I wish to record,
what I have omitted, an acknowledgment to many of the people of Baltimore
during our stay here, for such kindness as I never expected to meet with
amongst strangers. On the morning of our arrival, at the depot, in this city, I
was detained some time in looking after the sick who were brought forward, and in
getting them into conveyances to the depot where we were to re-embark. The
regiment marched forward and left me, so that I must pass through the city
alone. I armed myself well, expecting to be insulted at every corner, and,
perhaps, to meet with personal violence. My dress showed me to be a member of
the regiment which had just passed. Scarcely a rod did I walk without being
accosted with kind greetings and "Godspeeds;" scarcely a corner did I
pass without being stopped by gentlemen, inviting me to their houses to partake
of their hospitality, in the shape of a cup of coffee, a breakfast, a little
rest. Ladies, as I passed, would come to the door, or send out their servants
to know if they could do anything for the comfort of myself or regiment.
Since I have been
left here with the sick of the regiment, their kindness and attention have, if
possible, been even more marked. The house which I use for both hospital and
headquarters, is constantly crowded by ladies, gentlemen, children, pressing in
to see what they can do for the relief of the sufferers. The tables groan under
the delicacies brought in, and citizens beg for permission to take my sick and
care for them at their houses. Nor is this done from the novelty of seeing a
regiment pass through. There are always from ten to twenty thousand volunteer
troops here, and from one to twenty new regiments pass through daily.
I confess to myself
that this is a discouraging feature in the war. This is a Southern city, and
this is a type of Southern character. They become interested, and their whole
heart is wrapped up in the subject. It is a representation of the character of
the people against whom we fight, and on this earnestness for what they believe
to be right, is based much of their opinion that the Southerner will prove
himself so far superior to the Northern man in battle. I fear there is more
truth in it than we of the North are willing to admit. Whatever may be the
result of the struggle now going on, to the people of Baltimore I shall ever
remember that I am under deep obligations for their kindness to me personally,
as well as to the sufferers under my care, and for their interest in the cause
which I believe to be not only right, but sacred. I leave Baltimore with much
regret, and beg its kind citizens to remember that at least one soldier, a
recipient of their kindness, will ever treasure in his heart a grateful
remembrance of them.
SOURCE: Alfred L.
Castleman, The Army of the Potomac.
Behind the Scenes. A Diary of Unwritten History; From the Organization of the
Army, by General George B. McClellan, to the close of the Campaign in Virginia
about the First Day January, 1863, p. 13-5
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