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James King Stringfield to his brother William Stringfield, May 14, 1861, page 2

  • wcu_highlights-537.jp2
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  • dreaded than death. The times which try men’s souls, when patriotism and valor prove themselves will soon be here. If we have courage there will be an ample opportunity of exhibiting it in the display defense of liberty and right. So if we are cowards of dastardly soul it may show itself. This was what is forced upon us is going to be no child’s play, and not merely a solution but a terrible convulsion in which all classes, in all probability, preachers and others, without distinction of rank, will have to play a conspicuous part. I do not believe that modern history, or indeed the history of civilized nations in any age of the world, affords an instance of a more vile crusade than that which will shortly be made upon the South. The North may act the honorable part for a while, for even a year after active hostilities have commenced; but by the end of that time in all probability the wildest of nationalism will prevail, and our enemies will be as unscrupulous as to the means employed as to the ends at which they aim. The very best young men in all this country are enlisting in the army, and sometimes men of families and influence. Our old friend and schoolmate, W. H. Price has joined a company of mounted rifle –
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