April 20th 1861

     It was hot; hot and dry, I remember, the day that the telegram came. I knew the small intricate handwriting on the front to be that of General Scott, commander-and-chief of the Union armies. I opened it and barely read the summons. I knew what he wanted. I knew what I didn’t want to do. I knew what I couldn’t do. But that did not help me decide what I should do. Deciding to take one step at a time, I made up my mind to go in respect to the General and do my duty.