Sullivan republican. [volume] (Laporte, Pa.) 1883-1896, 1895-09-20
IS8l.lS06,

and Dixon's line, but the circumstan'
ces are very different from what
they were thirty,four years ago. A
generation has intervened, and the
lapse of a third of a century brings
wonderful changes. It's the reverse
of the situation described by the
Scottish poet:
"Thrice have l sought Clan Alpine's glen
In peace; but when come again,
come with banner. brand and bow
AS leader seeks his mortal foe."
The year 1861 was one that must
be ever memorable in American an
nails. Its beginning found the Amer
ican people in a peculiar condition
of unrest, hopeful of peace, appre-
hensive of war. Each month
brought new complications until the
firing upon Sumter resolved all
doubts as to whether peace was to
be preserved.
North of Mason and Dixon's line
the effect of this event was electrical.
OF what occurred in the South it is
not our present purpose to speak,
that not being relevant to the matter
before us. 1t is not too much tc
say, however, that the outburst OF
feeling surprised everybody in both
sections. No one that was old
enough at that time to note the cur
rent of events can ever forget it,
There has been nothing comparable
to it within the recollection of any
one now living. The indignation
the fervor, the intense activity, the
rapidity with which nation of farm
ers, merchants shopkeepers and pro.
fessional men transformed itself in
to an armed camp were bewildering
The exaltation Of feeling among the
people was unprecedented. The
great centers OF population natural-
ly felt the impulse first, and regi-
ments were formed as if by magic
But The rural districts we're not fal
behind. The news ran through them
faster than the fiery cross ever trav-
eled through the Highlands. The
farmer left the plow in the furrow,
and hastened to the nearest recruits
ing. The mills and shops were
emptied of their employees. State
We'd with State and city with city
in arming for the fray. The "dread>
full note of preparation" was heard
in every quarter.
The scenes that followed this
sudden transition from peace to war
were such as are common to all wars
but the enthusiasm that mingled
with the partings was such as is
known in great national nprisings
Along with the patriotic fervor, the
high purpose, the pomp and circum-
stance, there were intense anguish,
suffering and sacrifice. The mother
girded her first born for the fray,
gave him her blessing and retired to
her closet to weep and pray. The
maiden speeded the departure of her
lover with smiles and kisses, but
tears mingled with the parting in
spite of her high purpose. For the
time the lot of those left behind was
harder than that Of those who went
away. These felt the thrill of
nation in arms. They won't out
confident Of speedy victory, full OF
high hopes of distinctions:
''Glory before and love behind
Marshaled proud chivalry."
1t Is needless to say that most of
those who thus rushed TO arms had
very inadequate ideas Of what was
before them. Many thought 1t was
but o holiday trip. and that the
trouble would be over in q month or
two. And a few fancied 1t would he
over before they got there. Some
peril on the edge OF battle they were
all, perhaps, prepared to meet. But
the dreary waiting in camp. the
struggle for life In the hospital, the
fatigues Of the rapid march. the in
terminable pining In military rris-
ons, the COLI, the damp, tho heat,
tho mlasma, occasional hunger In the
trenches, the THOUSAND and one ma
jor aud minor mlscries of military
life were unkne~a 10 me=. Of those
who left the pillow, the shop snd the
loom 10 transform themselves inlo |
soldiers. More than that. they we're
not prepared for the sharp sting Of
defeat, The terror oi ilghi, the heart