they
were termed, in the same way and under the same character of agreements
as made with Blackman and others. Quartel's and Stringfinder's bands
were the most destructive to life and property, murdering Union men as
they moved, and making the country a desolate waste through which they
passed. The smoke rising from houses, barns, etc., could be seen in
every direction. It could well have been termed 'a pillar of cloud by
day and a pillar of fire by night.'

"At the same time the rebel cruisers were a terror on the high seas. The
Alabama, the Florida, and the Shenandoah were a dreaded scourge among
our merchantmen. Our commerce was being driven from the seas and passing
under the flags of other countries.

"'All these things were very discouraging to the loyal people of our
country, and at the same time greatly encouraged the rebels and their
allies and friends in the North. The demagogues of the anti-war party
traversed the whole country, haranguing the people, preaching peace and
crying high taxes, and insisting that the war had so far been a total
failure, and that it would not be any better in the future. In fact,
they were carrying out to the letter that which had been suggested by
Valamburg and his friends at St. Catharines, in Canada, at the meeting
about which I have heretofore spoken. Many of our best men had to return
home from the army for a brief period and canvass as stump orators
before the people, in order to quiet their apprehensions and fears as to
the chances of our ultimate success."

"Yes," said Capt. Inglesby, "I well remember the very great anxiety then
amongst our people. I returned home about the time mentioned, and the
question was constantly asked me if I thought we could ever suppress the
rebellion. All our successes during the Summer and Fall before seemed
to have had only a temporary effect upon our people. In fact, they were
easily discouraged during the whole period through which the war was
continued."

"Yes, Col. Bush, that is easily accounted for. We left behind us an
element nearly or quite a majority; certainly so in many parts of our
country North, which was constantly decrying the war and the means which
were being used against the rebellion. Their constant talk in the same
direction could not help having a great influence, especially on the
minds of weak men, aud in many instances on those whose nearest and
dearest relatives were in the army taking the chances of their lives;