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civil war & desolation. Few know in the east and north how much the Union loving men of this country have suffered in the defense of their homes and the old flag. If it be my fate to fall in this war for right I shall never wish a more glorious death bed than can be found on a victorious battle field and when I fall if fall I do and my spirit wings its flight may I meet my father as I know he would not call me son if I should prove recreant to my country in her hour of need and trouble. Mothers have given up their sons equally as dear to them, as we are to you, and very many have stifled in their hearts the despairing cry when reading the news and the absent ones