I had perpetrated no wrong, but in my small way had done my best for the Union and against secession.

I would go back to my books and my literary ambitions and let the storm blow over.

It could not last very long; the odds against the South were too great.

Vain hope! As well expect a chip on the surface of the ocean to lie quiet as a lad of twenty-one in those days to keep out of one or the other camp.

On reaching home I found myself alone.