]'j:>^i I I BRAKY OF CONGRESS DDDED2571iflD 'Mk^\..'/ /^'- \ .^''\'iky.'S 'M ■^o ,0' c9 o »• o ^c "-*U.o« V -^^ .^'X •^o. ,'/^ V • ' • «»* c^ .0 <(^ .0' •^ .0^ o V .\?- '^ %\ <' ^ % ^'v •^^..♦^ -^.^XWA", '^. ..*" U.0^ 5^^ 9^. ^c^^ } /^/?-u^^^-^^^^- 1 J "MORE THAN CONQUEROR," MEMORIALS OF Col. J. HOWAED KITCHmG, BIXTH NEW YORK ARTILLERY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. BY THE AUTHOR OF "THE CONQUEST OF FLORIDA," "FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS," AND " TINY FOOTFALL." NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY HURD AND HOUGHTON. Camtiritfflc : Eiberslitrc prtiS^. 1873. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by John B. Kitchixg, • in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at TVashmgton. RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE: STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BT H. 0. HOUGHTON AND COMPANY. % pilgrim of tl)e faitlj is limneb Ijjere toitl) bintcb mail mib russet mecbs s'clabb, ge turnetl) from loose mirtl) Ijis listless ear, ^nb leanetl) on tlje crosse toitl) aspect sab. Buggeb l)i3 pati), anb narrom anh beset ttJitl) peril, sorrom, axxb temptation strong. !3ut neither gentle lure, nor bireful threat (^an mn l)im to tlje uaine anh toanton throng, (£>v force l)is feet from tljat straight patl) asibe, iToUotDing tlje footsteps of tl)e crucifieb." Sj>enser. PREFACE. Teces memorial is written, not to emblazon the name of Howard Kitching on the scroll of history, or to point him out as a young man who climbed heights far above his fellows ; for his modesty was equal to his worth, and he would have deprecated all praise and shrunk from anything like eulogy ; but the rather, while gratifying the expressed desire of his many friends, who would not wiU- ingiy let his memory die, to give a faint outline of the life of one who amid the manifold temptations of a soldier's life, was a true and faithful soldier of the cross. He is but a type of thousands of young men, Christian young men, as brave and as true as he, who fought and bled and died for their country. While we have learned from a terrible experi- ence, that war is a great evil, and pray in the language of the Liturgy of the English Church, " Give peace in our time, Lord," we would not vi PREFACE. forget that fragrant blossoms may spring up on the battle-field, and the name of Jesus be glorified thereby. It is not the exotic nursed in glass and artificial heat which is the type of strength ; but the plant struggling for existence on bleak cUffs, or the pine battling with Alpine gusts, or shivering amid Al- pine snows. And while we know, that sadly too many young men, tenderly nurtured, and who had given hopes of shining brightly in the kingdom of Christ at home, tarnished their armor and were lost amid the fiery conflicts of army life, yet there were others, and they not a few, who were made stronger by battling with the blasts of temptation, and purified by the scenes of suffering and sorrow they were compelled to witness. There are fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, throughout our land, whose hearts will beat the quicker when they are reminded of their young soldier who never returned from the war, and who will, we think, find a sad pleasure in reading the record of a brief life, so hke that of the one whose loss they mourn. There are many young men who have experi- enced the fever and flush of the fight, many who have only heard the story, who, we think, may find interest in a sketch of the life of a young man who PREFACE. YU in a terrible crisis of his country's history, faith.- fully served his country and his God. In dwelling, as we do with pride, on the bravery and Christian courage of our soldiers, we have not forgotten that the ranks of the Southern army were filled with spirits of equal bravery, — noble Christian men who were fighting for what they thought the right, though we believed them dread- fully in the wrong. Their memory is cherished by many a fireside in that stricken part of our land, and for many of them their record is on high. There is so much that is heart-rending about this terrible war, it has broken so many friend- ships, severed so many tender ties, that some would bury the thought of it in obHvion. But that is not the Christian's way of deahng with a great sorrow. He seeks to understand the lesson the Lord would teach thereby. Oft and again, it is now as it was with Elijah. The Lord is not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire ; but it is in the " still small voice," that comes after all these, that He speaks to his servant. So now, that the noise and confusion of horrid warfare have ceased, from those battle-fields where those who once fought as enemies he quietly side by side, there comes a still small voice, that speaks of Viii PREFACE. Christian forgiveness and Christian love. The grave covers all enmities, and we trust and be- lieve, the subduing hand of time will soften the bitter asperities of the hour, and that our country, purified by passing through the furnace, may be more united than ever — a grand and glorious Christian RepubHc. CONINE NTS. PAGE CITAl'TER I. Ivw.LY Days ' !I. TiiK Pf.epakatiox ^' 111. 'I'm: CoM-MCT • -^'' 1\'. Ci.oTDs AM) Sunshine V. Ki:fi;ksiiin<; Showkrs Vr, TtIE Wir,l)KRXKSS \^II TjIK TjiENdlKS VIIT. DkFKNSKS QV WASIIIN(iTO\ ^'' IX. Till: Last Batti.k X. The Discii'i.iNK OK Sri!KUiN<; XT. The Vk touy Won Appendix 79 10;') 121 147 197 2().'i 229 235 EARLY DAYS. " A noble boy, A brave, free-hearted, careless one. Full of unchecked, unbidden joy ; Of dread of books, and love of fun ; And with a clear and ready smile, Unshadowed by a thought of guile." ^'MOEE tha:^^ OO^^QUEEOR" CHAPTER I. EABLY DAYS. "Then Jesus beholding him, loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest." — Mark x. 21. The winter mnd is sighing, and the leaves are rustUng their sad requiem over the grave of many a young hero, who fell nobly fighting in the great war which has just resulted in the regeneration, the salvation of our country. In every city, in every town and hamlet in the land, on the square and in the narrow lane, in hall and cottage, on the mountain-side and in the valley, everywhere their memories are cherished ; their names are household words, embalmed in many a loving heart. The shadow has fallen upon a thousand, thou- sand homes, of which they were the Hght and the joy ; and their youthful patriotism, their deeds of daring, will never be known beyond these quiet firesides. And yet, though unknown to fame, their lives have not been wasted — they have not lived in vain. O, no ! They have in dying, awakened in these mvriad homes an heroic spirit, a breathing, 4 ''MORE THAN CONQUEROR." living thing, which will exalt and ennoble our country, for ages to come. Their stout young hearts have ceased to beat, but their example walks the earth with tireless feet ; and the blessed Christian death of some, may, by the grace of God, lead many a young man to enlist, as they did, under the banner of the Crucified. | Among the many noble, warm-hearted young men who flew to the rescue, and offered them- selves as volunteers for the defense of the country, sealing their offering with their life's blood, there are few whose names are enshrined with so much love, so many tears, and yet such fervent, grate- ful thanks to the wise Disposer of all events, as is the subject of these brief memorials. The veil would never have been lifted from this young life, but in the hope that, by God's bless- ing, the noble character here portrayed might be the means of awaking in many manly hearts a desire to emulate his brief example. " Stars are of mighty use ; the night Is dark, and long ; The road foul, and where one goes right, Six may go wrong. One twinkling ray Shot o'er some cloud, May cleare much way And guide a crowd." John Howard Kitching was born in the city of New York, July 16, 1838. In his early youth he manifested that earnest- EARLY DAYS. 5 ness of purpose, and determination of will, which characterized him in later life, and it required a firm, but gentle hand to guide him. Like all ardent temperaments he had many a struggle with himself, and conflict with others, on his way up to manhood. In the summer of 1855, as his father was obliged to go to Europe, and Howard's health was not strong, and his studies were being pursued in a very miscellaneous and desultory manner, it was decided that he should be placed at school in Switzerland. The eager boy looked forward, with glowing anticipations, to his visit to the old world; not less attractive to him because the stormy sea was to be crossed. But his day-dreams were soon dis- pelled, when, five days out from land, he was seized with a severe illness. The following letter, written on shipboard, is characteristic of him at this time, and is the first intimation we have of a struggle with a willful, wayward nature, a faint yearning after the things of a higher and better life. Steamship Ericsson, June 29, 1855. My dearest Mamma : — Here we are at last within sixty miles of Scilly Isles, and hoping to arrive at Havre about four o'clock on Sunday. O, how glad I shall be to put foot on land once more, and O, how gladder I should be if it was Bay Ridge we were approaching in- stead of Havre, for I want to see you all so much. The ship has made rather a long passage, on account of a de- fect in her wheels, which could not be remedied very 6 "MORE THAN CONQUEROR.' well at sea I have not been at all sea-sick, but I caught a bad cold, and was laid up for a week with in- flammation