The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1866-02-14

of theological semlnaries sent forth their
Young mel, whose lips were touched
with eloquence, whose hearts kindied
with devotion to serve in the ranks, and
| make their way to command only as
they learned the art of war. Stripiipgs
in the colleges, as well the most gentle
and the studious those ofsweetest tenn
per and lovliest character and brightest
genius passed from their classes to the
camp. The lumbermen spring forward
from the forests. the mechanics from
their benches, where they had been
trained by the exercise of political
rights to share the life and hope OF the
Republic, to feel their responsibility to
their forefathers, their posterity and
mankind, went forth resolved that their
dignity as constituent part of this Re-
public should notbe impaired. Farmers
aud sons of farmers left the land but
half plougbed, the grain but half
planted, and taking up the musket,
| learned to face without fear the presence
of peril and the coming of death in the
sn6cks OF war, while their hearts were
attracted to the charms of their rura'
| life, and all the tender affections OF
home Whatever there was of truth and
faith and public love in the common
heart, broke out with one expression.
The mighty winds blew from every
quarter to fan the flame of the sacred
and unquenchable fire.
The following is u fair picture of an
aroused nation. Mr.. Bancroft said
THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA.
When it came home to consciousness
of the Americans that the war which
| they were waging was war for the
| liberty of all the nations of the world,
| for freedom itself, they thanked God for
the severity of the trial to which he put
their sincerity, and nerved themselves
for their duty with an memorable will.
The President was led along by the
greatness of their Sacrificing exam
pie, and ms a child, i'm dark night on
rugged way, catches hold of the hand
of its father for guidance and support,
he chung fast to the hand of the people,
and moved calmly through the gloom.
While the statesmanship of Europe was
soothing Mt the hopeless vanity of their
efforts, they put forth such miracles of
energy as the history of the world had
never known. The navy of the United
States drawing into the public service
the willing militia of the seas, doubled
in tonnage in eight months, aud estab-
lished an actual blockade from Cape Hat
teras to the Rio Grande; in the course of
tile war it was increased five fold inmen
and i'm tonnage, while the inventive
genius of the country devised more eff
feetive kinds of ordnance, and new forms
of naval architecture, in wood and iron.
There went into the field, for various
terms of service, about two millionnen;
and i'm March next the men in service,
exceeded million; that is to say, one of
every two able bodied men took some
| part in the war; aud at one time every
fourth able-bodied man was in the field.
In one single month, one hundred and
sixty-five thousand were recruited into
service. Once, within four weeks, Ohio
organized and placed In the field forty
| two regiments of Infantry nearly thirty
six thousand men. J apas rla 'iif rne west;
=. i.,... -.isisA III ---~-.salry numnefeu
eighty-iour tnousand; of horses ,h.,..
were nough1' iirst and last, tvo-tjlird 81
| inIilion. IN the movements OF rr vS 20
science came in aid OF, natriniis.,a. ~
to choose a single Instance of many, au
army tweEty-three thousand strong,
with its artillery trains, baggage, and
animals, were moved by rail from the
Potomac to the Tennessee, twelve hun
dred miles, in seven days. In the long
marches. wonders of military construc-
| ton bridged the rivers; and whenever
an army halted, ample supplies awaited
them at their ever changing base. The
vile thought that life is the greatest
| of blessings did not rise up. In six
hundred and twepty-five battles.
and severe skjrmishes. blood flowed like
water. 1t streamed over the grassy
plains. IL stained the rocks: the nm
derprowth of the forests was red with il:
and tbe armies marched on with majes-
tic courage from one conflict to another,
knowing that they were fighting for
God and liberty. The organization of
the medical DEPARTMENT met its infinite
Iv multiplied duties with exactnessand
despatcb. At the news of a battle. the
hest surgeons of our cities fastened to
the field. to offer the Jealous aid of the
greatest experiences and skill. The
gentlest and most refined of women left
homes of luxury and ease. to build hos
pital tents near the armies. and serve as
nurses to the sick and diving. Besides
the large supply of religious teachers by
the public. the congregations spared to
rheif brothers in the field the abie.t
ministers. The Christian Commission.
| which exnended five and a half miIIions
sent four thousand clergymen chosen
out of the best to keen ,Insoiled tbe re-