Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 1.djvu/439

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CONFEDERATE MILITARY HISTORY.
401

counsel our brave boys. In the progress of the war further legislation may be necessary, and we will be there that when the hour of danger comes we may lay aside the robes of legislation, buckle on the armor of the soldier, and do battle beside the brave men who have volunteered for the defense of our beloved South. "

Mr. Elaine remarks concerning the state of affairs at this date: "The Confederacy was growing in strength daily, State after State was joining it; energy and confidence prevailed throughout all its borders. " (Twenty Years, p. 314) In addition to the important accessions already named North Carolina joined the Confederacy; Tennessee authorized a military league with it ; Maryland divided and enthralled made a protest against secession, but still opposed coercion; the governor of Kentucky issued a proclamation of neutrality ; and Missouri was for bidding hostilities inside its limits. Foreign nations were beginning to manifest a purpose to maintain neutrality and recognize the belligerency of the two governments. There was a great lack in the South of arms and ammunition, but none of volunteers ; the food supplies were as yet abundant; the Southern people were united, and " the flower of their youth " were eagerly pressing into military service.