marches. We stand guard with them in the
+wild storm, and under the quiet stars. We are with them in ravines
+running with blood, in the furrows of old fields; we are with them
+between contesting hosts unable to move, wild with thirst, the life
+ebbing slowly away among the withered leaves. We see them pierced
+by balls and torn with shells in the trenches by forts, and in the
+whirlwind of the charge, where men become iron, with nerves of steel.
+
+We are with them in the prisons of hatred and famine; but human speech
+can never tell what they endured. We are at home when the news comes
+that they are dead. We see the maiden in the shadow of her first sorrow.
+We see the silvered head of the old man bowed with the first grief.
+
+The past rises before us, and we see four millions of human beings
+governed by the lash; we see them bound hand and foot; we hear the
+strokes of cruel whips; we see the hounds tracking women {363}through
+the tangled swamps; we see babes sold from the breasts of mothers.
+Cruelty unspeakable! Outrage infinite! Four million bodies in
+chains--four million souls in fetters. All the sacred relations of wife,
+mother, father and child trampled beneath the brutal feet of might. All
+this was done under our own beautiful banner of the free. The past rises
+before us; we hear the roar and shriek of the bursting shell; the broken
+fetters fall; these heroes died. We look--instead of slaves we see men,
+women and children. The wand of progress touches the auction block,
+the slave pen, the whipping post, and we see homes and firesides, and
+schoolhouses and books, and where all was want and crime and cruelty and
+fetters, we see the faces of the free. These heroes are dead; they died
+for liberty; they died for us; they are at rest; they sleep in the land
+they made free under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn
+pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows and the embracing vines;
+they sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine
+or storm, each in the windowless palace of rest. Earth may run red with
+other wars, they are at peace. In the midst of battle they found the
+severity of death. I have one sentiment for the soldiers, living and
+dead--cheers for the living, and tears for the dead.
+
+Our Noble, Heroic and Self-Sacrificing Women.
+
+
+
+
+EMORY A. STORRS.
+
+|BRIGHT and shying on our resplendent annals shall appear the names
+of those thousands of noble, heroic and self-sacrificing women, who
+organized and carried forward to triumphant success a colossal sanitary
+and charitable scheme, the like of which, in nobility of conception
+and perfectness of execution, the world had never before witnessed, and
+which carried all around the globe the fame and the name of the women of
+America.
+
+From camp to camp, from battlefield to battlefield, through the long and
+toilsome march, by day and by night, these sacred charities followed,
+and the prayers of the devoted and the true were ceaselessly with you
+through all dangers.
+
+Leagues {364}and leagues separated you from home, but the blessings
+there invoked upon you hovered over and around you, and sweetened your
+sleep like angels' visits.
+
+While the boy soldier slept by his camp fire at night and dreaming of
+home, and what his valor would achieve for his country, uttered even in
+his dreams prayers for the loved ones who had made that home so dear to
+him, the mother dreaming of her son breathed at the same time prayers
+for his safety, and for the triumph of his cause. The prayers and
+blessings of mother and son, borne heavenward, met in the bosom of their
+common God and Father.
+
+
+
+
+ANTIETAM.
+
+|I'VE wandered to Antietam, John,
+
+     And stood where foe met foe
+
+          Upon the fields of Maryland
+
+               So many years ago.
+
+     The circling hills rise just the same
+
+               As they did on that day,
+
+          When you were fighting blue, old
+
+                   boy,
+
+          And I was fighting gray.
+
+
+
+          The winding stream runs 'neath the
+
+                   bridge
+
+               Where Burnside won his fame;
+
+          The locust trees upon the ridge
+
+               Beyond are there the same.
+
+          The birds were singing 'mid the
+
+                   trees--
+
+          'Twas bullets on that day,
+
+          When you were fighting blue, old
+
+                   boy,
+
+          And I was fighting gray.
+
+          I saw again the Dunker Church
+
+               That stood beside the wood,
+
+          Where Hooker made the famous
+
+                   charge
+
+          That Hill so well withstood.
+
+
+
+          'Tis scarred and marred by war and
+
+                   time,
+
+               As we are, John, to-day;
+
+          For you were fighting blue, old boy,
+
+               As I was fighting gray.
+
+
+
+          I stood beneath the signal tree
+
+               Where I that day was laid,
+
+          And 'twas your arms, old boy, that
+
+                   brought
+
+               Me'to this friendly shade.
+
+          Tho' leaves are gone and limbs are
+
+                   bare,
+
+               Its heart is true to-day
+
+          As your your's was then, tho' fighting blue,
+
+               To me, tho fighting gray.
+
+
+
+          I marked the spot where Mansfield
+
+                   fell,
+
+               Where Richardson was slain,
+
+          With Stark and Douglas 'mid the
+
+                   corn,
+
+               And Brant amid the grain.
+
+
+          The names are sacred to us, John;
+
+               They led us in the fray, [blue
+
+          When you were fighting Northern
+
+               And I the Southern gray.
+
+
+
+          I {365}thought of Burnside, Hooker, '
+
+                   Meade,
+
+               Of Sedgwick, old and grave;
+
+          Of Stonewall Jackson, tried and true,
+
+               That tried the day to save.
+
+
+          I bared my head--they rest in peace--
+
+               Each one has passed away;
+
+          Death musters those who wore the
+
+                   blue
+
+               With those who wore the gray.
+
+
+
+          The old Pry mansion rears its walls
+
+               Beside Antietam's stream,
+
+          And far away along the South
+
+               I saw the tombstones gleam.
+
+
+
+          They mark each place where “Little
+
+                   Mac”
+
+               And Robert Lee that day
+
+          Made proud the South, tho' wearing
+
+                   blue,
+
+               The North, tho' wearing gray.
+
+
+
+          Yes; John, it gave me joy to stand
+
+               Where we once fiercely fought.
+
+          The nation now is one again--
+
+               The lesson has been taught.
+
+
+          Sweet peace doth fair Antietam crown,
+
+               And we can say to-day [blue
+
+          We're friends, tho' one was fighting
+
+               And one was fighting gray.
+
+
+
+
+THE SWORDS OF GRANT AND LEE.
+
+“_Fame Hath Crowned with Laurel the Swords of Grant and Lee._”
+
+[Illustration: 9375]
+
+ETHINKS to-night I catch a gleam of steel among the pines,
+
+     And yonder by the lilied stream repose the foemen's lines;
+
+     The ghostly guards who pace the ground a moment stop to see
+
+     If all is safe and still around the tents of Grant and Lee.
+
+
+
+     'Tis but a dream; no armies camp where once their bay'nets
+
+               shone;
+
+     And Hesper's calm and lovely lamp shines on the dead alone;
+
+     A cricket chirps on yonder rise beneath a cedar tree
+
+     Where glinted 'neath the summer skies the swords of Grant and Lee.
+
+
+
+     Forever sheathed those famous blades that led the eager van!
+
+     They shine no more among the glades that fringe the Rapidan;
+
+     To-day their battle work is done, go draw them forth and see
+
+     That not a stain appears upon the swords of Grant and Lee.
+
+
+
+     The gallant men who saw them flash in comradeship to-day
+
+     Recall the wild, impetuous dash of val'rous blue and gray;
+
+     And 'neath the flag that proudly waves above a Nation free,
+
+     They oft recall the missing braves who fought with Grant and Lee.
+
+
+
+     They sleep among the tender grass, they slumber 'neath the pines,
+
+     They're camping in the mountain pass where crouched the serried lines;
+
+     They {366}rest where loud the tempests blow, destructive in their
+glee--
+
+     The men who followed long ago the swords of Grant and Lee.
+
+
+
+     Their graves are lying side by side where once they met as foes,
+
+     And where they in the wildwood died springs up a blood-red rose;
+
+     O'er them the bee on golden wing doth flit, and in yon tree
+
+     A gentle robin seems to sing to them of Grant and Lee.
+
+
+
+     To-day no strifes of sections rise, to-day no shadows fall
+
+     Upon our land, and 'neath the skies one flag waves over all;
+
+     The Blue and Gray as comrades stand, as comrades bend the knee,
+
+     And ask God's blessings on the land that gave us Grant and Lee.
