The National tribune., 1904-03-31

national SIN, as an INDIVIDUAL, anu must
suffer penalty for violation Of moral law.
When our forefathers issued the Decla-
ration Of Independence, that aftirms the
inalienable right to life, liberty and ibe
pursuit Of happiness. the liberty bell on
independence Hall, in Philadelphia, pro-
claimed to the world that h;gh-water mark
in the creed of equality in human rights,
Subsequently the Constitution of the
United States was formulated, God was
ignored, and slavery was acknowledged.
1t was a compromise between the North
and the South, between right and wrong !;
q national sin for which both North and
South suffered terrible penalty-justly.
Slavery was a political and moral M
tional issue. The great Methodist-Epis-
copal Church divided on that question anu
the destruction Of the Union was menaced.
Compromise after compromise failed, un-
til we were precipitated into a horrible
fratricidal war.
My home was in Philadelphia and my
office close to Independence Hall when
the crisis matured and the anti-slavery
sentiment Of the North was expressed at
ham Lincoln. His declaration, I'VE can
not exist half free and half slave was
ratified.
Pending his Inauguration, and before
hostiities commenced, l heard a pro-
slavery sermon by the celebrated Rev.
JOnn CnamDeFS. Ills text was, neHucI
unto Caesar the things that are Caesars"
President Buchanan's Southern sympathy
was defended and the so-called divine right
OF slavery was upheld. Had such an adj
dress from the pulpit been heard few
weeks later. after the loyal North had been
Sumter, the reverend gentleman would
have been mobbed.
In my boyhood days, and in my native
town in central Pennsylvania, the spirit
of patriotism was inculcated at my blind
Grandfather Orwig's knees. He was a
Revolutionary soldier, and loved to put
his hand on the heads Of his grandchildren
in his efforts to amuse and instruct them
Fourth of Julys were gala days. Sunday
school parades to picnic grounds, headed
by the drum and fife and the veteran
survivors of the past wars, booming Of
cannon, reading of the Declaration of In
dependence. patriotic songs and speeches.
were impressive then and aroused thought
about the science of Government and the
art of war.
LINCOLN HOSTING OUR FLAG.
On Feb %, 1861, Lincoln, en- route to
the White House, watched by an immense
throng, hoisted the flag over the Liberty
Bell. That night occurred his historic
passage through Baltimore. He reached
his destination, and after hostilities COM
menced, and his call for protection was
soon followed him through hostile Balti-
more.
April IS two Massachusetts regiments
halted over night in Philadelphia, and
went to see them as they rested for the
night on the bare floors Of the vacant
Girard House. Periodically enthused,
next day went to Harrisburg to enlist, and
The Massachusetts, volunteers fought
their way through Baltimore. / date my
military history from that eventful day,
April 10, 1861.
1 entered Camp Curtin as Lieutenant
OF the "Slifer Guards" subsequently Co.
d, Of the 9th Pa. commanded by Col.
Simmons, who fell in the battle of Charl
City Crossroads.
I was sent to Lancaster City 10 enlist
men, and brought II back to Harrisburg.
While at LAscaster / walked out to
Wheatland to call on Ex-President Buch-
anan. His mansion was closed, and while
| waited at the door for admittance
.ieard footballs within, but waited in vain
for the opening of the door. At the hotel
| told my experience, and they laughed,
and said Buchanan was 'shut in" afraid
OF being assassinated, and dreaded blue
coats!
From the infantry was transferred to
The artillery, and made my first expedi-
lion as private, with a knapsack, in
hope OF becoming on artillerist and an
officer.
When Col. Lew Wallace, before the
first Bull Run battle, was reported in
danger at Cumberland Gap, Va, Gov.
Curtin sent two batteries, with Col. Sim
inons's and Col. Kane's infantry regi-
ments, to bis relief. The latter became
known as the famous 'Bucktails.'' They
wore deer tails on their caps.
Before we returned to Harrisburg the
disastrous Bull Run battle occurred, and
we were hurried to Washington l was
promoted to First Lieutenant in Battery
-. There was only one man in that en-
lire artillery regiment who had practical
Minnick, from York, Pa. In Bragg's Bat
cry at the battle Of Buena Vista, Mex
co, he helped execute the order "a little
more grape, Capt Bragg"
COL cHAs. CAMPBELL.
service in the Mexican war. He had a
lender heart, but rough exterior; was
brave as lion, and could swear and
rink like three guardsmen. After we ar
lived at Washington he was inclined to
cut red tape, by ignoring Army regula-
displeasure of Gen. Barry, Chief Of Artil-
iery Of the Army Of the Potomac, and, as
was the custom then, to get rid OF yolun-
teer officers, he was ordered before an
examining board. When he was ques-
toned in various ways as to what he
'OoAu W. Win q bdtlCiy pidtcu, nypOtHcI-
catly, In various dangerous positions and
Jaw only chance way Of escape, he
looked up at Gen. Barry and said: 81
would do as Gen. Barry did at Bull Run
I'm like the devil"' OF course such dis
aspect to superior officer cost him his
commission and he returned to Harris
burg and came back to the army as Col
onel Of an infantry regiment, and was
seriously wounded in the battle Of Fair
Oaks.
CROSSING THE POTOMAC.
When the enemy was In sight of Wash
ington, the Union forces had possession
4 Long Bridge and Alexandria. Chain
Bridge, above Georgetown, was prepared
for instant destruction.
With Gen. w. +. Smiths Division !
crossed on that bridge into Virginia, know.
.ng that disaster and retreat and the
blowing up Of the bridge had been con-
templated by our officers. A stubborn re-
sistance was met. and the enemy was sup
POSED to be, in force, fortified at Nun
sons Hill. Building forts to protect
Washington, camping and drilling was the
occupation OF the Army Of the Potomac
100000 strong, now In the enemy's coun.
~.