Preface.

HIS Volume contains, for the most part, gleanings from my personal experience during four years' service in the Army of

the Potomac. But the first and second chapters are devoted to a brief record of the great political struggle which ended in the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States-an electoral triumph which was immediately followed by an appeal to arms.

Though I had not attained, in 1860, the required age of citizenship, I took an active part, in a small way, in the presidential campaign of that year. And when the President whom I, with much zeal at all events, had helped to elect, called for volunteers to serve and save the Union, I felt in honor bound to respond, and offered my services accordingly.

I remember that some objection was raised concerning my want of years, if not my lack of inches also; but I was "passed," and admitted into the

service through the judicious intercession of my commander: it was a great favor! I am not aware that I ever received or required any further favors on account of my age. I enlisted on the 10th of May, 1861. Very soon thereafter I went South with my regiment-my gallant old regiment-where I served till the war was over. What has seemed to me of probable interest in my army life will be found related in the following pages. Of necessity the personal element pervades every chapter: and to the full have I appreciated Cowley's observation-"It is a hard and nice subject for a man to write of himself. It grates his own heart to say anything of disparagement, and the reader's ear to hear anything of praise from him."

Generous reader: you have been considerate to the shortcomings of my former efforts. Be even so now to the blemishes of "A Soldier's Recollections."

E. R. J.