+
+
+
+     So long as southward, wide and clear, Potomac's river runs,
+
+     Their deeds will live because they were Columbia's hero sons;
+
+     So long as bend the Northern pines, and blooms the orange tree,
+
+     The swords will shine that led the lines of valiant Grant and Lee.
+
+
+
+     Methinks I hear a bugle blow, methinks I hear a drum;
+
+     And there, with martial step and slow, two ghostly armies come;
+
+     They are the men who met as foes, for 'tis the dead I see,
+
+     And side by side in peace repose the swords of Grant and Lee.
+
+
+
+     Above them let Old Glory wave, and let each deathless star
+
+     Forever shine upon the brave who lead the ranks of war;
+
+     Their fame resounds from coast to coast, from mountain top to sea
+
+     No other land than ours can boast the swords of Grant and Lee!
+
+
+[Illustration: 0376]
+
+
+
+
+WAR WITH SPAIN.
+
+[Illustration: 9377]
+
+NLY {367}those who know the power of peace can realize the dread of war.
+For four centuries Spain has borne down upon her colonies, with a heavy
+hand. The brightest of them, Cuba, “the Pearl of the Antilles,” has
+been the victim of two cruel and merciless wars at her hands, waged
+with relentless barbarity. We could not, as a Christian nation, help
+protesting against her inhumanity to a people whose home was so near our
+shores.
+
+For thirty years the sounds of war had been silent in our domain,
+but justice demanded that we interfere in behalf of a people who are
+struggling against oppression, and in the noble cause of humanity.
+Spain's cruelty and Spain's greed are matters of history.
+
+
+
+
+THE MAINE DISASTER.
+
+|On the 25th of January the Maine, an American battleship, entered the
+harbor of Havana, Cuba, and anchored in her waters at a spot indicated
+by the harbor-master. The usual exchange of salutes and formal visits
+expected between two powers, took place, and there was no apparent
+unfriendliness shown. Just three weeks from that day, in the evening of
+the 15th of February, an explosion took place, which tore the boat to
+atoms, killing 266 of her crew and two officers. At once treachery
+was suspected, {368}but the American people was asked to suspend its
+judgment until the long and searching investigation which was conducted
+by the naval board of inquiry was ended, when every evidence was
+produced proving that the awful calamity was due wholly to Spanish
+treachery.
+
+This led to a severing of all diplomatic relations, which was ended by
+the Spanish minister's request for his passport. Spain declared war
+upon the United States on April 24, 1898, and it took the House of
+Representatives one minute and forty-one seconds to pass a declaration
+of war in reply to Spain, and the Senate acted with equal promptness.
+
+Events of such vast importance have rarely followed each other with such
+rapidity as have those of our late war with Spain. In less than three
+months a nation which deemed itself invincible, threw down the gauntlet
+which was as speedily picked up, and engagements and battles trod almost
+upon each other's heels, until its boast was proved a vain one, and
+victory was ours.
+
+Our people were ready to accept the challenge. From North and South came
+the glad response. Once more the blue and the gray fought side by side,
+as brothers.
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST GUN FIRED.
+
+|Our history would be incomplete if I did not tell my young readers who
+fired the first shot in our war with Spain. The United States cruiser,
+Nashville, of the North Atlantic squadron at Key West, can lay proud
+claim to that honor.
+
+It was a clear and beautiful morning in April when the American fleet
+left Key West, and proceeding southward across the straits of Florida,
+first saw the city of Havana and the battlements of the famous Morro
+Castle, on the afternoon of the same day. The fleet presented a gallant
+sight, and when at three in the morning Admiral Sampson's flagship, the
+New York, flashed forth her signal lights, the answering signals were
+given from all the ships of the fleet, black smoke began to pour from
+the smokestacks, and the crews needed no further hint that they had work
+before them. {369}
+
+[Illustration: 0379]
+
+{370}
+
+[Illustration: 0380]
+
+{371}
+
+[Illustration: 0381]
+
+These volunteers in company with the Sixteenth and Sixth Regiments were
+ordered to “charge the Block House'” and up the hill they charged with
+military precision.
+
+After {372}the Nashville returned to Key West, the rest of the squadron
+proceeded to the Cuban coast. Coming within fifteen miles of Morro
+Castle, the fleet scattered so as to form a complete blockade of the
+port. Every day brought new prizes to our squadron, and the blockade of
+Havana proved effectual.
+
+It is well to call the attention of the boys to a few of the changes in
+phraseology between the old sea terms and the new. Once in the English
+navy (and ours was modeled after it) the term admiral was unknown--the
+word constable or justice was used. So with the title of captain, which
+is in reality a military one. In the earlier times this personage was
+called a master. The term commodore we have borrowed from that very
+nation with whom we have just measured arms--the Spanish, and comes from
+their word _comendador_. Cadets were not known by that name, but were
+called volunteers. Another item which furnishes food for reflection,
+is the origin of the United States navy. On October 13, 1775, the
+continental congress voted to fit out two vessels, one to carry ten
+guns, the other fourteen, for the purpose of taking English supply
+vessels. The same month it added two more vessels to its extensive
+equipment. On March 27, 1794, after our troubles with the Algerine
+pirates, six frigates were ordered, each to carry thirty-two guns.
+Congress appropriated $700,000 for the purpose of organizing a navy.
+Compare this feeble beginning with our splendid navy of to-day.
+
+It is proper to explain here what the practice of nations is with regard
+to prize money. It is a strict rule of war that neutral powers must not
+interfere nor give help to either party that is engaged in a war. To
+furnish ships, ammunition, or supplies is a grave offence, and all such
+goods are termed “contraband of war.” {373}
+
+[Illustration: 0383]
+
+Any boat at sea suspected of carrying “contraband” articles can be
+searched, but properly commissioned vessels only can perform this duty.
+Another thing which will subject a vessel to being seized or confiscated
+is an attempt at blockade running, or trying to pass the line
+established by the war vessels stationed in an entrance to a harbor or
+along the coast. These are {374}rules of war common to all nations, and
+must be rigidly observed.
+
+All neutral governments are notified that such blockade exists,
+and exactly how far it extends. But “paper blockades,” or the mere
+declaration that a blockade is in force, are of no account. At the
+treaty of Paris, in 1856, the powers declared that “blockades, in order
+to be binding, must be effective,” or in plainer words, a force must
+actually be stationed on the blockaded ground strong enough to make it
+dangerous to attempt to pass it.
+
+“Prize money” sounds very tempting, and its meaning will be given.
+When a war is in progress properly commissioned ships are empowered to
+capture not only the armed vessels of the enemy, but its merchantmen
+as well. These vessels are taken to the country of their captors, the
+courts pass judgment upon their value, and if it is proven to be a
+lawful prize, it is sold, and the proceeds is called “prize money,” and
+is awarded to the captors, the officers and crew, in proportion to their
+rank.
+
+The prize money adjudged to them is thus given out in the following
+manner:
+
+“1. The commander of a fleet or squadron, one-twentieth part prize money
+awarded to any vessel or vessels under his immediate command.
+
+“2. To the commander of a division of a fleet or squadron, a sum equal
+to one-fiftieth of any prize money awarded to a vessel of the division
+under his command, to be paid from the moiety due the United States, if
+there be such moiety; if not, from the amount awarded the captors.
+
+“3. To the fleet captain, one-hundredth part of all prize money awarded
+to any vessel of the fleet in which he is serving, in which case he
+shall share in proportion to his pay, with the other officers and men on
+board such vessel.
+
+“4. To the commander of a single vessel, one-tenth of all the prize
+money awarded to the vessel. {375}
+
+[Illustration: 0385]
+
+“5. After the foregoing deductions, the residue is distributed among the
+others doing duty on board, and borne upon the {376}books of the ship,
+in proportion to their respective rates of pay.
+
+“All vessels of the navy within signal distance of the vessel making the
+capture, and in such condition as to be able to render, effective aid if
+required, will share, in the prize. Any person temporarily absent from
+his vessel may share in the captures made during his absence. The prize
+court determines what vessel shall share in a prize, and also whether
+a prize was superior or inferior to the vessel or vessels making the
+capture.
