"There is too much sympathy for the rebels in their unholy and devilish work."

"February 26.  The snow has fallen to the depth of a foot.

"We hear of those at home who are already beginning to shake in their boots for fear of the draft which is soon to take place. Such people have doubtless become horrified upon the subject of war, for it has lasted longer than most of the people thought for. I fear that there has not been earnestness enough in the people of the North in prosecuting the war. They have not viewed the matter in its true light, and realized the gigantic proportions of this Rebellion. They have shown too much mercy to those wretches who are grappling so earnestly at the throat of the nation. The advantages have been with the South, in having a knowledge of the country, and by acting on the defensive; and it is generally conceded by good tacticians, that the invading army should be three times as strong as the invaded.

"But this does not show our weakness in so striking a degree as when we consider the sympathy manifested in the North for secession. There is too much sympathy for the rebels in their unholy and devilish work. This has been a great drawback to us in accomplishing what we should. The President would doubtless have issued his emancipation scheme before, had it not been for this opposition. It was evident to him, as well as to al far-seeing statesmen, that slavery was the cause and main story of the rebellion, and by the opposition of those who would not recognize any policy which touched the "Sacred Institution," he was deterred from issuing that proclamation which embodies the noble principles ever conceived by man, and thereby striking at once at the foundation of this most uncalled for strife." ~ J. C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp, 81 (1864)

"Feb. 26. Rain, which makes the snow quite soft. The 15th have had a snow ball- the right wing against the left. As fast as they got hit they had to fall out, which they done very well, until the wounded got to fighting among themselves, and then it was nip and tuck. The left took Col. Proctor prisoner, and they hang on to him so tight that he had to use some of his authority. Liet. Col. Grout came out on his horse and had quite a time taking him prisoner and moving him up to his quarters, which they made out to do." ~ Diary of Oliver A. Browne, Co. K, 15th Regiment.