MY OLD COMRADES:

In writing out this record I have gone back to the morning time of my own life, and lived once more in that other day that not only tried, but proved men's souls. Insignificant as my work may appear as a literary production, it carries with it the most sacred memories of the past. In writing, I have lived over again the days when the boom of cannon, the rattle of musketry and the old rebel yell were familiar sounds to our ears. If a shade of mournfulness hovers over the failure of the cause for which these brave men fought and many fell, it is not a mournfulness born of regret. When we who wore the gray put away forever the musket and sword—and let me say, my comrades, swords and muskets that had been bravely borne—we did so in sorrow but not in malice or hate. And today, I am sure, where one of the old regiment lingers yet a little while this side of the dark river, he accepts in good faith the terms of his parole, and is a peaceful and faithful citizen of the United States; not only faithful, but as loyal to the stars and stripes as we were once to that other flag which we followed for four long years, and which was woven from an honest belief of a people's need.

Now, to my old comrades, whether in flesh or spirit, to whom this little compilation has carried me back with such tremendous force, and to keep alive whose fair fame I have written, I can only say as my last words—God bless you!

A. J. Vaughan.