As the country passed into deeper and stronger
excitement over the prospect of secession and its consequences, he
was among the first to catch the military spirit and to take an
active part in the formation of a little company among the students.
It was not his disposition to be excited merely because others were.
Certain qualities of mind led him to look beneath the surface for
the causes of national commotion. He read carefully the utterances
of leaders, North and South, and to some extent traced back their
views and animating spirit to historical sources.
In the year of '63 he found to his joy that he had attained such
physical proportions as would secure his acceptance in a cavalry
regiment forming in his vicinity. His uncle, who was also guardian,
for reasons already known, made slight opposition, and he at once
donned the blue with its bluff trimmings. In camp and field he
quickly learned the routine of duty, and then his daring, active
temperament led him gradually into the scouting service.
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