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SERGEANT BATES' MARCH 
 
 CARRYING THE 
 
 'tf^. 
 
 'm^ mli Slrlp^g # 
 
 FROM 
 
 ViCKSBURG TO WASHINGTON I 
 
 TRUTHFUL NARRATIVE OF THE INCIDENTS WHICH TRANSPIRED 
 
 DURING HIS JOURNEY ON FOOT, WITHOUT A CENT, THROUGH 
 
 THE LATE REBELLIOUS STATES, AND SHOWING HOW 
 
 THE GOOD OLD FLAG WAS RECEIVED AS THE 
 
 HARBINGER OF PEACE AND NEW HOPE 
 
 TO THE DISTRESSED PEOPLE OF 
 
 THE SOUTH. 
 
 By gilbert H. BATES. 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 
 Published by B. W. HITCHCOCK, No. 98 Spring St. 
 
 Cincinnati, O, : 164 Vine St. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Many friends, since my return to Wisconsin, have impor- 
 tuned me to write out and publish the notes of the march, which 
 were taken down daily. The evidence of my consent is this 
 pamphlet. But the incidents therein contained are not a 
 thousandth part of those which occurred during the march. 
 A recital of everything that happened during those three 
 months — the receptions, the con\ersations, the acts of kindness 
 shown me — ^would fill a much larger book, and would neces- 
 sarily present a certain sameness and repetition. The people 
 were everj^vhere equally cordial — in iNIississippi and Virginia, 
 as well as in Alabama and South Carolina. I have endeavored 
 to present a few incidents only, which illustrate and represent 
 thousands of others ; and if any one shall criticise this work 
 because it is too short, he certainly will not say, in that case, 
 that I have wearied him. 
 
 Albion, near Egerton, "June 20, 1S68. 
 
 Entered, according to act of Congress A.D. 1868, 
 
 By B. W. HITCHCOCK, 
 
 In the Clerk's office of the U.S. district court for the Southern district of New York. 
 
 i. 
 
 V , . 
 ^ ' 
 
1 
 
 r 
 
 ORIGIN OF THE ENTERPRISE. 
 
 A RESIDENT of the State of Wisconsin, a soldier in the 
 Federal Army during the war to suppress the Rebellion, a 
 Northern man in every sentiment, I have never sympathized 
 with those of my fellow townsmen and neighbors who declare 
 the Southern people to be devoid of honor and worth, but 
 have always beheved that at the close of the war the South 
 gave up their cause, and honestly resolved, in future, to be 
 true to the Government and the flag. This behef was firmly 
 planted in my breast, and the continual assertions made by 
 my friends that every white man in the South is disloyal and 
 treacherous, and a bitter enemy of the Government, filled me 
 with indignation and sorrow. 
 
 In November, 1867, a short time before the State election, 
 I was conversing with a man at Edgerton, Rock County, 
 Wisconsin, about the condition of affairs at the South. 
 During the conversation, he remarked: " Sergeant, the South- 
 erners are rebels yet. They are worse now than they were 
 during the war. They hate the Union flag. No man dare 
 show that flag anywhere in the South, excej)t in the presence 
 of our soldiers." I replied: " You are mistaken ; I can carry 
 that flag myself from the Mississippi all over the rebel States, 
 alone and unarmed, too." He exclaimed: " It is an absurdity. 
 They Avould cut your heart out before you could get ten miles 
 from Vicksburg, and your flag would be torn in pieces and 
 trampled in the dust." I answered: " Sir, this is not so; it 
 cannot be so. But these words of yours express the seu- 
 tinients of thousands in this State and aU through the North. 
 They do a great wrong. I am sure such sentiments have no 
 foundation, and I can prove it to you and everybody else. 
 The Southern people are just as willing to live in the Union 
 as we are." He scouted the idea; but I persisted. It was finally 
 agreed between us that, if I carried the flag through from 
 Vicksbm-g to Washington on or before the 4th day of July, 
 1868, travelHng alone, without money, without any weapon 
 or escort, walking in the day-time, he was to pay me one dol- 
 lar a day while I was engaged in the undertaking. If I failed 
 or was compelled to return, I was to get nothing for my 
 
4 TRIUMPHAL MARCH OF SERGEANT BATES 
 
 trouble. My Radicjil friend felt safe on these terms, and never 
 for a moment thought I would make the ventiu*e, but he 
 was doomed to disapi:)omtment. 
 
 On the 14th day of Januax-y, 18G8, I left my quiet home to 
 fulfill an unheard-of undertaking. [Many of my fi-iends had 
 admonished me to desist fi-om such a hazardous enterprise — '■ 
 not to throw my Hfe away in some Southern swamp, while 
 trusting in the loyalty and kindness of the rebels. But I ap- 
 prehended no violence from the Southern people, and set out 
 for Yieksburg without fear or trembling. At Memphis cer- 
 tain parties learned the object of my undertaking, and when 
 I reached Vicksburg every one was fully aware of it. Eveiy 
 man, woman and child knew that my purpose was to prove 
 that the Southern jieople revered the flag, and everj'where 
 the greatest curiosity was manifested to see the man who 
 was willing to attempt the proof. I entered Vicksburg in the 
 evening, dressed in coarse, heavy clothing, with cow-hide 
 boots and a slouch hat. My personal appearance was any- 
 thing but prepossessing, and would scarcely have justified a 
 hotel-keeper in trusting me for a night's lodging. 
 
 Frank Howard, a gentleman with whom I had conversed 
 before entering the city, having learned that my articles of 
 agreement required me to enter Vicksburg without money, 
 kindly invited me to the Prentiss House, and agreed to settle 
 for all my biUs. 
 
 The next morning I received calls from the Mayor and all 
 the prominent men of Vicksburg. The ladies very kindly 
 volunteered to make a flag for me. I never witnessed such 
 enthusiasm — such an abundance of attention as were shown 
 by the people of this city. Soldiers who had served in the 
 rebel army were eager to grasp my hand and encourage me; 
 and Northei'u soldiers, my foi'mer comrades, were no less 
 friendly and interested. My farmer's clothes were exchanged 
 for a velvet walking suit, and my clothing was sent to my 
 home in "Wisconsin. 
 
 I remained in Vicksburg four days. I was the guest of the 
 City, entertained in the kindest manner by the citizens, 
 treated with the honors of a prince, and, at the same time, 
 with the affection due to a fi-iond. 
 
 On the last day of my sojourn in Vicksburg, the flag which 
 the ladies had made for me was pubhcly presented at the 
 Prentiss House, at 11 A. M. There was an immense crowd 
 of people present, who had assembled long before the hour. 
 Col. I. M. Partridge spoke on behalf of the ladies in jiresenting 
 the banner. The same hands had made flags for the rebels 
 during the war. The same hands now gladly worked for me 
 
PROM VICKSBDKG TO WASHINGTON. 5 
 
 the stars and strij)es, wlien my avowed object was to wave that 
 flag before their eyes in their own country, and prove to the 
 world that the South submit with nobleness ancl sincerity to 
 their defeat, and again cherish the glorious emblem against 
 which they once arrayed themselves in war. On the 28th day 
 of January, after the presentation was over, I unfurled my 
 flag, and set out upon my march through the States of IMiss- 
 issippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, 
 and Virginia, which lie between Vicksburg and Washington. 
 Sherman's grand march, which lay through most of these 
 States, was not so long as mine. When he made the march, 
 he carried the sword in one hand and the torch in the other. 
 The flag of the Union was then the emblem of death and ruin 
 to the Southern peojjle. I was to pass over much of his hne 
 of march ; to tread the battle-fields which were trodden by 
 his army, and pass through the cities that were burned by 
 his men; but in my hand, the war being ended, the same flag 
 was to be the emblem of peace and fiiendship and good will 
 to the South. Leaving the Prentiss House, accompanied by 
 the Mayor, Col. Brown, and the Marshall, Capt. Fi&k, and an 
 immense crowd of people, to the Washington House. I was 
 there introduced to a great many ladies and gentlemen, resi- 
 dents of the city. Their reception was very cordial. Before 
 leaving the hotel, a procession was formed to accompany me 
 a short distance on my way. The Mayor and Councilmen 
 were on horseback, and headed the procession. They were 
 followed by a band of music. Behind them I marched, carry- 
 ing the flag. Then came a crowxl of thousands of persons, 
 mounted, on foot and in carriages. Thus disposed, the whole 
 procession moved out from the City of Vicksburg, and finally 
 reached the memorable Pemberton aud Grant monument. 
 Halting here, the crowd gave three cheers " for Sergeant 
 Bates and the United States flag." The procession had gone 
 far enough with me, and at this place it broke up. But they 
 all crowded around me "just to say one word," and shake my 
 hand. Nearly every hand offered me money, but I did not 
 take the money. I was much affected by the kindness of these 
 people. The w\ar left them almost nothing, and yet they 
 wished to give me of their scanty store. 
 
 The people still clung around me, so that I could not set out 
 on my journey. The Mayor, seeing my difiiculty, directed the 
 crowd to open and give me way. I lost no time in moving 
 off. A short distance from the monument the road rises over 
 a hill. On reaching the summit, I turned and w^aved my flag. 
 This was the signal for a new outbiu'st of enthusiasm. Cheer 
 on cheer arose, till it almost awakened the dead echoes of the 
 
fa TRIUMPHAL MARCH OP SERGEANT BATES 
 
 cannon that had roared about the spot in 1863. Such cheers 
 I never heard before. I moved mi, and soon was obscured by 
 the hill from the gaze of my friends. I could still hear the 
 music of the band — " tramp, tramp, tramp," as it died away 
 in the distance. Not without a certain feehng of sadness I 
 pursued my soHtary way. 
 
 My course lay for several miles over hills and valleys, in a 
 southerly direction, until I reached the Vicksburg and Meri- 
 dian Railroad. It became apparent, early in my enterprise, 
 that it would be impossible for me to take the wagon roads. 
 They were in a fearful condition, exceedingly muddy on ac- 
 count of the rains, an d by no means direct. I concluded, 
 therefore, to follow the line of the raih-oads as far as Selma, 
 Alabama. This plan would enable me to meet with more people, 
 and would afford much better walking. At every station on 
 the raih'oad, however small, I always found many persons 
 waiting to receive me. Frequently they would come out fi'om 
 towns and villages three and foui* miles, in order to walk the 
 distance with me in returning. 
 
