SECESSION-INSULT TO OUR FLAG-UPRISING OF THE NORTH-ENLISTMENTS-LEAVING HOME-TRIP TO THE FRONT.
The year 1861 will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary in the history of the United States. The hideous monster, Secession, spread its venomous poison over the country. Oh, that we had a Jackson to put his iron heel upon the monster's head, and save our bleeding country the anguish for four long years, of the greatest rebellion of modern times.
The telegraph flashed the sad news to every city, town and hamlet in the land, that the Stars and Stripes had been insulted and trailed in the dust, and that, too, by men who called themselves Americans. But they will pay dearly for their rashness. Oh! what memories crowd upon me when I read how heroically the gallant band of seventy Patriots, under the brave Anderson, stood out against seven thousand traitors, at Fort Sumpter, and not until the last shot was fired did they surrender.
Grand Rapids responds to the first call of the President for seventy-five thousand men, and begins to raise a regiment. I am no native American, but will enlist to help chastise the enemies of my adopted country, which I pride myself to love second to none. Accordingly, at the age of eighteen I find myself enrolled in our good old Uncle Sam's army, and encamped on the Fair Grounds in the beautiful Valley City, ready to march to the defence of our Nation's Capitol.
On the 12th of June, 1861, we file out of our camp, to commence our trip to the front, some never to return to the weeping loved ones left behind. Whoever experienced the leave-taking on such an occasion, can appreciate the heart-pangs they feel, but