You come to sojourn for a little while in this your county's capital. Swiftly the hours of your stay will fly. But in this little space, much good or evil you may learn and do. Your feet will tread the upward or the downward road. Heavenward or hellward you will daily move. Better or worse you will go hence—better or worse you will leave others. But oh! how vast the difference! Accept this welcome as a proof that you have friends who long to guide you to the better way.
 
Parade and drill are over for the day. The time is vacant. Let us then converse. I cross the threshold of my main design by simply asking, what is the purpose of this visit? Why have you left your quiet cot—your fields—your homestead—your familiar work? Why have you changed your rustic garb for the red coat? Why are lowing herds, and bleating flocks, and vocal groves, abandoned for the noise of fife and drum? Why are the cart and plough exchanged for musketry and guns?
 
I expect you nobly to reply, that duty calls and you obey.