+
+“The share of prize money awarded to the United States is set apart
+forever as a fund for the payment of pensions to naval officers, seamen
+and marines entitled to pensions.”
+
+On April 27 our forces bombarded the important city of Matanzas, a rich
+and flourishing point, the outlet of the agricultural districts. April
+29 the city of Cienfuegos yielded to our shells, and on the 30th of
+April the frowning batteries of Cabanas were attacked.
+
+
+
+
+DEWEY'S VICTORY AT MANILA.
+
+|The first great naval battle of the war took place on the 1st of May.
+Those whose opinion was considered valuable, declared that on this
+battle depended the result of the war--some even prophesying that a
+victory here would practically end it.
+
+Another matter which engrossed the attention of the governments abroad,
+was the fact that this encounter would serve as a test of the merits of
+the modern fighting machine. Should it prove all that was claimed for
+it, then in truth, a new departure in naval warfare had come.
+
+The eyes of the world were upon the fleet, which, under the command of
+Commodore George Dewey, was hastening toward Manila, the capital of the
+Philippines. Just after daylight, Sunday morning of May 1, Manila time,
+6 p.m. Saturday, Chicago time, the Olympia opened fire, when two miles
+away from the enemy. As she drew nearer, she trained every battery
+upon the Spanish fleet, with deadly effect. When the battle was almost
+decided, the Reina Christina came out to engage our flagship. {377}
+
+[Illustration: 0387]
+
+She {378}advanced with great bravery, but to no purpose. The big guns
+on the Olympia struck her fore and aft, totally wrecking her and setting
+fire to her magazine. The Spanish Admiral, Montejo, was standing on the
+bridge of his boat, when it was shot from under him. The Spanish sailors
+escaped into their boats, fleeing from the burning ship. Montejo carried
+his pennant to the Castilla, but five minutes after that ship was set on
+fire by the shells.
+
+After two hours' hard fighting, a rest was taken, when the attack was
+renewed, and at the expiration of a half hour the long-dreaded and
+much-boasted of Spanish fleet was a name only--nothing was left to tell
+the tale of her greatness save the transport Manila.
+
+This battle was fought off Cavite, ten miles to the southwest of Manila.
+The Spanish fleet, of which so much was predicted by Spain, and which
+met with such a crushing defeat, consisted of the following vessels:
+Reina Mercedes, cruiser; Reina Christina, cruiser; Isla de Cuba,
+cruiser; Isla de Luzon, cruiser; Castilla, cruiser; Don Antonio De
+Ulloa, cruiser; Don Juan de Austria, cruiser; Velasco, cruiser; Elcano,
+gunboat; General Lezo, gunboat; Marquis del Duero, gunboat; Quiros,
+gunboat; Villalobos, torpedo gunboat; General Alava, transport; Cebu,
+transport; Manila, transport; Isla de Mindanao, converted cruiser.
+
+The United States fleet was composed of the Olympia, (flagship),
+first-class cruiser, Captain C. N. Gridley; Baltimore, protected
+cruiser, Captain N. M. Dyer; Boston, protected cruiser, Captain Frank
+Wildes; Raleigh, protected cruiser, Captain J. B. Coghlan; Concord,
+gunboat, Commander Asa Walker; Petrel, gunboat, Commander E. P. Wood;
+McCulloch, dispatch boat; Nanshan, collier; Zafiro, collier. The
+magnificent victory of the American Admiral has made his name famous.
+His achievement is unparalleled in naval annals, and entitles him to the
+proud rank of being the greatest of fleet commanders, a worthy pupil of
+his invincible teacher, David G. Farragut. {379}
+
+[Illustration: 0389]
+
+The gratitude and admiration of the nation are his. President
+{380}McKinley, as a fitting acknowledgment of his splendid deed, at once
+appointed him Rear Admiral in the United States Navy, with access of
+pay.
+
+When the Stars and Stripes were hoisted over the Philippine capital, the
+rejoicings at home were unbounded. But when the news reached Spain, it
+produced a contrary effect; the indignation of that power was profound.
+An uprising of the people was feared, and the governors of all provinces
+were ordered to place them under martial law at the first serious
+outbreak. The cable at Manila was cut by orders of Admiral Dewey, and
+thus the court at Madrid was kept in uncertainty as to what was actually
+transpiring.
+
+The victory so bravely won was but the predecessor of others which gave
+every true American a thrill of pride. Admiral Sampson, commander of the
+North Atlantic squadron, arrived at San Juan de Puerto Rico on the 12th
+of May, making an early call, as he commenced operations before sunrise,
+bombarding the fortifications. The first shot was fired from the Iowa,
+captained by Bob Evans (“Fighting Bob”), and it was followed by the
+Indiana.
+
+From the halyards of the flagship New York the signal flashed
+forth--“Remember the Maine!” The big guns pealed forth seven shots, and
+the works felt their force. Fort Morro was left full of gaps, where the
+shells had struck it, and torn away the masonry. The frightened populace
+fled to the interior, beyond the range of the guns. Word had been sent
+ahead by the commander of the American squadron that the works were to
+be attacked, thus giving the non-combatants a chance to seek safety.
+{381}
+
+[Illustration: 0391]
+
+The first blood on our side was shed at Cardenas, May 12. After a short
+encounter of thirty-five minutes between the torpedo boat Winslow, the
+tug Hudson and the gunboat Wilmington on the American side, and the
+batteries at Cardenas and four Spanish gunboats, our arms were again
+victorious. Five Americans fell in this engagement. Ensign Worth Bagley
+of the Winslow, a brave North Carolinian, was the first officer to yield
+up {382}his life. It is stated that even after the Winslow's starboard
+engine and steering gear were useless, the crew kept hurling shot at the
+Spaniards on shore, until she was totally disabled.
+
+On the next day, May 13, the Flying Squadron left Hampton Roads, and
+made Key West on the 18th. Santiago was the intended point of attack,
+and on the 18th also Admiral Sampson thought it time to turn his
+attention to that place. The second squadron sent out by Spain,
+under Cervera, lay at that time in the harbor of Santiago, in fancied
+security.
+
+
+
+
+ROOSEVELT'S ROUGH RIDERS.
+
+|On Friday, June 24, a desperate engagement took place between four
+troops of the First Cavalry, four of the Tenth and eight of Roosevelt's
+“Rough Riders,” who attacked a force of 2,000 Spanish soldiers, twice
+their number, and sixteen men were killed, among whom were Captain Allyn
+M. Capron and Hamilton Fish, Jr., belonging to the Rough Riders.
+
+The Rough Riders followed the trail over steep hills that towered many
+hundred feet high. The weather was intensely warm, and each man carried
+200 rounds of ammunition and his heavy camp equipment. On they toiled up
+the narrow path, often so narrow that they could only go in single file,
+while the sharp thorns of the prickly cactus tore and scratched them as
+they passed through the thick underbrush.
+
+As the day grew hotter they threw away blankets and tent rolls, and even
+emptied their canteens. Soon they heard a call like a cuckoo. Every man
+was on the alert. They knew now that Spaniards were near, for that was
+their cry. A charge was ordered, and they dashed into the thicket.
+The rush was so sudden and bold that a panic ensued among the Spanish
+soldiers, and after fighting about an hour, they fled, firing as they
+ran, leaving fifty dead upon the field. {383}
+
+[Illustration: 0393]
+
+The crack of the Mauser rifles was heard, and the leaves flew from the
+trees and chips from the fence post were showered over the heads of the
+Rough Riders. The fire was a heavy one. Sergeant Fish was the first man
+to fall on our side--shot through the {384}heart. Although the enemy was
+but 200 yards away, yet they were so securely hidden in the brush that
+only a glimpse of them now and then could be seen. Colonel Wood showed
+remarkable coolness, walking along the lines as he gave orders.
+Lieutenant Roosevelt rushed into the thicket cheering his men on, who
+were as anxious as he to reach the hidden foe. Captain Capron held his
+revolver in hand, and sent several of the Spaniards to the ground.