 Arrived at Bovina at 3 P. M. The weather was quite cool, 
 and the snow was commencing to fall. A gentleman at this 
 place insisted on my taking his heavy overcoat, which proved 
 of gi*eat comfort to me. Later in the day, about 5 P. M., I 
 reached the Big Black Eiver, and hailed the ferryman "uith no 
 little trepidation. The citizens of Vicksburg had told me that 
 this ferryman of the Big Black would never allow any one to 
 cross in his boat without paying fare. I did not have a penny in 
 my pocket. Before we were halfway over he made some remark 
 about having the change ready, which I evaded. When near 
 the opposite shore he noticed my velvet pants under the over- 
 coat, and flagstaff in my hand. " Ah ! " said he, " are you Ser- 
 geant Bates ? " " Yes," said I. " .Ul right. Sergeant : not 
 one cent fi'om you. All right Sir, I will take you back for 
 nothing, if you hke. You may cross here a thousand times 
 if you want to, and no charge." Thanking the old man for 
 his kindness, I pressed forward, for it was getting late. Before 
 long I reached what is known as Kidd's Plantation. 
 
 j\Ii\ Cordevent, the proprietor, invited me to spend the 
 night with him. Here could he clearly seen the ravages of 
 war — pianofortes and other articles of furniture destroyed in 
 the most wanton manner. This i:)lantation is as fertile as any 
 in Mississipj)i; but, during oiu* conversation, !Mr. Cordevent 
 informed me that, with the labor of tree negroes since the 
 war, he had lost fifty thousand dollars. He said the negroes 
 were little disposed to work, and were very unreliable. That 
 all sorts of extravagant notions filled their heads about the 
 
FEOM VICKSBUEG TO WASHINGTON. 7 
 
 riglit of suffi-age and mules, and dividing up the lands of the 
 whites. He said that much of this nonsense was the result 
 of the teachings of the Freedmen's Bureau, and tended to 
 make the two races (the white and the black) suspicious and 
 distrustful of each other. He said the negroes at one time 
 actually believed that the Government would give every one 
 of them forty acres of land and a few mules. After a lengthy 
 conversation, I was glad enough to retire to rest, fatigued 
 with the labors and excitement of the day. 
 
 The nest morning, January 29th, I left the Kidd Plantation 
 about 9 o'clock, and continued my journey. About four miles 
 from Smith Station, the passenger train was stopped by the 
 conductor, and the passengers rushed out to see me. This 
 was a pleasant surprise. Many of the passengers offered me 
 money, v/hich I dechned receiving. The conductor, however, 
 thi-ust three dollars into my pocket, saying that I would need 
 it for postage stamps in writing home. My protest was of no 
 avail. The train moved on, and I followed behind, walking 
 along the track. At Edwards' Station a large crowd was as- 
 sembled. There was also a delegation fi'om the town of Ray- 
 mond, which lay away from my route, who wished me to visit 
 that place. They were sorry that I could not accept their in- 
 vitation. Every one seemed to welcome me and the flag with 
 open arms. The greatest cordiality prevailed everywhere, 
 and almost an excess of generosity. Here I was compelled to 
 accept more money— eleven dollars and a half. But this was 
 so distasteful to me that I resolved not to receive any more 
 from any one during the march. I put the money in an en- 
 velope and sent it home. This was the last that I received 
 durmg the whole march from Vicksbui-g to Washington. 
 
 About three miles west of Jackson I was joined by a coun- 
 tryman who walked with me. Presently we met quite a crowd 
 of negroes, who seemed to be waiting on the railroad track 
 for some purpose or other. They looked at me and the fla^ 
 with wonder and amazement, and for a time were speechless^ 
 finally, one of the negi'oes called out to my companion to 
 learn what the flag meant, and who I was. The countryman 
 rephed that I was the biggest Yankee officer in the land, and 
 that just a mile-and-a-half behind me were hundreds and 
 thousands of sojdiers, who were coming to pick iip all the 
 lazy niggers in Mississippi and send them down to Florida to 
 work. " 'Fore God, I heard dat afore," exclaimed the oldest 
 darkey. And with this away they aU scampered, like struck 
 hares, at full speed, into the woods, leaving my companion 
 and myself to laugh at their ridiculous creduhty. The ne- 
 groes everywhere seemed idle, and restless, and discontented, 
 
8 TRUrMPHAL MARCH OF SERGEANT BATES 
 
 as if waiting for some unknown thing to occur — something, 
 they knew not what. 
 
 I arrived at Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, on the 30th 
 of January, about noon, and learned to my regi'et that my 
 arrival had been expected earl}- in the morning. The Mayor 
 and all the city authorities, and himdreds of citizens, had as- 
 sembled to meet me; but I was so much behind time that 
 they began to give me up. The Mayor deputized Col. Ycrger 
 to receive me, when I should come, as the guest of the city of 
 Jackson. 
 
 On reaching the city, I went to the Benton House quietly 
 and took my dinner. Very soon it was known that I was in 
 town, and a carriage was sent for me. I declined the cari'iage, 
 and, unfurling the flag, I walked in the centre of the street to 
 the Capitol. An immense crowd was here assembled, who re- 
 ceived me with great enthusiasm. The Convention was in 
 session. A messenger invited me, on behalf of the Conven- 
 tion, to visit them while in session. Tliis I did, and was in- 
 troduced to the delegates amidst thiinders of applause from 
 the floor and from the crowded gallei'ies. Col. Yerger then 
 made a welcoming addi'ess, and invited me formally to be- 
 come the g-uest of tbe city. Then, in true Amei'ican style, 
 the crowd called on me for a speech; and, in spite of my em- 
 barrassment, they would have a speech. In a few words I 
 explained the object of my mission. Judge Potter, an old 
 resident of the city, followed, and made a very good speech, 
 marked with cordiahty towards me and reverence for the flag. 
 Afterwards I was personally introduced to hundreds of per- 
 sons, and shook hands until my arm was more fatigued than 
 my legs. At the request of some of the delegates, the flag 
 was left in the Caj)itol. I returned to the hotel; but here 
 and there along the street I met groups of Confederate sol- 
 diers, who were eager to greet me and offer me assistance. 
 They were very pleasant and friendly. It was strange enough 
 to find them now so friendly, who a few years ago were fight- 
 ing the North. But it was a fact, however strange. Those 
 men were my friends, although we had fought in armies op- 
 posed to each other. 
 
 Jefierson Da^ds arrived in Jackson the same day that I did. 
 
 The next morning I went to the Capitol to ^et my flag; a 
 gi'eat many persons followed me, so that when I came out of 
 the building there v/as a lai'ge assemblage waiting to say a 
 last word before I took my departure. They called on me 
 for some remarks. Taking advantage of m}-- experience in 
 oratory of the day previous, I responded about as follows: 
 " Citizens of Jackson, for yoiu' demonstrations of fi'iendship 
 
PKOM VICKSBUEG TO WASHINGTON. U 
 
 for me, and respect for the flag of om* country, I thank you. 
 I am thus confirmed, in my convictions respecting the sen- 
 timents of the Southern people. Heaven be praised ' that 
 those convictions have proven correct. You will probably 
 never see me again. I vs^ill pass from your sight, and from 
 yoiu: thoughts, and be forgotten; but this flag will remain 
 with you for ever. It is your banner; it is your hope and 
 pride, as well as mine. I x^ray God that before long it may 
 wave over a haj^py and prosperous people, who entei-tain no 
 ill-will towards each other; that from its waving folds only 
 blessings may descend upon the citizens of our country." 
 
 These words were heartily applauded, and I commenced 
 taking my leave. But it was no easy matter. Every one 
 seemed to take a lively interest in me, and wished, at least, 
 to shake hands; and many a time the eyes of grown men 
 have iilled with tears as I have clasped their hands. 
 
 The Southern people are warm-hearted and quick in grati- 
 tude as well as in resentment. They are not far different 
 fi'om the Irish nation in this respect. 
 
 Nothing of importance occurred on my march. The usual 
 cordiality of the peojole was everywhere disjDlayed. 
 
 At " Lake," a pretty place in Mississippi, I was presented, 
 by a lady, with a horn drinking cup, made by her husband 
 while he was a prisoner-of-war at the North. 
 
 At Hickory, a place named after General Jackson, because 
 he camped at this place on his way to New Orleans, I was 
 ' very kindly entertained by Mr. A. E. Gray. About this time, 
 February 3d, it was raining continuously, and I was glad to 
 remain in doors for a day or two. One night, after I had re- 
 tired, I heard the most formidable compound of sounds near 
 my window. Looking out, I discovered fifty or more men 
 near the house ; about a dozen of them had fiddles of various 
 sizes, which they were playing lustily ; hence the noise. I 
 di'essed with all possible haste, in order to receive the sere- 
 nading party. The house was opened and in they came. I 
 soon found they were Confederate soldiers. Some of them 
 had come forty miles to see me. A keg of whiskey was 
 opened, and a jolly time we had, telling over the merry inci- 
 dents of camp-life. We broke up pretty late, but in good 
 spirits. The next morning, February 5th, I left Hickory. 
 
 At Meridian, the mayor of the city, Mr. Henderson, wel- 
 comed me in the name of the citizens, and tendered the hos- 
 pitality of the city in a very handsome speech. An open car- 
 riage was provided for me, and I rode in it through the 
 streets, with my flag unfurled. At last I stopped before the 
 hotel, the Jones House, and alighted. On leaving the car- 
 
10 TErUMPTAL :,I.VRCH OF SERGEANT BATES 
 
 riage I was forcibly reminded of a remark made by some of 
 my fi-iends before I left Wisconsin, tending to induce me to 
 abandon my enterpi'ise. They said, " You ■will meet some- 
 where a drunken Confederate soldier, and he will kill you ;" 
 and sure enough, as the carriage stoj^ped, a Texas ranger, 
 considerably the worse for hquor, stood on the sidewalk by 
 the door. Said he, "Hold on, Sergeaut, I want to take hold 
 of you. Give me your hand. There, hovv^ are you, sir ? I 
 say, Sergeant, I was a rebel once, and fought you Northern- 
 ers hke h — 1 ; but I got whipped, and all of us got whipped. 
 We acknowledge the corn, and have handed in our checks ; 
 yes, sir, we have quit, and intend to stay quit. The old flag 
 is all right now, and I for one am wilHng to light for it against 
 anybody, and I can lick h — 1 out of any man that dare insult 
 this flag or you either. Sergeant. Isn't that so?" Saying 
 some kind words to him I left him, ready to risk his life for 
 me, and passed into the hotel. The next morning, February 
 Gth, I left Meridian, accompanied for quite a distance, by a 
 large crowd of people. About two miles out of the city I met 
 some Confederate soldiers, who were changing their residence 
 in the hope of bettering their condition. They talked freely 
 vidth me, and expressed fears for my safety. They said that 
 every white man South, except the cai*pet-baggers, was my 
 friend, and would protect me ; that I should keep a close eye 
 on the carpet-baggers, or they might hire some nigger to 
 shoot me in the woods, and then lay it to the Southern 
 people.N I told them I had no fears, and bade them good- 
 bye. 
 
 About 4 p. M. I crossed the State-line into Alabama, and 
 spent the night at Cuba. 
 
 In the morning, on leaving the town, I met several negroes 
 going to vote at some place fifteen or twenty miles away. I 
 conversed with one of them, and was amased at his ignor- 
 ance. He did not know for what he was going to vote, but said 
 all he had to do was to go down and vote, and he would get 
 forty acres of land and a pair of mules, because they told him 
 so ; and those mules were just what he wanted. I was con- 
 vinced that bad men had been lying to these negroes in order 
 to get them to come out and vote. The election continued 
 for several days, and was quite a sickening aifair. I often 
 thought if my Radical fi'iends at the North could have wit- 
 nessed it as I saw it in Alabama, they would have lost aU 
 love for negro suffrage, and would condemn the men who en- 
 force it on an unwilling people against their will, and by 
 military power. Such a loathsome mass of ignorance never 
 before exercised political power in a civilized community. To 
 
FROM VICKSBURG TO WASHINGTON. 
 
