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of the
State and the requirements of the War Department.
He concluded by saying,—
Time presses.
The enemy is approaching the capital of the nation.
It may be in their hands now. [Cries of “Never; it never shall be.” ] Promptness is needed.
Let us show the world that the patriotism of ‘61 is not less than that of the heroes of ‘76; that the noble impulses of those patriot hearts have descended to us. Let us do our duty, and we shall yet see the nation united, and our old flag remain without a star dimmed or a stripe obliterated.
The report of the meeting in the Daily Advertiser says,—
The remarks of Mr. Webster were received with great enthusiasm, and at the close of his speech he was loudly cheered.
Loud calls were then made for General Schouler, who was seen upon the balcony.
In response, he stepped forward, and thanked the vast assembly in an almost inaudible voice for their good feeling, and asked Mr. Webster to speak for him. Mr. Webster at once informed the audience that the General was utterly prostrated with the arduous labors during the past week, and that he had scarcely been in bed for fifty-four hours; that he must be excused, as he was utterly unable to address them.
The crowd then gave three cheers for General Schouler.
The meeting was ably addressed by
William Dehon,
Edward Riddle, and
Charles Levi Woodbury, who were received with great favor and satisfaction.
Mr. Webster's appeal met with a prompt response.
More companies were offered than he could accept; but, before the regiment was ready to leave the
State, orders came from
Washington that no more three months regiments would be received.
On the receipt of this information,
Mr. Webster's regiment immediately volunteered to serve for three years: it was accepted, and during the war was known as the Twelfth Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry.
Wendell Phillips spoke in the afternoon of this memorable Sunday in the great Music Hall, which was crowded in every part; and thousands were unable to gain admission.
Many feared that he would not be permitted to speak; and that, if he attempted to sustain the position which he assumed in his speech at New Bedford ten days before, a riot would occur.
The first sentence uttered by
Mr. Phillips, however, gave
