April 22, 1862, at Rancocas, New Jersey

Today I am enlisted.  I am now Private Michael McBride of the 5th New
Jersey Volunteers.  In two days time I am to report to the US Army
Quartermaster in Mt. Holly, the county seat.

From there myself and other volunteers for the regiment will be marched to
the river front in Burlington.  We are to board a steamboat.  A steamboat
mind you!  And steam south on the Delaware to Philadelphia!

I am finally going to see Philadelphia!  It must really be exciting now
with the war and all.  Although I am somewhat apprehensive about being a
soldier in an army at war, I am also excited about the glorious adventure
it will be.

When I told Pa that I was going to do this it seemed to sadden him a might. 
But he said that he knew it was something that I had to do and that he was
very proud of me.  Kind of gave me a lump.

Pa also said he hoped the conflict, that's what he called it "the
conflict", got resolved before men of his age who like him were not in the
best of health, were called to fight.

Ma cried quietly for a time and said that since the times before the Bible
mothers have been giving their sons to war.  Mothers can't stop it, all
they can do is hope they're the last mothers who will be called upon to
make the sacrifice.

Pa acted like he was insulted when I asked him if he could handle the farm
without me.  He asked me who I thought helped him before I came along.  I
never had given that much thought.

Pa and Ma are going to take me to Mt. Holly in the wagon to see me off.  I
wonder when we'll get uniforms?  I wonder if I'll ever see Ranacocas again?