 11 
 
 my mind sucli a state of tilings is disgusting. I certainly 
 never fought for any such object. 
 
 I reached Selma on the 11th of Febniaiy, at five o'clock in 
 the afternoon. At the city limits a committee met me, headed 
 by Mayor R. M. Robertson, and escorted me to the Trou^D 
 House, where I was formally received. In the evening I re- 
 ceived numerous callers, many from among the best people in 
 the city. The following night a meeting was called in honor 
 of the flag. I was conducted to the hall by a committee of 
 gentlemen, and foimd the building crowded with people from 
 top to bottom. As I passed in, flag in hand, there was a fear- 
 ful demonstration of api)lause, which continued until I took 
 my seat upon the stage. Afterwards I was introduced to the 
 audience, w^hen the storm of applause broke out again with 
 renewed fury. "When I resumed my seat, Ex-Gov. Moore ad- 
 dressed the meeting. He was followed by Gov. Parsons. 
 Judge Brooks also made a few remarks. These men are the 
 true representative men of the South. A more patriotic as- 
 semblage could not be found in the North. They were enthu- 
 siastic in their adherence to the flag and the Constitution. 
 After the meeting was over. Gov. Moore said to me, " Ser- 
 geant Bates, come home with me and sleep in my house, so 
 that when you return North you can say that you have spent 
 the night under the same roof mth men who were once lead- 
 ing rebels, and that you got up in the morning safe and sound, 
 and not a hair of your head injured." The Governor was 
 very kind to me ; offered me money, which, of course, I did 
 not take. The next day I attended another political gather- 
 ing, larger than the previous one. No man whispered any- 
 thing against the flag. My reception through all this coimtry 
 was most hearty. I was the object of untiring devotion 
 everywhere. The negroes said little or nothing ; but the 
 whites, I verily believe, had a sort of affection for me. 
 
 Februarv 14th, late in the evening, I arrived at ■\Vhite Hall 
 Plantation, 8 miles from Benton. Mr. Joseph A. White and 
 lady received me very kindly, and insisted on my staying with 
 them over night. They entertained me elegantly. When I 
 took my leave of them I found that my flag was decorated 
 with laurel wreaths. This was the work of Miss Sallie E. 
 White. The ladies wished me a safe retui^n to my family. 
 Mr. WTiite accompanied me a short distance on my way. He 
 spoke of the unhappy condition of the country, of the neces- 
 sity of forgetting and forgiving the past. He hoped for a 
 union of all good men. North and South, a restoration of 
 peace, and, moreover, a restoration of good feeling. He said 
 " the Radicals do us great wi'ong, treat us hatefully, and seek 
 
12 TEITTiEPHAL AL\.ECH OF SERGEANT BATES 
 
 to degrade us, and make life unendurable. They liave no 
 reason to expect us to like them. After tearing down civil 
 government, and setting up military government over us, 
 they finally disfi'anchise hundreds of thousands of intelligent 
 men, and give the negroes the ballot." He spoke feelingly, 
 and when we parted his eyes were fiUed with tears. 
 
 I reached Montgomery on the IGth of Febiniary. Here I 
 met with a magnificent reception. The ladies of this city 
 made for me a beautiful pink sash, of fine silk, and ornament- 
 ed with heavy gold fiiuge. It was presented to me at a pub- 
 lic festival, given to aid some charitable purpose, and is reaUy 
 a very beautiful sash. 
 
 In behalf of the Ladies, L. A. Shaver, Esq., made the fol- 
 lowing pi'esentation speech: 
 
 .SiE : You have undertaken to demonstrate to the country the fact that 
 the South, when she laid down her arms at Appomatox and other points, 
 did so in good faith, that her people are anxious, if possible, to observe 
 the terms of that siurender, and that the charges of rebellious hostility on 
 their part toward the Government are grountlless. Should you succeed 
 in accompUshing this object and removing from the minds of our North- 
 ern brethren the prejudice which has doubtless been engendered against 
 us ui many instances by the slanderous politicians or viudictive scoun- 
 drels who seek our desti-uction, you vnil have done more to reunite the 
 several sections than a Eadical Congi-ess has been enabled to do by 
 the Reconsti-uctiou measures of three j'ears. Yoiu' object is highly 
 patriotic, and whether achieved or not, yom- effort will entitle you to the 
 gratitude of all true lovers of the couutrj'. 
 
 Thus far you have been more than successful. You have travelled from 
 Vicksburg to Montgomery, and have not only been unharmed by "rebels," 
 but have, on the contraiy, met with ovation after ovation — your progress 
 has been one continued triumph. You have been everj'where enthusiasti- 
 cally greeted and hospitably entertained by ex-Confederate soldiers. It 
 atfords me much pleasure, at the request of the ladies of Montgomery, the 
 mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters of ex-Confederate soldiers, to pre- 
 sent you with this token of then- approbation and esteem. 
 
 I thanked the ladies for their kindness. My sojourn in 
 Montgomery was delightful, and I left it with reluctance. 
 About this time the rains were quite fi-equent, and my jour- 
 ney was rendered thoroughly disagreeable. 
 
 February 23d found me in Tiiskeegee, where I attended 
 church in the morning. In the afternoon many ladies and 
 gentlemen called on me. 
 
 Monday mox-ning the young ladies trimmed my flag with 
 laurel, gave me bouquets, etc. One young lady presented me 
 with a handsome cigar case, with this card attached : " Ac- 
 cept this ' cigar case,' Sergeant Bates, from a true Southerner, 
 but one who respects yoiu- noble mission and the banner you 
 cai-ry." 
 
FROM VICKSBURG TO WASHINGTON. 13 
 
 A little girl, only about eight years of age, had received a 
 pretty doll-baby as a New Year's gift, which she valued only 
 as little girls can. When she learned that I had a httle girl, 
 she came to me with the doll and asked the name of my little 
 girl. I told her Hattie was the name. She at once handed 
 me the doll, and told me to give it to Hattie for her ; that 
 she would not have given it to any one else. I kissed the 
 httle child again and again. 
 
 On the 25th of February I entered the State of Georgia. 
 At Columbus another fine receiotion awaited me _; and during 
 my sojourn in the city I was the constant recipient of atten- 
 tions. My course thus far had been strewn with flowers, 
 and here the same compliments were paid me. 
 
 The places in the South which, during the war, were most 
 zealous in the rebel cause, were the larger towns and the 
 cities. Newspapers, telegraphs, and railroads gave them 
 greater facilities for obtaining information. Thus far, on my 
 march, the larger places had given me the most enthusiastic 
 receptions. I believe the same sentiments of regard actuated 
 the country people ; but, of coiu'se, they had no facilities for 
 making demonstrations. 
 
 At Macon, Georgia, I was entertained in regal style— re- 
 ceived by the authorities, cheered by the people, called upon 
 by the prominent citizens of the place, supx^lied with a beauti- 
 ful carriage and with any quantities of bouquets. I was in- 
 deed a favorite. I venture to say that no man in the United 
 States, either North or South, would have received from the 
 citizens of Macon a heartier reception. During my two days' 
 stay in Macon I enjoyed every moment of the time. 
 
 A few miles west of Milledgeville, I had the only conflict 
 which attended my whole journey through the South. It was 
 entirely unexpected and startling. If it had not been for my 
 glorious flag-staff, I might not have survived to tell the tale. 
 Five cur-dogs, of a disagreeable size, set upon me furiously, 
 and seemed determined to punish my intrusion. The battle 
 w^as hot and heavy for about fifteen minutes. I plied the flag- 
 staff with vigor and dexterity, and, at last, the victory was 
 mine. I can account for the hostihty of the dogs only on the 
 ground that they are " rebels yet," and have not yet been re- 
 constructed, nor taken the test-oath. It seems to me that 
 such a display of the red-handed spirit of rebellion will neces- 
 sitate a mihtary government over that country, until fruits 
 •mete for repentance have been brought forth. Perhaps negro 
 sufirage would teach better sentiments to the canine tribe, so 
 that, after a time, a Northern man can go through that country 
 peacefully, in no danger of berug attacked by hounds, who 
 
14 TRIUMPHAL MARCH OF SERGEA^T BATES 
 
 then would have learned humbly to lick the dust at his feet. 
 That would be complete reconstruction. The only disrespect 
 shown the United States flag during my whole march came 
 from these dogs near JMilledgeville. No white man offered it 
 the slightest insult. 
 
 March 5th I entered MOledgeville, the capital of Georgia. 
 At this place I was received in the same enthusiastic manner 
 as in the other cities lying along the line of my march. Here 
 the officers of the army called upon me, and many Confederate 
 soldiers did the same. 
 
 March 9th I left Sparta and resumed my tramp through 
 long stretches of pine forest, and over a road which was very 
 sandy. About five miles from Sparta, at a place called Cul- 
 verton, I met a large crowd of people awaituig for my arri- 
 val. The school had given recess, and the childi-en gathered 
 around me to shake hands with me and see the flag. I was 
 cordially invited to remain there for some time and take din- 
 ner with them, but I could not accept. So, bidding them 
 good-bye, I set out again. I had proceeded only about a mile, 
 when a boy came riding after me, at full speed, on horseback. 
 He reined in his horse, as he came up to me, and cried out : 
 " Sergeant, wait a minute, if you please. I missed seeing you 
 at Culver ton, and I want to sliake hands with you." " Ser- 
 geant," said he, " I love that flag, and always shall love it." 
 Saying this, almost out of breath, he took my hand. In a 
 httle while he turned his horse's head and rode back. 
 
 An earnest, impulsive people are the Southerners, and the 
 boy represents their character pretty well. 
 
 A mile further on I met about twenty ladies on the road- 
 side among the trees. There was no house in sight, and I 
 wondered how they came there, and what they were doing. 
 I soon found that they had brought dinner to me, intending 
 to intercept me on my way. I enjoyed the entertainment very 
 much, particularly on account of the manner in which it was 
 given. 
 
 The Southern ladies are loyal enough now. "VMiat harm 
 will it do if they deck thefr brothers' graves with flowers ? 
 I, as a Northern soldier, can take no offence at such a natui'al 
 mark of affection. 
 
 After taking my departure from the ladies, I i:)roceeded for 
 several miles without seeing any one. Finally, on the road, 
 far fr'om any house, I met a man who had served in the rebel 
 army. He had been engaged in chopping wood. He said 
 that he had been watching for me several days along the road, 
 and asked me to accompany him to his home, distant about 
 two miles. On the way he told me that the grave of his 
 
FEOM VICKSBUKG TO WASHINGTON. 15 
 
 brother, who had faUen in the rebel cause, was not far from 
 the road-side. I went with him to the spot. He stood upon 
 one side of the grave and I upon the other. Unconsciously 
 we bared our heads. A plain wooden head-board marked the 
 place. As I read the inscription, he asked why such a bad 
 state of feehng should continue to prevail— why should there 
 still be enmity between the North and South ? and, as he 
 spoke, he reached me his hand over the grave of his brother. 
 I clasped it in the deepest emotion. Will any one say that I 
 did wrong in taking the hand of' one against whom I had 
 fought, but who now was willing to stand by the old flag and 
 bury the differences of the past ? 
 