of the bowels, and rheumatism in my limbs. But by the excellent care of Dr. Dunham and the kind old stewardess, I was up on the sixth day. I would have given anything to have been in one of our nice beds, and have had you to take care of me ; for, although they were all very kind, and did all they could for me, yet I could not be very comfortable, as you may imagine. I read your Bible all the time, and I am so glad that you gave it to me, for I love to read it for your sake, hoping that I may learn to read it for its own sake. I cannot bear the idea of remaining at Geneva, for I feel so wretched (just as I did before I left home), that I am very much afraid of being taken sick, and perhaps dying there, far away from all of you. And then after papa returns, it will be so lonely, and perhaps when I return, I might find some of you in your graves. If I should return safe and well, and find you all the same, I woidd feel as if I had done right in going ; but otherwise, how small would be the gain, compared with the feeling that I had made our stay together in this world one year shorter by my own free will ! The truth is that I find it is a great deal farther than I had imagined. But still, if papa thinks it best that I should stay, I will do so as cheerfully as I can ; for here I am, seventeen years old, and yet I have never given you and papa anything but trouble ; but by God's bless- ing, I will try if I cannot be a comfort instead of a trouble, hereafter. For this reason I dislike i^articularly to remain, for I may not have much time to atone for the many hours of anxiety and trouble that I have given you both. 0, mamma, I wish that I was at home to talk to you, for I could tell you so much better how I feel I send Fan the first canto of a poem that I am com- posing. It is rather of the John Gilpin style, but for a I EARLY DAYS. 7 first effort, it is rather " some:* I wrote it lying in my bunk when it got too dark to read The poem which "is rather some," was a parody on " Childe Harold," called " Childe Howard," and gave infinite amnsement to his sister Fanny. This sister, the chosen companion of his laugh- ing hours, was full of fun and frolic. With a slight, graceful form, and a step light and quick as a deer, she was ready to follow wherever he led. Singu- larly like him in her frank, impulsive nature ; gifted, as he was, with great musical talents ; a sunbeam wherever she went — like him, she found an early grave ; like him, she sleeps in Jesus. By the time that the shores of France began to loom in sight, Howard had recovered from his at- tack of sickness, but the Lord had prepared for him a pathway of disappointment to tread, more trying than^ the one just passed over. As they were entering the port of Havre, in the excite- ment of the scene that opened before him, he sprang upon a coil of rope and sprained his ankle. The accident was thought slight at the moment, but by the time the party reached Pans, he was oblig:ed to be carried to his room, where he was closely confined for three weary weeks. That his impatient spirit should chafe and fret, to be held a prisoner in his room, while his companions were seeing the wonderful sights of Paris, is not strange. We give two letters, to his mother and sister, writ- ten immediately on his emancipation from this bondage. 8 ''MORE THAN CONQUEROR." WRITTEN ON HIS BIRTHDAY. Paris, July 16, 1855. Dear Louise : — Here I am, seventeen years old, crawling around on crutches as if I were eighty, and the worst of it is, without any jDrospect of dispensing with them for a while, at any rate. Yesterday morning I thought that I was better, but to-day I am just as lame as ever Last evening, papa, Will, and I went to church in a small Wesleyan Chapel in the Rue Royale, where we heard an excellent sermon. The Sundays here are more like our Fourth of July than , anything else ; everybody is out, rich and poor ; most of the shops, and all the cafes are o\)Qn, also the Ex- hibition, theatres, circuses, and all the public buildings. The gentleman that we heard preach is a Yorkshire- man, just come over; but he preached a very good ser- mon from First Corinthians seventh chapter, twenty- ninth, thirtieth, and thirt3^-first verses. But during the whole service we could hear the carriages passing, people singing, and men and women peddling fruit; rather a noisy Sunday evening, wasn't it ? . . , . Paris, July 25, 1855. Mr DEAREST Mamma : — Three cheers ! Hurrah ! I'm on my legs again, although a little stiff yet, I assure you. As soon as the Doctor went away (which was on Saturday morning), I began to walk a little, and my foot kept gaining strength, so that on Sunday I walked to church and back, without crutches On Mon- day I climbed to the top of the column in the Place Vendome, one hundred and thirty-five feet in height. I guess the Doctor would stare if he knew it. On Saturday I was limping about on a pair of crutches, and Monday running up one hundred and seventy-six steps to get a view of Paris. Ask ]Mr. Irving if it is easy work for even a well man to accomplish ? I dare EARLY DAYS. 9 say he has beeu to the top, or at least he knows how high it is. Alleume and I went to St. Germain to see the won- derful terrace, one mile and a half in length, and we had a ride on an atmospheric railway. There is a very steep grade on the road, which a locomotive cannot sur- mount, so they have a large iron tube running between the rails, in which a piston passes which is connected to the foremost car. Then they pump out the air from in front of said piston, and away the train goes up hill at the rate of thirty miles an hour. That's going be- fore the wind with a vengeance, isn't it ? When we arrived at St. Germain we were fully paid for going, for from the terrace, one has the most beautiful view in Europe The result of the inquiries about the schools in Switzerland was not altogether satisfactory, and when the time came for Mr. Kitching to start for home, he could not make up his mind to leave Howard beliind, and after. a pleasant passage, they were welcomed back to " Dellwood." He now resumed his studies with his German tutor, but they were pursued in a very irregular and desultory way, his passion for riding, boating, painting, and music, making formidable inroads upon his time. He sang well, with that deep, clear voice that rang so musically on the battle-field, but his great delight was the cornet, which he played remark- ably well. He joined a quartette band, and on many a moonlight night they waked the echoes in the grove at Dellwood with their dehcious mel- ody. How well his companions of those pleasant 10 ''MORE THAN CONQUEROR." days must remember his enthusiasm, and the warm glow his presence diffused over that genial com- pany ! But while thus beguiling his time amid these earthly enjoyments, those who prayerfully watched his career saw that he was getting farther and far- ther away from the source of all true joy. Those things which never satisfied any one, did not satisfy him. He grew more wayward, more self-willed ; gave way to wild bursts of passion, and then had seasons of bitter repentance. He knew the better way, but chose the worse, the beaten pathway of self-indulgence. But there is often the secret sigh, the whispered prayer, the longmg for freedom, the struggle with sinful habits, the search after truth, the untold hope of better things, in many hearts which we, in our ignorance, suppose to be hard and dead. The Lord Jesus may be doing His own work, in the awakened, inquiring, iDurdened soul, and what is buried seed to-day, may become a glorious harvest in His own good time. So with young Howard ; during this period of his life, there were bright gleams of better things, deeds done and words spoken, that sustained the anxious hearts of those who watched and prayed. In the summer of 1856, through the carelessness of our quarantine officers, the yellow fever was introduced to the shores of Fort Hamilton and Bay Ridge. Young Kitching's family, with others, were compelled to leave their home, but he, with his natural fearlessness, insisted on remaining with EARLY DAYS. 11 an aunt and the domestics, to look after tilings there. It was a solemn and fearful season. The sun poured down with its burning, garish shine, day after day ; not a cloud was in the sky ; there was a hush in the air ; the fi,elds were deserted ; and the stillness was seldom broken, but as the dead were carried out. Sobered by the " pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction that wasteth at noon- day," with time for serious thoughts, the Lord visited him then and there, and the Holy Spirit touched his heart. A letter to his eldest sister at this time, to whom every thought of his heart was always unveiled, shows the melancholy state of his mind, as he asks, " If I am called away, Avhat shall I do to be^ saved ? " I had been the rector of the parish for more than a year. I had watched Howard's vacillating course, saw his danger, and, admiring his noble gifts, greatly desired that they might be con- secrated to the service of the Lord. There was a voice, as we have said, in the breath of the pesti- lence ; a voice, piercing like a sharp, two-edged sword, and the stubborn soul quailed under the power of God's word ; but in the absence of plain- spoken confession, and prayer for divine suc- cor, and some decisive movement in the right direc- tion, the strange sound seemed to die away, and he returned, like a willing prisoner, to the charmed circle where softer melodies were heard. 