The Press., 1893-08-10
("Cittzen Thomas" in The American Soldier) THE WAR MEETINGS OF r86a-3

HE WAX NEE llNGS UT 10oz-3. Yes, we at the front used to hear about l those home war meetings. The men (re- | cruits) that joined us during the war in '62, '63, etc., used to describe them to us somewhat in this wise:
 First there would be notice given out to the public that there was to be public war meeting, giving time and place it would be holden, and announcing that @ full band of music and able speakers from abroad would be in attendance, also that speeches would be made by the cler- gy, officers, and business men of the town, etc., etc. Everybody invited, seats reserved for ladies, etc.
 The result of the notice would be the assembling of large congregation of people, men, women and children, around and in front of 8 speakers stand. erected for the occasion, right on the most prom inent and central street of the town. The young men of the town were es- pecially and most cordially welcomed, noticeably more than ever before; they were welcomed with unusual hand-shak- ing, and ushered to front seats, where they could better enjoy the music and bet ter hear the patriotic speeches, right un- der the flags and streamers, cold Glory" the red, white and blue, etc.,.
 The occupants of the stand were chiefly business men and town officers-men who were engaged in business, 80 engaged as not to see it possible for them to leave home just at that time, right in their busiest season, in short their sign as 1t were in their office was up, "This Is our busy day."
 Their appeals and patriotic pledges to their audience, Especially to the young men, the flower of the country,) were something this wise: We wish to an- knowledge our honor and indebtedness to you for your patriotic acts at last eye- ning's meeting, of which this is only an | adjournment, which we feel to know will also be continued here this evening, there- by filling this towns quota in quick re- sponse to the presidents call for more troops, so that this good old town of your birth or adoption will not have reason to blush at the taunts that otherwise might come to her in after years, of having been
 unable to find sufficient patriotism and
 love of country dwelling in the hearts of
 it's citizens to furnish it's quota of soldiers
 in time of war against slavery and rebel. lion, and against this union, without re.
 sorting to draft.
 Yes, we, the business men and tax-pay
 CTS, pledge you that those of you who en
 list and go to war, will be ever honoret
 as men never before were honored; youl families who you leave with us will b'
 provided for by us who have knowledge
 of your and their great sacrifice, you will
 ling and never-t be- forgotten patriots! |, Not only should we honor you, but ou . children and our childrens children wil be, from our very hearts, instilled witt
 honor for you-you who leave home an' z home comforts, wives and children an,
 dear ones, to go out and meet the would . be invaders of our homes and family cir
 cles. "God bless you men, patriots!"
 Should you return home maimed, crip
 pied, or with health impaired, because o duties on the field of battle, camp or Div ouac, or because of disease which yo /. may contract in the miasmatic swamp r of the south, you will not be forgotten. :, These places of trust we now hold a = officers of your choice shall be filled b = you, returned heroes of our choice, ae h knowledging your worthiness, in thes the darkest hours of our rich and nobl d republic.
 :, Who is the next man to put his nam down? (Then the band played). Come I, come forward and volunteer to serve you country and the union? Don't wait :, be drafted we want to fill the town quota tonight; towns around us hay done so, and there is no reason why th ,o town will not. Come! come! Tn
 young men are wanted. MT. Band Ma ter, give us some more music, "The Stt
 Spangled Banner" "Red, White an 7, Blue," etc.