April 10, 1863: to free the country from the grasp of its hellish foes

"April 10. The "grand Army of the Potomac" still inactive. How much longer shall the nation be kept in suspense, awaiting the movements of our armies? Must there yet be months of inactivity, before the immense force now in the field shall be ready to deal destruction to those engaged in this sacrilegious outrage upon this hitherto prosperous government, and free the country from the grasp of its hellish foes, who are plotting the destruction of our liberties? 

"I hope that peace, with its many blessings, will soon be proclaimed throughout our land. It cannot be that our beloved country is doomed to a dissolution by parties warring against her." ~ J. C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp, 105-06 (1864).

"Friday 10th. Feeling a little better this A.M. Living on rather a plain diet, yet, as Dr. says it is best. Boys are getting the shanty fixed up pretty well. Got letters to-night & money. All the letters were written, having just recd Baxter's letter, which he wrote for me, advising them of my sickness, & they are all scared almost to death, & here I am, getting pretty well! About ½ hour after receiving my letters, who should come to the tent but Edward. It seems he came on to New York last Monday, & transacted his business & then as they had had no news that I was better, he thought it best to come on. ~ Diary of Horace Barlow, 101, Co. C, 12th Regiment