 March 14th I was at Augusta, Georgia. The same ova- 
 tion awaited me there. I remained several days, and twice 
 attended the theatre. One evening, as I was sitting in the 
 theatre, a negro sent word to me that my life was in danger. I 
 knew no attempt would be made in the building, and therefore 
 told a friend of mine to step out and see the state of affairs. 
 He came back after a little while, and told me that quite a 
 number of negroes in and about the building were quietly 
 waiting for me to come out of the theatre, when they intended 
 to set °on me and shoot me. My fiiend had armed himself 
 with two revolvers, and resolved to see me safely home. 
 When the play was over, we waited until nearly all the au- 
 dience had passed out, when we moved out of the building. 
 My companion did not attempt to conceal the fact that he was 
 armed. As we passed out, the negroes were looking savage 
 enough, and an occasional whisper passed between them, but 
 no violence was shown. We reached home in safety. But, 
 after the occurrences of that night, I was always more cau- 
 tious about the negroes. They would not of themselves do me 
 any harm, but unscrupulous white men, who infest the country, 
 are constantly putting them up to all sorts of mischief. They 
 pretend to be" the negros' friend, and say to them that such 
 and such men intend to make slaves of the blacks again, and 
 thus madden them to the commission of deeds of outrage. 
 The presence of such men in a community is worse than the 
 murrain among cattle. 
 
 On the 16th of March I trod the soil of South Cai'ohna. 
 Crossing the Bridge over the Savannah Kiver, I was heartily 
 received by the people of Hamburg, and, after shaking hands 
 and exchanging salutations, I resumed my tramp. Beached 
 Columbia, the capital of the State, March 18th. The march 
 had been severe. The weather was rainy, the roads bad, and 
 the streams were swoUen enormously, and had no bridges 
 over them. I was compelled to ford the streams on foot, and 
 
IG TRIUMPHAL MAKCH OF SERGEANT BATES 
 
 of course was freqently wet with the cold water. I crossed 
 the Congaree Eiver in a ferry boat, and found hundreds of 
 the people of Columbia waiting to receive me. The Mayor 
 made the sjoeech of welcome. I was then placed in a carriage 
 and driven to a hotel. "A large procession followed in car- 
 riages, on foot, and on horseback, led by young ladies on 
 horseback. 
 
 The following day I was shown about the city. Columbia 
 was burned during the war, either by the rebel soldiers or by 
 Sherman's — some doubt seems to exist about that. As the 
 city now stands it is only a forest of blackened chimneys, sur- 
 rounded by ashes and desolation. My reception in tliis city 
 was just as cordial as in any of the others ; but it seemed more 
 so, from the fact that the city was in ruins as a consequence 
 of the war. I remained in Columbia four days, and verily be- 
 lieve that I shook hands with every man ii town. There is a 
 newspaper in Columbia called " The Phoenix." The name is 
 most appropriate, for if there is one city on earth that needs 
 a Phcenix to raise her once again from her ashes, it is Colum- 
 bia, in South Carolina. 
 
 At Winsboro' the whole town were out to receive me. A 
 delegation of Confederate soldiers met me about a mile from 
 the town and escorted me in. About seventy-five soldiers 
 altogether entertained me in a most hospitable manner. 
 "Willie in Winsboro' I was called to the bedside of a Captain, 
 once in the Confederate army. He was suffering from the 
 effects of injuries received during the war, and was very near 
 his end. He had sent for me, as a Northern man, to ' ^press 
 tile thoughts which lay nearest his heart. He spoke ox' the 
 war, and the desolation which it had wrought, of the passion 
 and hatred which it had engendered, and expressed the belief 
 that the Northern people could could not be aware of the true 
 feelings of the South, otherwise they could not pursue their 
 present policy of resentment and distrust. His whole existence 
 seemed embittered by the sad condition of the country. He 
 thanked me for my efforts to dispel the false impressions pre- 
 vailing ill the minds of the Northern people, and hoped that 
 I would be successful. The gratitude of that dying man more 
 than repaid me for all the trouble which I had undergone — 
 for the separation from my family, for the long weary marches 
 which I had made through rain and mud; it repaid me for all 
 the dangers which I was constantly passing through, and for 
 the scenes of suffering and distress which presented them- 
 selves daily before my eyes. I left him, knowing that he must 
 soon go to another world. But I felt siii-e that he Avas an 
 honest, upright man, and had the best interests of the country 
 
FROM VICKSBUEG TO WASHINGTON. 17 
 
 at heart. I bade him good-by m sadness. The news of his 
 death reached me soon after, and the mteUigence was not un- 
 expected. He has gone to a better world, where all true men 
 finally go. I do not believe that in the presence of the Father 
 of the Universe, in Heaven above, the Northern hero and the 
 Southern hero are still warring with each other. No, their 
 spirits are as peaceful and calm as their bones which lie side 
 by side on the battle-lield. And as the grass grows green over 
 their graves, in evenness and beauty, so their souls in the 
 realms above pour forth harmonious praise, without discord, 
 without hatred, in the perpetual concord of Heaven. 
 
 March 24th I left Winsboro'. Seven miles out I was over- 
 taken by an old man -who was making double-quick time to 
 catch up with me. He commenced the conversation. " Ser- 
 geant," said he, " mv name is John Vincent. You see I am 
 an old man, but I sefVed four years in the Confederate army. 
 I can assure you, sir, all the Confederate soldiers are your 
 fiiends. They are the friends of all the Northern soldiers 
 who are true men and have magnanimity. A great many of 
 the Northern people, I fear, Sergeant, don't understand us. 
 We are willing to-day to fight for the stars and stripes and 
 the Constitution against any nation in the world. Just tell 
 your fi-iends that. Sergeant, and they won't think so badly of 
 us. We are all Americans, and love the old flag, every one 
 CI us. 
 
 All this section of the country was looking poorly. Some 
 few men were at work, and they were white men. The ne- 
 groes Y te doing little or nothing. I had been absent from 
 Vicksburg about three weeks before I saw a single negro at 
 work. From my observation, I must say tlie negi-oes do very 
 little work at the South now. They have little incentive ; 
 for, in case they get short of provisions, the Freedmen's 
 Bureau steps in and supplies their wants. The j^resent 
 status of the negro is not a happy one, and I believe will lead 
 to no desirable result. 
 
 March 25th, when I was about thirteen miles out from 
 Chester, I saw a man watering his mule, and being very 
 thirsty, I asked him for a di-ink of water. He looked at me 
 for a moment, and then exclaimed : " Arrah, by all the 
 blessed saints, if here isn't Sergeant Bates, to be sure. Is it 
 a drink of water you want, Sergeant dear? faith, ye shall 
 have it an' welcome. Hello, Mary darlin, (to his wife,) open 
 your eyes till ye'll see something. Sure, and here is Sergeant 
 Bates at last, the bowld boy, that's taking the ould flag from 
 Vicksburg to Washington. Be quick now, darlin, and get 
 him something hot to ate, for the dear boy must be divlish 
 
18 TRirMPHAL IMAKCH OF SERGEANT BATES 
 
 hun-iT." His wife began ^^-iping her hands on her apron 
 andli broad smile lit up her face. " Indade, Sergeant, come 
 ^n Vill you take a chair now, for you mus. be weary. 
 Duffy, (this was the name of the family, don yoii see the 
 SS-g^ait's boots ? Off with them now," till ^'^/^f.!^:;^:, 
 Ah Sergeant, those great boots must hate your fateteinbh. 
 the went on busily preparing the dinner, ^^ kept r^a con- 
 stant chattering and talkmg while I was theie. An have 
 you a wife, Seigeant ? " " Yes, Mrs. Duffy," I rephed. She 
 Litiuued:' " ^Yhat is her name. Sergeant ; an' have ye chd- 
 dreu'^" "I have two chddren, Mrs. Duffy. She added. 
 ''How old are they, Sergeant, and what is then- names 
 I told her. She then remarked : "How could you lave the 
 darhi to take such a terrible long tramp? Sure, an the 
 poor wife must be dyin' with fright and wornment alter ye 
 The dinner was soon ready, and I partook of i with a relish 
 and soon after left my friends, who asked God's blessing on 
 me, my wife, and family. There is nothing more hearty than 
 Ii-ish hospitality the world over. 
 
 Soon after leaving my Irish friends I came to a run which 
 I foSed, with coat Sff", sleeves rolled up, boots off, and pants 
 rolled up, flag furled, and the cover on. When I was over, 
 and while I put on my boots and re-arranged my clothing 
 severll boys Lme in sight. " Where have you been, boys ? 
 a d L ''Been to take^dad his chnner ; he's at work out here 
 in the woods." I inquked how far it was to Rock Hill. One 
 of hem rephed, "It's 'bout six miles, and mighty ci-ooked 
 road t-, I^teU'you. You're looking for a 30^, am^t^^u, 
 stran-er? WeU, I reckon you can get a job at hock Hill , 
 if you don't, just go down the river about eight miles. They 
 are building l milt thar, and you get thirteen ^ol^^-^^^^. J-^^ .^ 
 in specie, and ah the folks is white men ; niggers won t woik 
 
 ^^S^^lTl^'SSr timber conversation, and reached 
 Rock Hill at 5 p. M. Large crowds of people were out to 
 receive me. In the evening they gave me a serenade 
 
 Mr. O. Mathews, an old man, who had served m the Con- 
 federate army, who had lost two sons in the ^-^^-'.f^^/^^^^^^^- 
 in-law, insisted on accompanying me for a tew mile^, ^hen I 
 left Rock Hill the next morning. The old man was as caie- 
 ulof miasif Ihadbeenhiso^vllchild. He said there was 
 a hioh bridge over the Catawba river, which General Stone- 
 mai^had destroyed, and which had not been pei'i^^f ^ ^^^I 
 paired ; he was afraid I would fall through thejornlg ^an 
 when we reached it, eight miles distant from ^^ck Hdl noth 
 ing else would do but he took me by the hand and led me 
 
FEOM VICKSB'OEG TO WASHINGTON. 19 
 
 across the bridge as if I were blind. This is but one of the 
 many instances in which I was shown such parental tender- 
 ness. The old man took his leave of me on the oj)posite side ■ 
 of the bridge, and I continued my march alone. Very soon 
 I arrived at Fort Mills ; at this place I met about twenty-five 
 Confederate soldiers, who informed me that they had assem- 
 bled to give the " flag" an escort of honor out of South Caro- 
 lina into North Carolina. They asked the jDrivilege of accom- 
 panying me. I gave my consent very readily. The proces- 
 sion was formed, and we started for the boundary line, which 
 was about sis miles distant. A strong breeze was blowing at 
 the time, and I entered the State of North Carolina with col- 
 ors flying. As I crossed the hne the escort gave three cheers, 
 such as only old soldiers can give. My friends in Wisconsin 
 used to say that if I ever set foot in youth Carolina I would 
 never come out again, unless it was in a coffin. If they could 
 have heard those cheers they would have given up all ideas 
 about coffins. 
 
