Yet long after this I found one first sergeant absolutely in tears,--a Florida man, most of whose kindred were up the St.John's.

It was very natural that the men from that region should feel thus bitterly, but it shows how much of the habit of soldiers they have all acquired, that the South Carolina men, who were leaving the neighborhood of their families for an indefinite time, were just as eager to go, and not one deserted, though they knew it for a week beforehand.

No doubt my precarious health makes it now easier for me personally to remain here--easier on reflection at least--than for the others.

At the same time Florida is fascinating, and offers not only adventure, but the command of a brigade.

Certainly at the last moment there was not a sacrifice I would not have made rather than wrench myself and others away from the expedition.