My only reason for writing the following narration of the events
which transpired, relating particularly to myself, during a short
term of military service, is that the scenes and occurrences may be
described while they are still fresh in my memory, and the impression
of them vivid and distinct. It must have been noticed in the
experience of every one, that however deep and strong may be the
marks which particular circumstances have made upon our feelings,
time will gradually erase one point after another, wear off the
edges, and render the whole dim and uncertain. I have therefore
determined to write truthfully, minutely, and as clearly as possible,
whatever occurred within my own observation during that time,
thinking that in future years it may be a satisfaction to me to read
what has here been transcribed. — Philadelphia, November 22d,
1863.
For several days previous to June 16th, 1863, there
had been considerable excitement in reference to a
raid, which it was said, the rebels were about to make
into Pennsylvania, and there were even rumors flying
about that there was a large force of them already in
the southern portion of the State, and that Greencastle
had been burned. Gov. Curtin, evidently alarmed, had
issued a proclamation calling upon the people to rally to
the defence of the commonwealth, but for some reason,
it was not responded to with any alacrity, and almost
everywhere the apathy with which it was received,
seemed to speak ill for the spirit and patriotism of the
- ↑ This paper is so very personal in its character that it is published after much hesitation and with many misgivings. Several considerations have had weight in inducing me to commit what may seem to be an impropriety. Col. John P. Nicholson, and other friends, who are students of the military history of the rebellion, and whose judgment is worth much more than my own in such matters, have earnestly urged me to print it. The Compte de Paris and General Longstreet, unite in saying that “the slightest incident which affected the issue of that conflict (Gettysburg) had a greater importance than the most bloody battle fought afterwards.” A Pennsylvanian naturally resents the statement, so often made in prose and verse, that John Burns was the only man in Gettysburg to display loyalty and courage, and information concerning a regiment, one of whose companies came from that town, and which was the first force to engage the rebel army there when it entered the State, ought not, perhaps, to be withheld. An effort was made to recast the paper, but it was soon found that the result was to destroy all of the color and freshness which constituted its only literary merit, and the attempt was abandoned. It is hoped that the freedom of comment upon men and affairs will be excused as the quick and enthusiastic impressions of a boy of twenty.
