191                                HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT O.V.V.I.

           As we passed down the Ohio river a most noticeable feature was the difference of the two shores. Those upon the Ohio side seemed all life and energy. The ladies tossed and waved their handkerchiefs with a life and energy that indicated earnestness, welcome and joy. Those upon the Kentucky side seemed to be generally away from home. Some would stand in their doors in sullen indifference. They probably felt that they had lost their dear rights, and were not likely soon to recover them. They looked as the Southern Confederacy felt – "caved in."
           We arrived at Louisville the morning of the 11th, and marched about four miles south-west and encamped. The next day changed camp, but the position being a swamp we again moved to the south-east of the city, where we found a beautiful, healthy locality. We all tried to think we were in a loyal State, for Kentucky was blowing her horn as loud as the most loyal State in the North. Aristocrat and plebian, "stay at home" and returned rebel soldier, as full yet of rebellion as "hell of brimstone," all going in on the spread eagle style for the "Constitution and the laws," claiming for themselves as much of the new glory that crowns the Fourth as if they had battled for the Government instead of against it – for the Constitution and the laws instead of against them. They fought hard, no matter on which side, for or against, the glory is all the same: they were neutral.
           Yes, ye gods! look down and be amazed at the patriotism of us Kentuckians! Old Smith comes down from the rafters, after his wife has repeatedly assured him that the bear is dead. See him now, as he spreads himself among his neighbors, and tells them how "me and Sally killed the bear!" Who would not honor the self-sacrificing old hero for taking such high ground, such a safe position during the petty conflict of "our erring brethren?" True, he would much rather the bear had killed Sally, but now that the beast is dead and his own precious carcass is safe, (requicscat en pace,) we should all rejoice in our common victory!"
           This State has suffered but little. If she had been run over like South Carolina she would have been infinitely more loyal than she is. She is much like a perverse family out West that could never be induced to attend church. They were rich and prosperous in worldly things. The old preacher had been very kind to them, but they only grew more wicked and more insulting to both God and man. One day a rattlesnake bit one of the boys and he thought he must die. At once they sent for the preacher. He came. They wanted him to pray for the dying boy, and he began: "We thank thee, O Lord, for rattlesnakes. We thank thee, that in thy adorable providence thou hast sent one to bite John! And we do beseech thee to send one of them to bite the old man and the rest of the family, for nothing but rattlesnakes will bring them to repentance!"
           Such a prayer would be very appropriate for Kentucky. She needs rattlesnakes – she needs to suffer that she may know the value of a good government.
           When at Louisville much discontent and open complaint prevailed among the troops, that they were longer held in the service after the war had ended. In some regiments the conduct became almost mutinous. The Seventy-Eighth became tainted with the same contagious spirit, but in a mild form, compared with others.
           General Leggett issued an address to his command, that caused the fever to abate. We give the address below:

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