The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-12-31
FIGHTING THEM OYER
What Oar Veterans Have to Say About
Tneir Old Campaigns
GOING TO THE FRONT.
Graphic Description of the Young Recruits
Experiences.


Experiences.
Enron NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The writer
was an Empire State boy OF Is when the
electric fash brought news of firing on Fort
Sumter. The possibility of war had not been
considered by him, and the startling declara-
ton made him rejoice 10 his youth and nope
the conflict would not end before he attained
his majority.
Previous to this the writer had heard the
drum and fife only on the Fourth of July or
at some campaign rally, and had seldom, If
ever seen a military uniform or heard a
buele sound anything like war note. 1t
did not take long 10 catch the enthusiasm
when the air began TO ring with martial
music and the old and honored flag OF the
Nation to futter anew in the breeze, and
"The Star-Spangled Banner" to be poured
out in song on every occasion.
Ii was interesting to "go to town on an
evening of those days. The town was sure
to he full of people Even the women had
shopping to do, and went along with their
husbands, while the big boys either walked
or rcde in the hind end of the big wagon.
Orators would air themselves in true patrl-
otto style in the public square.
But we boys were more interested IN what
was going on in a hall that had been en-
larged and fitted for drill-room. Here
squad was sure to have assembled and real
Colonel, too old for further service In the
field. would drill the squad and how the
butts of the old wooden guns would come
down on the floor
Another call for troops; another company
is being raised. Says the mastering officer:
@Who are the patriotic ones? Who the truly
brave? Who loves their country more than
c.
ready to stand between the enemy and
the country's very life? Then, l appeal
20 you. to all that is true and noble
within Won. In behalf of our country and
its liberty, in behalf of our Flag, the only
emblem OF true liberty on Gods green earth,
men, appeal Yet I do not say 60, say
come; who will follow me?"
A chorus of voices, ciapping of hands. q
shout, and an answer. "Here!"
But what of the writere Standing back,
knees growing stronger, he is conscious of a
terrible commotion within him. Many are
signing the roll.
I'VE want 100 men" continues the muster
ing officer. Now. gentlemen, is your last
chance. The Government will not call again.
Will you let this opportunity pass to enroll
your name among the Nations defenders?"
Curiosity draws the writer to the desk.
sIli do it!n Down goes the name; scarcely
legible but as good as John Haucock's ever
was.
Gentlemen, all who have signed the roll
this evening, must be here tomorrow morn
ing at o'clock, sharp, to perfect the COM
pany organization and to prepare for a
speedy departure for the place of rendez-
vousn
OF course, there was commoton at home
We went to town, father and /, and the
writer continued q farmer boy for time.
TIE company had gone and the town had
put on its old-time airs. Everybody said
this would be the last call Tor troops and
certainly should think them enough to
everrun the entire South.
Later I was apprepticed by the father for
term of three years to a man carrying on a
large business as tinsmith. But time works
wonders, and as it Turned out the call for
troops previously spoken of was not the
last.
The reverses of our armies nader McClel-
Ian, incident to the unexpected valor and re-
sources of the South, aroused the North to
the magnitude of the struggle, and caused
lamation calling for 100000 men to serve
three years, or during the wsr. This meant
business
In August, 1852 at Athens, Bradford Co.,
Pa, the writer deliberately placed his name
among those who were eniisting In the coun-
try's service.
The company that was being formed was
partly raised in Athens and partly in an
adjoiaing town. The enlistment was COM
pleted. The men were lauded, petted,
treated and truly esteemd above others.
Nothing was too good for the enlisted man
then.
As was previously understood, Senator
Reeves, a lawyer, also Superintendent of the
Sund S-schcel attesded by the writer, was
chosty Captain: q committee of five was
sss;tg to dseide tie 0ffiosrs between two
Thselectiou proceeded as Der agreement.
Lieufxaants aud Selgeants were disposed Of
sp2 SGT the writer, was fousd wanting-ai
leest sswantirg an Office. Corporal after
Ccrpdsal wat elected, till the eighth and
lest che was reached, when, yes, the writer
stood q chance of serving his country at least
ore glade above private. He had beer
pefnipated Eighth Corporal, as had an OLD
grsy ~haired patriot. What should be done
AiseF suuch persuasion and sinking of fond
soEesy and lofty ambitions the youthful
pscsd gave way to the gray hairs of age, and
henug esnall OF stature stepped into the rear
rank at the left of the company. The father
Haa grown 10 patriotism and ardor as well
~ The son, and this time there was no OBJ
tectiou offered to the enlistment.
The. paper was signed. The writer well
fSDlemsers jest how his father took the
Esper, looked il over, and without a word OF
sssmment stepped to the desk in an adjoin.
fMg room, unlocked and let down the drop
I'D, and taking q seat, took his pen, and
t.Aoaghtfnlly and deliberately. placed hi
signature TO the document. Not WORD
= Vas spoken. Tie thoughts were too deer
:: fxr utterauce. Others had gone, and the,
s Eaew too well many would never return.
y Morning came. The table was spread
- wsth extra care. Tie best the harder afforded
was brought on, and the morning meal wa
pariaken of in silence. A blessing wa.
!. .songht for the departing, and all like de
tenders of the Nations honor
rs ~ Here she comes!" and the old country
stage-coach rolled lumberingly along, ant
was halted at the gate
There was a hurried shaking of hands anf
kissing, and final words suited to the coca
sion were spoken. Then the would-be sol
der, with youthful pluck and buster, hur
ried out At the gate he turned 10 wave ;
farewell salute. The father, mother and sis
tiers upon the porch and the brother on thu
walk formed a picture not soon to be forgot
ten. Those were brave hearts in that littl
group, and those hearts were none the les
brave berauee fbe fear ag ln.-,, L,