The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1859-06-23
THE YOUNG REBEL.
A TALE OF TIE CAROLINAS.
BY J. y. SANDERS.

III II small larm house, towards the cloaC
of the year 1880, sat an old man, his wife
and an only son. The face Of the father
appeared troubled; at times lie looked
thoughtfuliy to the floor, and then he
would gaze long and wsliuily at his son a
Zine, manly youth Of twenty. IAt length
he said:
David this is disastrous news from
Camden. God knows what will become
of the country now! Congress needs every
arm that is capable all! me, I wish this
old wound got in the Frcncl, war had not
lamed me; but for it, should now bc
shouldering my muskct 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, aud it was
evident from the expression Of her face,
that patriotism and mo,herly affection were
at variance in her bosom. The son, how
ever, after encountcring his fathers eve Tor
moment, turned confuscdlv away. The
old mans brow darkned, and he exclaimed
warmly:
David, why do YOU lingcr about the
villagc whc'' 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 10 spirit. What! will
YOU see us tramplcd upon Ly the brutal
mcrccnarics Of britain, and still lie here
supinely! For shame, David, for shame !.
l will not call you my son. Long since
you ought TO lave been in the army
Joshua! Joshua" intcrposcd tho old
mother, david is hut youth then do
not speak 50 harsl,ly to him. lie canno,
vet fccl what YOU feel who have fought SO
often against your country's cuemy-he is
but 4 boy
'A boy, indeed, Deborah Such boys
as David have already gained impershaL!e
laurcls since the war commenced l could
name host Of them why, were it not
for the boys Of this lanl, where would be
our army, which, dare say, is one quar-
ter composed Of boys Of his age
The old man WAS excited, and it WAS
the first unkind word he had ever used to
his hoy.
David rose and left the house. lie
walked sono distance apparently in deep
thought.
What will not women DOE lie at last
muttcrcd. Here have been lingering
about the village when should have been
oil long ago. And for what? why, to
meet pretty girl, and to listen to her musi
cal voice; but now will be myself again !!
what did he call me? was it not coward
Now, by Heavens, will teach him that he
has son who possesses the spirit of his
father. Away, then, with love, for l 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
striving for it, And with this resolution
hc turned about and rctraccd his steps.
When he reached home he sought the
stable, sadllcd his horse, and mounting
him, struck into gal.op, which continued
for several miles. At length he stopped
and looked up at the windows of Il farm
House, half hid between clustering trccs.-
This was the residence Of Mary Bunker,
thc mistress Of his heart the lights show
cd that the family had not retired, and he
resolved to pay her visit before lis depart
ure.
She was alone when he entered, and Il
few words made her acquainted with his
determination. When she burst into tears
Nay, Mary he added, you must not un-
man me. At first resolved to leave you
without farewell, for knew how much
you dreaded my taking an active part in
the struggle. But I could not be so cruel
as to desert yon without word
Il will compose myself said the fair girl,
with an effort to smile. Il know I have
been wrong to pursuade you to stay; but
you cannot imagine the anxictics l suffer
on account of my brothers, and could
not bear you to encounter their danger
But since this dreadful defeat at Camden,
/ feel that every man is wanted for our
country. Go, then, dearest, and may God
be with you. My prayers shall attend you
night and day.
David pressed the weeping girl to his
bosom, snatchcd a nasty kiss, at the sound
of approaching footsteps, wrung her hand
and was gone.
The next day lie left tho ncighborhood
of his fathers house armed with musket
and mounted on sturdy horse. His des
tination was the American camp, then far
porthward; but as the intervening country
was filled with the enemy, he knew there
would be considerable address required tc
effect his purpose. Before his departure
Il aa.,, a Can nP Lia old r,larnoa oaiaa ,uh1