but twenty-one years old when I began this kind of singing. Church
music I sang from my infancy, consequently my voice was fully
developed in the broad church style and I had no difficulty to acquire
this, although it was more difficult music than I had ever attempted,
but with patience and weekly rehearsals and daily practice it became
familiar and a part of my life. While the rebellion was raging we laid
aside oratorio work and studied patriotic music suitable to the
concerts that we were called upon to give to raise funds for the
soldiers. All social life was put aside and we devoted our time to
help our fathers, brothers and sons who were called away to fight for
the union of states. There were no laggards in these stirring times;
young and old alike were imbued with the patriotism that possessed our
forefathers of 1776.

Here I regret to say I am afraid in our later days there is not the
same spirit of patriotism as I saw it in the year of 1861. To me of
all the flags that ever floated in any country of the universe none
appeals as the American flag does. When I see its graceful folds
unfurled to the breeze, catching the gleams of the morning's first
beam, my heart leaps with pride and patriotic fire. To my mind I never
possessed voice enough to sing the praises of the finest flag that
ever floated under the canopy of heaven. Any one less patriotic in
spirit than this is not worthy to call America his country or home. In
vision I can now see these splendid men march to their death. Regiment
after regiment passed daily and was encouraged and cheered by the
enthusiastic women and children who watched the soldiers until out of
sight. Then after they had embarked, the women returned to their
firesides and wondered who would return. Tears came unbidden, yet we
were strong in the belief and hope that our loved ones would not be
sacrificed. After a hard struggle of four years some homes were made
happy and others felt the blow. Many returned wounded. To them we gave
all care. The hospitals were visited and relief given. There were
services for the sick and burial for the dead. Our voices as well as
the work were not spared as long as we could give aid to the living
and the dead. This experience of my life has prompted me to extend any
service I can for the men who fought so bravely when the crisis came,
and as long as I have voice and can help in any capacity in aid of the
American soldier who fought in 1861 I shall give