Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1855-02-14
THE YOUNG REBEL.
A Tale of the CnrOlinas.
By J. n. SANDERS.

Of the year 1880, sat an old man, his wife
and an only sou. The face Of the father
appeared troubled; at times he looked
thoughtfully on the floor, and then he
would gaze long and. wistfully at his son
fine manly youth Of twenty. At length
he said
"David. this is disastrous news from
Camden. God knows what will become
of the country now. Congress needs ev-
cry arm that is capable-ah ! me, I wish
this old wound got in the French war
had not lamed me-but for it, l should
now be shOuldering my musket and march
ing to the defence Of my country
Both son and wife looked up at these
words The old lady ceased knitting and
gazed inquirngly at her boy, and it was
evident, from the expression Of her face,
that patriotism and mothcrly affection
were at variance in her bosom. The son.
however, after encountering his father
ewes for moment, TUNED cOnfuSedly
away. The old mans brow darkencd,
and he said 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 trampcd upon by the brutal mer-
cenarics Of Britain. and still liz here SUI
piuely? For shame, David, for shame, l
will not call you my son. Long since you
ought to have been in the army"
"Joshua. joshua" interPoscd the old
mother, david is but a youth; then do
not speak to him so h#r$hly. He cannot
yet feel what you feel, who has fought SO
often against our counfry's cnemlee--
Joshua, lie is but boy"
"a boy indeed. Deborah Such boys
as David have already g'ined imperIaha-
bic laurels since the war commenced. l
could name host of thcm--why, were it
not for the BOYS Of the land where would
our army be, which dare say is one quar-
ter composed of boys Of David's age"
The old man was excited, and 1t was
the first unkind word that he had ever
used to his boy.
David arose and left the house. He
walked some distance apparently in deep
thought.
"What will not woman do ?" he muir
INJURED at last "Here | have been lin
gering about the village when l should
have been off long ago. Aud Tor what
Why to meet pretty girl. anil t" listen
to her musical voice; but now l will 6r
myself again-what did he call ME ? was
it not cOl0erd? Now. by heavens. l viii
learn him ;hat he has son VIII" possesses
the spirit Of his father. Away, then. will
such things, for feel that AN called up
on to act, no longer dream. Ere Tort
night my father shall hear Of me. or else
| lose my life in striving for it," Anc
with this resolution he turned about ami
retraced his steps.
When he reached home he sought the
stable, saddlrd his horse. anl mounting
him, struck into gnIlup. which continued
for several miles Al length he stopped
and looked up ut the windows OF farm
house, half hill between clustering trees
/ This was the resi- lcucc of Mary Bunker
the mistress Of the heart; the lights SHOW
cd that the family had not retired, and h'
resolved to pay her a visit before his de
parture. She was alone when he entered
anil a few words acquainted her with la
determination She burst into tears.
/ "Nay, Mnry," he sail, "you must no
unman me. At first | resolved 10 leav
you without a farewell, for l knew hos
much YOU dreaded my taking an activ
part in This struggle. But could not b
So cruel us to desert you without word.'
II will compose myself" snll the fal
girl with An effort to smile. IL know
have been wrong to- persuade You 10 stay
but YOU cannot imagine the anXleucs
suIIer on account OF my brothers, and
could not bear to have you, too, enc oun
ter their danger. But since this dreadIu
defeat at Camden, feel that every m1
is wanted by our country. Go. cher
dearest, and God be with you. My prayer
shall attend YOU night and day"
David pressed the now weeping S'r' t
his bosom, snatchcd hasty kiss at til
sound Of approaching footsteps, wruns he
hand and WAS gone.
The next day he left the nel5hborhoO
of his fathers house. armed with mu:
ket and mounted on sturdy horse. Iii
destination was the American camp, the
farnorlhward but as the intervening couT
trv was filled with the enemy, he kne
there would be considerable ldress r.
quircd TO effect his purpose. Before h
departure, he saw a few Of his old play
mates. who promised to follow him as SOC
as possible.
Night found him noar lonely farm
house, to which he proceeded boldly
pursuit Of a lodging. AT first the occ.
pant received him coldly. but chance e.
preston convincing David that his ho
was tory. he effected the same polite
creed, and he was immediately warm
welcomed. The RDyaliSt welcomed hin
and produced his cider after supper, an
insisted that David should join him in h
potations; this the young man did, takir
care, however, not TO indulge too freel
while the farmer, overjoyed to find VIII
) he sunnosed q now recruit for his part