For some the life of a soldier has its attractions. The sound of martial music, the gay uniform, the novelty of camp life, and the desire for fame—all contribute to allure many into the military service. None of these inducements had any weight with Charles Smedley. No one had a greater hatred of war; but like many others, he felt that this war was prosecuted on the part of the North for National existence, and as such differed from wars of aggression. Hence he thought it was his duty, as it was the duty of every man, to assist in putting down the rebellion. Maintaining these views, and from motives of the highest patriotism, Chas. Smedley joined the army "for three years or the war."
In a letter written to the author of this sketch, soon after he enlisted, dated "Front Royal, 6th mo. 16th, 1862," he says: "After traveling through the different parts of the country and witnessing the state of things caused by this rebellion, I, by degrees, made up my mind that the larger the force that we could put in the field, the sooner would this rebellion be crushed, and it was the duty of every person, who could, to volunteer. Having no business to require my attention, that I liked, and believing that if ever I lent my aid in suppressing this rebellion, now was the time, hence my present situation."
In a letter dated "6th mo. 19th, 1862," addressed to one of his relatives, in answer to the question, "how he liked soldiering?" he replied: "If I were at home, perhaps I would find more pleasure; but to take everything into consideration, it is every man's duty to try and put down this rebellion. I did not expect to like a soldier's life when I left home, but can honestly say that I like it better than I expected to."
From a letter written to his parents, dated "7th mo. 4th, 1862," we take the following beautiful and patriotic sentiments: "I am sorry to hear that you cannot help being uneasy about me. This regiment, as yet, has not been in any dangerous positions, and may not during the war. As far as myself is concerned, I have no fears and feel it my duty to go wherever the regiment is ordered. The question often comes into my mind, "have I done right?" To this my conscience answers that I have, and must continue to do my duty. The longer I remain the more firmly I am impressed that I am doing nothing but my simple duty and all will come out right in the end. And being thus impressed I move along with a light heart and nothing to fear. To be frank, I put my trust in the Almighty ruler above, and believe whatever my fate shall be, will be in accordance with His will. I know that my course is very inconsistent with our discipline,[1] but I believe that at present I owe a higher duty to my country. I hope that it may be restored to us, more peaceful and prosperous than ever; and if it is my fortune to get back safely home, I can congratulate myself upon having done my duty."
From Philadelphia, after enlisting, Charles Smedley was sent to Washington, and from thence to Front Royal, a small town west of the Blue Ridge, where the 90th Regiment was then encamped. He joined it just previous to the advance of our forces sent to intercept "Stonewall" Jackson, in his progress down the Shenandoah Valley. He continued with the regiment, and was with it up to the time of the second battle of Bull Run. For more than a week previous to this engagement, he had made application to be sent to the hospital, being weak and exhausted from disease. On the morning of the battle,[2] he declared he would not send in his application to be sent to the rear, because the impression might exist that he was trying to evade his duty in time of danger. By almost superhuman exertion he managed to go into the fight, but in the retreat of our forces, becoming fatigued and prostrated, he was compelled to remain in the rear, and the consequence was he fell into the hands of the enemy.
In a few days he was paroled and forwarded to our lines, and then sent by the Federal authorities to Annapolis, Maryland. He arrived home on the 29th of October, 1862, and remained until the 18th of February, 1863, when he was regularly exchanged.
Joining the regiment a second time, he continued with it over thirteen months. While in the service he participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run, Rappahannock Station, Chancellorsville, Thoroughfare Gap, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness. In all these battles young Smedley performed his duty nobly. In the first day's fight at Gettysburg he narrowly escaped with his life—a ball grazing him on the neck and another on the hip. In the second and third day's fights the 90th Regiment was engaged on the memorable Cemetery ridge. After the defeat of the rebel hordes on the heights of Gettysburg, our army followed the remainder of the enemy's forces to the banks of the Rapidan. While encamped on this stream, the subject of our sketch received the sad news of affliction among "the loved ones at home." His mother, brother and sister being dangerously ill—the two former dying soon afterwards.
From a letter written to his sister on the reception of the sad intelligence, we copy the following: "It is a great trial to me to have to be separated from you when I think of the present state of things. Perhaps all is for the best, and we should not complain. We are but poor creatures and must submit to the Almighty Ruler who holds our fate in the "hollow of his hand." In the language of the christian, "why should we not put our trust in Him, and pray for Him to bring us out of all our trials and afflictions?" Perhaps we have not been thankful enough for all the blessings we enjoy. Give my love to all my old friends. I often think of the many pleasant times we have had at home. I hope I may again have the pleasure of meeting you all there, and not say, as Byron, of home,
'Fare thee well, and if forever,