The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1861-07-15
4flislcLlallp.
From the New York Chronicle
Enlisted.

1t was hard trial for me to let him 90,
for Jack was an only son, and |, his mother,
was just learning to lean on echild, whom
had nurtured so tendcrly. | knew some
days before he enlisted in the seventy-first,
that my Jack was making up his mind to do
it, but sad as was the thought to me, L dared
not say one word to influence him. When at
last | saw with what care he tended the
shadow of moustache which darkened his
upper lip, and fairly shaved his handsome
head and how ne worked the harder with his
dumb bells, and took long walks, and quietly
refused the luxuries Of the table, and asked
that his meat might be somewhere about
third done'-sturdy, plucky jack felt that
he had decided. But | could not speak to
him of his Dtention nor had he the courage
yet to tell me-
But one Sunday night, when we were on
our way to Chucrh, as we were turning
corner, CHANGED to see the flag, with its
stars in cruciform, upon the tower, and said
to Jack, What fine idea 10 have the stars
in the form of a cross. Isn't it 2 'Splen-
did. But, mother, what's the use of running
up the flag, and singing the Star Spanglcd
Banner if one don't do something to defend
it?'
saw what was coming, and l said, almost
sighing, 0 yes, it must be defended
That's what I think, and now he spoke
fast, and felt the arm that was in his mus
cular one gallant arm, ever strong for noble
and generous work, even now as | write, per-
haps. extended against his dear country's foe;
i felt my arm pressed by his, and he said
speaking quick evidently trying to bluff
off emotion, and mother am going to DC
it-and you must let me 60. And you will
won't you?'
The last words were tenderly spoken for
Jack, for though fellow of the finest feel
inc, and always devoted to his mother, he
was not one to use very soft expressions. Ills
heavy, hearty voice seemed untitled tor 1t.
You know, Jack dear, it will be hard fol
me to let you 90. [ shall feel alone. But !
would not keep you for all that. And yet II
seems as though there were plenty without
vou, But Jack, I want you to do right, anc
what you feel is noble
20. mother, it will be hard for you, but VIZ
can write letters, and ! shall get furloughs
and come home and see you, and then vel
whip them out mighty soon, and then you1
think better Of me, won't you
Yes, Jack
And 50 I may 90, may not ?
And said, as | kissed his trembling lips
for he had bent his high head way down and
his brown eyes were looking into mine Go'
On with YOU. my dear, dear Jack, and may
He strengthen me to bear It,
So Jack had triumphcd But there Wer
tears in his eyes, as well as mine, and 1t wa
not till we reached our door, that he spok'
aoaip. Then leaning over he kissed m,
cheek and almost whispered, mother II
trv to make you proud Of me-
II was sweet to see Jack
the prospect of the sad par
anain what | knew before,
heart was alike loyal to his mo,-ol and M
country 49,, TN
And SO the next day he enlisted. Th
busy preparations of the remainder CT tn
week served to keep his young mind iron
r mnch sad thinking, but for me quietly work
inp at home on shirts and haverlocks-an
woHrse--oh indeed, worse, picking and scra
i ming the terribly suggestive lint, there wa
much time for looking back and looking Tor
ward, for frequent prayers, as sat over m m
= work. for finding duty, and tor ootalnin
resignation. =, co.rao =
in his handsome uniform, a heavy knapsac
> m nnon his broad strong shoulders, think
D. nartod with Jack, as did those Roman mat