 About three o'clock in the afternoon I arrived at Chai-lotte. 
 At the outskirts of the city I was met by the Mayor and the 
 City Council. The Mayor, in a few appropriate remarks, 
 tendered me the hospitaHties of the city. I was then driven 
 in a carriage to the Mansion House. Several hundred peo- 
 ple had assembled in fi'ont of the hotel, and, as I sprang out 
 of the carriage, before entering, Mr. James Gleason, a war- 
 worn veteran of the Confederate army, who is still suffering 
 from his wounds, proposed three cheers for Sergeant Bates, 
 the United States flag, and the white man's government ; 
 and such rousing cheers, they made the welkin ring. I re- 
 mained in Charlotte to have a pair of shoes made, and while 
 there, everybody called to see me, and among the number 
 several j)rominent Confederate officers. Late m the afternoon 
 of March 27th, a young man, named James Orr, called to see 
 me, with a small bundle in his hand. He said he had been a 
 soldier in Lee's army ; that he held in his hand a United 
 States flag, belonging to the headquarters of a corps, which 
 had been caj^tured by General Kosser, of the Southern army. 
 It cost the General some hard fighting and a good many 
 lives ; but, said the young man, you have recaptured it. Ser- 
 geant, without firing a gun. It is yours, sir ; take it. He 
 then explained to me that the flag had been placed among 
 the archives of the rebel government as a trophy. But when 
 those archives were scattered, after the fall of Richmond, 
 he obtained possession of the flag — and now presented it to 
 me as a trophy of my peaceful triumph. 
 
 March 28th I reached Concord. The Mayor and a com- 
 
20 TKIUMPHAL MAECH OF SERGEANT BATES 
 
 mittee met me a mile out of town. As I approaclied the city 
 limits the bells commenced ringing, and rang a joyous peal as 
 I walked up to the Court House. Here the Mayor made a 
 little speech. Afterward I was shown my room at the hotel, 
 and received numerous calls from the citizens. 
 
 At night they gave me a serenade, and called me out for a 
 sj^eech. I resj)onded to the best of my ability; several of the 
 l^arty followed, and oui* meeting was prolonged an hoiu- and 
 a half. 
 
 The next day being Sunday, I was very reluctant to set 
 out, and should not have done so, but for the reason that the 
 newspapers had announced me at certain places on the route 
 for joarticular days. Moreover, if I had not kept the appoint- 
 ments, some paper would have accused me of tr;ydiig to elude 
 some one who wanted a shot at rae. 
 
 When within three miles of Salisbury, I was met by a large 
 crowd of persons who were waiting for me. From that point 
 all the way in the city, the road was lined on both sides by 
 people who had assembled there to witness my approach. 
 About a mile from the city the Mayor met me. He remarked 
 that the city had surrendered to my banner without terms ; 
 that preparations had been made in \dew of my arrival, and 
 that I would find everything in readiness for me at the 
 Boyden House. On entering my room, I found a mag- 
 nificent bouquet — a 2:)resent fi-om a lady of Salisbury. Noth- 
 ing could have been more cordial than my reception in this 
 place. 
 
 Thomasville, in North Carohna, is not a lai'ge j^lace. When 
 I was about two miles distant from it, quite a crowd of people, 
 provided with a brass band, met me. They gave three heart}' 
 cheers for the Sergeant and the United States flag, and at 
 once formed in procession to act as an escort. The band 
 struck up a hvely tune, and we marched into the town. 
 Quarters had been provided for me at the house of Mrs. 
 Taylor. That night I was serenaded again. I dare say it 
 was the same band which discoursed the music. The nest 
 morning I set out, accompanied for a mile or more by num- 
 bers of people, and the brass band once more supplied the 
 music. In passing by the Female Institute, any quantity of 
 flowers were offered me — many more than I could hold in my 
 hands with comfort. The ladies waved their handkerchiefs 
 and wished me God speed. 
 
 March 31st, I arrived at Greensboro'. A great crowd of 
 people, male and female, black and white, with the Mayor at 
 their head, welcomed me as the guest of the city. The band 
 played a march, and we moved on thi-ough the streets to the 
 
FROM VICKSBURG TO WASHINGTON. 21 
 
 hotel, where rooms had been provided for me. Here I met 
 quite a number of Wisconsin men — Col. John Crane, of the 
 18th Wisconsin Infantry; Col. Thos. B. Keogh, of Milwaukee; 
 P. F. Dufiy, of Lafayette Coimty, Wisconsin, and several 
 other men who had been soldiers in the Union army, from 
 my State. Our meeting was very pleasant. 
 
 At Greensboro' I determined to take a ride to Raleigh, al- 
 though that city lay outside my line of march. My plan was 
 to take the cars for Raleigh, make my visit there, return to 
 Greensboro', and resume my journey on foot. Accordingly, 
 on the 1st day of April, I took the train for Raleigh. At 
 every station crowds were gathered to catch a glimpse of me 
 and my little flag; and when we reached Raleigh I found an 
 immense assemblage about the depot. 
 
 After taking some refreshment at the hotel, Mr. Betts called 
 for me to take a drive about the city and visit the public 
 buildings. We went first to the State House, where I was 
 presented to Gov. Worth. After half an hour's conversation, 
 we took our leave of him, and visited the other pubhc build- 
 ings in the city. At 5 o'clock p. m., I took the train for 
 Greensboro'. At every station there were more people col- 
 lected about the depots than in the mornmg. At Mebansville 
 about fifty school boys had assembled to see me. They were 
 nicely uniformed. I stej^ped out on the platform and receiA"ed 
 their cheers. The boys then insisted on seeing my flag, and 
 it was brought out of the car. When they saw it, they cheered 
 again. One of the boys said: " I have seen that flag before." 
 " Yes," retorted another, " you saw it from behind the biggest 
 tree you could find." ' Some of the boys had served in the 
 army during the war, and one of them, only fifteen or Mxteen 
 years of age, had lost a leg. One of the boys now spoke up 
 and said: "Sergeant, we woiild fight for that flag as quick as 
 you would, but you folks up Nortla don't believe it, do you ? 
 Now, come right out and say what you think — do the North- 
 ern people believe we would fight for the flag ?" " Well, 
 boys," said I, " there are many people in the North who still 
 honestly believe that you hate the flag, and would do nothing 
 to defend it. But, boys, they do not know your true senti- 
 ments. They have been misled by bad men and bad news- 
 papers." I never saw a finer set of boys. As the train moved 
 oft', they waved their caps and cheered me again. 
 
 It was my intention to leave Greensboro' on the 2d of April, 
 but several Confederate soldiers insisted on my remaining and 
 spending the day with them. All the unpleasant memories 
 of the war were di-opped: the verdict of battle was recognized 
 by all, and no one suggested that any attempt ought ever to 
 
22 TRTOMPHAL MARCH OF SEEGEAJIT BATES 
 
 be made to reverse that verdict. "We all felt tliat we vrere 
 citizens of one country — that the future which lay before us 
 Avoukl always find us citizens of one country, inseparably 
 united. Each one felt that it was his duty to become recon- 
 ciled and bury forever the angiy passions of the past, and the 
 sectional antagonism which had become almost hereditary. 
 Those men, whose manhood has been tested on the battle- 
 field, have no desire to renew bloody conflict anywhere in 
 this country. If the settlement of the reconstruction question 
 had been left to the soldiers on the battle-field, in the hour of 
 triumph, it would have been arranged amicably, justly, and 
 magnanimously. The petty spite of some politicians, the in- 
 veterate hatred of others, and the wild utopian schemes of 
 others, have kept the country divided, and have prevented 
 a reunion of the peojile, which was spontaneous and almost 
 irrepressible at the close of the war. Against them let the 
 evils of the past three years be dii-ected, for they lie to their 
 charge. 
 
 I resumed my march on the 3d of April, tramping through 
 mud and rain. The bad weather made no diflerence in the 
 warmth of the receptions extended to me by the j>eople. In 
 every village, town and hamlet on my route, a crowd of per- 
 sons were always assembled to welcome me and my flag. At 
 Reedsville, Gov. Holden, of North Carolina, called on me. 
 Our interview lasted half an hour. I soon took my departure, 
 and walked towards the Virginia State line — Virginia, the 
 "Mother of Presidents" and the "Mother of States." I 
 crossed the line. Only one State lay between me and my 
 journey's end. "With renewed vigor I pressed toward. 
 
 April 4th, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, I arrived at Dan- 
 AoUe, and was received by a great crowd of people, provided 
 with a band of music. My reception was the same that I had 
 met with at all the other cities, and need not be described 
 more minutely. 
 
 Continual marching, in all sorts of weather, was beginning 
 to wear on me. My foot and ankle became swollen and pain- 
 ful, and caused me no little trouble in walking. Knowing that 
 I was annoiuiced at all the cities for certain days, it became 
 necessary for me to keej) up. 
 
 On the 7th of April I made a forced march, in order to 
 reach Aiueha Court-House. I arrived at 11 o'clock at night, 
 in the rain. I found ]Mi's. Joxcph Cance awaiting my arrival. 
 Her house was illuminated, and every one of the family was 
 up. Mrs. Cance had stationed a "lookout" on the road to 
 watch for me and conduct me to the house. On entering, I 
 learned to my sui-prise that a sumptuous supper was prepared 
 
FKOM VICKSBUKG TO WASHINGTON. 23 
 
 for me. I enjoyed it exceedingly, and was much affected by 
 the kindness of the good peoi:»le in whose way fortune had 
 thrown me. I retired, with the request that I should be 
 called at 4 o'clock in the moning, for it was necessary that I 
 should leave at that early hour in order to reach Richmond 
 when I was expected. Mrs. Cance, fearing that a servaut 
 might not call me at the right time, sat up herself all night, 
 in order that there should be no mistake. I knew nothing of 
 her intention until morning, or I should have protested 
 against it strenuously. At the ajjpointed hour I rose, found 
 an inviting breakfast ready for me, but could not eat any- 
 thing so early in the morning. I bade my kind friends 
 good-bye, and set out for Richmond. Along the road I saw 
 a great many negroes with shot-guns, shooting every bkd 
 that came in their way, and lazily moving around from one 
 place to another. 
 