12 "MORE THAN CONQUEROR." But his conscience was no longer to be lulled to sleep by any music of earth. He had heard the Shepherd's voice. He fought against the call with all the might of his strong nature. Long into the night, after the midnight hour, we sat up and talked. His feet were planted on that dreary legal ground, that he was not good enough to come to Christ ; and as his impatient temper constantly led him into inconsistencies, every day seemed to re- move him farther from the Lord. But still the Shepherd called, and Howard lis- tened. In a little book, a present from his mother, called " Spiritual Songs," which he carried with him throughout the war, we find marked with his peculiar mark those beautiful, familiar lines of Bonar, which exactly describe his experience at this time. He doubtless had this period in view when he marked the passage : — " I was a wandering sheep, I did not love the fold ; I did not love my Shepherd's voice, I would not be controlled. " I was a wayward child, I did not love my home ; I did not love my Father's voice, I loved afar to roam. " The Shepherd sought His sheep, The Father sought His child ; They followed me o'er vale and hill, O'er desert, waste, and wild. EARLY DAYS. 13 " They found me nigh to death, Famished, and faint, and lone ; They bound me with the bands of love, They saved the wandering one ! " They washed my filth away, They made me clean and fair ; They brought me to my home in peace. The long-sought wanderer ! " Yes, the " long-sought wanderer," after many a conflict, many a doubt, found rest in the precious assurance, " The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth from all sin." His heart was calmed by the conviction that God had found a ransom, and that He reveals that ransom to us sinners, in order that we might rest therein, on the authority of His word, and by the grace of His Spirit. He was sat- isfied, at -last, of the truth, that righteousness is not founded upon our feelings or experience, but upon the shed blood of the Lamb of God ; and hence, that our peace is not dependent upon our feehngs or experience, but upon the same precious blood, which is of changeless efficacy, and change- less value in the judgment of God. Blessed victory of faith in the blood of the Lamb ! We do not mean to say that there was never a re- treat or discomfiture in his spiritual warfare after this. He had many a reverse, but the blessed truth, that " The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin," was the rallying cry that brought him back to victory. On the 7th of June, 1857, Howard Kitching en- 14 "MORE THAN CONQUEROR.'* listed openly under the banner of Jesus. It was on one of those bright, pure days of June, when the breeze makes such laughing music among the trees, and the sunshine quivers beneath with such moving glory, and earth is like the vestibule of heaven, that he knelt at the chancel of that pic- turesque little church, and with all his family, but the two younger children, partook of his first com- munion. It was a time never to be forgotten by those who had prayed that this hour might come, an hour that has been written down by the record- ing angel in the Book of Remembrance. We never doubted for a moment, amid the lights and shad- ows of his changeful after life, that this was a sin- cere and earnest consecration of heart and life to the blessed service of his Lord and Master. The time had now come for him to choose his profession or business, and having spent many sum- mers with his family at West Point, and witnessed with great delight and peculiar interest the train- ing of our cadets there, his early love of military life returned, and gave coloring to his thoughts as the various pursuits of life were presented. But his deep love for his mother, and her decided op- position to a military or naval education for him, settled that question, and he engaged m business with his father. In the summer of 1860, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Harriet Ripley, daughter of Frank Ripley, Esq. The ceremony took place in Christ Church, Brooklyn, where he had attended Sun- day-school as a boy. EARLY DAYS. 15 In the autumn alarming symptoms of pulmonary- difficulty began to develop themselves, and his father sent him to travel through the South, hop- ing that he might be benefited by change of air. He found the country all in a ferment, and very little chance of giving to his trip anything of a business character. From Florence, S. C, he writes : — "There is no business doing. The hotels and rail- road cars are all empty, as far as Northerners are con- cerned, and in fact the whole country seems to be in the greatest state of excitement. " I hear that the laws are even more stringent in Geor- gia and Alabama, than in this State ; Northerners being invited to leave, or, as Amos would say, ' make them- selves seldom,' without regard to name, rank, occupation, or anything else. I have no doubt that these accounts are all more-~or less exaggerated, but still people from the North are all going home (I mean business men), as they cannot do anything. T do not see how all this can affect our affairs, for I carry no samples, but am simply travelling for my health ; but as I have been warned not to carry any pamphlets or cards in my trunk, you need not be surprised at my being put in ' qiiod ' for six months. I am in for it now, so if you think it advisa- ble, I will start next Monday for Montgomery, stopping at Atlanta, on the way I hardly know why I am so contented to-night, for I am as homesick as the mis- chief; but I think that it must be because I try always to begin the day right. I felt pretty badly this morn- ing, when I found how things were, but I asked Jesus to help me, and it seems as though the parts of the engine almost went together of their own accord. Everything seems to go right ; well, I must except the prog, but we are past the days of miracles, and this place is decidedly ' harder ' than the wilderness of the Red Sea ever was." 16 "MORE THAN CONQUEROR." From this place Howard went to New Orleans, and his health not improving, he hastened home, traveUing day and night. This winter, while the clouds were gathering blackness at the South, and the distant rumbling of the thunder gave token of the coming tempest that was to sweep over the land for four long years, he remained quietly at his home on the banks of the Hudson. As his health was still too deUcate to allow him to attend closely to business, when not busy with his pencil, he was scouring the country on horseback, leading that active out-door life, which was fitting him for the hard soldier life, which, hidden from view, was lying just before him. How impenetrable the thick curtain which hangs between us and the morrow ! How unconsciously we pass the turning pomts in our hves which shape our future destiny ! How the Lord leads his chil- dren by a way they know not ! THE PREPARATION. " And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not ; I will lead them in paths that they have not known : I will make darkness light before them, and crooked thino-s straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them." — Isaiah xlii. 16. CHAPTER ir. THE PKEPABATION. " Throughout the land there goes a cry: A sudden splendor fills the sky ; From every hill the banners burst, Like buds by April breezes nurst; In every hamlet, home, and mart, The fire-beat of a single heart Keeps time to strains whose pulses mix Our blood with that of seventy-six! " Bayard Taylor. The canBon which opened upon Fort Sumter awoke strange echoes, and touched forgotten chords in the American heart. American loyalty, which had slumbered so long that many thought it dead, leaped into instant life, and stood radiant and ready for the fierce encounter. No creative art has ever woven into song a story more tender in its pathos, or more stirring to the martial blood than the scenes that then transpired. From one end of the land to the other, in the crowded streets of cities, and in the solitude of the country, wherever our bright flag was flung to the breeze, there were shouts of devotion and pledges of aid, which gave glorious guarantee for the perpetuity of Ameri- can freedom. Wives dashed aside their grief, and gave up their husbands ; mothers, with smothered 20 ''MORE THAN CONQUEROR." sobs, gave up their sons ; sisters gave their brothers to the great cause. JVIillions of freemen ralKed to the rescue. War is a dreadful evil. Its horrors, we have seen, cannot be exaggerated. But war has its gains as well as its losses. If it calls out in baser natures some of the worst and most deviUsh passions of the human heart, it kindles in others elevating and ennobling sentiments of duty and self-sacrifice, which otherwise they would not at all, or would have very feebly known ; lessons are learned in this stern school which would never have been learned in any other, but which no nation can af- ford to forego. For indeed, what would a nation be, over which for century after century the great anguish and agony of war, with all its elevating emotions and purifying sorrows, had never passed ? How mean, how sordid, how selfish, would the whole spirit and temper of such a nation become, its heart unmanned, its moral nerves and sinews unstrung ! O, no, the nations cannot do without the severe discipline of this terrible thing. For nations, as little as individuals, can do without tribulation ; and what is war but tribulation, on an enormous scale, and visiting, not as at other times, this household, and then this, but visiting hundreds and thousands of households, and bringing to them distress and anguish at the same instant. Fearful remedy as it must needs be esteemed, war is a remedy against worse evils, — sloth, selfishness, love of ease, contempt of honor, worship of mate- THE PREPARATION. 