m I was clothed and in my right
mind--I was no longer afraid. For was not God my father, Jesus my elder
brother, and Heaven my home?

I could hardly wait until Saturday night, I desired so much to tell my
dear parents of my new-found joy. But the week soon passed away, Saturday
night came, and I was home again.

I think my dear mother perceived the change almost as soon as she saw me.
I would here say that my father had for some time neglected family
worship, and was not enjoying much of spiritual life; but when I told them
of my new-found joy, father fell upon his knees praying fervently for
pardon for his neglect of duty, renewedly consecrating himself to the
Lord. Truly there was great rejoicing in that little cottage that night.
The family altar was again established, and we rejoiced greatly in the
love of God.

The time passed very quickly until the autumn of 1858, when I went to
Manchester to work for my brother in a hosiery mill, and boarded in his
family.

I soon connected myself with the M. E. Church in this place, and found
many warm friends. Among others, I became acquainted with Miss M. F.
Stewart, of New Hampton, N. H., and in due time married her. We had been
married about one year when the war broke out.

My parents always taught us to reverence the stars and stripes; I loved my
country's banner, and when rebel hands were raised to hurl it to the
ground, I felt as if I must go and bear a part in the great struggle. My
ancestors had fought bravely to establish the glorious liberty I had so
long enjoyed. It was hard, very hard, for me to leave those whom I loved
so dearly, but still harder to sit with folded hands here at home, while
others were dying for the aid I could render. Frequently, when about my
work, would my eye fall upon my hands (I have often thought it strange),
and they seemed to reproach me every time I looked at them. At last I
could bear it no longer; I felt sure it was my duty to go, and go I must.

I enlisted under H. D. Davis, at Manchester, N. H., July 12, 1862, in the
Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers. I went directly to Northfield, to
visit my parents and friends before going into camp. It is almost useless
for me to speak of the parting scene. I took leave of all my friends
except my wife and sister, with her husband. My aged parents were bowed
down with sorrow and grief. They had buried their oldest son and two
daughters; there were only three of us left--and now to los