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[64] motive was pure patriotism. It was a great sacrifice for him to leave his home, his family, and his brilliant prospects. The dreams that every boy has of a soldier's life, it is true, came back to him; but at his age he could count the cost of military honors. The price was too great, and honors, such as had for him a still higher value, he was sure to obtain in paths of peace. Manhood and patriotism male him a soldier. Some time ere this Vincent had been engaged to be married to Miss Elizabeth Carter of Newark, New Jersey. Telegraphing to her his determination to take up the musket, he told her he thought it best for her to become his wife immediately. She consented to his wishes, and he hastened to Newark; where they were married;—not then to be separated, however, for Mrs. Vincent went with her husband to Pittsburg, whither the Wayne Guards were ordered, and the battalion did not leave that city. When the three months men were discharged, Vincent still thought that his services belonged to his country, and taking an earnest part in raising the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Regiment of Volunteers, he was chosen and commissioned its Lieutenant-Colonel. Just after leaving home he wrote to his wife: ‘Surely the right will prevail. If I live, we will rejoice over our country's success. If I fall, remember you have given your husband a sacrifice to the most righteous cause that ever widowed a woman.’ The regiment reached Washington in September, and was assigned to Butterfield's brigade, Major-General Fitz-John Porter's division. A man of Vincent's ability did not long escape the notice of higher commanders; and the position of lieutenant-colonel of a regiment being of subordinate importance, he was frequently called away on other duty, being employed much of the winter as brigade-inspector. Vincent was before Yorktown with his regiment and there was no soldier who worked harder in this siege than he. He was frequently in command of the pickets for two or
Sever and Francis, 1866.
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