+Suddenly his weapon dropped from his hands and he fell, shot through the
+body. With his dying breath he cried--“Don't mind me, boys, go on and
+fight.” After fifteen minutes more, of hot fighting Lieutenant Roosevelt
+ordered his men back, and just missed a bullet which buried itself in a
+tree alongside his head. The Spaniards fell back, and ran down one hill
+and up another to the blockhouse, it was supposed with the intention of
+making a stand there. Instantly the Americans followed them closely, and
+poured a storm of bullets into the blockhouse; the Spaniards fled in
+haste, and the battle was over. This was the first battle which the
+Rough Riders had taken part in, and they proved their valor and bravery
+in a brilliant manner.
+
+
+
+
+HOBSON MADE FAMOUS.
+
+|One of the most brilliant exhibitions of pure, unselfish courage ever
+exhibited was the act of Lieutenant Richmond P. Hobson. That officer,
+who was assistant naval constructor, had succeeded in convincing Admiral
+Sampson that there was but one way to prevent Admiral Cervera's escape.
+His daring scheme gave the fleet of the Spanish admiral its death
+blow. Under the direction of Admiral Sampson he volunteered to take the
+collier Merrimac into the channel leading into the harbor, and sink it,
+so as to prevent his escape with his ships; In other words, he literally
+“bottled” the unlucky Admiral up. {385}
+
+[Illustration: 0395]
+
+He needed but six men to help him accomplish his purpose. Admiral
+Sampson explained to the brave sailors that it was a desperate mission,
+that death was almost certain, and yet when only six volunteers were
+asked for, over 1,000 responded, anxious, glad {386}to be of service to
+the cause. Tears filled their eyes as they begged for the honor of
+going with the brave commander who had been chosen for the perilous
+undertaking, and dying, if need be. It was a gallant deed, and as
+the Merrimac steamed into the channel, a furious cannonading from the
+Spanish forts greeted their coming, but on they went into the “very jaws
+of death,” and amid shot and shell Lieutenant Hobson went to the point
+indicated by Admiral Sampson, anchored, and swung across the channel.
+Then a hole was blown in the ship's bottom, and a dash was made for
+a boat. They were loudly cheered by the Spaniards, who were lost in
+admiration of their heroism, and Cervera himself, although he took them
+prisoners, sent a flag of truce to Admiral Sampson, by his chief of
+staff, Captain Oviedo, in honor of their bravery, offering to exchange
+them without delay for Spanish prisoners in the hands of the United
+States.
+
+The names of the gallant men who offered their lives so freely
+were--Daniel Montague, George Charette, J. E. Murphy, Oscar Deignan,
+John P. Phillips, and John Kelly.
+
+After being kept prisoners from June 2 until July 6, Lieutenant Hobson
+and the six men who were made prisoners with him, were surrendered by
+the Spanish military authorities in exchange for prisoners which we
+held. Captain Chadwick, of the New York, escorted them through our
+lines. The soldiers were wild with joy, and paid no attention to
+discipline or order, so anxious were they to see the heroes of the
+Merrimac, whom they wildly cheered. Lieutenant Hobson talked very little
+about his experiences, but said the Spanish authorities had treated them
+well, and their health was excellent.
+
+The bombardment of Santiago's forts was vigorously kept up. On the 22d
+and 23d General Shafter landed at Baiquiri, and moved toward Santiago.
+He attacked the Spanish outposts July 1, and a fierce fight raged all
+day. He demanded the surrender of the latter place. General Lawton
+carried the heights of San Juan, after a determined charge.
+
+
+
+
+DESTRUCTION OF CERVERA'S FLEET.
+
+|Another {387}notable victory, and one of the greatest naval battles
+ever recorded, was the total destruction of Cervera's proud fleet, which
+was accomplished by Commodore Schley, on the 3d of July. The American
+fleet's commander, Sampson, was absent conferring with General Shafter
+regarding future movements. Meantime the government at Madrid realized
+that the city must fall sooner or later, and it had ordered Cervera to
+make one bold dash out of the harbor. This he attempted to do, but was
+received so warmly by Schley that in two hours the “invincible” fleet of
+the Spanish admiral was a series of wrecks, strewn along the beach for
+fifty miles, with a loss of 600 killed, and 1,100 prisoners taken by our
+forces, among whom was Cervera himself. The attempted escape was made
+with great courage on the part of the Spaniards, who fought to the
+last, and when hope was gone, threw themselves upon the mercy of their
+captors, who accorded them protection from the Cuban insurgents who had
+watched the battle in all its terrible earnestness.
+
+
+
+
+SURRENDER OF SANTIAGO.
+
+|Santiago had not yet yielded, however, and on the 10th of July
+bombardment of that town was resumed.
+
+The 14th of July saw the long-expected surrender of Santiago to General
+Shafter, and at 12 o'clock noon, the glorious Stars and Stripes were
+hoisted over the Governor's palace, and we held the situation. The
+American general rode into the city escorted by the Second Cavalry. The
+people were very quiet, many of them even showing satisfaction at
+the event. Courtesies were exchanged between the Spanish and American
+officers, and General Shafter returned to General Toral his sword.
+The Spanish flag was displaced by the American--the eternal symbol of
+liberty.
+
+On the 26th of July the Spanish government made overtures for peace,
+through the French ambassador, M. Cambon, who called on our President
+and by proper authority stated that Spain {388}was willing to treat with
+the United States, and would like to consider terms. After discussing
+the proposal with the Cabinet, President McKinley notified the French
+ambassador of his ultimatum. The terms of the protocol were these:
+
+“1. That Spain will relinquish all claims of sovereignty over or title
+to Cuba.
+
+“2. That Puerto Rico and other Spanish islands in the West Indies, and
+an island in the Ladrones, to be selected by the United States, shall be
+ceded to the latter.
+
+“3. That the United States will occupy and hold the city, bay, and
+harbor of Manila pending the conclusion of a treaty of peace which shall
+determine the control, disposition and government of the Philippines.
+
+“4. That Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish islands in the West Indies
+shall be immediately evacuated, and that commissioners to be appointed
+within ten days shall, within thirty days from the signing of the
+protocol, meet at Havana and San Juan, respectively, to arrange and
+execute the details of the evacuation.
+
+“5. That the United States and Spain will each appoint not more than
+five commissioners to negotiate and conclude a treaty of peace. The
+commissioners are to meet at Paris not later than the 1st of October.
+
+“6. On the signing of the protocol hostilities will be suspended,
+and notice to that effect will be given as soon as possible by each
+government to the commanders of its military and naval forces.”
+
+The government of Spain sought to evade the payment of the Cuban debt,
+but President McKinley was firm, and declined to discuss the matter
+until Spain had accepted his ultimatum. Days passed before our
+government received notification through M. Cambon that the Spanish
+ministry had approved of his management of the negotiations, and he
+had been authorized to sign the protocol. At 4:33 of the same day the
+agreement was signed by Secretary of State Day on behalf of the United
+States, and M. Cambon, of France, on behalf of Spain. {389}
+
+[Illustration: 0399]
+
+Our {390}President at once issued a proclamation stating that the United
+States and Spain had formally agreed upon terms for negotiations
+through which peace between the two countries should be established, and
+official orders were sent to the various commanders of the forces of the
+United States, that all military operations be suspended.
+
+
+
+
+SURRENDER OF MANILA.
+
+|But the latter order did not reach Admiral Dewey in time to prevent his
+adding more luster to his name by uniting his naval forces with the land
+forces of General Merritt.
+
+July 31 a battle was waged at Malate, a small town half way between
+Cavite and Manila. Here General Greene was posted with 4,000 men. Our
+troops were strengthening their position, when the Spaniards attempted
+to give the Americans a surprise. The rain was pouring down in sheets,
+the typhoon was raging furiously, and it seemed a most auspicious time
+for the attack. Three thousand Spaniards were massed in the vicinity.
+They forced the American pickets in, and assaulted the soldiers in
+the trenches. But they did not know the men they attacked. The Tenth
+Pennsylvania stood their ground, and were reinforced by the First
+California and two companies of the Third Artillery. The mud was up to
+the axles, the rain and wind raged wildly, and the enemy was on top of
+the trenches, while they sent a withering fire into the ranks of the
+Americans, who never wavered, but returned it with earnestness.
