Archive for 18. July 2008

COL. ELLSWORTH’S LAST SPEECH.–

“Boys, no doubt you felt surprised on hearing my orders to be in readiness at a moment’s notice, but I will explain all as far as I am allowed. Yesterday forenoon I understood that a movement was to be made against Alexandria. Of course, I was on the qui vive. I went to see Gen. Mansfield, the commander at Washington, and told him that I should consider it as a personal affront if he would not allow us to have the right of the line, which is our due, as the first volunteer regiment sworn in for the war. All that I can tell you is to prepare yourselves for a nice little sail, and, at the end of it, a skirmish. Go to your tents, lie down, and take your rest till two o’clock, when the boat will arrive, and we go forward to victory or death. When we reach the place of destination, act as men; do nothing to shame the regiment: show the enemy that you are men, as well as soldiers, and that you will treat them with kindness until they force you to use violence. I want to kill them with kindness. Go to your tents, and do as I tell you.

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