"SHOW THYSELF A MAN."

565

Would you look on one in whom these traits of manhood were all seen? Remember him who was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen," while even now each return of his birth-day makes a nation glad. Victorious over self, devoted to his country, consecrated to God, he stands forth. an embodiment of true manliness. Called to live in times the counterpart of his, to bear in your degree burdens like his, needing the very qualities which in him shone out so brightly, let his honored memory press upon each the exhortation of the dying warrior and saint-"Show thyself a man."

You are surrounded with the noblest incentives to such a course. The ever brightening prospects of our country's cause, and the certainty of its speedy and final triumph, call aloud to each defender-"Show thyself a man!"

Our glorious old flag, soiled and battered, but never dishonored, waves to and fro in the breeze, and seems to say to every one "Show thyself a man!"

The intense interest felt for you by loving hearts at home, and the earnest prayers ascending ceaselessly in your behalf, come whispering in soft and winning tones-" Show thyself a man!"

The remembrance of the glad welcome which has been extended to you by all the loyal and the good, testifying the honest pride they feel in your achievements and devotion to country, and the desire you cherish that it may never be dashed by hearing on your lips or seeing in your lives, the traces of vice, should, like a talisman, preserve you from contagion, ever reminding you"Show thyself a man !"

The reflection that this terrible struggle is intimately connected with the highest interests of humanity and religion, and that our national triumph will result in giving a new impulse among men to everything that is elevating, good and holy, urges, lest you come short yourselves of the blessings you are procuring for others and posterity-"Show thyself a man!"

Finally, the sacred graves of our fallen comrades, silently telling of the perilous service in which we are engaged, and that not all who now leave home, amid the adieus of friends, shall live to

receive their congratulations at our return, should lift our thoughts toward heaven and eternity, while the voice of God urges the exhortation in its fullest, christian sense-"SHOW THYSELF A MAN!" Your devoted friend and Chaplain,

Bristol, Ill., March, 1864. WM. M. HAIGH. In Chicago they were marched to the Soldiers' Rest, where they had accommodations and dinner provided. About three o'clock they went on board the cars, but did not start till near dark-traveling very slowly all night, and arriving in Indianapolis Sunday afternoon. After a most hearty and welcome dinner, the journey was resumed and Jeffersonville reached next morning. Thus far, we had been in company with another veteran regiment, which seemed to be without any efficient commander, smashing the windows of the cars and tearing up two of the inside roof coverings. The official in charge of the train, in giving in his report, warmly commended the 36th for their orderly behavior, in contrast with their temporary associates. On the way from Louisville to Nashville, next day, however, as the two heavily loaded trains moved out of the city-the engines tugging like dray horses the spirit of mischief came upon some of the 36th, and they pulled a coupling pin, causing a halt and a delay. As the train started again, the trick was repeated, to the no small vexation of the train men, At last a guard was set over each coupler, and of course the game was up.

On arriving at Nashville, we were confronted with the unwelcome announcement that we could proceed no further on the railroad, but must march over the country to Chattanooga, as all the transportation was needed for accumulating supplies at the front. The traveler lolling at leisure, perusing his morning paper, while the train glides over the track, is not more conscions of an unpleasant jerk, when his smooth progress and his reading are brought to an untimely end by some displaced rail or broken axle,

AGAIN ON THE MARCH.

567

than were we in finding the comforts of civilization thus suddenly exchanged for the stern realities of war. But we submitted with as good a grace as the circumstances would allow. Laying aside all the superfluities which belong to life in "America," and coming down to "first principles," we prepared to march.

We set out on Friday, March 26th, and, as usual, the rain began simultaneously to fall. After we had marched about nine miles, we pitched our tents, in the midst of a driving shower. This was a hard beginning for the new recruits, but the elasticity of the old soldierss, howed itself in the jokes which were let off upon the situation of soldiers in general and veterans in particular. "There is one thing that comforts me a good deal," said an old boy; "I've only a little over two years and nine months to serve."