21 rial things ; all wliich, but for it, would invade and occupy the heart of a people, and at length eat out that heart altogether. And as the reactive influence which war exer- cises on a nation generally, that undertakes it in a righteous cause, is exalting, ennobling, purifying, so still more marked is its influence often upon those who are directly engaged in it. Some, of course, are hardened and brutalized by their famil- iarity with suffering, by the necessity which they often lie under of themselves inflicting it ; but many also there are, like " The Happy Warrior " of the poet, "Who doomed to go in company with pain And fear and bloodshed, miserable train, Turn-4lieir necessity to glorious gain ; " and who are only made more tender and more gen- tle thereby. Howard Kitching was of this number, who, as he ripened for glory, through the discipline of suffering, grew more tender and more gentle by his ministry of love, for four years, among the wounded and the dying. When the clarion notes of preparation rang through the land after the fall of Sumter, his heart was stirred within him, and he resolved to devote himself to the service of his country. But the struggle before he took the step was long and se- vere. His lungs were weak, and though light of foot, and as bold a rider as ever, he was not strong , 22 '^MORE THAN CONQUERORS the home ties were never stronger, — the love of wife and child was woven now into their bright texture. How Avell has one of our sweetest poets pictured the struggle. " ! do not cling to me and cry, For it will break my heart ; I'm sure you'd rather have me die Than not to bear my part. " You think that some should stay at home To care for those away ; But still I'm helpless to decide If I should go or stay. " I feel — I know — I am not mean ; And though I seem to boast, I'm sure that I would give my life To those who need it most. "Perhaps the Spirit will reveal That which is fair and right ; So, Marty, let us humbly kneel And pray to Heaven for hght." And so they knelt and prayed, and the light came down upon the path which led from home to the battle-field. He went down to New York, and immediately enrolled himself with the Lincoln cavalry. After drilling with them for several weeks, they were or- dered to the seat of war, but family circumstances prevented his leaving with them. Shortly after- wards he received a captain's commission in the 2d New York Light Artillery. THE PREPARATION. 23 At this time commenced his intimacy with Alex- ander Doull, the major of the regiment, a yomig Englishman, who had served with great distinction in the Crimea. He was a true soldier, a young man of real genius, and his friendship was of great value to the new recruit. In September the regiment was sent down to Elm Park, Staten Island, where they were en- camped, and employed in drilling and recruiting. One of our autumn storms set in one night, and the tents were nearly all swept away. The next morning Howard Kitching and Major Doull came clattering up to the door of the rectory, their clothes dripping, their horses smoking and panting, and they sprang to the ground with such a merry shout, it seemed more like the return of a pleasure party, than two young men, who had been deli- cately reared, coming from a night's exposure to wet and cold, and half famished. And this Avas one of the common pictures to be met with every day, during the first years of the war. Mere boys, who had scarcely left their moth- er's side, enduring hardships like veteran soldiers. It was a S23lendid exhibition of the pluck and man- liness of our American youth. As orders were received from Washington that the regiment should get ready to start, Howard re- paired to Peekskill, to have his little boy baptized. That baptism will never be forgotten. It was sweet and solemn and sad, a consecrated hour, a blessed parting scene. He brought his boy with- 24 'iinies to " Fort Worth," in Virginia, and the let- ters that follow relate to his life while there. FoKT Worth, Va., December 3, 1861. My dearest L : I received your lovely letter, and would have answered it immediately, but that I was taken sick the day after I got it, and have been sick ever since. We received orders late Wednesday night to move our two companies which had been guarding Fort Ells- worth to Fort Worth, the next morning, Thanksgiving Day. So we were obliged to give up our comfortable quarters, and take up our line of march for an unfinished earthwork, on the outskirts of our line of fortifications ; where instead of spending our time drilling on the guns, and teaching our men something useful, we are forced to take up our axes and shovels, and go to work upon the Fort. In Ellsworth we had very nice quarters within the works, and everything convenient, and were able to crib a little time every day to ourselves. Here we are en- camped on a side hill, outside the work, the mud about eight inches deep, very little to eat, and plenty of work. If you could just look in upon us now, and see how I live, you would scarcely believe your eyes. Major DouU has not, as yet, received his tents, and he and I have to occupy the same tent, which of course is pitched right in the mud, such things as boards for flooring being quite unheard of, and it is so full of trunks, cooking utensils, our beds, etc., besides our saddles, which we have to keep there, having no stable, that it is almost impossible to move around. We almost froze the first night, and as I was sick in bed, and felt the cold very much, we foraged around and found a little cast-iron stove, which we rigged up in the tent, and except that we were smoked out like two wood- chucks nine or ten times in twenty-four hours, we were more comfortable. 32 "MORE THAN CONQUEROR:' Then our " Bill of Fare," my ! I told the boys this morning when we succeeded in getting our morning meal (a piece of government beef and a tin cup of coffee) at one o'clock, after running around in the cold and snow for three or four hours, that I thought I would give about one month's pay to have one good meal at home. You must not think that we complain, however FoKT Worth, Wednesday Evening, December 11. .... Since writing my last letter, Beauregard has advanced to Fairfax Court House with (they say) seven- ty-six thousand men. Fairfax is between eight and nine miles from here, and as the enemy's outposts are thrown out about three and a half miles ahead of his main body, we begin to feel as though our fort was a pretty impor- tant position, being the centre upon which our forces must rest in case they are attacked. We have fortu- nately gotten everything in perfect order ; our men and ourselves can work the guns (big and little) beautifully, and having plenty of ammunition and a good well just finished, we think we could stand a pretty good siege. Last night at eleven o'clock, those of us who were up, were very much excited by discovering that the brigade under General How^ard, numbering some five thousand men, were leaving their camps and taking up their line of march towards Fairfax. So suddenly and so quietly was it done, that unless we had been watching for some movement, we would never have suspected but that the thousands in the valley below us were wrapped in sleep. For the first time I saw an army, roused suddenly from sleep without any previous order, march out in perfect silence to meet the enemy. It was as beautiful a sight as my eyes ever beheld. Our position is on a very high and steep hill, having something the same effect as the view from Catskill, and as the different regiments left their camps and filed out into the plain below, their bay- onets glistening in the unusually brilliant light of the TFIE PREPARATION. 33 moon, and the murmur of their whispered orders came up to lis like the hum of a bee, I became tremendously excited, and realized for the first time the feeling which prompts men to such feats of daring on the battle-field. To give you some idea of the celerity with which a camp can be put in motion, from the moment when the first order to march was received, to the time when the order to move was given, just sixteen minutes had elapsed ; four regiments of infantry and two batteries of light ar- tillery having been got in readiness during that time. DouU was in command of the fort, and consequently could not leave, so I silently saddled " Gray Billy," and started for " better or for worse," just to see how things were managed. I joined one of the light artillery batter- ies, and accompanied them along the road till we were ordered to halt, and the captain formed his battery across the road to act as a reserve, in case the other force which pushed on ahead, were driven back. I remained till about four o'clock in the morning, learning all~I could, and posting myself regarding bat- tery manoeuvers, and then, as no enemy appeared, and I was obliged to relieve my guard at the fort at four o'clock, I returned. You can imagine that it is very galling to me to be thus tied down in a fort, instead of having my light guns and being in the field, but I do not see how it can be helped for a while, as Uncle Sam has not guns enough to equip the batteries now in the field. I have the promise, however, of Brigadier-general Barry (the chief of artillery) that my battery shall be the Jirst equipped Since recovering from my bilious attack, I have been very much better, and am in fact, becoming