Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-06-02
THE FARMERS SONS.
A SKETCH.

1t is now many years since the first batial-
ion of the l7th Regiment of Foot, under or
dcrs to embark for lndia-that far distant
land, where so many of our own brave
countrymen have fallen victims to the eli
mate, and where so few have slept in what
soldiers call "the bed of glory, were as
sembed in the barrack yard of Chatham,
to be inspected previously to their passing
on board the transports, which lay moored
in the Downs.
1t was scarcely day-break. when the mer-
nv drum and fife were heard over all parts
of the town, and the soldiers we're seen sal
lying forth from their quarters, to Join their
ranks with their bright irelocks on their
shoulders, and the knapsacks and canteens
fastened to their backs by belts as white as
snow. Each soldier was accompanied by
some friend or acquantance,-o by some
individual, with dearer title TO his regard
than either and there was a strange and
sometimes whimsical mngling of weeping
and laughter among the assembled. groups.
The second battalion was to remain in
England, and the greater portion Of the d-
vision were present to bid farewell TO their
old companions in arms. But among the
husbands and wives, uncertainty as 10 their
destiny prevailed-for the lots were yet TO
be drawn-the lots that were to decide
which of the women should accompany the
regiment, and which should remain behind.
Ten OF each company were to be taken and
chance was to be the only arblter. Without
noticing what passed elsewhere, confined
,s.h
commanded by my friend Captain Loden,
brave and excellent officer, who, | am sure,
has no more than myself forgotten the scene
TO which | refer.
The women had gathered around the flag
sergeant who held the lots in his cap-ten
of them marked "to go"-and all the OILERS,
containing the fatal words ITO remain" 1t
was moment of dreadful suspense, and
never have seen the extreme of anxiety so
powerfully depicted i'll the countenances of
human being as in the features of each of
the soldiers wives who composed that
group. One advanced and drew her ticket;
it was agains, her, and she retreated sobbing
another, she succeeded and giving a loud
huzZa ran on to the distant ranks TO en-
brace her husband A third came for
ward with hesitatlng steps; tears were al
ready chasing each other down her cheeks,
and there was an unnatural paleness on her
Interesting and youthful countenance. She
put her small hand into the sergeants cap,
and saw by the rise aud fall Of her bosom,
even more than her looks revealed. She
unroed the paper, looked upon it, and with
deep groan, fell back aud tainted, So in
tense was the anxiety of every person pres
ent, that she remained unnoticed until all
the tickets had been drawn, and the greater
number of the women had left the spot.
then looked around and beheld her support
ed by her husband who was kneeling upon
the ground gazing upon her face and dry
ing her fast-falllng tears with his coarse
handkerchief; and now and then pressing it
to his own manly cheek.
Captain Lodeu advanced towards them.
81 am sorry, Henry Jenkins" said he, THAT
fate has been against you; but bear up, and
be stont hearted"
81 am so Captain" said the soldier, as he
looked up and passed his rough hand across
his face but It's hard thing to part from a
wife, and she so soon to be mother"
ooh Captain =, sobbed the young woman
"as you are both husband and a father, dc
I not take him from me have no friend in
the wide world but one, and you let him
abide with me 10 take me with him i
for the love of God take me with him, Cap.
tain ~ She fell on her knees, laid hold Of
the officers SASH cIasPed it firmly between
her hands, and looked up in his face, ex-
claiming "Oh leave me my only hope, al
least till God has given ne another; and re-
peated, in heart rending accents, ooh, take
me with him take me with him !"
/. The gallant officer was himself in tears
he knew that it was impossible to grant thu
poor wife's petition without creating mucl
= discomfort in the company, and he gazeC
r upon them with which a good man Away
regards the suffering he cannot alleviate
At this moment smart young soldier step