+
+The Spaniards retreated in confusion, but were not pursued, as our
+infantry had exhausted its ammunition. The scene was a thrilling one.
+Darkness covered the earth, save when a flash of lightning lit up the
+faces of the dead and wounded, who lay side by side, in the trenches
+half filled with water which was red with their blood. Not a cry was
+heard from the lips of the wounded, but they spoke words of cheer to
+those who were still able to fight.
+
+The fighting began again August 1, but the enemy kept at long range. The
+next night they made another attack, but were repulsed, {391}with severe
+loss, 350 killed, 900 wounded, while we lost fourteen, and forty-four
+wounded.
+
+August 8, Admiral Dewey and General Merritt notified the authorities
+in Manila that unless they surrendered the city to them in forty-eight
+hours a combined attack by the land and naval forces might be expected.
+When that time had expired the Spanish officials asked one day more
+so that they might remove the women and children, which request was
+granted.
+
+When the foreign warships were appraised of the intended attack, they
+prudently got out of range. The English and Japanese warships joined our
+fleet at Cavite, while the French and German ships went to the north of
+the city, where they were safe. At 9:35 on Saturday, the 13th, a shell
+was fired from the Olympia and hissed dangerously near the fort at
+Malate. The other boats began a rapid fire upon the intrenchments. A few
+feeble replies came from the Spaniards.
+
+The battle was short. In half an hour General Greene ordered an advance,
+and six companies of a colored regiment sprang over the breastworks
+and sought the shelter of some hedges about 300 yards from the Spanish
+lines. Then the remaining six companies moved along the shore, partly
+hid by a ridge of sand and at 11 o'clock were in the stronghold.
+
+At this critical moment 2,000 Spanish soldiers came on the scene, but
+they did not engage the Americans. As soon as the white flag was seen,
+General Merritt, who had made the steamer Zafiro his headquarters,
+sent General Whittier, with flag lieutenant Brumby to meet the captain
+general and discuss a plan of capitulation. The terms were agreed to by
+Jaudenes, and were as follows:
+
+“An agreement for the capitulation of the Philippines:
+
+“A provision for disarming the men who remain organized under the
+command of their officers, no parole being exacted.
+
+“Necessary supplies to be furnished from the captured treasury funds,
+any possible deficiency being made good by the Americans.
+
+“The {392}safety of life and property of the Spanish soldiers and
+citizens to be guaranteed as far as possible.
+
+“The question of transporting the troops to Spain to be referred to
+decision of the Washington government, and that of returning their arms
+to the soldiers to be left to the discretion of General Merritt.
+
+“Banks and similar institutions to continue operations under existing
+regulations, unless these are changed by the United States authorities.”
+
+At once Lieutenant Brumby hastened away to take down the Spanish flag.
+Two signal men accompanied him. At Fort Santiago, in the north part of
+the city, they, were vigorously hissed when the flag of Spain was hauled
+down, and the flag of the free rose grandly in its place.
+
+This day's battle resulted in a loss on the American side of eight
+killed and thirty-four wounded, while the Spanish had 150 killed and 300
+wounded.
+
+The Americans captured 11,000 prisoners, 7,000 of them being regulars;
+20,000 Mauser rifles, 3,000 Remingtons, eighteen modern cannon, and many
+of the old pattern.
+
+Thus ended a war which has covered us with glory--a war we did not
+invite, but which was forced upon us in the interests of humanity; a war
+which has taught European nations to respect us as a great power. May it
+be the last which our nation is drawn into. May the dawn of peace herald
+the day when wars shall be no more; when wise counsels and generous
+arbitration shall decide questions of moment between nations.
+
+War has a terrible meaning; it means desolated homes, and bitter
+tears shed for those who come not; it means angry passions and cruel
+expressions of them; it means want and suffering and the humiliation of
+defeat for one side or the other. May the days of rancor end forever!
+{393}
+
+[Illustration: 0403]
+
+
+
+
+ANNEXATION OF HAWAII.
+
+|In connection with the war so recently concluded, we should mention
+the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands, a measure which {394}has been
+agitated for many years, and the conflict only increased the sentiment
+in favor of making them part and parcel of our Republic.
+
+The islands comprise a group of eight, and were discovered by Captain
+Cook in 1788. They are important to us from their commercial value, and
+also from their strategic uses, and the necessity for a closer relation
+has been recognized by nearly every President and Secretary of State
+through all the successive administrations.
+
+After many long and arduous debates, the vote for and against annexation
+was taken by Congress, and an overwhelming majority declared in favor
+of annexation, and Hayti with her vast commerce, her rich agricultural
+productions became a member of our great body politic, and on Friday,
+August 12, the American flag waved over Honolulu, the capital of the new
+“Territory of Hawaii.”
+
+
+
+
+PUERTO RICO.
+
+|The city of Santiago had not yet fallen. Bombarding had, however, long
+since ceased, and negotiations for the peaceful surrender of the city
+had been going on for several days, when General Miles arrived and
+assumed personal command of the army that was massed there. General
+Shafter of our forces and General Toral, of the Spanish, could not
+easily agree as to terms, but on the 16th the conditions of surrender
+were decided upon. By this agreement, about 5,000 square miles, the
+capital of the province and the entire army of Toral, fell to our share.
+
+Santiago was ours. The ceremony sealing the surrender was impressive,
+though simple. Early as 9 o'clock the division and brigade commanders
+reported to General Shafter, and all took up the line of march toward
+the city. About halfway, under a lofty tree, General Toral with some of
+his officers awaited their coming. As General Shafter approached this
+tree the Spanish general raised his hat with dignified politeness,
+and the American general returned the bow. Quickly the soldiers of the
+Spanish side came through the hedge, preceded by the king's guard,
+200 {395}strong, {396}while two trumpeters and a color bearer led the
+column. Marching and countermarching they halted in front of our men,
+and only ten yards away.
+
+[Illustration: 0405]
+
+Thus they stood, curiosity and excitement plainly visible in their
+faces, although they were motionless as statues. The trumpets then rang
+out, a Spanish officer gave a word of command; their colors were lowered
+to salute ours, they presented arms and their officers removed their
+hats. Captain Brett gave the word, “Present sabers,” and downward
+flashed our sabers. General Shafter removed his hat, as did his staff.
+The stillness of the morning air was broken by the command of the
+officer in charge of the king's guard, they filed past our soldiers,
+who presented arms until the last man of the guard had gone by. Then the
+Spaniards marched toward Santiago, stacked their rifles which were of
+the Mauser pattern, and then, with neither arms nor flags, went back to
+their camp. Thus ended hostilities around Santiago.
+
+Early in July the yellow fever began to attack the men of Shafter's
+army, but it was of a mild type, but it would have done incalculable
+injury had not the officers of the Fifth Army Corps addressed a protest
+to General Shafter who sent it to the War Department at Washington. The
+officials there hastened to transport the troops as fast as they could
+back to the United States and sent “immunes” to Santiago to do garrison
+duty.
+
+An expedition commanded by Major General Nelson A. Miles left the bay
+of Guantanamo July 21, and sailed for Puerto Rico, reaching the port of
+Guanica July 25. This move was intended as a surprise, and a complete
+one it was to the Spaniards, who did not dream of an army of invasion
+attacking them. The naval part of the expedition comprised the
+Columbia, Gloucester, Dixie and Yale, and was in charge of Captain F. J.
+Higginson. General Miles was on board the Yale. The troops were carried
+by the transports, of which there were eight. The Gloucester, with the
+expectation that the harbor was full of mines, went pluckily in, and
+found five fathoms of water very near shore. The first hint of an
+invading army at their door, was {397}the boom of a gun, demanding that
+the Spanish flag come down, from a blockhouse east of the village.
+
+They took aim with the next two shots at the hills on either side of
+the bay, so as not to injure the women and children. The Gloucester then
+laid to, and sent a launch on shore, without being molested.
+
+Quartermaster Beck sent Yeoman Lacy to haul down the obnoxious flag, and
+up went our glorious Stars and Stripes, the first that ever floated over
+the soil of Puerto Rico.
