And now the momentous day, a day to be forever remembered in the annals of the country, arrived. Early in the morning on the 1st of July the conflict began.

Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.

God bless the Union; - it is dearer to us for the blood of brave men which has been shed in its defence.

Let a nation's fervent thanks make some amends for the toils and sufferings of those who survive.

General Reynolds immediately found himself engaged with a force which greatly outnumbered his own, and had scarcely made his dispositions for the action when he fell, mortally wounded, at the head of his advance.

I feel, as never before, how justly, from the dawn of history to the present time, men have paid the homage of their gratitude and admiration to the memory of those who nobly sacrifice their lives, that their fellow-men may live in safety and in honor.