Drunkenness, half-heartedness, and senseless routine, have done much to cripple the patriotic efforts of our people. The patriotism of the man who at this day doubts the policy of their open reproof can well be questioned. West Point has, in too many instances, nursed imbecility and treason; but in our honest contempt for the small men of whom, in common with other institutions, she has had her share,--we must not ignore those bright pages of our history adorned with the skill and heroism of her nobler sons. McClellanism did not follow its chief from Warrenton; or Burnside's earnestness, Hooker's dash, and Meade's soldierly stand at Gettysburg, backed as they were by the heroic fighting of the Army of the Potomac, would have had, as they deserved, more decisive results. The Young Men of the Land would the writer address in the following pages--"because they are strong," and in their strength is the nation's hope. In certain prospect of victory over the greatest enemy we have yet had as a nation--the present infamous rebellion--we can well await patiently the correction of minor evils. "Meanwhile we'll sacrifice to liberty, Remember, O my friends! the laws, the rights, The generous plan of power delivered down From age to age by your renowned forefathers, (So dearly bought, the price of so much blood;) Oh, let it never perish in your hands! But piously transmit it to your children. Do thou, great liberty! inspire our souls, And make our lives in thy possession happy. Or our deaths glorious in thy just defence." February, 1864. TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE The Advent of our General of Division--Camp near Frederick City, Maryland--The Old Revolutionary Barracks at Frederick--An Irish Corporal's Recollections of the First Regiment of Volunteers from Pennsylvania--Punishment in the Old First, 9 CHAPTER II. The Treason at Harper's Ferry--Rebel Occupation of Frederick--Patriotism of the Ladies of Frederick--A Rebel Guard nonplussed by a Lady--The Approach to Antietam--Our Brigadier cuts Red-Tape--THE BLUNDER OF THE DAY AFTER ANTIETAM--The Little Irish Corporal's idea of Strategy, 15 CHAPTER III. The March to the River--Our Citizen Soldiery--Popularity of Commanders, how Lost and how Won--The Rebel Dead--How the Rebels repay Courtesy, 27 CHAPTER IV. A Regimental Baker--Hot Pies--Position of the Baker in line of Battle--Troubles of the Baker--A Western Virginia Captain on a Whiskey Scent--The Baker's Story--How to obtain Political Influence--Dancing Attendance at Washington--What Simon says--Confiscation of Whiskey, 33 CHAPTER V.