as tough and hardy as an Indian. Major Doull and I sleep without a fire, and I do not know what I should do now, if put suddenly into a house, with warm fires and soft beds. Tell J that I have attempted many times to write to him, and to thank him for the magnificent glass which 3 34 ''MORE THAN CONQUEROR." he sent me. The glass is extra fine, and is most useful to me Fort Worth, Sunday, December 21, 1861. .... My darling H : As I now write, another poor fellow from the Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania is be- ing brought to his last resting-place, on the httle knoll behind my tent. You will remember that I wrote you about the little grave-yard where they laid the poor fellow who was shot some two weeks ago, and where several of our pickets are lying, who have been shot at various times. We turned out our companies last week, and put a little rustic fence around it, and the place looks really pretty, only so lonely, and reminds one so strongly of the realities of war, lying, as it does, directly under the guns of our fort ; their black muzzles seeming to point directly upon the new-made graves. AVhen I began to write, the band was playing (with muffled drums) Pleyel's Hymn, the comrades of the deceased singing a hymn (I caimot quite catch the words), and now they have just fired three volleys over him, and " left him alone in his glory." I took about two hundred and fifty of the men down to the camp of the Fourth Rhode Island regiment this morning, to attend service, as we have no chaplain ; and although it was very cold standing in the cold wind, still I enjoyed the service very much. The chaplain is an Episcopalian, and it was so natural to hear our beautiful service again, for I have not been able to attend church before since I left home. We closed with " Old Hundred," men and officers join- ing in ; and I sang so loud that I am sure Jeff. Davis heard me at Centreville, fifteen miles off; and thought that Henry Ward Beecher was upon him with all his hordes We find him, in the following extracts, looking back, with a yearning heart, to the home joys of ^HE PREPARATION. 35 Christmas tide — the time of pleasant gatherings, and sweet and hallowed memories. Saddened though he is, with what bright words of fun he writes, so like himself. Fort "Wokth, December 26, 1861. .... My first Christmas away from home was a sad one, I assure you ; for we have been accustomed for so many years to have a family gathering at home, and have always looked forward to it with such pleasant anticipations that it seemed as much like St. Patrick's Day (which every one knows is the most dismal of all days), as like Christmas. I had arranged to give a dinner to my company, of roast beef and plum-pudding, and considering all things it went off very well ; the only trouble being that old " Gore," my company cook, put all the whiskey I gave him for sauce down his throat, and the men complained that the sauce was too " flat." We (that is Company B's officers), had a very nice dinner of tm'key in my tent. Thursday Evening. .... I have just now received and opened the mag- nificent box of things which all the dear ones have sent me, and O my precious H -^ I cannot say enough about them. The dear little diary, just what I had been thinking I must have, and the lovely cap which I have on my head this minute, and which fits like a ^^ plasther ! " and all the good things too, enough to make the whole battalion sick for a month ! . . . . One o'clock^ Midnight. Darling Mamma : — .... Your beautiful picture took me all by surprise, for I had begun to think it impossible to get a good likeness of you, and then to have you suddenly appear to me from the depths of a soap-box, the effect was magical ! . . . . G 's dear 36 "MORE THAN CONQUEROR.'' little picture, too, is so pretty and cunning, all the boys are begging for it. Such good pictures seem to bring you all around me ; and with yours, H 's, little Howy's and G 's before me, I can almost imagine myself at home January 7, 1862. .... I commenced writing to you Sunday night, telling you what a nice time I had had reading to my men all the evening, but I was so tired and sleepy that I was unable to finish, and gave it up ; having only suc- ceeded in spoiling a sheet of government paper. My men, as you know, are nearly all Roman Catholics, but when I give it out that I am going to read to them, the whole company, and many from other companies, collect in one of the largest tents ; and last Sunday even- ing they were sitting as thick as they could squat around me, while I read " The Railroad Man " to them. I wish that more of them were Protestants, for then I could talk to them in a much more satisfiictory way ; whereas now, I can only read to them such books as will interest them, without frightening them into the idea that I am trying to proselyte them. The consequence of this would be that they would confess to their priest, who comes once a month and confesses them in B's tent, and he would prejudice their minds so much that all good effect of my reading would be lost; so all I can do is to read to them and leave the matter in God's hands. One of my men, a splendid fellow, named Beck, was through the Crimean War, and knew Hedley Vicars. He was quite near at the time Vicars was killed. He speaks in the highest terms of him ; says that he was always reading to the men, giving them books, talking to them, and that his men of the 97th loved him dearly. This man Beck is one of the men who left his own company on the day we left Elm Park, and asked per- mission of Colonel P to join my comj3any, and a better soldier I never saw. THE PREPARATION. 37 Tell pcapa and mamma that if they have any books which they think would interest the men, to send them along, as I have entirely exhausted my stock. If papa could send me two or three of Jacob Abbot's histories — Alexander the Great, or any of them which he might select, I would read to them every night. Tell mamma that the bed, sheets, and spreads which she gave me are being used for the first time to-night. One of our captains has been taken suddenly ill with what I fear will prove typhoid fever, and as he cannot be moved to the hospital, Doull and I are taking care of him. I made his bed very comfortable with my linen, and put hot bottles to his feet, and Doull is sitting up with him the first part of the night ; I to take the last part, which, by the way, I shall not be in a fit condition to do unless I get to bed Find out, darling, who sent each of the things con- tained in the Christmas box, so that I may thank them. Kiss the little chap for me. Does he smoke a pipe yet ? We have found in his camp clicst the following letter from a dear Christian friend, Avritten at this time, which we insert, because it refers to a letter in which he relates some of his efforts as a soldier of the cross. My DEA.R Howard : — I had the pleasure a few even- ings since of hearing parts of your last letter to H read, and was deeply interested in all the details of your camp life. You will hardly credit it, that the moi^t trifling circumstances of your daily doings are eagerly sought and dwelt on by us. W and I think of you every day, and pray for you through many an hour. I felt a glow of pride on hearing of Dr. Lee's inter- view with you, and though a man is never a prophet in his own country, it was not difficult for me to think that the Doctor spoke advisedly when he wrote "Captain 38 ''MORE THAN CONQUEROR." Kitching is one of the very best officers in the whole army." l' never doubted that you had it in you, and only wanted grace and opportunity to bring it out. But what made my heart throb with very gladness, was the simple statement you gave of your reading with the poor soldiers, for I know that in thus working for the Master, you will find a cheer and a joy in the work itself ; and if you live through this conflict, when this war shall have become an event of history, and in after years you call to remembrance its strange hurried scenes, you may be sure that the hours thus spent will be the greenest, and freshest, and most fragrant spots in mem- ory. And in that blessed land where " they learn war no more," you may meet those who found their way to Jesus' feet, by listening to your voice on the banks of the Potomac. I am glad that you met with that old soldier who knew Hedley Vicars, and bore testimony to his unwearied efforts to bring the poor soldiers into the way of life. You may depend upon it, Miss Marsh's account of him was true to the letter, and that Major 's deprecatory reflections upon him, if they were not the suggestions of his own heart, were derived from those who, like himself, could see no beauty in that beautiful character — a young man fearless and loyal to his Saviour, while he was loyal to his Queen. It is a glorious mission, and the Lord has sent you to do just the work you are doing. I know what Christian courage it requires always, in such company, to show your colors ; but Christ's grace is sufficient, and if you are unfaltering, even those who cannot understand you will admire, and at last may imitate. The angels do not look down upon a thing on earth more noble, than a young, and loyal, consistent Christian soldier THE PREPARATION. 