+
+But the Spaniards, though apparently making no resistance, suddenly
+opened fire with thirty Mauser rifles. Lieutenant Huse and his men, who
+had gone ashore in the launch, returned the fire with telling effect,
+their Colt gun being equal to the occasion.
+
+Without waiting, the Gloucester opened fire with all her armament and
+shelled the town. Lieutenant Huse put up a small fort, calling it Fort
+Wainwright, and laid down barbed wire so as to repel the cavalry
+attack, which he expected. A few of the cavalrymen joined those who were
+fighting, but reinforcements had come for the Americans, and after some
+more vigorous fighting, at 9:45, with the exception of a few scattering
+shots, the town was won, and silence succeeded the din of battle.
+
+The plans of General Miles had been faithfully carried out, and he went
+ashore at noon. He next turned his eyes toward Ponce, determined to
+shell that town if necessary. While he had given the inhabitants of
+Puerto Rico a surprise, he received one in return at the hands of the
+people of Ponce, for when the Wasp steamed up to the shore, instead of a
+force of soldiers arrayed against them, they found everybody in town
+had turned out, and was waiting to receive them with open arms. Ensign
+Curtin stepped nimbly on the beach, as though he did not doubt their
+sincerity, and was surrounded by people forcing presents upon him and
+his men, and saluting them with shouts of welcome.
+
+A message was sent to the Spanish commander demanding that the town
+surrender, and Colonel San Martin acceded at once upon General Miles'
+assurance that the garrison should be allowed {398}to leave, that the
+civil government be permitted to continue its functions, that the police
+and fire brigade patrolled without weapons, and that the captain of the
+post should not be held a prisoner.
+
+These conditions were reasonable enough, and were acceded to, and the
+rejoicings of the populace were enthusiastic. It was a genuine ovation,
+and more like a grand festive occasion than the surrender of a town to a
+foe.
+
+When General Wilson landed, the local band played “The Star Spangled
+Banner.” The celebration went on, even after the United States troops
+landed. The people dressed in their finest garments as though it were a
+holiday, and kept open house.
+
+General Miles issued a proclamation to the effect that our army came not
+to devastate the land or to interfere with existing laws or customs,
+and all that he required was obedience and order. He told them that the
+military forces were brought there to overthrow the arms of Spain and
+to give them the fullest amount of liberty consistent with the military.
+occupation of their island.
+
+An invitation from the city officials at the city hall was given him,
+and when he entered the park which surrounded it, the local band played
+“See, the Conquering Hero Comes,” to which he responded by taking off
+his hat, and saluting the vast crowd. The band then played several of
+our national airs.
+
+The news that peace was near was a disappointment to General Miles,
+as he had planned a masterly movement with great care, and had it been
+carried out it would have taught the Spaniards an invaluable lesson.
+Puerto Rico was occupied with a very small loss--two killed and
+thirty-seven wounded. {399}
+
+[Illustration: 0409]
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL FITZHUGH LEE.
+
+|When a successor to the Cuban consul-generalship was needed, President
+Cleveland selected Fitzhugh Lee for this important post. The health of
+Ramon Williams, former consul-general, had failed so visibly that he
+could no longer attend to its arduous {400}demands, and so in the spring
+of 1896 the choice of the president fell upon Mr. Lee, as the most
+suitable man for the place.
+
+Fitzhugh Lee was born in Stafford County, Virginia, in 1835, and came of
+an illustrious family. His grandfather had served in the Revolutionary
+war, being the famous “Lighthorse Harry,” and he himself was the nephew
+of General Robert E. Lee--both of which facts insure the existence of
+courage and tact in the subject of our present sketch. His wise and
+patriotic administration of the duties of his office as consul won for
+him in a very brief time the confidence and admiration of the entire
+country, and the judgment of Mr. Cleveland was long since indorsed by
+it.
+
+His father was an officer in the navy, but the young boy had no taste
+for a sea-life--his leaning was toward the army. So to West Point he
+went, from which he graduated in 1856 with a high record, and became
+a lieutenant of cavalry on the frontier, for five years, repelling the
+attacks of the Comanche Indians. He received an arrow in his lungs, in
+one of these engagements, but youth and a good constitution prevailed,
+and he recovered. He became an instructor in cavalry tactics at West
+Point, when only twenty-six years of age. But when the civil war
+broke out, he resigned his commission, and joined the fortunes of the
+confederacy, where his record as a brave and dashing soldier is well
+known. It is said of him that he always showed great coolness and
+composure, in times of battle, never seeming to have any anxiety as to
+the result. His resolute and daring demeanor was contagious, and he was
+much beloved by the men whom he commanded.
+
+He is a magnificent horseman. During the war of 1861 he owned a fine
+mare, Nellie, a graceful creature, to whom he was much attached. She
+was struck by a shell at the battle of Winchester, and a fragment of the
+same shell tore her master's leg badly. {401}
+
+[Illustration: 0411]
+
+All through the war he was a fearless, honest adversary, and when peace
+came he retired to his native county, where he led {402}the quiet,
+unpretending life of a farmer and miller. He was married in 1871, and
+was peculiarly happy in his home, devoted to his wife and children.
+
+In 1875 he was persuaded to engage in political matters, and was sent
+to the national convention of 1876 as a delegate. Ten years later he was
+elected governor of Virginia and served to the complete satisfaction
+of his people. His political record is as worthy of the man as was his
+military, and no finer example of both can be found. When Mr. Cleveland
+entered upon his second term he made Fitzhugh Lee collector of internal
+revenue, at Lynchburg, Virginia. His official position at Havana
+remained unchanged, when Mr. McKinley entered the executive chair,
+the latter being well aware that no better example of what a brave,
+cultivated and level-headed American gentleman should be, was afforded
+than by General Lee. He was respected by the Spanish officials for
+his firmness in looking after the interests of his countrymen, and his
+unvarying courtesy to every one with whom he came in contact.
+
+He was, however, treated with great rudeness on his farewell visit to
+the Spanish Captain-General Blanco, that person refusing to see him, on
+the pretext of being too busy. And when he entered the boat which was
+to bear him to the steamer, the Spanish rabble at the docks showered
+insulting epithets upon him, but with that dignity which is native to
+him, he paid no attention to them, but made the remark that he would be
+back with troops before long, to uphold him.
+
+All honor to General Lee. He has proven himself capable of self-control,
+and the man who can govern himself, can govern others successfully. And
+we trust that at some future day this gallant and chivalrous soldier may
+receive some gift at the hands of the nation worthy of his ability.
+
+
+
+
+ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY.
+
+|To speak of this brave sailor as a hero, is to utter but faint praise.
+He was born in Montpelier, Vermont, sixty-one years ago, and was the
+youngest of three boys. Not one of his elders could have {403}foreseen,
+when he was a boy, how proud they would become at a future day, of their
+young townsman. As a boy he was full of mischief, loving adventure and
+ever ready for anything that came along. In fact this great man was just
+like all other boys--he felt the world was his, and all that was in
+it, to enjoy! At school he proved himself an apt student, quick to
+comprehend his lessons, and a ringleader in all kinds of sport, but
+hating anything small or mean in his associates. He was also a great
+favorite with older people.
+
+He came of a prominent family, his father being a doctor, and two of his
+name, both nephews, are said to inherit much of the Dewey talent. When
+he was a lad, the town of Montpelier was very small, but it had great
+pretensions, as it was the capital of the State, and naturally attracted
+the best elements of society, men and women of education and character,
+the former of whom had been chosen to represent the people of the State
+in her legislative halls. In such an atmosphere of culture young Dewey
+grew into manhood, and to his early advantages (his parents holding
+high social standing) he owes that polish of manner which he is said to
+possess in a remarkable degree.
+
+He was much of a reader when he was a youth, and the books he read were
+upon naval matters. Sea stories and tales of travel were his delight. It
+is told of him about this time, to show how little he waited for events
+to shape themselves, that he planned to go on a fishing excursion with
+two schoolmates. The hour was to be four in the morning, but he was not
+to be found, and so they started for the river without him. When they
+reached the fishing grounds he had been there two hours, and had an
+enormous string of trout which he had caught. At the time the boys
+called it unfair, but in telling it now, the narrator calls it a good
+evidence of his habit of doing for himself, and not waiting for anyone's
+prompting. As he expressed it,--“You see he didn't wait till next
+morning before going into Manila harbor.”
