Here I regret to say I am afraid in our later days there is not the same spirit of patriotism as I saw it in the year of 1861. To me of all the flags that ever floated in any country of the universe none appeals as the American flag does. When I see its graceful folds unfurled to the breeze, catching the gleams of the morning's first beam, my heart leaps with pride and patriotic fire. To my mind I never possessed voice enough to sing the praises of the finest flag that ever floated under the canopy of heaven. Any one less patriotic in spirit than this is not worthy to call America his country or home. In vision I can now see these splendid men march to their death. Regiment after regiment passed daily and was encouraged and cheered by the enthusiastic women and children who watched the soldiers until out of sight. Then after they had embarked, the women returned to their firesides and wondered who would return. Tears came unbidden, yet we were strong in the belief and hope that our loved ones would not be sacrificed. After a hard struggle of four years some homes were made happy and others felt the blow. Many returned wounded. To them we gave all care. The hospitals were visited and relief given. There were services for the sick and burial for the dead. Our voices as well as the work were not spared as long as we could give aid to the living and the dead. This experience of my life has prompted me to extend any service I can for the men who fought so bravely when the crisis came, and as long as I have voice and can help in any capacity in aid of the American soldier who fought in 1861 I shall give the best I have. [Illustration: Susan Kingsbury Olive M. Covell Hattie Everett Clara Bickner Mrs. Alvin Fisher Louisa Adams Mary Bullard Mrs. Olive Daniell Mrs. Draper Louisa Taft Helen Bates Mary Boyd Mrs. Margaret Blake-Alverson Hattie Guild May Guild Mrs. Williams Henrietta Adams WOMEN SINGERS, DEDHAM, MASS., 1861 Congregational Church Choir] Before I leave my Eastern subject I wish to recall some of the celebrated singers and organists whom I had an opportunity to hear, at their best, and with many of whom I passed happy hours musically and in pleasant companionship. Most of the singers of my time were American singers, even in the Italian opera: 1859. Mrs. Jennie Kempton, _contralto_ Mrs. Washburn, _soprano_ Isabelle Hinkley, _soprano_ Abbie Plummer, _contralto_ Miss Louisa Adams, _coloratura soprano_ Mrs. Margaret Blake, _mezzo-contralto_ B.F. Gilbert, _tenor_ C.E. Pickett, _tenor_ I.P. Draper, _bass_ Mr. Wadleigh, _bass_ Mr. Emerson, _tenor_ Henry Clay Barnabee, _tenor_ 1860. Prof. B.J. Lang, _pianist_ Howard M. Dow, _organist_ Adolph Baumbach, _pianist_ Carl Zerrahn, _conductor_ Mlle. Carlotta Patti Madam Colson Adelaide Phillips Anna Louisa Carey Carl Formes, _basso profundo_ 1861. PROGRAMMES. Martha Lucia Di Lammermoor Un Ballo in Maschera La Juive Il Giuramento The Messiah Moses in Egitto David