July 20, 1862

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Page 188[a]:
July 1862

I learn that the people of Maine
are beginning to wake up to the importance
of the crisis. Sometimes it has seemed
to us as though they were much
interested in the success of our troops
as though it made no difference to
them whether our small but courageous
band all perished in the trenches before
Richmond, or victoriously won the city. Orators
trumpet-tongued and eloquent ascend the
rostrum and boastfully assure the people
that their resources are more than adequate
to the small task of suppressing this cruel
rebellion, that their foe is weak in number
in resources and in courage, and that ere
many months have elapsed the rebellion
will be forever crushed. The people go away
puffed up with pride and conceit.
Full of confidence they resume their
customary avocations, gracefully receiving

Page 189[a]:
1862 July
the apologetic explanations of their incompetent
leaders whenever the army unfortunately
meets with a reverse. Nothing but an
overwhelming defeat it seems to me can
ever wake up our people fully to the
importance of the present crisis.
_________,,_________
Oh my deluded country men! Would
that you could realize the degree of
sacrifice that is being endured daily
by your implacable, wicked though
energetic foe. See with what fierce des-
peration and wild enthusiasm they
all bend themselves to the task of
driving you back. Would that you
might copy them in these respects.
When will all this end? When
will activity give place to vigor—and
a spiritless indecisive course to one
of energy and decision?

_________,,_________