Fred was a good fellow, and barring his treason, which he had derived from his father, was highly esteemed by those who knew him.

The only stain that had ever rested upon his character was removed, and he and Tom were as good friends as ever they had been.
His motive in joining the army, however, could not be applauded.

He thought all his friends were going off to the South upon a kind of frolic, spiced with a little of peril and hardship to make it the more exciting, and he did not like the idea of being left behind.

To the sentiment of patriotism, as developed in the soul of Tom Somers and many of his companions, he was an entire stranger.

He was going to the war to participate in the adventures of the -- th regiment, rather than to fight for the flag which had been insulted and dishonored by treason.
Every day the steamers brought crowds of visitors to the fort to see their friends in the regiments quartered there, or to witness the drills and parades which were constantly succeeding each other.