39 Fort Blenker, January 19, 1862. .... On Friday morning, while we were all hard at: work in Fort Worth, Major Doull received orders to march, immediately to this post with two companies. In less than two hours' time, we had torn down our nice winter quarters, which we had built with so much trouble ; left our nice log cook-houses and stables, and were on the march ; I, in command of the troops, Doull having gone ahead to arrange for our relieving the troops at Blen- ker. Such a march as we had of it ! Our way led throughi rough, unbroken woods, where the thick, black mud is- actually in some places two and a half feet deep. My men, laden as they were with knapsacks, haversacks,, and muskets, besides various articles which they had made at Fort Worth, and were loth to part with, could, scarcely get along ; sinking at every step knee deep in the mire, but still laughing and joking each other, and now and then roaring out a song which Lieutenant How- ard or I would start. I was mounted on Billy, with a pack before and behind, so high that I looked like a Jew peddler ; and after once getting into the saddle, could not get out again till I was " boosted " out by a file of men. I never saw such a magnificent lot of fellows as mine.. I thought that they would be very much dispirited at being obliged to leave their comfortable quarters during this miserable weather, and go forth, they knew not whither. But on the contrary, they received my orders to strike their tents, with cheers ; and during the march,, and on Friday night, although they were obliged to sleep, in an old barn, without any sides (only a roof), men. and horses all in together, I did not see one cloudy face-;, all w^ere cheerful and happy, seemingly content to go^ wherever I ordered, and they were needed Thursday night, I was enjoying the beautiful moon quite as much as you could have done, though by no 40 ''MORE THAN CONQUEROR." means sleigh-riding, for it was quite warm. I had got an old cornet from one of the boys, and was playing " Star Spangled Banner," and other patriotic songs for the officers to sing, and we were all out in the moon- light in front of our tents, making everything ring till twelve o'clock Fort Ble:nker, Februartj 2, 1862. .... I am working very hard at my books, as I find that military men expect me to make up with brains for absence of whiskers. I was called into court on Satur- day, as a witness, and I heard afterward that the univer- sal opinion of the members of the court was, that I am an extraordinarily young looking man for a captain, but that I appeared much older after I began to speak. I am afraid my youthful appearance will always work against me in my military career, but as I cannot very well helji it, I won't worry over it Fort Blenker, February 18, 1862. Dear Theodore : — I should have replied to your kind letters long since, but that my mind has been so completely upset by our trouble here, beside being so occupied with our examination, that even when I could find an hour, it has seemed impossible for me to write a iletter that I would ask anybody to read. We have now .passed the examination, and are waiting anxiously for >the result of the report which was sent in to General McClellan by the Board. Major Doull and myself have been assured, that there is a bright day dawning for our regiment, after the gloomy experience which it has had ever since w^e en- tered Virginia. Just as soon as we obtain the report of the Board upon our examinations, I will send it to you, as I know that anything which concerns my welfare so nearly as the opinion of a board of regular army officers, as to \ THE PREPARATION. 41 my capabilities to fill my i^osition will interest you and L .... The examining Boards appointed by McClellan, have been the means of sending home a large number of in- efficient officers. Doull is already making a name for himself, proving himself quite equal to any of our West Point graduates in his military qualifications, and his proficiency in math- ematics and civil engineering. So you see I could not have a better instructor. We are very quiet here at Fort Blenker, having only two companies, with seven officers, and being almost en- tirely isolated from any other regiment. One day is painfully like another, the weather being so bad that it is quite impossible to have much out-door work. We are getting very weary of the monotony of this kind of life, and long for a change. The greater portion of the troops on this side of the Potomac -will be moved forward, just as soon as the roads become passable for artillery. Whether our regi- ment will be among the fortunate number, we cannot tell, but Major Doull has a proposal now before the Brigadier-general, to send us forward with siege guns and mortars, as it is very evident that the advance upon Manassas will be made after a very diffisrent plan from last summer. The rebel works will be regularly in- vested and taken by siege, five or six days' hard fighting being necessary for that purpose. I find that the smattering of mechanics which I pos- sess is of great assistance to me in the management of guns, and as I have been studying fortifications very diligently, I am anxious to have an opportunity of putting some of my theories into practice. There is great rejoicing here over the news of the victories in the West, and the general opinion apj^ears to be that the rebellion is " on its last legs." God grant that it may be so ! 42 ''MORE THAN CONQUEROR.'' I am sorry to tell you that I meet with great discour- agements in my feeble efforts to bring the poor men in my own and other companies to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. Almost all the men in this detachment are Roman Catholics. My first lieutenant is of the same faith, and assisted by a priest who, like all his brethren, is most unremitting in his zeal. They all have the idea (quite right by the way) that I am tryino- to convert them ; and although B does not of course mterfere with me, still I cannot help feeling his influ- ence. I do what little I can, hoping and praying that some of the poor deluded ones may be brought out of darkness. Major DouU and I have inaugurated a temperance movement in the regiment, and I am glad to see that its effects are becoming manifest not alone amongst the men, but amongst the officers, many of whom have been mak- ing brutes of themselves ever since they began to feel that they were outside the influence of home and the restraints of society. All the officers of this detachment and nearly two thirds of my men, have signed off; and the consequence is a very great improvement in the moral tone of the company. My Sundays here, instead of being the happy days of home, are very sorrowful ones to me. One hundred men being crowded into one very small house, the Major and I are not only forced to occupy the same little room, but It always being the quarters of the commandino- officer, every little detail connected with the fort is brought there, and on Sunday particularly it is utterly impossible for me to enjoy even a half hour to myself. Most of our army officers consider Sunday a day to visit each other, and as they think, enjoy themselves; and as • D IS not of my mind in religious matters, and has a great deal of company on Sunday in addition to the calls made upon me, it seems as though I never could be \ THE PREPARATION. 43 alone. O how I long for those quiet lovely Sundays I spent with you and L . You perhaps cannot realize, occupied as you are in the Master's work, how difficult it is to have the same clear insight into heavenly things, and to keep a conscience void of offense here in camp, where I hear nothing but worldly conversation, and where one rarely hears the name of Jesus, except in some scoffer's mouth. I know that the true Christian can be just as near his Saviour when in camp, surrounded by irreligious and profane men, as when sliielded by the gentle loving in- fluences of home. Still there is a sad feehng of loneli- ness consequent upon a position such as mine, which I cannot at all times get rid of. I have seen more open wickedness and unblushing sin, since my connection with the army, than I ever dreamed of before. We have no regimental chaplain, and the weather has been so terrible that none of the regiments about here have had regular service ; consequently the few of my men who will go to the Protestant Church have been denied the privilege. Those little books which were sent out from home have been read and read, over and over again ; and just as soon as the affairs of the regiment are definitely set- tled, I am going to beg for some more Fort Blexker, Thursday Evening, March 13, 1862. Dear Papa, .... I am trying hard to find some- body to buy my gray horse ; for although he is so beau- tiful, and I have succeeded in making such a fine saddle horse of him, still I see that he will never do any work where I am obliged to jump on him and gallop for a mile or two through bushes, and stumps, over fences, and ditches, and then perhaps leave him standing tied to a tree without a blanket, and this in all weathers. He still couo-hs a good deal and appears quite weak at times. And yet I am in hopes of meeting somebody who will fancy him enough to pay a big price for him. My old 44 ''MORE THAN CONQUEROR." friend Hidden of the Lincoln Cavalry had offered to buy him, but he, poor fellow, was killed last Sunday about ten miles from here while leading: a charo^e at the head of his men. He died as a soldier should, in the perform- ance of his duty, and the entire division are sounding his praises. He was out scouting with General Kearny, and they came upon what appeared to be a picket guard of the enemy. Hidden had only thirteen men, but he charged down a hill upon them, and found them to be about one hundred and fifty strong, and rifle-men. He however completely routed them, killing and wounding a great many and taking fourteen prisoners ; but he lost his life, being shot through the neck and killed instantly. He was a noble fellow, and brave as a lion. I wish I knew that he was a Christian. You will remember him ; he dined with you and me at Delmonico's one day. I was out beyond Fairfax yesterday, sixteen miles from Alexandria, and from what 1 can learn, 1 think that our chiefs are not a little puzzled at finding that the rebels have evacuated Manassas. I think that the strength of the army will return to Washington and be sent down the river, but of course nothing definite is known. Wherever they go we earnestly hope that we shall be ordered to accompany them. Our regiment is rapidly getting into a splendid condition under Major Doull, and now that we have muskets we are ready for anything. The fame of Ericsson and his monitor is in every- body's mouth, and I think that now he will be looked upon in his true character. Was he on board during the fight ? The " Times " says " yes." .... In a brief note, written to his wife late at night at the close of a weary day, he says : — Love our gracious Saviour, darling. Try to be with THE PREPARATION. 