The old man was plain and outspoken in his views, and when the subject of secession was being agitated in that part of Tennessee where he lived, he boldly declared his determination to adhere to the Union. The neighbors, unwilling to give the old man up, appointed a secession meeting on a certain evening, and procured one of their ablest speakers to discuss the question at issue, and invited him over. The time appointed came, and with it the speaker. The house was crowded with anxious listeners, but the old man was not among them. Before proceeding with the exercises, a delegation was appointed to wait upon the old man and get him out to the meeting. He at first refused to attend, but at last yielded to their importunities and went over. A chair was brought in and a seat given him close by the speaker's stand, and the speaker commenced. The old man listened very attentively to the entire harangue, and his friends felt sure that the arguments were having the desired effect. When the speaker had finished and sat down, one of the delegates arose and asked the old man if he had learned any thing new. "Yes, I think I have," he replied. "Well, what is it?" "I have learned that you are a d--d sight bigger fools than I had thought you were. Your arguments amount to nothing. As for me, I was _born_ a Union man, I have _lived_ a Union man, and I mean to _die_ a Union man!" It was then hinted that he might get hung if he continued to give utterance to such language. He replied: "Gentlemen, you may hang and be d--d! I want you to understand that I am a _Union man_. _Every thing about me is Union._ You may hang me on a gallows higher than Haman, and then cut me down and make mince-meat of my body and feed it to the dogs, and the _dogs will be good Union dogs_!" Having thus pointedly expressed himself, he left the house and returned home, leaving his neighbors in an angry mood over his obstinacy. Half an hour later a son-in-law informed him that the meeting had determined that he should either renounce his sentiments or be hung. A rapid flight to the swamp saved his life. Thus you see that treason has neither respect for the silver hairs of old age nor the strongest ties of blood. It is oftentimes affecting to witness the heroic manner in which soldiers endure their sufferings, whether from sickness or wounds.