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[62]

March 7.—Anniversary of D. Webster's fatal speech, and of my birth. . . . .

April 15.—'Tis true Sumter has fallen, and war has commenced. We accept the fact with mortification and anger. A severe accounting must follow. I don't fear the result. Stirring times. Governor Andrew issues orders for an assembling tomorrow of the Massachusetts volunteers, and the Guards are preparing to start in the morning. Two thousand must start for Washington to-morrow ....

April 16.—The Guards went off this morning in good style. Thirty-five muskets,—some dozen more to follow this evening. They were addressed by Clifford, from the City Hall steps, in a beautiful little speech. The crowd was very large, and the scene was solemn. Tears rolled down many a rough face. We escorted them to the boat. We may all have to follow. ....

May 24.—I have been occupied in soldiering, having become a high private in Company C, Home and Coast Guard. Drilling takes up my evenings, and all last week I did garrison duty at Fort Phenix. We had, upon the whole, a good time. Ours was the first squad from Company C detailed for service, and we acquired quite a reputation for soldierly bearing. The sneer at ‘kid gloves’ is wearing out, for we have done more real hard work, drilled more, and behaved better than any other company. Of course the gentleman will tell now, as it always has in the service.

It appears from this diary that he was sent for soon afterwards by Governor Andrew, who offered him the post of quartermaster in any regiment which he might choose. The offer did not satisfy him, as he wished for a position in the line; and so he waited awhile longer. Bull Run did not discourage him. He came home indignant from Boston, on the day the news arrived, and wrote, ‘I never did see such a set of croakers. . . . . For my own part, much as I regret the result, I see in it good to come.’

In September he went to Washington to see about an appointment, but nothing came of it, though he enjoyed the visit very much. He says (October 8th, 1861): ‘I failed in the object of my visit to Washington, but saw, what every one ought to see, the capital in war time. I have new love for my country and new confidence in our rulers.’

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