Patriotism Runs In My Blood

I have in my possession, a letter written by John B. Taylor in 1861. It was written to his mother and recorded his thoughts about enlisting in the Union forces of the Civil War. For the longest time I wasn't sure where Mr. Taylor fit into my family tree, but thanks to some work online, I've found that he is my 2nd great grand uncle (my great-great grandmother's brother). There were 10 kids in their family - 3 boys, 7 girls. All 3 boys died in the Civil war - within 6 months of each other. Can you imagine?

Here's the text of the letter... I find it beautiful.

Dear Mother,

Once again I seat myself to Send you a line, probably the last you will receive from this place – As I have Some thought of Enlisting in the army if my Service will be needed although I am not certain but all the comp’s will be filled before I have the chance of handing in my name as one who will be ready to go – to fight my Country’s battles. Tomorrow Evening a meeting will be held in Port Byron to determine what shall be done in the present Crisis by the Citizens of this place – and if the companies are not all filled I for one Shall go but if my Services are not needed at present it is quite likely that ere long another call will be issues – when I will not be so dilatory but will be among the first to enlist.

I am well aware with what feelings you will peruse this – yet I pray you not to think hard – it is a duty devolving upon every man Capable of beating arms to hold himself in readiness, to, at once, attend his Country’s call and therefore I enjoin upon you not to take yourself any Trouble on my account as I go with my Eyes open – well knowing the dangers to which I will be Subject and well knowing that the chances are a thousand to one against me, a thousand to one that I will not live through the first battle – yet – I pray you to remember that – Death is the Common lot of all men; and and that it matters but little where, how or when a man dies, if he but die honorable, and again if I die young I will not be Subject – to the Trials that otherwise I will have to encounter.

But again dear Mother, let me ask you not to think hard of my going_____

“Weep not for me”

You have other at home who demand your care and attention – see to them and Suffer me to take care of myself, and console yourself with the thought that I am but doing my duty – Traitors and Disunionists are endeavoring to tear down that Liberty, that freedom, for which our fore-fathers fought, bled and died. And it is now the duty of every true American to lay down his life in defense of his country; and all both young and old should aid in putting down disunion and succession principles where ever they may be expressed whether in north or south, whether in East or West? And every mother Should enjoin her sons to Cultivate a Spirit of Patriotism for in times like these:

Patriotism should reign supreme,
In every matrons bosom rest
And every Child with a love of country, teem
Drawn from its mother’s breast

But I will say something of the doings of this place – A few days ago a person was advocating Secession and disunion when some of the Union loving men took them in hands and were about Stringing them up to the nearest tree – and by so doing have silenced him as well as one or two others who advocated the Same doctrine. But having no time to write more at present I close for the present.

Yours Ever
John B. Taylor
Apr 21 (?) 1861