from the Worcester Palladium, July 15, 1863, (Volume XXX # 28), 
For the Palladium

SUBURBAN LETTERS

Worcester, July 13, 1863

During the past week the war has been forcibly presented to our citizens in several very different aspects. In the midst of the most glorious victories, for which men have watched and prayed for long weary months, we are interrupted by the most painful realizations of the sacrifices at which Liberty is bought. A brave hero falls, and by his side, noble officers and men whose deaths bring desolation to so many homes; the last military and civic honors are paid to his memory, and he is followed to the peaceful cemetery by a long procession in which there is nothing that speaks so to the loyal heart as did that little pale and wasted remnant of past members of the heroic, we cannot add “ unfortunate” Fifteenth, bearing the tattered and smoke grimed colors consecrated by so many hard fought battle fields; and these, in turn, followed by wounded soldiers from Gettysburg, and those other battles in which, foremost among the first, was this regiment, so severely tried, and never found wanting.

These deaths, and those in other regiments, have saddened our community so that we lost sight, for a time, of the brighter day that was dawning, and of the high and holy duty that is ours, to go on to the end bravely, and as those who are fighting god’s battles for Freedom. In the midst of this comes the draft. Naturally, the citizen of a free country shrinks from the idea of conscription, confined as we have always believed it , to people under monarchical government. Viewing all things, the people are submitting with a commendable spirit of cheerfulness and bravery, for it does require bravery to join the army of conscripts, and it is well that they should be placed on a par with volunteers.

The draft falls heavily on some, and there is a rare opportunity for the exercise of generosity and self sacrifice. Admirable is the spirit which says, “some must go. There is nom good reason why I should not. I can point out a dozen who cannot leave so well as I.” Still more admirable the noble response, “My country calls me How can I refuse?” let the conscription be honorably and fairly conducted, and we cannot think there will be any resistance to its action. We are just beginning to reap the benefit of two years hard and faithful service of our brave army. A helping hand is wanted now, just as the work is more than half accomplished. Who will refuse to lend it?....................

.Stella

 

 

15th Massachusetts VI