The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-05-02
Slaves = said Dick, strengthening himself

But they would not be slaves. They saw
clearly where 1t would all end, and they
would not begin to submit to it in ever 50
little,' said his mother.
Il wouldn't if was they said Dick.
Besides, said his mother, drawing him to-
wards her, 1T was not for themselves alone
they did it. This is great country, and 1t
will be greater and greater; and it's very
important that II should have free and equal
laws, because 1t will by and by be SO great.
This country, If 1t is q free one, will be the
light Of the world-a city set on a hill, that
cannot be hid and all the oppressed and
distressed from other countries shall come
here to enjoy equal rights and freedom
This, dear boy, is why your father and uncles
have gone to fight, and why they stay and
fight. though God knows what they suffer,
and and the large blue eyes Of the moth
er were full Of tears yet strong, bright
beam Of pride and eIultation shono through
those tears.
well, well, Roxy, you can always talk,
every body knows, said Aunt Hitty, who had
not been the least attentive listener Of this
patriotic haranguc; 'but you see the tea is
getting cold, and yonder l see the sleigh isat
the door, and Johns come 30 let's set up
our chair, for supper
The chairs were soon set up, when John,
the eldest son, q lad Of about fifteen, entered
with letter. There was one general excla-
nation, and stretching out of hands towards
it. John threw it into his mothers lap the
tea table was forgotten, and the tea-kettle
sang unnoticed by the FIRE, as all hands
crowded about mothers chair to hear the
news. 1t was from Capt. Ward, then in the
American army at Valley Forge. Mrs. Ward
ran II over hastily, and then read it aloud
A few words we may extract:
There is still, 1t said, much suffering.
have given away every pair of stockings you
sent me, reserving to myself only one pair !;
for will not be one whit better of than the
poorest soldier who fights for his country
Poor fellows it makes my heart ache some
times to 60 round among them, and see them
with worn clothes and torn shoes, and often
bleeding feet, yet cheerful and hopeful, and
every one willing to do his very best. Often
the spirit Of dscouragement comes over them,
particularly at night, when weary. cold and
hungry, they turn into their rcomfortless huts,
on the snowy ground. Then sometimes there
is thought Of home, and warm fires, and
some speak Of giving up; but the nextmorn-
ing out comes Washington's general orders
little short note, but it's wonderful the
good it does and then they resolve to hold
on come what may. There are commission
ers going all through the country to pick up
supplies. If they come to you, | need not
tell you whakto do. I know all that will
be in your hearts,
There, children, see what your father SUI.
fers,' said the mother, and. what 1t costs
these poor soldiers to gain our liberty
'Ephraim Scranton told me that the COM
missioners had come as far rs the Three Mile
Tavern, and that he rather 'spected they
would be along here tonight, said John, as
he helped around the baked beans to the 81.
lent company at the tea table.
'TO.night3 do tell, now " said Aunt Hit
ty. Then it's time VIC were stirring. Let's
see what can be got.'
IN send my new ovcrcoat, for one,' said
John. That old one isn't cut up yet, is it,
Aunt Hitty?'
NO., said Aunt Hitty; Il was laying 1t
out to be cut over next Wednesday, when
Desire Smith could be here to do the tailor
ing
There's the south room,' said Aunt Hitty,
musing; that bed has two of old Aunt
Wards blankets upon it, and the great blue
quilt and two comforters. Then mothers
and my room, two pairs-four comforters-
two quilts-the best chamber has GOT
.Oh, Aunt Hitty, send all that's in the best
chamber. II any company comes We can
make II up OF from our beds said john
Il can send q blanket or two of from my
bed, know; can't bat just turn over in it,
so many clothes on now
Aunt Hitty, take blanket from our bed,'
said Grace and Dick at once.
We'll, we'll, we'll see,' said Aunt Hitty,
bustlins up.
Up rose grandmama; with great earnest
ness now, and on going to the next room,
and opening largo cedar wood chest, re-
turned, bearing In her arms two large snow
white blankets, which she deposited fat on
the table just as Aunt Hitty was whisking
of the table cloth.
Mortal mother, what are you going to
do p said Aunt uitty.
There she said. Il spun those, every
thread Of 'em, when my name was Mary
Evens. Those were my wedding blankets,
made Of real nice wool, and worked with
roses in oil tho corners. I've got them to
give!' and grandma strokcd and smoothed
the blankets, and patted them with great
deal of pride and tenderness. Itwas evident
that she was giving something that lay very
near her heart but she never faltered.