On the road, both before and behind us, were numerous regiments, making their way also to the front, whose camps were in the same vicinity, and in spite of all the care that could be taken, by limiting each days journey to about twelve miles-starting early and going into camp early, the men suffered a good deal, for even the old soldiers were unseasoned, their feet being especially tender and easily injured. The camps along the way were named by the Colonel after the first two, in compliment to absent officers. Camp Haigh was the name of the first, Camp Hatch of the second, Camp Sill of the third, which was about half a mile south of Murfreesboro. This camp we reached at eleven o'clock on Sunday, the day being excessively hot and the men tired. It was with melancholy interest we retraced the old ground, made historic by fierce struggles and deadly conflicts, or examined the riven trees-silent witnesses of the fiery storms which raged terrifically through them. And how did our thoughts turn towards that spot where two hundred of our regiment fell wounded

or dead ere the rushing foe could break through that living barrier of loyal hearts! or that other spot, hard by, where sleeps the precious dust of those who loved their country better than their life. Towards evening we gathered for service, the Chaplain preaching a sermon appropriate to the beginning of a new term of service, from the character of the Roman military officer whom Christ so much commended. It was a solemn season. The memory of fallen comrades, the tears and prayers of Christian friends just left behind, the unknown but perilous future, all seemed pressing on that hushed gathering the claims of Christ and eternity. The spirit of God, we have reason to believe, was there with His effectual calling, and not a few resolves were made that hour which were found afterwards to ripen into hopeful conversion.

Next morning the regiment started early, while the Chaplain and Adjt. Case remained behind to procure transportation for some men unable to march, but as the General was not yet up, they seized the opportunity to ride out to Hospital Harding, look over the battle-ground and ascertain the condition of the grave. They found the fence still remaining, but the ground itself so settled that should the fence be removed, all traces of the grave would soon disappear. On joining the regiment that night, about fifteen miles south of Murfreesboro, and stating the facts, a determination was at once expressed to erect a monument on the spot, that the memory of their comrades' valor might be preserved. Measures were at once taken to procure the necessary plans, and progress was made, but a National Cemetery was ordered at Murfreesboro, under the superintendence of Chaplain Earnshaw, and the remains of the dead all over the battle-field were gathered and re-interred, making the efforts of separate regiments unnecessary. In this connection it is well to know, as

A SCHOOL IN SESSION.

569

Chaplain Van Horne states, (who has borne the most prominent part in this most necessary and honorable task): "In expression of the value of each citizen who fell in the war, the body of each was placed in a separate gave. And so thorough was the search for the dead upon every battle-field, and over the whole country, that their friends may be assured that, whether identified or not, all rest in grounds consecrated to their abode forever."

That night we experienced a terrible thunder storm, accompanied with much rain and wind; but leaving Camp Greusel, we resumed our march next day; passing through Shelbyville—a fine town, with a loyal population, whose ladies gave us a hearty reception. We continued our course southeast, towards Tullohoma, halting at Camp Joslyn, five miles out. Next day we went into camp at Tullohoma-Camp Jenks. During this day we saw the first school in session that we had seen in all our marching, and it was worthy of notice that the whole region from which it drew its support was loyal. Next day the regiment took the railroad track, while the officers went around by the road. Before starting, it was ascertained that a new recruit, Ira Scofield, had stayed back the day before at a farm-house, complaining of sickness. A man was detailed to take an ambulance and bring him into town, that he might be well cared for. The man found him too sick to be moved, but remained with him until he died.

On arriving at Derchard, the Colonel found a construction train, on which he succeeded in placing the regiment for a ride through to Cowan, where the officers found them on their arrival, camped on the old ground, to which we now gave the name of Camp Olson. We took an interest in looking for any traces of our once beautiful chapel, and succeeded in finding the stumps of old posts still remaining. On Friday we crossed the Cumberland mountains in a heavy rain storm, the road indiscribably