The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1861-05-30
BETTER from Christian Parents to &
Noung Volunteer.

The following eminently Christian and =
triotic letter, which we find in the Chicago Tri
buRe was written by one of our highly respect
ed fellow citizens to his son, who was employed
in Chicago, at the time the first call for troops
was is sued by the President. 1t is needless to
say that he enlisted. His "sister Jennie" re-
ferred to went out to India as missionary but
a few months since. We have not read .R-Eetter
since the war begun that breathed more the
spirit Of the Christian patriot than this:
k, April 23d, 1861.
DEAR W. Your two. letters, one yesterday
and the other today, are open before us and
have been rcad and Te-Tedd. Your mother dare
not venture upon the task of answering you
upon the momautuous question before u.s. and
throws the weighty responsibility upon me
not to say that her devotion to her country and
her God are less than mine, but looking out on
the future and anticipating fearful results, her
mOtherly heart shrinkS from the contemplation
of being instrumental in advising to that course
which her heart conceives love of God and of
country dictate in this the hour of peril When
the Union was first assailed you remember l
raised the stars and stripes in token of my de-
votion to that Union and my country, and each
successive day OF the onset against that coun-
courage, more devotion to her welfare, prosper
ity and safety, and have said, what have is
my countrys when her need demands it. The
hour of that need has come, and shall l shrink
from the sacrifice? NcUer. l have spoken in
public meetings close to the point as 1 am wri-
ting, and my views are perfectly understood
upon the great issue before us, so that if had
even falte1ing thought could not 1 would
not change my purpose but thank God i have
never doubt as to my duty, and knowing,
dare to perform At.
The reading of your letter cannot for a mo-
ment mislead in relation to your views of your
duty to your country as Inspired by that relig-
ion which makes heroes ofits professors in both
the private and public walks of life. History
has never recorded such men as traitors or cow
ards. No; nc5er aciU. Your sister Jennie has
torsaken all for Christ. She has gone from the
land of Bibles and freedom, perhaps q martyr
to the cause Of truth. Shall we, as parents, be
less willing to cOnsecrate you to the cause of
freedom, Inspired by that truth / trust not,
while Gin God is our trust" Thus my dear son,
in the strengtl Inch God supplies, we renew
eddy dedica the cause Of our imperilled
country, to ia. iposition as shall best serve
lis highest int, SOS, and in such office as will
most ameliora - condition of your wounded
and dying comrades, should you be accepted as
worthy memtc Of that most JeneUOlent corps.
10 aid you IN this as your parents, as Chris
tians and patriots, we recommend you to the
consideration OF those who compose the leaders
and officers of the commend.ble movement.
That your character, your decision, your ener-
gy are every way equalsto thedevolving duties
of the campaign we do not doubt
Thus dear William we give you to our coun-
try. The God Of the Christian shield you, Is
r2ePs God be your defence. The blessings of
parents and prayers of the church follow YOU
through the perilous fight, "And the Star
Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave :" &c. |
Pray often and much for yourself and your
country and home That the work may be short |
the victory won our country free, is the PRAYER
OF your aflectionate FATHER AND MOTHER,