looking young fellows of from nineteen to twenty-five, clad in the
same bright uniform of twenty years ago, and stepping out with all the
brisk and cheery step of youth, it looked as if there had been a
resurrection of the old days. Could we old gray heads ever have looked
like these! Could that gay young spark mounted on the leading caisson
horse and furtively chaffing No. 13 be Hilleary and Hutchins come to
life again? Could that serious, slender boy, all attention to the word
of command, be the grave and clerical Hale Houston of this day gone
back to youth again. Can that sturdy No. 4 at the gun, be old Boss
Lumpkin? Could we all have looked as fresh and full of youth, and as
full of engaging humor and good temper as these young fellows? I suppose
we did, though it is hard to be believed, even by ourselves. I can
tell you of a reunion that, if promised, would bring more of the old
boys together than all the patriotism than can ever fill the American
heart. Just promise them that for that day they shall be young again!
Bless my heart, what a crowd you could have! Young again, mark you,
both in mind and body. I don't know one of the old fellows who, if he
had the option, wouldn't take back the youth he had twenty-three years
ago with the war, famine and hardships that followed. What a deal of
difference it does make to a man whether the world is behind or in
front of him.

Do you know--of course this is confidential--that I am glad the schools
have gone for the summer. Education has been a thorn in our family for
some time past, indeed since the younger member got into the higher
branches. Until lately it has been the impression of Mrs. Boyzy and
myself that we spoke the English language with facility and much
correctness, and as for facility I will put Mrs. B. against any picked
nine that may be brought. But recently we have been greatly humiliated
by our eldest girl, who comes back daily from school with a new