Literary cadet, and Saturday evening bulletin. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1826-1827, 1827-03-31
MSSCELAANx
HENRY AND ISABEL

noiu Oh our NcuilS OH the slightest diluSIOn
to the days which, in the proverDlal language
oi us all, were " the days which tired mems
souls" the aged feel 1t, because it brings
back TO their fading memories the sacrifices
which a strong sense of duty compelled
them to make over comfort and ease. And
all others are alive TO 1t, bee cause "they
have heard with their ears, and then fathers
have told them," Of the trials and suiierlngs
winch came unbdden to every dwelling
and turned all hearts to rest on God, as III
the hour of danger, children gather round
a mother for protection.
To these scenes, it is well now and then
to recur. The burden OF pain we know
was then heavy on all-but we cannot feel
how dreadful it bore on the lew how sor-
rowiully individual strength was crushed
how bitter were the dregs which fathers,
and mothers, and sisters were compelled to
drlnk-and how many homes for long
time were the abodes of atlliclon.
Ii was at the close of sabbath day, not
long after the commencement OF hostlties,
that Il warning was brought to the town of
TO furnish forth company OF militia
men to march the next day to-to de-
tend the place from the attack OF It's foes.
This demand made upon the inhabitants OF
town, rather IN the interior OF the land,
and particularly distinguished for the union
which existed there, had very different ei-
feet on the several families which Composed
1t. With some there was a wonderful ami
nation at the thought of marching OIL and
leading camp lie, and beng engaged too,
as they thought, iii the defence OF right,
md tb,Ir
enthusiasm, with the patriotic feeling which
came ever them On others the call fell
sadly; for to comply with it was to be to
them-it may be alone-the interruption OF
happy hours and days of quiet, and though
no one would shrink for moment, yet a
sort OF palsying fear came over the mother
and tn maiden az each thought OF the un-
certain fate which was to attend the son or
the brother, or one still dearer and closer
to the heart than either. With the other
sex there was more of stern resolve, and
of victory over feeling; but in that place,
many father was found whose lip trem-
bled as ne spoke, that evening, to his son
OF the preparation he must make for the de-
mand made of him; and n my one re-
pressedthe rising fear, tia., of the youthful
oil IN living strength, un er the ensIgns OF
battle, many had enlisted in that last war
{" in which there is no discharge"
But to the youthful spirits who were to
form that gallant band no dscouraging word
was spoken L., every dwelling there was
busy preparation fathers, superintending
mothers anxious tnat their sons should
have all to carry with them they could have
sisters, seeking to find out little wants,
and untired in supplying them-brothers,
oficlous and asking a thousand questions,
and domestcs eager to give their aid to
those who must soon be deprived Of their
services.
My story will be mostly confined to two
families, particularly affected by the mill
tary preparation then and there making
son of Squire -, a young man Of
fine character, was to be one of the militia
men in the next days march. The oiu
gentleman, his father, was one Of those
men of sterling sense, who, though rugged
in exterior, possess much that is noble and
cultivated within He vas fond of Henry,
and was perhaps as sensible and as anxious
Of the danger which awaited him, as others,
who expressed much more solictude. Hen
ry was the mothers JOY and the fathers
hope, and his departure must cause breach
in the circle of an affectionate family
Henry" said the father, after the even
ing's preparation, you will 90 to Mig hit and
take leave of Dr., for in the morn
ing you will hardly have time. The urgen-
cy Of .he occasion will excuse the hour;-
and III wait prayers for your return"
The mother followed him to the door,
and as the name of Isabel sounded in the
Squire's ears, he continued, "better as you
return from the minister's"
Henry had indeed something more to do
than to bid farewell to those at home, and
at the good minister's where his father was
so anxious he should 60. Atanother place,
his second home, he must make a parting
call; and to do this was found to be not the
lightest in that evenings troubles.
Ia the other family, just alluded to, the
affection and pride of the parents rested on
the two beautiful daughters, with whom
Henry had passed much of his hitherto hap
py life; and thither, after the pa,ting shake
Of the hand with the minister, were his
steps directed. As he approached the
house, the fireside circle was seen through
the window, and never before as it seemed
to him, had he come to it with such sad
forebodings The daughters, Isabel and
n