field? Only let us, as a nation, avoid injustice and oppression in all their forms, and go forth with this mighty host in God's name, to do his work of righteous retribution, and soon our conquest will be complete, the Constitution and Union vindicated, law and order established, liberty triumphant, and the world saved from a fearful ebb toward universal tyranny and barbarism. By the divine blessing, such shall be the consummation of your heroic enterprise, and may we all at last meet in that better world where rebellion and treason can never disturb us. So may it be, O Lord, the Sovereign and gracious Disposer of all events, for thy holy name's sake. Amen."

The effect of this brief address seemed most happy. Tears were dried, and the language of every countenance was, "Come, let us fight Philip." As the steamer moved slowly away, the air was rent with deafening cheers, and all felt that their friends had gone forth in a sublime and glorious cause, - one in which it were better to die than surrender.

Among the noble band was one cheerful without levity, grave without gloominess, firm withont obstinacy, courageous without presumption, a patriotic Christian volunteer, turning his fect from the temple of Minerva to the camp of Mars, not from original choice but from

a clear conviction of duty. The crowd began to disperse, but many lingered, and, waving their handkerchiefs, watched the vessel with her precious cargo until lost in the distance.

Our home seemed desolate. With every room he was intimately associated; his blackboard, 'his violin, his cannon, his flag, the walls hung around with his handiwork, pictures of his own framing or drawing, and his portfolios containing enough for a small picture gallery, -all seemed to say, "Shall he ever return?"

Two days after, I received from Rev. C. W. Camp a very timely and consoling letter. I give a few extracts: "So you have had the trial of giving your son to the service of his country. I was at the boat as she called, going South, and he was pointed out to me. Well, on the whole, I think he has done well in deciding to go, and you have done well in deciding to give him up. The government calls on its ablebodied citizens to range themselves in two classes, those who can go to the war without great loss or damage to the interests of family, business, and general welfare, and those who can not. A man in good health, without family, or not engaged in business which it is very difficult to leave, seems clearly to belong to the first class. There should be something peculiar in his case to justify him in ranking himself

"with heads of families and men in extensive business." Many are enlisting from this place, and of course many families are in the same trouble that you feel. I preached to such last Sunday. The text, at least, may be instructive and profitable to you, Acts 21st chapter, 12th to 14th inclusive. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.'

"I hope you may see reason to be glad and proud and thankful for your son in the army, and that he may be spared to return, a blessing and an honor to you in your remaining years. He can be very useful in his company, and his usefulness and position of influence in future life could not have been so well secured if he had shrunk from his country's call. It may please you to know that some, at least, of the company are proud of him."

CHAPTER V.

PASSAGE TO THE SCENE OF WAR.

Journey of the regiment to Milwaukee To Oshkosh-Alarming news-Ordered to Cincinnati - Parting from his mother -- The "good-by". " - Arrival at Cincinnati - Cross into Kentucky Poisoned wells-Lack of water-Extreme thirst- Army rations Scenery-Railroad travel - Hardships-Near Louisville.

S Mead had been quite well for several weeks, and was pronounced by the examining surgeon "sound and ablebodied," whatever my private apprehen

sions to the contrary, I could but feel that his going was ordered for the best. The trip to Milwaukee was pleasant. On the passage, the young soldier was not entirely unnoticed. Said a lady, speaking of the soldiers, "I noticed one greatly in contrast with many of his comrades, serious, yet cheerful in his manner; he was reading a book which I readily knew to be a Testament. Presently I introduced myself to him. He saw the perils before him, but was going bravely to meet them. I said to a friend, 'If any of that company live to return, that young man will be one.' How imperfect is the standard of human judgment! On in

quiry I found that he was the superintendent of the First Presbyterian Sabbath school of Manitowoc." That night the company spent in the depot. A friend visiting them remarks, " Mead seemed pleased to see us; he conversed freely; a crisis was near; the enemy defiant. He only wished they were prepared to enter the reld at once; they could lay down their lives in no better cause."

Here began the new scenes, not to say hardships, of soldier-life. He writes, "We took supper on the depot floor; pocket-knives were in good demand; enough to eat, but we had to go on the principle that 'fingers were made before forks."" At 1 A. M. they took the cars for Oshkosh, ninety miles, having only narrow benches for seats, and loose at that; they were soon glad to stand or sit upon the floor, as "those who are down need fear no fall."

Arriving at Oshkosh, after an uncomfortable journey, they found no quarters prepared. The camp-ground was to be cleared, barracks erected, trenches dug, etc., any amount of drudgery before them, in all of which Mead showed no little aptitude and patience. Under what seemed vexatious requirements, and aggravating disappointments, he bore himself with an unruffled spirit and perfect self-possession.

The first Sabbath he writes: "This morning