_MY OLD COMRADES_:
In writing out this record I have gone back to the morning time of my
own life, and lived once more in that other day that not only tried,
but proved men's souls. Insignificant as my work may appear as a
literary production, it carries with it the most sacred memories of
the past. In writing, I have lived over again the days when the boom
of cannon, the rattle of musketry and the old rebel yell were familiar
sounds to our ears. If a shade of mournfulness hovers over the failure
of the cause for which these brave men fought and many fell, it is
not a mournfulness born of regret. When we who wore the gray put away
forever the musket and sword--and let me say, my comrades, swords and
muskets that had been bravely borne--we did so in sorrow but not in
malice or hate. And today, I am sure, where one of the old regiment
lingers yet a little while this side of the dark river, he accepts in
good faith the terms of his parole, and is a peaceful and faithful
citizen of the United States; not only faithful, but as loyal to the
stars and stripes as we were once to that other flag which we followed
for four long years, and which was woven from an honest belief of a
people's need.
Now, to my old comrades, whether in flesh or spirit, to whom this
little compilation has carried me back with such tremendous force, and
to keep alive whose fair fame I have written, I can only say as my last
words--God bless you!