Which I am very Glad to hear, tho' I sincerely wish I was
in his Place--
===============Have not any News.=====
===============So will Conclude--I am Sr=====
===============with Respect Yr friend & S't=====
===============ROBERT LATIMEE=====
=====P.S. My Mammy & Aunt===============
=====Present Comp'?? &c--===============
=====CAPT. HALE.===============

Only one thought dims the pleasure with which
we read these two letters,--the consciousness of
the depth of distress that must have filled that loyal
boy's heart to overflowing when he learned of the
tragic death of his hero friend.

Two notable records from Captain Hale's diary
are these:

November 6. It is of the utmost importance that an
officer should be anxious to know his duty, but of greater
that he should carefully perform what he does know. The
present irregular state of the army is owing to a capital
neglect in both of these.

November 7. Studied ye best method of forming a
Reg't for a review, of arraying the Companies, also of
marching round ye reviewing Officer. A man ought never
to lose a moment's time. If he put off a thing from one
minute to the next, his reluctance is but increased.

Later in November, when the men in his company
were unwilling to reenlist, this notable entry
was made, signed with his full name:

[[54]]

p053 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p054w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p055

v?