Peril 3: the Invasion
As my ears listened to the thundering of cannon, clashing of swords, and shouts and cries of the millions in mortal combat, I again heard the mysterious voice, saying: ÒSon of the Republic, look and learn.Ó  When the voice had ceased, the dark, shadowy angel placed his trumpet once more to his mouth, and blew a long, fearful blast.  Instantly a light, as of a thousand suns, shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into frag-ments the dark cloud which enveloped America.  At the same moment, I saw the angel upon which forehead still shone the word UNION, and who bore our national flag in one hand, and a sword in the other, descend from heaven, attended by legions of bright spirits.  These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were well-nigh overcome, but who, immediately taking courage again, closed up their broken ranks and renewed the battle.