 My foot was paining me somewhat, but I kept tramping all 
 day, and about 4 p. m. entered the City of Richmond, across 
 the Richmond and Danville Railroad bridge. The crowd had 
 exjDCcted me by another route, and had assembled at a bridge 
 further down to receive me. It soon became known where I 
 was, and the j^eople crowded around me by hundreds, and 
 constantly were increasing in numbers. I pressed forward 
 through them towards the Exchange Hotel. The further I 
 advanced, the greater was the crowd. It was no easy matter 
 to work my way through the thousands who thronged the 
 streets. But finally I succeeded in reaching the hotel, where 
 I was shown to my room. Fatigued and hungTy, I did not 
 feel like seeing any one until I had rested a short time and 
 had taken my dinner. A carriage was ready for me after 
 dinner. Taking my flag in my hand, I rode through the 
 principal parts of the town. I alighted at the eastern en- 
 trance of the Capitol G-rounds, and marched through to the 
 Capital, ascended to the dome, and waved my flag over the 
 city which was once the stronghold of the rebellion. Thous- 
 ands of persons had gathered in the grounds and in the 
 building. When I descended into the rotunda, I was intro- 
 duced to hundreds. The Conservative members of the Con- 
 vention, at that time in session, came into the rotunda and 
 shook hands with me. The negroes and cai-pet-baggers were 
 cross and sullen. As I left the rotunda, the people made way 
 for me, and I returned to the carriage. We drove for a short 
 time and then returned to the hotel. The following day, in 
 compliance with the wishes of a great many, I had my pho- 
 tograph taken, and afterwards visited the camps about the city. 
 I was entertained very handsomely in Richmond, and had 
 
24 TKIUMPHAL MARCH OF &EEGE-\NT BATES 
 
 frequent conTersations with the prominent men of the city 
 on local and national affairs. They all bore the same tes- 
 timony. They were wiUijig and anxious to retm-n to the 
 Union, but they hated military rule, and they detested negro 
 suffrage. 
 
 April 10th, I left Richmond with reluctance, for my stay 
 there of two days had been unusually pleasant. Every one 
 was kind to me. I arrived at Hanover Junction at G p. m., 
 and accepted the invitation of Mr. Thomas W. Gill to remain 
 with him duruig the night. The next day I pressed forward 
 through that terrible country, woods and undergi'owth and 
 mud abounding in every direction. Now and then would I 
 meet some solitary man. At half-past five in the afternoon I 
 reached Fredericksburg, drenched with rain, bespattered with 
 mud, and thoroughly fatigued. Near here I visited the house 
 where Stonewall Jackson died. The Southern people have a 
 gi-eat aflection for the memory' of this man. He was known 
 to be a thoroughly honest and upright man, a good General, 
 and as fearless as the bravest. 
 
 From Fredericksburg the roads seemed to get worse — the 
 mud deeper, the rain heavier, the streams had fewer bridges, 
 and the weather much colder. I left Fredericksburg on the 
 12th of April, took a cold dinner on the road, and trudged on 
 towards Dumfries. The day was cheerless and cold. I 
 reached Dumfries at six o'clock in the evening. Here again 
 I Avas heartily welcomed, and spent the night. 
 
 The next morning, leaving Dumfries, I walked towards 
 Alexandria. From the top of Johnson's Hill, I looked across 
 the country and across the broad Potomac towards Washing- 
 ton, and saw the the grand, white, beautiful dome of the 
 Capital rising upon my sight, reposing so majestically like a 
 snowy mountain peak in the chstance. A thrill of ecstasy shot 
 through my veins and arteries. The end of my journey was near. 
 From yonder distant dome I should wave my flag, for M'hich 
 I had acquired so much love, and my labor would be done. 
 The capital seemed to welcome me, my friends seemed to wel- 
 come me, my home, my wife and children welcomed me. And, 
 more than all, I was successful in my enterprise, and had 
 proved the truth of assertions regarding the people of the 
 South. No rebel fiend had " cut my heart out before I got ten 
 miles fi-om Vicksburg." No one had trampled my banner in 
 the dust. No one had called upon me to renounce my 
 Northern opinion or to accei)t Southern opinions. I had 
 pi-oved all such allegations to be false, and had A-indicated 
 millions of my fellow countrymen from the lies which dema- 
 gogues had circulated against them. No one was near me. I 
 
FROM VICKSBUKG TO WASHINGTON. 25 
 
 was alone with my flag amidst the desolation which war had 
 wrought, but my soul was filled with a joy which no words 
 can describe. 
 
 Washington was still several miles distant — too far to be 
 reached that day; therefore I continued my march only to 
 Alexandria. Here I sjDent the night. In the evening the 
 ladies and gentlemen of the city gave me a surprise in the 
 shape of a masquerade. They came to the hotel in all des- 
 cribable forms and figures — with costumes as quaint and droll 
 as the fashions of fairy land. The evening passed away very 
 pleasantly. 
 
 The next day, the 14th day of April, was to be the last day 
 of my march. I arose in the morning wdth alacrity, and, after 
 taking quite an early breakfast, left Alexandria for Washing- 
 ton. The morning was clear, and as I walked along I occa- 
 sionally met persons on the road. Every one knew w^ho I was, 
 for my arrival had been announced. I spoke with nearly 
 every one whom I passed. 
 
 After reaching Arlington Heights, I descended to the Long 
 Bridge and commenced crossing the Potomac. This was 
 about nine o'clock in the morning. I had got about half way 
 across, when I saw a gentleman on horseback coming from 
 the Washington end of the bridge. He rode up to me, and 
 stopping his horse, asked, " Is this Sergeant Bates ?" I re- 
 plied in the affirmative. He continued; " We are from the 
 same State, Sergeant, I beheve. My name is Mr. Doolittle. 
 I wish to thank you, sir, for having done a glorious act." I 
 thanked him, and replied: " Senator, I have heard your name 
 spoken a thousand times at the South. They look upon you 
 as an unselfish, noble-hearted man all through that country." 
 He rode slowly back to the end of the bridge, talking with me 
 about my journey; then, after in\'iting me to call and see him 
 while in the city, he rode away. He was the first man who 
 welcomed me at Washington, whether by design or accident 
 on his part I am not able to say. I had never seen him to 
 speak with him before, but I learned to like him well before I 
 left the city. At the end of the bridge hundreds of people 
 were assembled, and as I stepped upon the soil of Washington, 
 they cheered me again and again. 
 
 A Committee from the Conservative Army and Navy Union 
 took me in charge and conducted me to the house of Col. 
 Faunce. Shortly after 1 o'clock a Committee of the Citizens 
 of Washington made their appearance in company with a band 
 of Music. They formally welcomed me to the National 
 CajDitol, and said they were in readiness to accompany me to 
 the President's House and then to the Capitol. The crowd 
 
26 TRIUMPHAL MARCH OF SERGEANT BATES 
 
 of people outside were formed into a procession, and Leaded 
 by the band, moved up Fourteenth street to Pennsylvania 
 Avenue. I Avalked in front of all "with my flag unfurled. In 
 spite of the liea\-y rain which had commenced to fall, the 
 streets were thronged with people, and occasionally they al- 
 most obstructed the way. The balcony and steps of the 
 Treasury Dejiartment, as well as the windows and offices of 
 the buildings on the opposite side of the street, v/ere crowded 
 with jieople who cheered lustily as the procession passed by. 
 Arrived at the Executive Mansion, I was met by the President 
 in the portico, who shook my hand cordially, and remarked: 
 "All I want to do is simply to welcome you aud^-our flag." He 
 then invited me into the Mansion and conducted me to the 
 East Eoom. Quite a number of the procession entered also. 
 The President said: " I merelj- desire to sincerely and cor- 
 dially vv'elcome you and your flag, with which you have travelled 
 so many miles. I have no addi'ess or speech to make, but 
 wish to testify my gratification at seeing you in "Washington." 
 The President conversed with me a few moments, and request- 
 ing me to call again, excused himself and withdi-ew. His 
 daughtei', Mrs. Patterson, presented me with a beautiful 
 bouquet of flowers. Subsequently I was subjected to the ordeal 
 of shaldng hands, but I soon made my way out of the "White 
 House. The procession was reformed, and we marched to the 
 Metropolitan Hotel. Here I was escorted to the front balcony 
 of the house and was introduced to the jieople below, who 
 cheered me heartily. Mr. C. A. Eldridge, of Wisconsin, was 
 then introduced to .welcome me publicly. He spoke as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 SPEECH OF HON. C. A. ELDEIDGE. 
 
 Fellow Citizens: It is owing to the fact that I am a citizen of Wiscon- 
 sin that I am allowed on this occasion a brief moment to present again to 
 you the guest of the citizens of Washington a worthy son of the State Wis- 
 consin, Sergeant Bates. [Applause. ] He finding a popular en-or existing in 
 the State of Wisconsin, like that, perhaps, in every Northern State, that the 
 people of the Southern States, whom our conquering ai'ms subdued, were 
 hostile to the flag and Government of the llepiiblic, undertook to carry 
 that flag from Yicksburg to Washington, on foot and uuatteudud. for the 
 purpose of planting it on the dome of the Capitol, and showing the actual 
 feeling towards it. He has demonstrated to the people of the countiy and 
 the world that no such hostility exists, and that the jjcople of the South 
 submit to the flag of the Union in good laith, and are determined to main- 
 tain their allegiance to it, as they expect the people of the North to main- 
 tain theirs. [Applause. ] 
 
 But I will not detain you in this pelting storm. I understand Sergeant 
 Bates will now proceed to the dome of the Capitol with the flag which he 
 has borne in honor and triumjih Irom Yicksbmg to Washington. He has 
 received nothing but kindness and respect during all his long jomTiey. 
 
FROM ^^CKSBUIlG TO WASHINGTON. 
 
 27 
 
 The people have eveiywhere honored and encouraged him, because of the 
 emblem which he bore. .... .1 • 
 
 But my friends, I cannot forget the fact that it is just seven years this 
 dav since the flag of the Republic was lowered in humility and sorrow 
 from the battlements of Sumter. The flag that Major Anderson was then 
 forced to take down now floats proudly over evei-y foot of our land, 
 respected and honored by aU. And this young man who, without money 
 and alone, and on foot, has earned it for more than fourteen hundred 
 miles, will now plant it in glory and triumph upon the dome of the Na- 
 tional Capitol. [Applause.] 
 
 At tlie conclusiou of IVIr. Eldridge, a speech was made by 
 General Miingen, of Oliio. 
 
 At the condusiou of the addresses, three cheers were given 
 for Sergeant Bates, and three more for the flag. 
 
