Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-05-04
FIFTY YEARS AGO.
editorial in Kennebec Journal, April
20, 1861
The Maine Volunteers.


The ten regiments authorized by the
legislature are nearly filled up. and a
body of soldiers, of which the Stats
may be justly proud, will soon be
ready to take the field against the
conspirators and rebels who seek the
overthrow of the best government in
the world, because they can no longer
control it for their own nefarious pur-
poses. The First regiment is now
ready and waiting for orders, and the
Second and Third will speedily be 50.
Such wonderful enthusiasm as is
manifest in all sections of the State.
was never before witnessed by our
people. II shows that the love of
country and it's Institutions is as deep
and pervading as in other days on
which the historian has delighted to
linger, and to which the popular heart
has adhered with such romantic inter-
est This patriotic fervor seems to
pervade all classes, and affords an evil
dence of the fitness of the people for
self government equal to anything
that has transpired since the founda-
of the Republic. So complete and
resolute is this patriotic enthusiasm,
that we believe 10000 volunteers could
be raised in a few weeks to march
against the forces who are seeking to
destroy the Union and to trample
down the principles of civil Liberty.
The amount of effort required to get
these regiments in readiness to meet
the stern realities of war, is much
greater than most persons would sup
pose. The desire is not only that
Maine may speedily furnish her quota
of men, but that they may go well pre-
pared to endure the fatigues and
hardships of campaign as we'll as TO
be efficiently armed to confront the
soldiers of the Rebel armies. To show
volunteers how deeply their services
are appreciated, and to provide for
them the necessary clothing and other
conyeniences, and to aid their families
left behind, cities and towns are vot-
ing large sums of money, heavy con-
tributions are raised, women by thou
sands are devoting their time and
energies, pleased with the opportunity
to give their service offerings to their
country, and to help swell the proper
tons of the grand movement which no
age ever surpassed. The Legislature
performed it's duty promptly, unitedly,
wisely, and the State officials have
given their utmost exertions to get the
regiments ready to respond to the or
derS of the National Government
Governor Washburn is laboring at his
post with great energy, efficiency and
fidelity, giving special attention TO the
details of organizing, arming. equip
ping, clothing and furnishing the men.
Adjutant General Hodgdon is winning
warm concentrations by the prompt
ness. efficiency and indomitable indus
try with which he is performing the
duties of his office. Upon him much
depends as to the thoroughness and
rapidity with which the troops are
organized and fitted for the campaign.
He is proving fully equal to his re-
sponsible position, and is taxing his
to the utmost Indeed. all the
State officials, civil and military, seem
to vie with each other in the deter
and enthusiasm to have
Maine promptly do her whole duty in
the unparalleled crisis which is upon
the nation, making the routine of Of
flee the labor of patriotism, as i'm the
earlier days of the Republic.