Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1854-12-25
THE YOUNG REBEL.
A TALE OF THE CAROLINAs.
BY J. NJ. SANDERS.

BY J. NJ. SANDERS.
In small farmhouse, towards the close
OF The year 1850, sat an old man, his wife,
and an only son. The face of the father
appeared troubled at times he looked
ihoughlfully on the floor, and then he would
gaze long and wistluIIy at his son, fine,
manly youth Of twenty. At length he
said
"David, this is disastrous news from
Camden. God knows what will become oil
the country now Congress needs every
arm that is capable; all me, wish this
old wound got in the French war had not
lamed me; but for it, | should be now
shouldering my musket and marching TO
defend my country,
Both son and wife looked up at these
words. The old lady ceased knitting and
gazed inquiringly nj her boy, and il was
evident, from the expression Of her face,
that patriotism and motherly affection we're
at Variance in her bosom. The son, how.
y ever, after encoun,ering his fathers gaze
for moment, turned conlusedly away
The old mans brow darkened, and he ex.
claimed warmly:
"David, why do you lingcr about the
village when your country needs your ser.
vices SO much Why, my son, am asha.
med of you. Twice before this have spo,
ken to you upon this subject, but you ap.
pear 10 have no spirit What will you
sec us trampled upon by the brutal mer.
cenories Of Britain, and still lie here su.
4 pineIy! For shame, David, for shame I
viii not call you my son. Long since
you ought to have been in the army 2"
"Joshua, joshua" inierposed tho old
mother, "Davd is but youth then do
not speak so harshly to bim. He cannot
ye, feel what you feel, who have fought so
otter against your country's enemies )
Joshua he is but boy"
"a boy, indeed, Deborah such bays as
DAVID have already gained impenshable
laurels since the war commenced. could
name a host Of them why, were it not
for the boys OF this land, where would be
sour army, which, | dare say, is one quar-.
Ter composed of boys of David's age 7"
The old man was excited, and it was
the first unkind word he had ever used to
his boy.
David rose and left the house. He
walked some distance, apparently in deep
Thought.
"What will not woman do 2" he at last
muttercd. "Hlere | have been lingering
about the village when should have been
!. orlong ago. And for what? why, to meet
n pretty girl, and TO listen 10 her musical
voice but now will be myself again
What did he call mel was it not a coa0ard'
Il Now, by Heavens, will learn him that he
has son who possesses the spirit of his
father. Away, then, with love, for feel
that am called upon to act, no longer
dream Ere another fortnight my father
shall hear of me, or else lose my life in
u striving for it," And with this resolution
he turned about and retroced his steps.
d When he reached home he sought the
stable, saddled his horse, and mounting
him struck into gallop, which continued
for several miles. At length he stopped
II and looked up al the windows Of farm
house, half hid between clustering trees
4 This was the residence of Mary Bunker
the mistress of his heart; the lights show
ed that the family had not retired, and he
resolved to pay her visit before his de
parlurc.
NA She was alone when he entered, and {
few words acquainted her Of his dctermI
nation. She burst into tears.
( "Nay, Mary" be said, "you must no
/ nnman me. At first resolved TO leay
YOU without a farewell, for knew hov
much YOU dreaded my taking an active pal
\ in this struggle. But | could not be S
Y cruel as to desert you without word"
81 will compose myself" said the fai
o;rl with an effort to smile. 81 know
have been wrong to persuade you to stay
but YOU cannot imagine the anxletles l su
fer on account of my brothers, and coul
not bear to have you too encounter 'he
danger. But since this dreadful defeat q
Camden feel that every man is wanted b
our country. Go, then, dearest, and ma
God be with you. Myprayers shall alien
YOU pighi and day."
Datid pressed the now weeping gl'I 4
his bison, snatclfed nasty KISS al VI