 I left the balcony, descended to the street, resumed my 
 place at the head of the procession, and walked to the east 
 front of the Capitol, for the purpose of unfurlmg the flag 
 from the dome. With a few persons I ascended the steps 
 which lead to the rotunda, and approached the door, for the 
 purpose of entering. The Chief of the Capitol Pohce halted 
 us, and said that he had positive orders not to permit Ser- 
 geant Bates to carry his flag into the Capitol, or to make any 
 demonstrations. An order was then produced from General 
 Michler, Superintendent of Pubhc Buildings, giving nie per- 
 mission to ascend to the dome. The policeman gruffly re- 
 marked that he did not get his orders from General Michler, 
 but, if the order was endorsed by the Sergeant-at-Arms ot 
 the Senate, he would allow me to pass in. Some one went to 
 Mr. Brown, and, after twenty minutes'* delay, obtained his 
 sio-nature. The pohceman then said that I could not go m 
 unless I had also the endorsement of the Sergeant-at-Arms 
 of the House of Representatives. Some one set about finchng 
 him, but he was not to be found. I waited, cold and wet, 
 outside the rotunda, while scores of people, white and black, 
 were allowed free entrance, and no questions were asked. I 
 held in my hand a httle flag about five feet long and three 
 feet wide. I had carried it over fourteen hundred miles 
 through the heart of the Southern country, and it had been 
 cheered by a million voices on the way. Was it for this that 
 I must be debarred from the Capitol of my country, which I 
 fought to defend ? W^as it for this little flag, the emblem of 
 our nation, which could not possibly be in any one's way, 
 whether I carried it to the dome or not— was it for this that 
 I must be kept in the rain and the cold at the bidding of an 
 insolent policeman ? • i. n 1 i.i 
 
 That flag— the stars and stripes— was insulted by tlie 
 pohcemeu of Congress. I had waved it from the capitol oi 
 
28 TKITJMPHAL MAPvCH OF SEKGEA:N'T BATES 
 
 every Southern State from Mississippi to Virginia, and no 
 one raised the sHghtest objection; but, in Washington, the 
 officers of Congress refused to allow me to wave the flag 
 from the dome of the Capitol, when it was known that such 
 was my wish and purpose. No one ever claimed that any 
 harm could be done by granting my wish. Mr. Ordway could 
 not be found. Even if his endorsement had been obtained, 
 the i^ohce would have demanded some other endorsement. 
 I have since learned that several prominent Radicals of the 
 Senate and the House, spoke to the Chief of Police, and 
 cautioned him about allowing Sergeant Bates to enter the 
 Capitol with his flag. They did not like my way of doing 
 things, and intended to put a stop to it. One thing is certain, 
 whatever may be the reason, I was kept out of the Capitol 
 because I bore the American flag in my hand, by the power 
 which controls the Houses of Congress. My flag and myself 
 were only once before insulted during the march, and that 
 was not far from Milledgeville, in Georgia. The insult was 
 given by several mongrel cur-dogs, which I cudgeled thor- 
 oughly with my flag- staff. 
 
 Ashamed of the spirit which controlled Congress, outraged 
 by the persistent insolence of the joohce, enraged at the insult 
 which had been offered to me and my flag, I turned from the 
 steps of the Capitol, resolving to finish my march under more 
 favorable circumstances, when my flag would be received at 
 least as cordially as it was in the so-called rebel States. Cou- 
 gi-ess may have become so powerful that they need not re- 
 spect that banner, but let the future decide that. 
 
 I was about to return to the hotel when a friend suggested 
 to me that I should go to Washington's Monument and imfui'l 
 the flag there. I did so, over that unfinished and neglected 
 column of marble which is proposed as a monument to the 
 "Father of his Coimtry." I unfurled my weather-worn flag, 
 which for nearly three months had been carried by me, alone, 
 through the Southern States, over hills and through valleys, 
 plains, forests, hamlets, villages, towns, and cities. 
 
 At the monument, Hon. E. O. Perrin, of New York, re- 
 cently appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Utah, 
 was called upon, and spoke as follows: 
 
 SPEECH OF HON. E. 0. PERRIN. 
 
 Seegeant Bates: As unexpectedly to myself as to you, the Reception 
 Committee have this moment requested ine to welcome you and your flag, 
 after having been diiven fi-om the portals of the nation's Capitol. 
 
 After such a repulse from such a source, no place could be more appro- 
 priate than here, at the base of this unfinished monument, erected to 
 commemorate the virtues of Geokge Washington, the Father of his 
 Country. 
 
I'ROM TICKSBUEG TO WASHINGTON. 29 
 
 Could the spirit of that great patriot look down upon this melancholy 
 scene to-day, he might deliver another farewell addi-ess to all the hopes 
 and prospects of a distracted countrj'. 
 
 Look but a moment on the picture. That silken banner, wrought by 
 fan* hands upon the banks of the Misi-dssiiipi, and placed in your keeping 
 by the citizens of Vicksburg on the 28th of last January, has been borne 
 by you, over mountain and valley, 'mid sunshine and rain, by night and 
 by day, for nearly three weary months, through the States of Mississippi, 
 Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, and 
 everywhere throughout these once rebellious States it has been hailed with 
 joy and gladness — every city, village, and town joining in the glad shout 
 — old men and j'oung men, soldiers and citizens, matrons and maidens, 
 all, all welcoming it as the harbinger of better days. Even at Montgomery 
 and Richmond, the boasted capitals of the late Confederacy, you were 
 escorted to the dome of each Capitol, and the stripes and stars kissed 
 again the balmy breeze of the once rebellious South, amid the loud plaudits 
 of a conquered people. 
 
 I learn, from good authority, that but one paper in all the South cast 
 any imputation upon you or your banner — "Pollard's Southern Opinion," 
 a rebel sheet, which echoes only the opinion of Pollard, and hardly that. 
 He called upon the ' ' jieople of CaroUna to meet you on the border, welcome 
 your insolent approach, and seat you on some tall, solitary chimney, left 
 by Sherman as a bleak monument of his vandal raid, and .there let you 
 wave your rag of oppression amid the hootings and ciirses of an insulted 
 people." Not a man, woman, or child responded to the unjust call. 
 Mark my prediction, the whole revolutionary Northern press, down to 
 "my two papers, both daily," will catch this inspiration, join the vile 
 strain, and echo back some fiendish chorus. Indignant rebuke followed 
 the appeal down there; and, believe me, that here the reddest thunder- 
 bolt in God's fiery wi'ath is reserved to come down upon the heads of those 
 who fatten on spoils, revel in plunder, and prostitute their patronage, all 
 in the name of " hberty" and the flag of their country. 
 
 I have it from your own lips, that everywhere upon your triumphal 
 journey you have received the same warm, joyous, patriotic greeting, 
 and ail %vithout the expenditure of one dollar, from Vicksburg to Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 Yet here, in the capitol of the nation, by men full of professions and 
 boasting of loyalty, you have met your first, your only rebuff. At the 
 moment you expected to crown your triumphal march by planting that 
 flag upon the dome of the Capitol, the massive doors of that temple of 
 liberty are slammed in your face by the very men who have bolted and 
 barred out infinitely more loyal Eepresentatives than themselves, and you 
 are driven to Washington's Monument; and there, with bowed head, yoii 
 have unfurled your banner. 
 
 Had the so-called rebels torn from it twenty-seven bright stars, a Radical 
 Congress would have welcomed the dismantled ensign with shouts of 
 joy, as being evidence of an unrepentant people. But it was a standing 
 rebuke to them to find it pass safely and triumphantly throughout your 
 entire journey, without an insult, and requiring no reconstruction at their 
 hands. 
 Yours is the same banner denounced thus by the Radical Tribune : 
 
 " Tear down the flaunting lie; 
 
 rnrl vip the starry flag ; 
 Insult 110 sunny sky 
 
 ■With hate's iJoUuted rag." 
 
 Could you expect a better fate for the flag of your country from such a 
 source ? 
 
30 TRIUMPH AT. MARCH OF SEBGEAXT BATES 
 
 Had it met this repulse and insult at Montgomery or Eichmond, then 
 would your coming have been welcomed -nith Eadical delight. 
 
 It matters not, therefore, if you did defend that tiag duiing the v\-ar, and 
 love and revere it in time of peace, you are guilty of a "high crime and 
 misdemeanor;" and desei-ve impeachment for presuming to float it from 
 yonder Dome -with thii-ty-seven stars upon it, representing as many States, 
 •while the Hump below have s^vorn that ten of those stars Tepreseut only 
 " conquered provincts," jjinned to the Union by loyal bayonets, and governed 
 by five military dictators. 
 
 Yoiu" mistake, Mr. Sergeant, is an innocent and a natural one. You be- 
 lieved in the professions of these men. You thought their loud boasting 
 of love for the Union was sincere. The i^eople once thought like you, but, 
 like yourself, they too have been undeceived, and find that, while they 
 kec'i^ the word of promise to the ear, they break it to the hope. Had you 
 taken some dusky son of Ham, and borne him, Atlas-hlce, upon your back 
 through the sunny South, and landed him safely here, a Eadical Congress 
 would have opened wide those bolted doors, and. when you thnist your 
 sable brother — the American citizen of African descent — into the outstretch- 
 ed arms of the Goddess of Liberty which crowns the dome of yonder 
 Capitol, one loud, long shout of joy would have gone up from those gilded 
 halls below, and you would have been hailed as a hero and crowned with 
 the laurel. 
 
 Seated in the same Capitol from which you are diiven, they strike down 
 the Supreme Court, trample upon the Constitution of our fathers, ride 
 over the sacredncss of law, and, in madness of their wrath, drunken ■s\'ith 
 power, they are this moment enacting the solmn farce of impeaching a 
 President for the high crime and misdemeanor of refusing to bow down to 
 their party lash, and daring to stand between them and an outraged Con- 
 stitution. 
 
 This ' ' traitor President" gave you and the flag a warm welcome to-day, 
 and the loyal Senate, that bars you out of the Capitol, may, for that high 
 crime, frame another charge in their bill of indictment. 
 
 The President stood beneath the flag in the time of war, and such men 
 love it in time of peace. 
 
 When the rebellion raged, he did not continue " to dwell in those marble 
 halls, " but resigned his cushioned seat in the Senate, gave up his five 
 thousand a year, and beariug a commission from Pi-esident Lincoln, he 
 went back to his own Tennessee, then sarrounded by rebel armies, and 
 beneath just such a banner he " fought out the good fight" till he brought 
 back the land of Jackson to the Union of our Fathers ; the only State yet 
 restored since the Confederacy of Jeff. Davis crumbled to the ground. Yet 
 he is a "traitor," and the men who did not insult and repulse your flag are 
 "rebels." 
 
 Compare his record with the mihtary career of that radical body that has 
 just repulsed you, and are now sitting in solemn mockeiy as a " EUgh Court 
 of Impeachment on him. " Call the roll of that ' ' High Court, " and then 
 call the roll of all the armies of the Nation, and show me the name of a 
 single Senatorial Impeacher that ever followed that flag into battle, or 
 fought beneath its stripes and stars. 
 
 From what source, then, do they obtain their warrant to condemn better 
 and braver men? On what bloody fields did they win their laurels ? Diuing 
 four years of sanguinary war, and almost four of unrecons/ructcd peace, 
 what arms did they ever face except the ebony, and alabaster arms in the 
 ladies' gallery '? 
 
 I beg pardon; one of that grand inquest did raise a regiment in the Old 
 Bay State, endured the privations and hardships of a forced march " bi/ 
 rail," from Boston to Washington, faced gallantly all the dangers and peril 
 
FROM VICKSBURG TO WASHINGTON. 31 
 
 of a full dress parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, crossed the Long Bridge 
 in triumph, without dro^Tiing a man, and hearing that Beauregard and his 
 rebel army were approaching the capital, transferred his regiment by en- 
 dorsement to a fighting General, and then Flora Temple never made better 
 time on the Fashion Course than this impeacher made from the battle field 
 of Bull Kun to the gilded halls of the United States Senate. On that fatal 
 day a terrified Federal soldier, ' ' fleeing from the wrath to come, " said he 
 thought he was doing some tail running "till a member of Congress passed 
 him, and he thought he was standing still." That vahant hero sits to-day 
 impeaching the only man who resigned his seat in the Senate to face the 
 enemies of his countrj'-. 
 
 " Judge yo between them." 
 
 But we must not despair*. Their transient voice is not the voice of the 
 people. No, 
 
 "A breath, can unmake them as a breath has made.' 
 
