The War

A gentleman, soldier, of the 15^th Mass Reg., who was in the battle of Ball’s Bluff, and swam the Potomac, in a letter to a friend in this vicinity, dated “Headquarters of the Army, Washington, June 25^th, 1863,” writes thus:

“I suppose you would like to know how I feel here in these very wonderful and exciting times. It was reported in Philadelphia, day before yesterday, that Washington was taken; but I assure you that everything here is all right yet, everything is going on quietly and orderly, as though there were no war. And did we not know of its existence, would hardly believe such a cruel and bloody and causeless war could be in progress. The sound of the mechanics hammer and the artisan’s chisel, and the hands of the painters and decorators, are heard on all the public buildings, and all the 4000 clerks go about their duties as usual.

The streets of Baltimore have been barricaded, and every preparation made to resist an attack. It is difficult to decide whether Lee intends a real attack, or whether the whole movement is not a feint to cover the reinforcement of Johnson, and thereby compel Gen. Grant to raise the siege of Vicksburg. But time is the great fortune teller. I consider it a high privilege to live in this day and generation; and I am glad I have something to do in this most wonderful contest. I thank the Lord.

We hope to be remembered in your prayers that we may resist the awful tide of wickedness flowing to this city. In God we have trusted: let us never be confounded. Shall not the Judge of all the earth Do Right!”