PERIOD V. MISSION. CHAPTER I. THE NEW NATION. "It is the third huge gate of barbarism, the monarchical gate, which is closing at this moment. The nineteenth century hears it rolling on its hinges."— HUGO. "America is now the grandest combination of power, stability, unity, freedom, and happiness, the world has seen." - PARTRIDGE. A REVOLUTION SO great as that through which we have just passed could not leave us precisely the same as before. It is true, we have the same country, the same climates, the same physical resources of wealth and happiness: but we have changed; and, in our changed condition, we present a strong contrast to almost all nations emerging from protracted, desolating wars. The strength of the Great Republic has been but partially tested; for we have been at war with a large portion of our own people. Looking at the development of our resources, and the achievements of our arms, in this divided state, we are compelled to ask, What would they have been if our war had been against invasion from a foreign foe? Look at the men brought into the field from the numbers of our loyal citizens. From April 15, 1861, to April 15, 1865, the calls of the President charged against the several States amounted to 2,759,049 men. Of these, 2,656,553 are credited, showing that the Northern States and Territories |