We go to-day, sure; that is,
if reports are true. The Government bounty was paid to-day, and the oath of
allegiance taken by the regimental officers, as well as the men. Every day the
net is drawn a little tighter. No use in kicking now. We are bound by a bond
none of us can break, and I am glad to be able to say, for one, that I don't
want to break it. But it seems as if things dragged awfully slow. I suppose it
is because I know so little about the many details that are necessary for the
full organization of a regiment.
Night. Here yet. I wish we
might go. We are all ready and the sooner we go the more patriotism will be
left in us. Too much of it is oozing out through the eyes. People keep coming
to have a last word, a last good-bye and usually a last cry over it. I am
heartily glad my folks have sense enough to keep away, for it is all I can
stand to see the others. No doubt for many it is a last good-bye. In the nature
of things we cannot all expect to come back, but God is good, and he keeps that
part hidden from us, leaving each one to think he will be the lucky one. To
make matters worse, the change of water, food, and mode of living is having its
effects on many, myself among the number, and I feel pretty slim to-night. I
will spread my blanket on my soft pine board, and, if my aching bones will let
me, will try what a good sleep will do, for we are of all men know not what
to-morrow may have in store for us.
SOURCE: Lawrence Van
Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p.
14-5
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