45 Him more every day ; and you will find that He is in- deed "Our Elder Brother," and the Friend above all others. In a letter a few weeks later lie writes : — I had a lovely letter from . He is I think, the most heavenly minded man I ever saw. How I wish that he could talk to the poor fellows who are lying in our hospitals about here, many of them dying without mention of Jesus' name being once made to them, — that name so full of comfort and hope to the dying Christian. i THE CONFLICT. " Rise ! for the day is passing, And you lie dreaming on ; The others have buckled their armor And forth to the fight are gone : A place in the ranks awaits you, Each man has some part to play ; The Past and Future are looking In the face of the stern To-day." CHAPTER III. THE CONFLICT. " The next day they took him, and had him into the armory, where they shewed him all manner of furniture, which the Lord had pro- vided for pilgrims, as sword, shield, helmet, breast-plate, all-prayer, and shoes that would not wear out. And there was here enough of this to harness out as many men for the service of the Lord, as there be stars in the heaven for multitude," Buxyan. The dreamer's picture must have been in tke mind of the young soldier, when he drew with skillful pencil, the sketch which forms the frontis- piece of his pocket diary for this year, — Christian going forth to the conflict, clad in the Avhole armor of God. Behind liim the pleasant fields and quiet valleys — before, the rough and dusty highway, strewn with emblems of death. But with firm hand he is grasping the shield, on which the white cross glistens, and his eye is gazing steadfastly on the motto over him : — " Nominis stat umbra." For we have abundant evidence that whether in garrison or in the field, his strong tower was the name of Jesus ; and that though i7i the world,, amid its most distracting, most disheartening, scenes, he was not of the world. We know of no harder warfare for the young Christian than camp 50 ''MORE THAN CONQUEROR." life affords. O, how many young men who were moving humbly in the path of Christian usefulness amid the quiet of home life, have entered the army and lost their way, — passed over from the thorny outpost under the canopy of heaven, to the glare and the lights and the festive din of the enemy's camp, and forgotten the conflict. AVhile others, like Colonel K itching, have gro^vn stronger from the stern conflict. " Blameless and harmless, shining as lights in the world ; " O, we can never be this, unless we have hold of Christ. No power short of this can keep us steadfast in our Christian testimony, firm in our Christian hope, warm in our Christian love, where there is nothing without to encourage us. Colonel Kitching was now to leave the barrack for the battle-field. His ardent spirit was chafing for more active service, and when it was announced that the army was about to advance towards Richmond, and there was a prospect of his being left behind to do garrison duty, he could keep quiet no longer, and volunteered to go with the army of the Potomac. In a letter of General fUpton's,^ referring to this period, and of his meet- ing with Colonel Kitching, he says, " Anxious to participate in the first campaign of the army of the Potomac, he came to my battery, and sought per- mission to join it. So anxious was he in fact, that he not only waived his rank to serve under me, but he went still further, and took command of a sec- tion as the junior second lieutenant of the battery. 1 Then a captain in the regular army. THE CONFLICT. 51 Foregoing every consideration due to his rank, and ignoring the pleasures and comforts of garri- son life, he sought service in the field against the enemies of his country ; an act, not only indicative of his ardent patriotism, but one which will for- ever reflect credit and honor upon his character as an officer and soldier." The following letter was written by Howard soon after joining General Upton : — Camp Arnold, Manassas, Sunday Evening, AjMl 6, 1862. .... I have not had one minute since reporting my- self for duty to the battery. Two days after I joined, I was appointed adjutant of the artillery brigade of Franklin's division, which in addition to my daily duties as chief of section in my own battery, keeps me on the run most ol^the time. I suppose that I ought to con- sider the appointment a compliment, but as I had quite enough to do before, I must say that I would have been quite contented without it. Now to tell you what we have been doing the past three days and how we got where we are now ; as I wrote you 'from our old camp (" Upton "), in a hurried note, we received orders Thursday night, at about eleven o'clock, to move on to Manassas Friday morning. So at nine o'clock we left our old camp, and pushed on to Centreville (twenty-one miles) before dark. We had a very hot, dusty march of it, I can tell you ; the lumber- ing artillery carriages raising the dust to such an extent that one could scarcely see twenty feet of the road, and the sun poured down upon us really like summer. We reached Centreville, as I have said, just before dark ; and after seeing after our horses and guns, we pitched a tent, and fixed ourselves as comfortably as we could ; the only difficulty being to keep warm, as it comn^enced raining just after midnight, and drenched everything through and 52 "MORE THAN CONQUEROR." through — for while troops are on the march, the most we can do is to provide a shelter against the dampness of the night, and a hard beating rain seems to penetrate everything in the shape of canvas. "When I awoke yesterday morning, all my clothes had that miserable damp feeling that chills one so, and when I poked my head out of the tent it was raining great guns. We ate a piece of beefsteak and some crackers, and started at seven o'clock, and until we reached Bull Run, it rained and rained till I thought it would never stop ; and such dismal work it is marching with an artillery train on such a day. Every little while we would get into some deep hole where the heavy guns would stick fast, and we would have to put on extra horses to pull them out. When we reached Manassas station the rain ceased, and things began to look brighter, and before we had our camp arranged, it had cleared off quite pleasantly. We are located in a lovely spot here, about two miles beyond the old battle-field, with almost the whole of Franklin's division within sight of us. I suppose we are on our way to Richmond, and that we shall move on in the morning, but cannot tell positively. Much dis- satisfaction is expressed at our having been withdrawn from. McClellan's command and placed under that of McDowell, but as good soldiers we must go ahead, and do as we are ordered without grumbling A true illustration of the spirit that animated the young men of our army. Educated, and ac- customed to think for themselves on all subjects, tliey freely discussed every movement, but when the order was given to march, they were ready to go forward, anywhere, without a murmur. It was their intelligence, and in many cases, Christian THE CONFLICT. 