CHAPTER XXXVI.
Here we were mustered out of the service and paid off on the 30th day of June, 1865, this we learn from our old discharge, and we also read on that piece of imitation parchment (no objection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist), but may the good God, who has guided us through this struggle, who inspired our leaders, and finally gave us this victory, grant that there may never be any more need of our services as soldiers, unless it may be to defend the land which gave us birth, from some foreign invader. Comrades of companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and K, fare you well, and may God bless you. We have together trod the weary road which, with so many other boys like ourselves, has led us back at last to home and peace. The way at times was dark and dreary, the clouds hung low and black. We missed ever and anon from our sides the forms of those we loved, and with whom we had held daily converse, but they are gone, and the stately pines of the southern part of our land sing a refrain over their graves. Some of their resting places we are ignorant of; they died amid the fury and the smoke of battle, but thank God their souls still live, and he who lays down his life for his friend is only imitating the example set by the Great Master. If I have written anything in these recollections of our army life that is in the least hurtful to any one's feelings, if I have in any way at all harmed you, forgive me, for such has not been my intention, and knowing me as many of you do, I trust you will believe what I tell you about this part of it. And now with a heartfelt desire that when your camp-fires burn low, as God grant they never may, and your three days rations run out long before the time, as they used sometimes to do while we were on the march together, come over to my fire and thrust your hands into my haversack, and if by chance it should prove to be empty, I will order out my detail, for I have got them now, comrades, and forage for you till your wants are all supplied. Good-by and may God bless you.
Non nobis! Domine non nobis! sed nomine tuo da Gloriam.