Franklin County: Alex Cressler to Henry Bitner, May 17, 1861
May 17th, 1861
Chambersburg
My good old Friend:--
I have been somewhat dis
appointed in not seeing you up
here to
see the men playing soldier, and now since
Gov. Curtin is expected here tomorrow, (Saturday)
I
will feel sure that you are coming, and look
for you, my but they do look pretty, Just
come and see. Three Regiments were in yesterday
afternoon and make a long line of
people, who
with their glittering bayonets under the rays of the
shining sun,
accompanied by their Bands, or marshal
music, and the heavy and steady tramp of three
thousand men, make all who stand and
look
on, feel, that they are not soldiers, all this can
but give a very faint idea
of the appearance of one hun
dred and fifty thousand human
beings marched into the field
of battle by the warming and thrilling sound of
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almost countless drums and Oh! what, or who can
describe the feeling
of that immense congregation
of human souls when the sound of the booming
cannon
first disturbs the quiet of that breast and
paints death and destruction all around. We
may
try to form some idea of the scene presented by
a battlefield, both while in
the actual contest
and after, but can never, in my opinion, realize
the horrors of
such a sight until we ourselves behold
it, and such; humanity forbids us from wishing.
May it never be seen in our land, but may the
Flag continue to wave over the land of the free and
the home of
the brave.
Aunt Lydia and Uncle Kyner spoke of
coming to see the
soldiers and as you no doubt will not object to
having an errand
there, you can tell them that
saturday will no doubt be a suitable day as
we expect
all the soldiers in town while Curtin
is here. I have been expecting to read your letter
before this time, but suppose
you are preparing to
keep me reading one day when it comes, which I will
gladly do.
Mine to all inquiring friends.
Yours &c
Little Ellic
Excuse this side as I thought I had it full.
You can guess what is
not written, now
Good-bye.