53 faith, that made them the noblest and best soldiers that ever fought for their country. The order of President Lincoln, dictating a movement of the Army of the Potomac against Manassas, was at this time rescinded, and in com- pliance with the earnest solicitations of General McClellan, a change of base to the lower Chesa- peake was commenced. This wonderful movement was aptly called by a European critic, " the stride of a giant." As a distinguished writer says, " To take up an army of over one hundred thousand men, transport it and all its immense material by water, and plant it down on a new theatre of oper- ations near two hundred miles distant, is an en- terprise, the details of which must be studied, ere its colossal magnitude can be adequately appre- hended. It was an undertaking eminently charac- teristic of the American genius, and of a people distins^uished above all others for the ease with which it executes great material enterprises — a people rich in resources, and in the faculty of cre- ating resources." The following letters refer to this time : — On board Transport " Willing,'"" off Yorktown, ) Satu7'day Evening^ April 19, 1862. ) My own sweet Wife : — I intended writing you a nice long letter before leaving Alexandria ; but we re- ceived orders to embark much sooner than we expected, and our men having been paid off just as we left, the officers were obliged to do all the work, so that I did not get one moment in which to write. Papa, I suppose, told you of our being ordered to 54 "MORE THAN COXQUEROR." return to Alexandria in order to come down the river, so it will not surprise you much to know that we are here. We have received so many conflicting orders lately, that I think I should not be much astonished at our receiving orders to embark immediately for the moon. We have just come in here expecting that we were to disembark in rear of McClellan's lines, and then advance by land, but we have within ten minutes received orders from General Franklin not to land, as we were going farther up the river, and Captain Purdy, Franklin's adjutant-general, made the remark to Captain Arnold, that " we should land under tire," so I su^jpose we may have a warm time of it. These things however, ai-e very uncertain, and we don't really know where we ai-e go- ing "l trust that our blessed Master in his mercy will spare me to return to you very soon, and I know that whatever happens, He will take care of us as He has in days gone by. And I want my darling one to trust Him implicitly ; and when days seem darkest, and she may be tempted to think Jesus has forsaken her, go and tell Him every- thing just as she would me if I were there, and then leave all her cares with Him ; and she will find Him the same kind, loving Saviour that He has always been. I must confess H 'darling, that this is a trying hour for me ; but I go to Jesus and He seems to be very, very near me sometimes, and then I think that all will be well if I only trust in Him As I am writing I can hear the booming of the heavy guns at Yorktown, where " little Mac " is banging away at the rebels. The report is that there has been severe work there to-day, but we hear nothing official. Little Doull is in the trenches working away with his heavy guus. He will make a name for himself if he does not lose his life God bless you all, and in his infinite mercy unite us THE CONFLICT. 55 again here ou earth, and reunite, us in his, and our heavenly home. Jesus, Master, be with all my precious ones, and with their own Howard. To his wife : — Camp Ellis, neak Yorktowx, Friday Evenhuj, April 25, 18G2. .... I have been nursing Lieutenant Williston of our battery, who has been very sick for a week past with typhoid fever. This, in addition to my other duties, has kept me so occupied that I have had no time to write. .... We have been busy all the week getting our horses and guns ashore, and have just finished to-day. We are now awaiting the arrival of the new iron gun- boat Galena, to embark again for Gloucester Point. I inclose in my letter to papa a rough map, cut from the '' Herald," which will give you some idea of our position. General McClellan is in front of Yorktown with nearly one hundred thousand men, and our division, with General McCall's, numbering in all about twenty thousand, are to cross the York River, and after effect- ing a landing, attack Gloucester Point, a place which is strongly fortified and held by the rebels, and where we shall probably be obliged to fight pretty hard to obtain a foothold. .... My darling must pray, as I feel sure she does, that our loving Father will spare my life through the dangers of the battle-field, and also that He will ena- ble her to be resigned to his will in everything, know- ing that " He doeth all things well." .... Give my best love to L . Tell her that I would love dearly to have one of our old talks together and that through the mercy of Jesus, I can appreciate her feelings better now than in those old times God bless you, my precious one ! I would so love to kiss you good-night as of old, and kneel down side by side as we did that sorrowful Sunday night, and pray to the same lovmg Jesus. We can do this, my darling. 56 "MORE THAN CONQUEROR." although separated. • Don't forget to go to Jesus, at twi- light, every day, and I will be there with you, even if in the saddle, marching in the dust, or on the battle-field. I feel, darling, that there is a bright, happy future in store for you and me ; perhaps here on earth ; certainly in our Father's house, where we shall be together " with the Lord." Camp Ellis, near Yorktown, Friday Evening, April 25, 1862. My dear Papa : — .... Were it not for H • and the little one, T should go into battle without a shade of fear, and with all the ardor of my age and natural disposition. But when I begin to think of what poor H will do if I am killed, I assure you, it tries my faith as well as my manhood, to the utmost. But I do not wish you to think that I am desponding or discouraged. As I said before, were it not for others, who are comparatively helpless, and dependent upon me, I should have no anxiety, no fear for the future. If I am spared to return, I shall be home by the mid- dle of May ; and then if we could keep house, some- where near the " old home," I think I should be con- tented with everything and everybody. I suppose that you are very much in the dark in New York, as to the proposed plan of operations here, so 1 will tell you all I know. McClellan is, as you know, in front of Yorktown, with something less than one hundred thousand men. He is mounting several very heavy batteries, but is not yet ready to open fire. Our division (Franklin's), together with General Mc- Cair§, are to be sent across York River, and landed somewhere below Gloucester Point, with the intention of taking possession of it. It is very strongly fortified, and held by the rebels, and once taken, Yorktown is lost ; consequently, it is THE CONFLICT. 57 supposed that they will make a desperate resistance. All the generals here express the opinion that this is to be the battle ground of the war. I inclose a map which I cut from the " Herald," on which I have marked our present position ; please give it to II as it will give her a very definite idea of where I am, and where I am going. As I may not have an opjDortunity of writing again before we move, you must not be surprised, if you should not hear from me till you see us mentioned as having been in a fight. I almost forgot to say that the new iron gunboat Galena is to accompany us up the river. Is this one of Ericsson's ? . . . . Camp Ellis, near Yorktown, Sunday, April 27, 1862. Darling Mamma : — I have wished to write to you every day^since we started on our first campaign to Ma- nassas, but I am so differently situated here from what I was, as captain of my own company, that it is very difficult to manage to scribble even a few lines to H now and then We were only allowed to bring two tents to ac- commodate eight officers, and the result is, that it is quite impossible to be quiet or alone for ten minutes, un- less I go outside, and leave camp altogether. You know how difficult it is to write, when surrounded by three or four noisy persons, who are continually talking to you, and to all ap23earance, doing everything in their power to disturb and interrupt you. I really think that the experiences of the past six months have entirely obliterated all traces of a desire for military glory in the bosom of your humble servant. I commenced a letter to you last night, but the very first page was so gloomy and miserable, in addition to the fact of the rain having leaked through the tent, upon the paper, making it look as though I had been dropping very large tears upon it, that I tore it up 58 ''MORE THAN CONQUEROR." My discomfort is increased by the fact that I have little or no sympathy from any one in the company. The men are all strangers to me, and would remain so under the present dispensation, were I with the company for years — it being considered subversive of good discipline, and very irregular, for a commissioned officer to come in direct contact with the men in any way. And I find my lieutenants to be, with one exception, so very jealous of my being higher in rank than they, that I am obliged to be extremely cautious how I infringe upon even a cus- tom of the company, much more an order. I do not tell you all this in a complaining mood, but simply because I have ahyays run straight to mamma with all my stories, and I know that you are always anx- ious to know just how I am situated, wherever I am. Nor must you think that I have any difficulty with any one here. Not at all. , The trouble is simply this, that while in command of my own company, I felt all the time as though I was doing somebody some good ; I knew each individual soldier, his troubles and sorrows. And you know how much interest I felt in everything which concerned my company. Here, things are widely different. I am forced to act as though the men were mere machines, without either souls or feelings. I say forced, because I have already been shown plainly that my position as a volunteer, will not admit of my running against the prejudices of these regular officers. I was ordered down the river this morning, to issue some orders to the engineers who are constructing the rafts which are to transport our guns and horses across York River, and I saw them for the first time. They are formed of many canal boats, nearly twenty feet apart, tied together by strong timbers, upon which platforms are built, and uj)on these the horses and guns are to stand, the horses already harnessed and ready to be i^ushed overboard, and taken on shore in the shortest possible time. THE CONFLICT. 59 I wi'ote papa, I believe, all about our proposed move- ments, so I suppose you all understand the plan of oper- ations just about as well as we do here. The idea here is that the propose