Jason Elmer Hammond

“ Who can estimate the courage of the wife who held bravely back the feelings of grief as her trembling lips spoke to her loved companion her last words of cheer, and held aloft the babe to wave farewell—perhaps eternal, as he turned on the hill-top to take one more look—perhaps his last. ”

“ What power can conquer the nation where every man and boy, and every woman and girl will throw themselves between their flag and its enemy! Let the future come with its responsibility and its trial. With such men to fight our battles and build up national strength, and such women to support and build up home and its childhood, who or what can overthrow us, if we but hold to the Union? ”

“ There were silent factors in that war—heroes whose fame it is not the custom to sing—soldiers outside the ranks who never bore arms and yet bore all the burdens of war, soldiers as much beloved by those in front, and more than the commander-in-chief himself, and whose sympathy and courage and work in the war was a strong support and aid in its successful issue—I allude to our loyal women. ”