"Where men only dare to go!" or, The story of a boy company (C.S.A.)

Dedication

IN

i e i 0 k y

OF

Preface

THE author of the following pages was, about two years ago, elected "historian" of the Parker Battery (veteran) Association. It was not contemplated then that he would do more than write a brief histurv of the company, intended only for its few surviving members and friends; but later he determined to write a book which would appeal to the general public for perusal — with what success the general public must judge.

The title of the book was suggested by the fact that the Parker Battery had a remarkable number of boys in it, many of whom were so young as to require the written permission of their parents to enlist, and by the speech (quoted from memory) of Colonel Lee, at Sharpsburg, when he said, "You are boys, but you have this day been where men only dare to go." The author was one of those boys, and he expresses opinions and sentiments with at least something of a boy's frankness.

During the three years of its service there were probably two hundred men who answered to the

Vlll PREFACE.

roll-call of this company ; but many of their names will not be found here, as it was impracticable, in a work of this character, to give the personal history of each man. The names contained herein, however, are not fictitious, except ,; Robert Cannon," which was assumed by the writer because the narrative was necessarily personal.

Apology may be expected for the humble titles of the heroes of the story — only corporals, captains, and colonels: but the author endorses the sentiment of Delaware Kemper (who is only a li Major " in the book") that, "in these days, plain 'Mister' is a decidedly higher title than the military ones so complacently assumed by those who displayed their shrewdness, if at all, in keeping away from the scenes where real titles were won." Apology is certainly due to General Kemper for dismissing him into retirement with his wound at Manassas. whereas he served with distinction subsequently in the South.

Thanks are returned to Adjutant-General James McDonald ; Eev Dr. J. "William Jones, of the Southern Historical Society ; and Mr. Charles Poindexter, of the State Library, for courtesies extended the writer in the preparation of this book.

A Backward Glance, 239