“When one takes retrospective view of the events which occurred twenty four years ago, he cannot help but admit that this a progressive age and when he sees a building burn down he may console himself with the idea that he will live to see a finer one springing up from its ashes particularly if the old one has been well insured. There may be pleasant recollections associated with the original building for the loss of which we can never be repaid but time heals all things and we learn to do without old associations and form other and dearer ties.

I have often lamented the wicked waste of life and property cause by our civil war, but I have now learned to look upon all these matters philosophically and sometimes think it was intended the nation should pass through such an experience as children go through with their various diseases by way of preparing them for the greater trials of life.

If we take this view of the matter we may find some consolation for the events of a fratricidal war, which should never have taken place.”
Tagged: Will

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