But the question of immediate moment to Halpert McCormack, a question that pressed ever more and more persistently into his heart and conscience, was, whether he, with opinions and beliefs so radically at variance with those of the governing class of his country, had a moral right to belong to, much less to be an officer in, the National Guard. And the more he pondered upon this question, the more imperative it seemed to him to be that he should put an end to a situation so anomalous, a situation which in certain contingencies that might at any moment arise, would become awkward, acute and impossible. His military connection was the only link that still held him to the world of conservatism; he might as well snap it and be entirely free.
So, without consultation with any one, for he had no friend with whom he felt that it would be profitable for him to consult, he prepared for the final step.
He entered the office of Captain Murray on an afternoon preceding the weekly drill, and asked for a private interview. His request was granted. The captain looked worried and apprehensive.
“I have been expecting you to come,” he said. “If you hadn’t done so I should have sent for you. But I’ll hear your errand first. What is it?”
“It is nothing of great importance,” replied Hal. “I simply want to show you this paper which I have decided to send to-day to Colonel Wagstaff.”
Captain Murray took the paper, unfolded it slowly, and read it aloud:
“To the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania:
(Through Intermediate Headquarters)
“Now holding the office of First Lieutenant in Company E, of the ——th Infantry, Third Brigade, of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, in consequence of holding certain economic views and opinions inconsistent with such position, I hereby tender my resignation of said office, and request an honorable discharge therefrom.
“I am not under arrest, nor returned to court martial, nor the subject of any charges for any deficiency or delinquency, and I am ready to deliver over or account for all monies, books or other property of the State in my possession, and for which I am accountable, to the officer authorized by law to receive the same, and my accounts for money or public property are correct, and I am not indebted to the State.
“Halpert McCormack,
First Lieutenant.”