+
+His fondness for the water led him to spend his play hours on rafts and
+on an old ferry which was not used by the town.
+
+Once {404}he thought he'd cross the ferry in an old leaky buggy of his
+father's. Not being able to get the horse into the water, he took the
+box off the running gear and tried to run it across as a boat. He came
+very near drowning, and would have perished but for timely assistance.
+
+His birthplace has sent forth many notable people, lawyers, doctors,
+statesmen, but of all the renowned names she claims, her greatest boast
+is that Commodore Dewey was born within her limits.
+
+He was sent to the military school at Norwich, Vermont, at the age of
+fifteen. Here he stayed two years, at the end of which he concluded that
+he would rather enter the navy than be a land soldier. His father was a
+man of influence, and easily got him appointed at Annapolis.
+
+In the year 1858 he graduated, and passed three years of service aboard
+ship before the war of 1861 broke out. He received his commission as
+lieutenant on the 19th of April, 1861, a few days before Fort Sumter was
+fired upon. He was sent at once to the steam sloop Mississippi, which
+joined the West Gulf squadron, and he was with Admiral Farragut when
+that gallant sailor forced an entrance to the Mississippi River.
+
+The boat had a hot fight in March, 1863, when it tried to pass the
+Confederate batteries at Port Hudson. A heavy fog prevailed, so dense
+not an object could be seen; they lost their bearings, and ran into
+shore right under the guns of one of their heaviest batteries. They were
+the recipients of 250 shots, which tore the boat from one end to the
+other, but the gloom of the fog proved a blessing, after all, as it
+enabled the crew to take to their boats and escape, after setting their
+sloop on fire.
+
+In 1870 he was given his command, when he did good work on the
+Narragansett. Until 1876 he surveyed the Pacific coast, when he became
+inspector of lighthouses. {405}
+
+[Illustration: 0415]
+
+He commanded the Juniata in 1882-83, and was made a captain in
+September, 1884, when he took charge of the Dolphin. This boat was one
+of the four vessels comprising the original “White Squadron.” Honors
+still flowed in upon him, for the next {406}year he took command of the
+Pensacola, belonging to the European squadron, on which he stayed till
+1888, when he was made chief of the bureau of equipment and recruiting,
+as Commodore. This position he filled until 1893, when he became a
+member of the lighthouse board.
+
+It was not until February 28, 1896, that he received the commission of
+Commodore, and in January, 1898, he was placed in command of the Asiatic
+squadron.
+
+But it remained for him to eclipse all records in his daring fight at
+Manila, which is probably the greatest naval battle ever fought, and
+ranks its commander among those names that will never be forgotten. The
+action was so brilliant, so decisive, that President McKinley named him
+for a rear admiral in the United States Navy, and the Senate without a
+dissenting voice confirmed the nomination. He deserved it richly,
+and great as is the honor, still greater is the esteem, the love,
+the gratitude of the American nation for this grandest of naval
+commanders--George Dewey, the generous and manly conqueror on the sea.
+
+
+
+
+ACTING REAR ADMIRAL SAMPSON.
+
+|This distinguished and gallant officer is a native of New York, he
+having been born at Palmyra, that State, fifty-eight years ago.
+
+He was a boy of very industrious habits. Loving the sea with ardor, his
+sole ambition was to obtain a nautical education. But he was not rich
+in this world's goods, and he could not go to Annapolis unless he could
+earn the money in some way to pay for his training there. So he worked
+as farmer's boy, raking hay and splitting rails, or doing any labor that
+would bring him the coveted reward.
+
+But though he was not rich, he had friends who admired his manly spirit,
+and among them was Congressman E. B. Morgan, of New York, who used his
+influence to get him appointed to the naval school toward which his eyes
+so longingly turned. Here he proved worthy of the privilege, and when he
+graduated {407}in 1860, when just twenty years of age, he held the
+rank of Lieutenant, and was put on the frigate Potomac, where he became
+master, then executive officer of the Patapsco. This boat met a hard
+fate, being blown up in the harbor of Charleston in 1865.
+
+His promotions came rapidly, first being made Lieutenant-Commander in
+the navy, then Captain, and finally Acting Rear Admiral.
+
+But it is not alone as a sea commander that he has won renown. He
+has served as a member of the Board of Fortifications and Defences,
+Superintendent of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Chief of the Bureau
+of Naval Ordinance, and he was also President of the Maine Board of
+Inquiry.
+
+He does not enjoy the sweets of domestic life to any great extent, his
+time on shore being so limited; but he is very happily married, and
+passes all of his leisure with his wife, and sons and daughters, in his
+beautiful home in Glenridge, New Jersey.
+
+
+
+
+COMMODORE W. S. SCHLEY.
+
+|Among the “boys” of 1861 may be mentioned Admiral Schley, whose deeds
+have given him a world-wide fame. He was of the class of 1860. Winfield
+Scott Schley was a midshipman in the early days of the civil war, and
+many are the comical stories told of his youthful days--among others,
+was that this now redoubtable commander was dubbed “Peggy,” owing to the
+“trousers” he wore in those days, which were excessively peg-topped, or
+balloon-shaped. Another story is that he had a very small foot, No. 5
+fitting it easily. Of this fact he was boyishly vain. He did duty on the
+Niagara at that period, and his pranks were numerous, for he had a great
+love of fun, and yet was a very orderly, well-disciplined sailor.
+
+He graduated near the foot of his class, so he could not have been very
+studious, however, his after career has been one series of brilliant
+successes.
+
+Commodore Schley was born near Frederick, Maryland, in 1839, and
+{408}even as a baby came under military influence, for his father,
+who had served in the navy in the war of 1812, was very friendly
+with General Scott, and named the child after that warrior. His early
+ancestors were stanch Huguenots, coming to this country after the
+revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and one of them was afterward a
+Governor of Georgia.
+
+He entered the Naval Academy in 1856, remaining there till 1861. He
+was given duty then, being assigned to the frigate Potomac, and a year
+later received command of the Winona, which belonged to the blockading
+squadron of the West Gulf. He knew real war, for he was in many
+skirmishes on the Mississippi, and in July, 1862, became Lieutenant,
+serving with distinction from 1864 to 1866 as executive officer of the
+Wateree, a steam gunboat, at the Pacific station.
+
+He received a gold medal from Congress, and the position of Chief of
+Bureau of Equipment from President Arthur, afterward being made Captain,
+for his bravery in rescuing Lieutenant Greeley and six others at Cape
+Sabine, and carrying them safely home.
+
+He wedded a lovely young woman, Miss Nannie Franklin, at that time the
+belle of Annapolis. He has two sons, one Frank, an officer in the army,
+the other, Winfield Scott Schley, Jr., is a physician of great repute in
+New York City. His daughter, Virginia, is the wife of an Englishman of
+position.
+
+
+
+
+ENSIGN WORTH BAGLEY.
+
+|Life is sweet to all--especially so to the young. And yet it is sweeter
+to die for one's country; to know that the last throb of the heart beat
+for the cause of liberty and humanity. Such a fate was that of young
+Ensign Worth Bagley, the first officer to fall in our late war with
+Spain. The life of this young man was brief, to have achieved so much;
+he was only twenty-four years old, having been born in Raleigh, North
+Carolina, on the 6th of April, 1874. Yet he had known in that short time
+all of life's experiences--pleasure, pain and honors--all compressed
+into the {409}few years of his existence. His father was an editor and a
+lawyer, and enlisted in the first company raised on the Confederate side
+in the county in which he lived. He fought bravely, and never abandoned
+the fortunes of the Confederacy until 1864, when he went home on parole,
+and was elected to the Senate of his State.
+
+His son, young Worth, a fitting name for the boy, had cause to be proud
+of his ancestry, on both sides, his father's family being well versed
+in law, politics and business, and his mother's family being originally
+Quakers. She was the daughter of one of the governors of Virginia.
