Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1864-02-17

SdlUtu ol tlldl GNt ucuiOIdbiS anu SlClUlI-
Gus field of Gettysburg. Well may En-
gland Lion growl, and the Eagles of France
trembe, when such record is presented.
The once classic battle fields of Marathon
Austerlitz, Waterloo, and many others, pale
before the recent heroic deeds OF war enact
ed on the bloody and hard fought fields OF
Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg.
Would to heaven that all who composed
that noble band Of soldiers, that went forth
on that bright September morn, were here
to-day. But, alas for the dangers of war,
many whose faces were flushed with hope
and the prospects of soon returning to their
native heath, now sleep the sleep that
knows no Weakening. The manly form OF
Andrew J. White, whose young life blood
thrilled with patriotism as he followed that
flag he loved with all the sincerity of a true
American, has ceased to exist. His was the
first blood that dampened the battle field, OF
those who were from our town. de has
gone. He fell in a noble cause, and now
fills a brave soldiers grave. His brother,
John f. White bravely and nebly went
forth to fll the place in Company ID, made
vacant by his death, and he too fell a mar
tyr to our glorious Union, and now reposes
in his narrow home on the field which was
the scene of his glory Your ranks are sad
ly thinned Disease has caused great ma
ny to be discharged. But far from us was
the thought that there was any one IN that
band that would desert his country cause
desert that glorious Flag that had ever pro-
tected him, and had ever waved in triumph
to bear that lowest, most degrading and most
infamous epithet that can be attached to the
character of human being, land much
more soldier, deserter Not only during
the remainder of his, (the deserter 5. stay
in this world will he wish 1t
Had pleased Heaven
To try him with afi cton had he raind
All kinds of sores and shames on his bare head ;;
Steep'd him in poverty to the very lips;
Given to captivity him and his utmost hopes
He would have found in some part of his soul
drop of patience; but (alas) TO make him
fixed figure. for the time of scorn
To point his slow unmoving finger at.
Yet could bear that too well, very we'll;
But there where | have brought act my
heart.
Where either must live or bear no life;
The fountain from which my current runs,
Or else dries up to be discarded thence
Or keep it as cistern. for foul toads
To knot and gender in turn thy complexion
there
Patience thou young and rose lipp'd cherubim
Ay, there. look grim as hell
But his wife and children must, innocently
though 1t be, receive the contempt that is
brought on by his mean act of desertion.
God, forbid that our town should be stig-
matized with the name of having sent men
to fight for their country and then desert.
And yet tbs true. But thanks to Godi here
stands a noble few, that have gallantly,
bravely and nobly stood up to all the priva-
tions, hardships and done gloriously the du-
ty Of an American soldier.
Soldiers-we are proud of you. We re-
ioice at your noble and brilliant conduct in
the past, and hail with joy your determine
ton and purpose to stand by your battle
stained flag another term. God bless you
and may it be the will Of Him who rules
over all nations, and holds the destinies of
all mankind in the hollow of His hand to
guide and protect you through all the dan
gers of war-and when you are far away
from your homes, your fathers, mothers
wives, children. sisters and brothers, may
He watch over them, temper the cold bleak
winds of adversely and send friend to con-
sole with them i'll their hours of trial and
dependency, and may He ever dispense the
blessings Of Righteousness, health and hap
pinesS among them, is our wish and fervent
prayer.
Soldiers, adieul Our thoughts are with
you. God grant that the day may soon
dawn when an honorable peace will be pro-
claimed throughout the length and breadth
of our whole domain-when the Star Span
gled Banner shall wave in all her origina.
splender and triumphantly float over every
inch of ground from the Lakes to the Gulf
of Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pa
cific Ocean. And may it be the will of an
All-wiSe and just God, that you may all safe
ly return to your homes, and that you may
live to ripe old age TO enjoy the blessings
that your own brave arms gloriously achiev
ed-fought for and gained vIctorlOusly-a
restored UNION. And in after years when
the busy hum of industry is waited on ev
cry gale that blows from the East, West,
North or South, may you have the proud
satisfaction of seeing your once glorious
country again occupying the exalted posi-
ton among the nations of the earth that
she formerly did-her flag waving over ev
cry sea, and honored-and respected in every
cline Honor to the brave and true soldiers
of the Army of the Potomac. Farewell
A. A. BRADIN.