The morning of the battle-call, to every soldier dear,—
O joy! the cry is "Forward!" O joy! the foe is near!
For all the crafty men of peace have failed to purge the land;
Hurrah! the ranks of battle close; God takes his cause in hand!"
1 ([return])
"If, through the madness of Northern abolitionists, that dire calamity (disruption of the Union) must come, the fighting will not be along Mason and Dixon's line merely. It will be within our own borders, in our own streets, between the two classes of citizens to whom I have referred. Those who defy law, and scout constitutional obligation, will, if we ever reach the arbitrament of arms, find occupation enough at home."—Letter to Jefferson Davis, dated January 6, 1860.
2 ([return])
The word "must" is italicized in the original letter. See Official Records of the Rebellion, Vol. I., p. 76.
3 ([return])
See Official Records of the Rebellion, I., p. 77.