+
+But Worth Bagley's boyhood engages the attention of the young, most. He
+grew up under good influences, and as a boy was a model of courtesy
+and gentlemanly bearing; a favorite in the schoolroom or playground, he
+loved his home, and was equally beloved within its walls. Possessed of
+a noble and unselfish nature, how could it be otherwise than that he met
+appreciation? He was a very apt scholar, learning rapidly, and retaining
+it as firmly.
+
+His father died when he was twelve, and it is a beautiful record that he
+became his mother's comfort. He was the oldest son, and seemed to feel
+that she needed his counsel and protection.
+
+When only ten he entered a classical school, with the intention of
+preparing for college. He loved the sea, and was appointed a cadet at
+the naval academy at Annapolis, when he was a little over fifteen, the
+youngest member of his class. How happy he was when he received the
+appointment. He was of a sunny temper, full of jests and laughter,
+writing the most loving letters to his “dearest little mother,” as he
+called her. He despised anything that took on the character of tattling.
+“Hazing” was strictly forbidden at the Academy, but he was subjected
+to it, and when called before the commandant and asked the names of the
+classmen who had participated in it, he answered firmly that he meant no
+disrespect, but he considered it dishonorable to tell on his classmates.
+He was threatened with punishment, unless he would tell, but he still
+refused, {410}and was sent to a ship which was used as a place of severe
+discipline for cadets who disobeyed any of the rules. Here he was kept
+eighteen days in confinement, and possibly he would have remained a good
+many days longer, had not the cadets who had done the hazing confessed
+their share in it, and begged for his release.
+
+When the time came for his examination he fell below the mark, and he
+wrote at once to his mother, giving her the reasons for his failure,
+and saying that he hoped the Hon. B. H. Bunn, Member of Congress whose
+influence had secured him the appointment, would use it in his behalf
+once more. Mrs. Bagley took the letter to that gentleman, and he
+promptly made out the papers for the grateful boy. All went smoothly
+after this, and he graduated in the class of 1895, when he was put on
+the receiving ship Vermont, and one month after he went to the cruiser
+Montgomery. Again he was transferred to the Texas in October. On the
+20th of January, 1896, he was sent to the ill-fated Maine, where he
+remained six months, then being sent back to the Texas, which boat
+he remained with till he returned to Annapolis to take his final
+examination, which was successful, for he was made an ensign on the 1st
+of July, 1897.
+
+He was quite a musician, and sang in the Naval Academy choir. His
+letters home were gems of wit, breathing the most sincere devotion to
+his friends.
+
+His first service as ensign was on the Indiana, but three months of
+1897, from August 17 to November 19, were passed on the Maine, as
+executive clerk to Captain Sigsbee. He was then ordered to Baltimore as
+inspector of the Columbian Iron Works, which firm was fitting out the
+torpedo boat Winslow.
+
+When Lieutenant Bernadou was given command of this boat he sought for
+the best junior officers, and among the names presented Worth Bagley's
+stood high, but he was reluctant to leave Captain Sigsbee, to whom he
+was much attached, and to whom his services were almost invaluable. But
+he was persuaded to accept the post offered, and on the 28th of December
+he entered on his duties.
+
+He {411}was a hero. He went out in a lifeboat, with two sailors, and
+rescued two men who were adrift on a scow some fifty miles from New
+York, with a frightful storm raging, and brought them aboard. The
+Secretary of the Navy wrote a letter of approval to Lieutenant Bernadou,
+Ensign Bagley and the crew, commending the heroism of all on the
+Winslow.
+
+Of the fatal engagement in Cardenas Bay, May 11, 1898, the whole world
+knows. He gave his life for his country on that day, without fear or
+flinching, his last words being as cheerful as though it was a
+holiday. There was some delay in heaving the towline and he called out
+cheerily--“Heave her. Let her come--it's getting pretty warm here.” They
+were the last orders this brave and grand young officer ever gave. The
+next moment the bursting of one of the enemy's shells sent Ensign Bagley
+to his last home.
+
+May his life be an incentive to the young, to do their duty in all
+situations and in all places as nobly and faithfully as did this brave
+boy.
+
+
+
+
+OUR NAVY.
+
+|Nearly every one understands the terms used in the military branch
+of service, but since the war has had such extensive use for the naval
+forces, and so many engagements have taken place on the sea, it has been
+the source of much perplexity as to the various titles in use by the
+navy department.
+
+When older and wiser heads are puzzled by the many terms, it is
+necessary that our young readers receive a little instruction as to
+their meaning. We therefore give them in full, knowing that the boys
+(and the girls also) will be pleased to learn that officers are divided
+into two classes--the line or navigating, and fighting officers, and
+the staff, or specialists, such as engineer, medical, pay, construction
+corps, the civil engineers and chaplains. The grades of the
+line officers are rear admiral, commodore, captain, commander,
+lieutenant-commander, lieutenant, lieutenant junior grade, ensign, naval
+cadet.
+
+Of the staff officers the engineers have three grades--chief engineer,
+{412}passed assistant engineer and assistant engineer. The medical corps
+is divided into medical director, medical inspector, surgeon, passed
+assistant surgeon, assistant surgeon. The pay corps includes in order
+pay directors, pay inspectors, paymasters, passed assistant paymasters,
+assistant paymasters. The construction corps comprises naval constructor
+and assistant naval constructor. Then there are the chaplain, civil
+engineer and professor of mathematics. Before one comes to the enlisted
+men are the boatswain, gunner, sailmaker and carpenter; the enlisted men
+or crew are divided into three classes--seamen, artificers and _special_
+class.
+
+The pay of the officers varies from $500 a year, which the naval cadets
+get, to $6,000 paid rear admirals. Each officer at sea is allowed thirty
+cents a day for rations. This thirty cents he may turn into cash and
+pocket, for officers pay for their food and uniforms out of their own
+salary. If he desires the officer may actually draw the rations instead,
+but most of them prefer their private larder.
+
+The enlisted men in the navy are paid from $9 a month--apprentices of
+the third class--to $65 or $70 a month--chief machinists. The insignia
+of their rank worn by the multitude of officers great and small is quite
+bewildering and unintelligible to the uninstructed dweller on land, so
+many and different are the stars, crosses, bands, colors and chevrons.
+
+
+
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+|The authors labors are finished; but it is with almost a feeling of
+sadness that he parts company with those for whose pleasure he has told
+his experiences. In the pages of this volume the man has lived again
+his days of boyhood when his heart was aglow with the fire of youth and
+patriotism, as his country called him to the battlefield. Of the many
+painful scenes, of the tedious marches, privations and dangers, that
+war ever brings, he has told the boys and girls who have followed his
+transcript of those days. Another war has been forced upon us, and the
+man {413}feels the same ardor burn within his breast, the same longing
+to join the ranks as he did in the far-away days of '61.
+
+True, this war that has just ended was not so terrible in its aspect as
+was that one which roused his youthful energy, for that was a contest
+between brothers, the late one was between our forces and those of
+another clime, but none the less sad and gloomy were its accompaniments.
+But one glad ray of brightness cheered the gloom. The nation has joined
+hands and those who were once divided have together fought valiantly for
+one common cause--the honor of their country. From the far-off North and
+the sunny South, the boys in blue and gray have taken up arms and stood
+side by side, equally heroic, equally ready to defend the right. Is not
+this a cause for thankfulness?
+
+Shall we not have still greater cause for joy when strife shall cease
+forever--the strife that brings bloodshed in its train? Will not the
+whole earth be purer and better were it to accept the grand invitation
+of the Czar of all the Russias, to consider a plan by which friendly
+relations shall be established all through the world? He proposes laying
+aside the weapons of war, and disbanding great armies--thus bringing
+about a time of universal peace, when questions of possession and
+precedence may be decided by arbitration. This noble plan is a step
+toward that brotherhood of nations which alone can make them truly
+great. No exigency could arise which could not be settled by an appeal
+to the calm judgment and love of fair play which would prevail.
+
+This beautiful thought is possible, and we welcome the coming of that
+glad day when “wars and rumors of wars shall cease.”
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Blue and The Gray, by A. R. White
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLUE AND THE GRAY ***
+
+***** This file should be named 45382-0.txt or 45382-0.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
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