Washington as a Camp/Farewell to the Seventh
- Farewell to the Seventh.
Under Providence, Washington owes its safety, 1st, To General Butler, whose genius devised the circumvention of Baltimore and its rascal rout, and whose utter bravery executed the plan; — he is the Grand Yankee of this little period of the war. 2d, To the other Most Worshipful Grand Yankees of the Massachusetts regiment who followed their leader, as he knew they would, discovered a forgotten colony called Annapolis, and dashed in there, asking no questions. 3d, And while I gladly yield the first places to this General and his men, I put the Seventh in, as last, but not least, in saving the capital. Character always tells. The Seventh, by good, hard, faithful work at drill, had established its fame as the most thorough militia regiment in existence. Its military and moral character were excellent. The mere name of the regiment carried weight. It took the field as if the field were a ball-room. There were myriads easier to march; but they had not made ready beforehand. Yes, the Seventh had its important share in the rescue. Without our support, whether our leaders tendered it eagerly or hesitatingly, General Butler’s position at Annapolis would have been critical, and his forced march to the capital a forlorn hope, — heroic, but desperate.
So, honor to whom honor is due.
Here I must cut short my story. So good by to the Seventh, and thanks for the fascinating month I have passed in their society. In this pause of the war our camp-life has been to me as brilliant as a permanent picnic.
Good by to Company I, and all the fine fellows, rough and smooth, cool old hands and recruits verdant but ardent! Good by to our Lieutenants, to whom I owe much kindness! Good by, the Orderly, so peremptory on parade, so indulgent off! Good by, everybody!
And so in haste, I close.