 They but imitate the rash youth " who fired the Ephesian Dome, that 
 his name might outlive the memory of the pious fool v/ho reared it. " 
 
 I well remember, in the compromise days of 1850, Daniel Webster, the 
 great expounder of the Constitution, after voting for those measures that 
 spread the bow of promise in the poHtical heavens, returned to Boston and 
 asked the poor privilege of defending his course, antl the same Radical 
 fanatics that drove you and your flag from the Capitol to-day barred the 
 doors of Faneuil Hall, that cradle of liberty, against Daniel Webster. 
 Like yourself, he was di'iven into the inclement ak, and gave them that 
 rebuke which I may well repeat here: 
 
 "O! ye soUd men of Boston, you have conquered an inhosiJitable cUmate; you have 
 conquered a sterile and barren soil ; you have conquered the very waves that wash your 
 shores; but you have yet to conquer jouv jiivjuclice." 
 
 Alas ! his appeal fell upon leaden ears. With uncouquered prejudices 
 they followed him through hfe; and long after his form had mingled with 
 the dust at Mansfield, and his patriotic spirit gone back to the God who 
 gave it, thej' insulted his momorj', and, hyena-like, desecrated his sepul- 
 chre, by petitioning the Legislature to tear down the bronze monument 
 erected by a grateful peoT)le in the capitol of the State he had honored far 
 more than it could ever honor him. 
 
 " ! Shame, where is thy bUish." 
 
 Sir, after receiving such an ovation through the entire South, I can well 
 imagine your feehngs of sadness, mortification, and disgust, when thus 
 rudely repulsed by those false pretenders who claim such exalted patriot- 
 ism, and are forever prating of their devotion to the National flag. 
 
 The people must soon see their shameless hypocrisy and empty boast- 
 ing; and, in the face of such an insult, you might, while driven from the 
 Capitol, look back contemptuously on that " Radical Eump," and, with 
 far more truth than poetry, exclaim : 
 
 " Blush ! if of manly blood one drop remains 
 To steal its lonely course along your veins ; 
 Blush ! if the bronze, long hardened on the cheek, 
 Has left one spot where that poor drop can speak. 
 Blush ! to be branded with the perjurer's name, 
 And if you dread not Sin, at least dread sliame." 
 
 You, sir, have faced rebel bullets in time of war, and you can bear 
 Radical iusults in time of peace. 
 
 Despair not ; you will find yourseK in good company, and plenty of it, 
 and will have received the same measure of reward meted out to every 
 Union soldier, high or low, from George B. McClellan to the'liumblest 
 private, who, having served his country on the field of battle, refuses to 
 
32 TRIUMPHAL MARCH OF SERGEANT BATES 
 
 serve the "Eadicals" at the ballot-box. If you love the "old flag," you 
 are a rebel in disguise; if you revere the Constitution, you are a traitor 
 to Congress; and oh! if you have the audacity either to think for your- 
 self, sustain the President, scorn "Negro Suffrage," or, worse than all, 
 vote the Democratic ticket, you are then giiilty of "high crimes and mis- 
 demeanors," and, "in the name of all snrh people," j-ou deserve imme- 
 diate impeachment. When old Marius, banished from Rome, and driven 
 in exQe in Carthage, was ordered by a royal minion to depart from the 
 desolation where he had taken refuge, the brave old hero exclaimed : 
 
 " Tell your Master you have seen Caius Marias sitting on the ruins of Carthage.'' 
 
 Ketm-n, then, to your people, and tell them you have seen their Con- 
 gress, sitting inside of the Capitol, legislating "outside of the Constitu- 
 tion" upon the ruins of ike Union. 
 
 A Union far more dissevered by them in three years of profound peace, 
 than it was ever broken by Jeft. Da\us and his rebel hosts diu'ing four 
 years of bloody war. 
 
 But the day will soon come when your bright banner can and trill float 
 from yonder Dome, every star having a State, and every State having a 
 star. 
 
 God grant that it may come quickly; for on that proud day Congres- 
 sional usui'}:)ation will stand rebuked, an outraged Constitution will be 
 vindicated, a fettered judiciarj^ made free, and last, but by no means least, 
 the Nation's Execiitive will be rescued from an outrage, opju-ession, and 
 wrong unparalleled in the annals of modern persecution, and the impeach- 
 ers themselves stand forever impeached in the eyes of both God and man. 
 
 Then, sir, will your late triumphant march Hve fresh and green in the 
 memory of a grateful nation, while the veiy names of the men who diove 
 you from the CaiDitol will be forgotten, or remembered only -w-ith the scorn 
 and contemiDt which will ever follow the betrayers of a confiding people. 
 
 I have finished; unfurl now yoiu- banner to the breeze, -n-ith no paid 
 minions to molest. Let it float from this neglected, inifiuished shaft, a 
 standing reproach to that reckless Congress that squanders milhons of the 
 people's money on Freedmen's Bureaus and sable cemeteries, but cannot 
 spare a dollar to the memory of George Washington, whose sacred ashes 
 slumber to-day "in a conquered province" outside of the Union he 
 created and loved so well, and in sight of the veiy Capitol that beai-s his 
 honored name. They have disgraced themselves, humiliated you, and 
 outraged the people, yet yoiu' banner is ^msiained. Bear it on proudly to 
 your far Western home. * It -will be welcomed everywhere by the jieople 
 who went forth to defend it, -with even greater gladness than by those 
 who seek once more its protecting folds, and yearn for the happy days 
 ' ' that arc no more. " 
 
 In the name of all the people, North, South, East and West, we bid 
 you "God speed." Long may you live to enjoy the pleasant memories 
 of the past, and share with us all the blessings of the future. 
 
 For, as sm-e as yonder sun now shines upon us, our Union will be re- 
 stored, Congress rebuked, and the nation saved. Then will our children, 
 and our children's children, for generations to come, more than rcahze the 
 wild enthusiastic dream of the patriot poet, when he exclaimed: 
 
 " Oh ! may we flourish at a wond'rous rate, 
 Tov.Tis add to towns, and Stute succeed to State, 
 Vntll at last, among its crimson bars. 
 Our country's banners, crowdid full of stars, 
 O'er freedom's sous iu hapny tnunn)h wave, 
 A hundred million, and not a single sl.\ve." 
 
 At the conclusion of IMr. Perriu's remarks, tlie flag -was 
 
FROM VICKSBUEG TO WASHINGTON. 33 
 
 waved from the Mouument amid tremendous applause and 
 nine rousing cheers. 
 
 I left the Monument and returned to the hotel. My jour- 
 ney vras finished. My work was done. Whether it was well 
 or ]ioorly done, let others decide. It has clearly fixed upon 
 my mind these truths: 
 
 First. The Southern people revere the flag, and are willing 
 to fight for it against any foe. 
 
 Second. They have a strong desire to hve in the Union and 
 under the Constitution, but they hate mihtary domination, 
 and detest negro suffrage. They cannot endure the idea of 
 being governed by negroes. 
 
 Third. Any Northern man will be well received at the 
 South, provided he does not seek to degi-ade their society by 
 placing the negroes in power to govern them. 
 
 Fom-th. They dislike and oppose the Radicals, not because 
 they fought each other in the war, for they fought the Dem- 
 ocrats as Tv-ell, but because Eadical Reconstruction seeks, by 
 bayonet, to force the intelligent white man down to the 
 earth and elevate the ignorant and incompetent negro over 
 him. 
 
 I set out upon my march convinced that the Southern peo- 
 ple had resumed their affection for the flag and the Union. 
 I was equally convinced that thousands of the Northern peo- 
 ple believed the contrary, and for that reason were sustaining 
 a policy which ground the people of the South to the earth. 
 Men said that my heart would be cut out, before I could go 
 ten miles from Yicksburg, by that terrible rebellious people. 
 I have walked over fourteen hundred miles in their country 
 without an escort, without any weapon but a pen-knife, with- 
 out any money, with only the Americau flag for a defence, 
 and I received nothing but blessings and thanks and kindness 
 at every step of the way. The people of the South are not 
 rebellious. Heaven knows it. They feel as the people of the 
 North feel. We should not like to be governed by the 
 bayonet as Poland is. We should not like to have poHtical 
 power given to a great mass of ignorant negroes in our own 
 State against our will and by force, and have hundreds of 
 thousands of our intelligent fellow citizens disfranchised and 
 driven from the polls. The Southern people are no more 
 rebelHous to-day than the people of Illinois, Ohio, and New 
 York would be if Congress should govern those States by 
 the bayonet and attempt to fasten upon them detested negro 
 suflrage. I set out in an entei-prise to demonstrate that 
 fact. 
 
 If I have succeeded in placing before the minds of my 
 
34 TRIUMPHAL MARCH OF SERGEANT BATES 
 
 countryman of the North, even in a modest degree, a truth- 
 ful jiicture of the sentiments of the South ; if by any word 
 or deed of mine men shall be disabused of theii" erroneous 
 and cruel opinions, and shall thereby treat the South, as part 
 of our common coimtiy, with generosity and magnanimity; 
 if any act of mine has tended to restore peace and: harmony 
 and confidence once more between the two sections, Heaven 
 be praised, I shall not have hved in vain. 
 
 GILBERT H. BATES, 
 
 Sergeant 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. 
 
FROM VICKSHOEG TO WASHINGTON. 35 
 
 FKOM VICKSBUKG TO THE SEA. 
 
 The following stirring lines are from the -pen of Capt. Mayue Keid, and were dedicated 
 to Sergeant Gilbekt H. Bates, the Wisconsin soldier, while bearing the Stars and Stripes 
 through the heart of Keheldom : 
 
 Beae on the banner, soldier boltl : 
 
 How Southern hearts must thrill 
 To see the flag, so loved of old, 
 
 Waving above them still ! 
 What cords 'twill touch, what echoes wake 
 
 Of that far traer time ! 
 Who knows but it the spell may break, 
 
 That maddened them to crime. 
 
 Bear on the banner ! hold it up ! 
 
 But not by way of tcaunt; 
 They've drank too deep the bitter cup 
 
 To need such idle vaunt. 
 No: be it like a brother's hand, 
 
 To soothe a brother's pain, 
 From hasty blow of quarrelsome brand, 
 
 Ne'er to be giv'n again. 
 
 Bear on the banner ! spread it out. 
 
 O'er all Secessia's land ! 
 Sure, they will hail it vdth. a shoiit. 
 
 And take the proffered hand ? 
 I cannot think their hearts are dead — 
 
 Southrons ! 'twould grieve me sore— 
 EecaU yom- ancient spirit fled, 
 
 And patriots be once more ! 
 
 Bear on the banner ! hold it high ; 
 
 And once more let them see 
 The white star on the azure sky — 
 
 Those sjnnbols of the free ! 
 Oh ! may they think of that strange star. 
 
 Once seen in Eastern night; 
 And, like the " wise men," from afar. 
 
 Bow down before its light ! 
 
 Bear on the banner, soldier, bold ! 
 
 It is a thought of worth; 
 And often will the tale be told 
 
 Around the winter hearth. 
 Ten thousand, thousand eyes are bent 
 
 Upon thy daring deed; 
 A nation, now no longer rent. 
 
 Is wishing thee " God speed ! " 
 
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