The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-06-12
TRUE TO THE LAST.
Stirring Picture Of The Soldiers seIf.sacrifiee
and DeFotioH.

Stirring Picture OF the Soldiers seIf-Sacrifiee
and DeFotioH.
Memorial Grafton BIZ Hon Haa Thomson before Shell
don Post, BaTiirganle, Kan.l
For more than four years, daily, some Of those
who FIJI these grassy mounds YEARLY marched
In serried ranks over hilltop and the valleys,
waded sWamps and swan the rivers They
turned back neither for the angry storm nor
the midsummer's sun. They endured the
frosty bite OF winter and the tortures of thirst
and hunger. They dared the wasting diseases
OF the camp and braved every danger that
lnrked or threatened by the way. The flag of
the Union they bore proudly above them. De-
feat did not discourage, and her sister, Despair,
they banished- Disaster could not swerye
them from their purpose Difficulties in the
way only stIlcned their sinews and added
strength TO their muscles. Fear they routed,
aud OF Courage made an ally Hope was their
chosen companion, and Success they besought TO
abide in their camp. Determined to conquer,
on defeat they never reckoned. Victory alone
they saw at the summit and steadily pressed
forward to lead her captive. Armed foes in
'front.' and hostility on either hand did not
appal. That chosen band who heard the dis
tress-cry OF their country were neither craven
nor recreant to their trust The bright new
uniforms which they wore as they marched
southwark 10 the scenes of carnage became dust
covered, ragged and weather-worn but beneath
the Iaded blouse were hearts as staunch as
when the mnster-rol was signed. Weary,
shoeiess, and sore by unceasing toll became
their feet, but yet were ever ready to bear
them where they might strike for their affairs
and their fires" The flag above them, whose
sliken folds were entrusted to their keeping
by the maldens upon the village green, became
torn and tattered by shot and shell, yet the
merest remnant clinging TO the staff was still
the starry emblem Of their native land. Around
this they rallied; around this they fought and
around this more Of the noble soldiery laid down
their precious lives than on any other portion
OF the battlefield. Under that proud banner
men of undaunted courage did march, and
hight, and nobly die. But of loyalty and pa
tflotlsm greater test was theirs. Separated
from companions and from the flag, marched
IKE sheep into prison and huddled like dogs
4 III the nithlest quarters emaciated by disease
reduced 10 living skeletons by hunger and
starvation, their bodies barred in the storm and
| exposed to the pitiless flames of the southern
sun, epldemlcs moving swaths through the
daily decreasing numbers. isolated from all
communication with the armies of the Union
| ignorant Of the movements Of the defenders of
their country hearing from their enemies only
\ false news OF battle, no word from father
mother, wife or child, well nigh estranped
1 from tie hope of ultimate triumph of their
cause, helpless TO rescue themselves and unable
to aid their country
Twas still some soiace in the deartb
OF the pure elements of earth,
To hearken to each others speech
And each turn comforter to each
With some new hope, or legend old;
On song herocaily bold -
But even this al length grew cold -