Ere the war was half over the most of the ablebodied men were required to join the army. Many of them promptly responded, while others not willing to risk the dangers to which soldiers were exposed refused to go and concealed themselves. RECUSANT CONSCRIPTS AND DESERTERS.--In some sections of the country there were recusant conscripts and deserters consisting of two classes. There were some substantial citizens at home that were doing well, quietly attending to their own home affairs, without paying much attention to the politics of the country. These citizens were uncompromising union men, opposed to the war, quietly concealed themselves and failed to report for duty when called upon. They were not outlaws in the full acceptation of the term, were supported by homefolks and friendly sympathizers, and did not interfere with the personal rights or property of anyone. There were others though who were vindictive and terrorized the people by pillaging, stealing, robbing, doing private injury and sometimes threatening the lives of people at home. In places infested by such gangs a fearful state of affairs existed. These recusant conscripts and deserters were hunted by details of soldiers already in the service, assisted by militia officers at home. Some of the militia officers rendered themselves very unpopular by offensive methods used to capture men who were dodging, consequently a very bitter feeling was engendered between neighbors and sometimes between members of the same family. The power of the civil government and military was used to induce all to join the army, and the most of the men subject to military duty had to go, although some went under protest. LOSS OF LOVED ONES.--As the war advanced there was mourning in many homes, on account of the loss of loved ones. Within a radius of a very few miles of my home many stalwart young men were brought home dead, having sickened and died in camp, on the march, in the hospital, or having been slain in battle. Many a poor boy the idol of a good mother gave up his life on the gory battlefield, deprived of the tender care and affectionate ministrations of a mother, sister or wife to comfort him in his dying hour. Some were left with their bones to bleach on the gory field of battle, others were never accounted for and if buried at all were buried by strangers that did not know them and perhaps did not want to know them. ROLL CALL OF THE DEAD.--The following principally young men are the names of some of my relations, playmates, schoolmates, acquaintances or soldier comrades that lost their lives during the war: NAMES.