"A dreadful war having sprung up between the North and South, the North having marshalled their thousands to invade and lay waste our beautiful land, subjugate the people and rule with a rod of iron. After mature deliberation and much prayer, I felt it to be my duty to give my assistance to the country where I had been nurtured and where the bones of my ancestors reposed.
I felt that I had no right to enjoy the blessing purchased by others. I could not enjoy the comforts of home while my brothers were toiling for me. I would be unworthy the mother who bore me and taught me lessons of honor and patriotism. Unworthy the ancestors who fought and died for liberty did I remain at home."
– Thomas Hopkins Deavenport, Company H, 3rd Tennessee Infantry
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