Gods and Generals Page #2

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Surely goodness and mercy have

followed me all the days of my life.

Now be on your way,

and God be with you.

Y'all be coming on back, you hear?

We'll be back, Martha.

I won't forget to write you, sister.

I know there are a thousand brothers

leaving a thousand homes...

...and I know we're not

the only ones, Mother.

But I've never felt sadder in my life.

Good morning, major.

This just arrived for you.

Cadet Norris, return to the Institute.

My compliments to Colonel Smith.

I will be at his office

within the half-hour.

Sir.

"You are ordered to report with the

corps of cadets to camp instruction...

...to begin training and organization

of the Provisional Army...

...for the defense of the

Commonwealth of Virginia."

My esposita.

Come, before I leave, we must sit...

...read together, the verse.

Here.

Yes, here. Corinthians...

Second Corinthians, chapter five.

I have been thinking about this verse.

"For we know that if our earthly house

of this Tabernacle were dissolved...

...we have a building of God.

A house not made with hands,

eternal in the heavens."

Oh, Almighty God...

...grant that if it be thy will...

...thou wilt still avert the threatening

danger and bring us peace.

Keep her whom I love in

thy protected care.

And bring us all at last to

the joy of thy eternal kingdom.

"The Lord is my life. My salvation.

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength in my life.

Of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked, even mine

enemies and my foes...

...came upon me to eat up my flesh,

they stumbled and fell.

Though unhost should encamp against

me, my heart shall not fear.

The wall should rise up against me.

In this will I be comforted."

Secession is inexcusable. Southerners

and Northerners can still work together.

Slavery will eventually die

of natural causes.

But the breakup of the Union

will inaugurate wars...

...of a hundred generations in America...

...only to repeat the bloody

history of Europe.

As a Christian man,

my first allegiance is to God.

Then to my state, the state of Virginia.

Every state has a primal claim

to the fealty of her citizens...

...and they justly control

their allegiance.

If Virginia adheres

to the United States, I adhere.

Her determination must control mine.

This is my understanding of patriotism.

And though I love the Union,

I love Virginia more.

Private Jenkins,

because of the high regard...

...with which I hold your father,

you are free to do as you please.

You may return to his new home

in Pennsylvania.

It is your decision.

But, if you decide to stay with us...

...you may never again leave. If you do,

you'll be treated as a deserter.

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