Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1862-01-23
nigrellunfAns.
THE SPIRIT or '76.

The following extract is from The Con-
tnentnl novel by the late james X. Paul
ding;
Bidding farewell to home, as he beliered
for tong ,ohile, and recsiring dirrs cau-
tions to take care of himself, from the cid
folks, John had. the morning after parting
with Jane, pursued his way to the quarters
OF Gen. Alexander McDougal, one of the
earliest and worthiest patriots of New York,
with whom his family had been acquainted
during their residence in the city, and in
whose brigade his father served as a cap
tain Of dragons. The General was of Scot
tish descent, of cool, determined character,
and undoubtcd courage. Like Napoleon, ,thc
Great Captain, ho was an cS:cgious snuff
taker. and to save tie trouble Of opening
box, or because no box OF reasonable dimcn-
sious would contain his daily supply, usually
carried his snuff in his waist coat pocket. as
we have often heard from one Of his old
companions in arms. From the same au-
thority we learn that tho Generals ruffes
and buff-jerkin generally exhibited a plenii-
full sprinkling Of his favorite debauch. Our
adventurer first sought his father, and the
meeting was affectionately solemn. But af-
ter the parent had welcomed his son, he be-
gan a long lecture on the impropricty OF
leaving home, where his presence was re-
quired for the protection Of the old people,
and the cultivation of tho farm.
Besides" added the captain, "you would
have seen me soon without coming here. ]
was about asking leave for a few days, al
early as next week however, John, I should
not find fault with you for taking all this
trouble to see me. SO give ME your hand
you are heartily welcome
"But. sir" replied John, a did not come
to see You, that is, did not como on pur-
pose."
"No; what, then, brought you here ?"
II cana to fight for my country, sir J"
You? why, you're but boy-s chicken;
what will you do amongst our old cocks"
Grow, and fight like the rest, father "
Pooh, John go home aid take care of
the farm, and tho old people. I'm sure
you've run away without permission"
mo, on my word, sir, they consented"
What mother too?'
"Yes, sir. She opposed it at first. but at
last said to me, "Well, 60 John, fight for
your country, and take caro- Of your father
ibid she, the dear old soul ?" exclaimed
the captain, drawing his hand across his brow;
"but why should doubt it, when have seen
SO many of our women with tho hearts Of
meu in their bosoms? john, you can hardly
remember your mother, you were so young
when you lost her. Though brought up ten
derly in quiet city. verify believe she
never knew what it was to fear for herself.
have seen her twice in situations that made
old soldiers turn pale, without change in
her conntenance. If you ever turn coward,
John, you will disgrace both your parents.
But you are too young for soldier of free
dom. Can you live without eating ; sleep
without covering; fight without shirt to your
back, or shoe to your foot without pay, and
without the hope of victory 2 II you can
not, you'd better 60 home. Look at nc,
John" r
John ran bis eye over the poor soldier Of
freedom, and, though be had been absent
but little more than a year, was struck with
tho change in his face and person. He had
grown very thin his brow was scanned with
deep fnrrows; his hair, which was only
little grizzly when ho left home. was aow
almost white, and deep scar on his check,
gave token of his having been within arms
reach of an enemy. Cap he had none; but
its place was supplied by coarse wool hat,
Of a grim, weather. beaten hue; ornamented
with little faded plume, now Of most
oueat,opahjs color His .rn.reHe was of the