Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-08-15
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49, ~~G~e~,o-~-oy~.a1l lsees,b o.9-~lo-og-s75
THE YOUNG REBEL.
ATALE soF THE cARoL1NAs.
~ . \. 'sANDERs.

and an only son. The face Of Che father
appeared troubled at times he looked
thoughlfully. to the floor, and then ho
would gaze long and wistfully at his SON
fine, manly youth oftwenty. sAtlength
be said !: .ze
Dkid, ,.ths is disastrous news from
Camden. God knows What will become of
the country now Congress needs every
arm that Is capable; alb |! me-. / wish this I;
: old aweund zst 81 80 sfGtte n var had
not famed me but for it, | should now
be shouldering my musket and marching
to defend my country.
Both. son and wife looked up at these
words The old lady ceased knitting and
looked inquiringly at her boy, and it was
evident from the expression of her face,
that patriotism and motherly affection
were at variance in her bosom. The son,
however, after encountering his fathers
eye for moment, turned confusedly away.
The old mans brow darkcned, and he ex-
claimed warmly: =.
David, why do you linger about the
village when your country needs your SER
vices so much ? Why, my son, am
ashamed Of you. Twice before this have
spoken to you on this subject, but you
appear to have no spirit! What will
you see us trampled upon by the brutal
mercenaries Of Britain, and still lie. here
supinely? For shame, David, for shame |!
| will not call you my son. Long stree
you ought to have been in the army.
Joshua Joshua !',interposed the old
mother, { David is but youth then do
not speak so harshly to him. He cannot
yet feel what you feel, who have fought 50
often against your country's enemy. Joss
ua, he is but boy. -..~
A boy, indeed, Deborah such boys as
David have already gained imperishable
laurels since the war commenced. ] could
name host Of them why, were it not
for the boys of this land where would be
our army which, dare say is oneq equartel
composed of boys of David's age +
The old man was excited, and it was the
first unkind word he had ever used to hi:
boy
David rose and left the house. = HI
walked some distance, apparently in deer
thought.
What will not woman do {? he at las
muttered. Here 1 have been lingering
about the village when should have beer
OF long ago. And f5r what fswhy,.tt
meet pretty girl, and to listen to her mu
sical voice; but now l will be myself again
What did he call me was it not co,oard
Now, by Heavens, will teach him tla
he has son who possesses the spirit of hi
father. Away, then, with love, for [ fee
that / am called upon to act, no longer t
dream Ere another fortnight, my fathe
shall hear of me, or else lose my life
striving for it. And With this rcsolutio
he turned about and retraced his steps.
When he reached home he sought tt
stable, saddled his horse, and mountir
him struck into gallop, which continue
for several miles. At length he stoppt
and looked up-at the windows of far
house, half hid between clustering tree
This was the residence Of Mary Bunke
the mistress Of his heart; thelights show,
that the family had not retired, and he I
solved to pay her visit before his dcpa
ture.
She was alone when he entered, and
few words made her acquainted with
determination. She burst into tears
NAY, Mary he said, you must Il
unman me. AT first resolved to lea
you without u farewell, for knew hc
much you dreaded my taking an acti
part in the struggle. But | could not
so cruel as to desert-you without a wor
q will compose myself said the f
girl with an effort to smile. L know
have been wrong to persuade you to sta
but you cannot imagine the anxieties | S
fer on account Of my brothers, and COZ
not bear .to'havc you encounter their d'
ger But since this dreadful defeat
Camden, feel that every man is want
for our country. Go, then, dearest, a
may God be with you. My prayers sh
attend you night and day,
David pressed the now weeping girl
his bosom, snatehed hasty kiss at
sound Of approaching footsteps, wrung 4
hand and was gone.
The next day he left the neighborh
Of his fathers house, armed with mns
and mounted on a sturdy horse. His
tination was the American camp, then
northward but as the Intervening coun
was filled with the enemy, he knew th
would be considerable address requireS
affect his purpose. Before bis depart
he saw a few of his old playmates,
promised to follow him as soon as posi-
Night found him near q lonely f
house, to which he proceeded boldly
pursuit of lodgipg, At frstthe occuE
received him e. but chance exp
sion convincing David that his host wi
tory, he affected the same political or
and was immediately warmly welcomed
The royalist produced his cider after
per, aud insisted that David should.
him in his potations; this the young
did, taking care, however, not to ind
too freely, while the farmer, overjoye
find, what he supposed to be new rec
for his party, drank without stint, and
came more and more communicative
his horror, David soon Learned that a /
of royalists, led by Major Wilson, cell
ted for his tOryism and ruthlcssness,
TO o-start early on the ensuing day on al
pedition TO seize and hang the two b
ers, who had made themselves particu
obnoxious to the ,royalist. leaders. /
knew enough of this partisau ,watfa