On the 17th we
arrive at Alexandria and go into camp two miles from the city, and from or camp
we can behold the Union's capital this evening. The flag looks beautiful as we
see it waving in the wind from the old Capitol dome. It looks beautiful because
beneath it treason has fallen, and it tells us that the old Union still lives,
showing to the world the possibilities and capabilities of institutions based
on the voice of men echoing the voice of God.
SOURCE: abstracted
from Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois
Volunteer Infantry, p. 309
