Garrison, to son, upon his joining 55th Regiment

August 6, 1863, from readinggarrisonsletter.   Garrison writes to his eldest son, George Thompson Garrison, after George has enlisted in the 55th Regiment.   ” I have nothing but praise to give you that you have been faithful to your highest convictions, and taking your life in your hands, are willing to lay it down, even like the brave Col. Shaw and his associates, if need be, in the cause of freedom, and for the suppression of slavery and the rebellion.  True, I could have wished you could ascend to what I believe a higher plane of moral heroism and a nobler method of self-sacrifice; but as you are true to yourself, I am glad of your fidelity, and proud of our willingness to run any risk in a cause that is undeniably just and good…..”