The National tribune., 1894-11-29
GA. r.
Observation-Disclosures.


The Union Army being made up of recruits,
it would be reasonably expected that the army
itself would be different from one rec uited from
the prisons aud slums of corrupt Nation.
These soldiers had been taught obedience TO
proper authority at home and in school. il was
but natural for them to be more than ready TO
obey commands III the army. AS rule, their
lives had heed regular all through their child
hood and youth. Why should they now have
any disposition to be rude boorish when
from honey Many of them were members of
the various chGrcheS; had gladly and with
free hearts kept Gods holy day.
Who would think that IN the army they
would be otherwise than oiedeHt TO good
moral principles. now that they wee facing
disease aud death daily? Many of these .,.cu
carried Bibles given TO them by mother. wIir.
sweetheart, or other friend, aud had promised
to read II constantly as opportunity would per-
init. In most regiments gOdly served as
Chaplains. and preached to the boys whenever
possible; cOnnseled them in times of tempta-
ton. and cautioned them against ap1stacy
from God and from good life. Many OF
these soldiers prayed daily 10 their fathers
God for protection in times of danger and
grace TO live correct lives among the tempta-
tiOns incident TO camp life.
Probably no army ever went into the field Of
carnage with so many means provided for the
purpose Of keeping il in the path of rectitude
Joined the army church. and were better, even.
than at home. Colporteurs, evangelist and
women Of motherly hearts aud cody purposes
often mingled among them in camp and in hos
pital. Good books and millions OF pages Of
tracts were scattered among them by the many
associations al home.
The mail was another bond that bound the
soldier 10 bis home and good doing. con-
slant stream OF letters from parents, wives,
Low d ones ami pastors followed the army aud
fell Ia the camp aud hospitals like the mamma
sbuut The camp of the lsraelites of old Many
boy has been held to an honorable lite 10y
these weekly or daily letters froEl home No
more exciting time was experienced in camp
than when the mail came. Ratiuns might 20
sleep would be readily abbreviated but the
letter must be read from home. Tears would
flow, hearty laughs would ring merrily OUT.
and news be iBterehanged At such times all
through the camp, aud along the line OF march,
even.
This amusing incident is told of one man
tn the long marches whcn they finally got their
mail: private could not read very well aud
he brought his letter to his General and asked
him 10 read a letter from his WIFE, The Gen.
eral sat down Oh log aud began to read The
vile IN sweetest words of love and affection,
told OF the affairs at home how they were get
ting along on the farm, at church; how the
children were learning la school; how he pas
tor prayed for them each Sabbath how the chill
oren prayed for papas return, aud asked when
will he be home, closing with the invocation
OF Gods choicest blessings upon him. and that
he might live 70 come home a good and sound
man. The poor fellow Was sitting with bowed
head, while the tears were streaming down his
bronZed lace, and, raising the sleeve of his
blouse, drew II across his eyes, wiping away
the swiftly falling tears. and said with blub-
boring accent: Bully for Sal!"
Could such man fail o be better for receiy-
IN Eu.Na, A.NNa L..
children at home? This is oay one of ten
thousand such love missives sent after the
absent men, aud designed 10y God to help to
keep the men IN line with good living
How many congregations all over the country
were IN the constant habit of meeting for
prayer that the army might be kept not only
from death, but from the evils OF camp life
Thus congregations. family affairs, closets by
the millions ali over the Nation were send
Ing stream OF prayers TO heaven in behalf
oil the soldiers al the front. Does any man
deny the efficacy of these prsyers2 Was not
the eject visible upon the lives, destiny. and
achievements OF the soldiers Of the Union?
These soldiers could always be depended
upon. whether III camp, march, or in battle the
most terrible. At VIcksburg a call for yoluu-
teeTs 70 20 on f0rIOrn hope called out more
than were required. At Lookout Mountain the
fneh Scrambled OH after the enemy above the
clouds, and did not stop Till they stood upon the
highest rock overlooking the valley. AtAp.
pomauo1 TIE conqucrIng army stood ia mute
silence when the conquered foe stacked their
arms IN their presence. The Union army went
out Tor work, not play nor search for booty.
wan this object IN view they pressed steadily
forward through dangers, over marshes in
forest. Jun2les or mountain precipices, dismal
sWamps or unprotected plains. When this noble
army was disbanded. the next moment each
man Was on his way for home. friends aud
business pursuits, though he had been on a
gala visit TO friends in the country. The world
never before saw such army. Hope the
world will never require another.
Yours, IL H., {. d L.,