YOUTH 9 



Amherst, Sept. 30, 1861. 



My dear James, — I want to ask your advice on a sub- 

 ject I have been thinking on very strongly the past weeks, 

 viz: the advisability of my going to the war. The ques- 

 tion has come home so strongly to me that I feel as if I must 

 decide it one way or another immediately. It 's no use at- 

 tempting to study while in such a state of indecision. Be- 

 lieve me, this is no sudden question that has come up in 

 my mind. It has scarcely been out of my thoughts since 

 returning here this term. Within the past few weeks we have 

 bade God speed to a dozen or more college-mates, who have 

 gone to assume honorable positions in our regiments now 

 forming, and I suppose during the present week some six or 

 seven more will leave. It 's the very life-blood of the Col- 

 lege we are sending; some of our best and noblest men. 

 The other morning a letter was read to the College from 

 Governor Andrew, strongly advising us not to enlist as 

 privates, but if we could get commissions, to go, stating 

 that the great want of our armies is officers of intelligence 

 to take the lead and direct. Now, James, the question 

 that arises is this. Here I have been drilling, and have 

 drilled men, for the past three months, and ought I to stay 

 here, when perhaps I can be of service to my country? I 

 am not thoroughly posted, and don't pretend to be, but 

 I feel confident that I know more than one-half the officers 

 that are being accepted. Why, in Colonel Lee's regiment 

 now encamped at Springfield, except the Colonel, Lieuten- 

 ant-Colonel and Major, there is not a single officer besides 

 our College boys that knows anything about modern 

 tactics, and it is our fellows that are drilling the men. As 

 Governor Andrew says, there are not officers enough found 



