The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-02-14

fred her soul with Indignation aud when
her oldest boy, not yet in his twenty'hr't
wear, said to her with clinched hands and
flashing eyes,
"Motber, this must be avenged ="
She did not answer, but sat, with pale lips
and face, looking at him in such trouble and
bewilderment of mind that no thoughts be-
came coherent enough for words, until he
added, as he drew his slender form to its ut
most height
"And there is one ready"
"John! John 7" felli in weak remonstance
from Mrs. Irwin. "Don't speak so! don't
speak so don't let murdcrous spirit bear
you away"
"Don't say murderOus," replied the boy
with 80 much of rebuko in lris tones that his
mother answered quickly
"a spirit Of revenge, then, John. Ven-
rcance is mine, saith the Lord, and ! will re.
pay it,"
"NIothcr shall we tamcly submit to sec
this nation destroyed, and its flag which has
been honored throughout tho world for So
years, shot at, rent, and tramPled uPonV'-
The boys eyes CLEANED iicrccly. "For one
saw no And have mistaken my mothers
heart if il does not echo back the word. /
do not forget the lesson you taught me years
ago, that love of country is next to love OF
God. And if we love an object purely, will
we not defend it when assailcd' Nay, even
lay down our lives in its protection?"
In spite Of all her peace principles and
horrors of war, there flowed into the mind
Of Mrs. Irwin such feeling of admiration
for this outspoken patriotism of her son.
that even he read pride and approval in her
humid eyes.
"war is an awful thing, John, ,"said Mrs.
Irwin.
al know il is mother. But, there are
worse things than war and that worse thing
is at our door. You understand this as well
as do. They have thrown down tho guase
of war, and there is nothing left for us but
to accent the hard necessity"
"But you are not called to this work.
John, i" said Mrs. Irwin, the words faltering
on her tongue. "Thcrc are strong men
enough who will respond to the Presidents
call. cannot let you 50 my son." The
wet eyes of Mrs. Irwin overaowed.
John laid his hands firmly on his mothers
shoulder, and looked steadily into her face.
Then he kissed her tenderly. "For the bless
ings we enjoy did not the mothers of tho Rev
olution give their sons to the battlo-feld"'
al cannot bear it, my son! am not
strong enough for this" And Mrs. Irwin
laid her face on the breast Of her boy, and
wept shuddcrinsly.
"As our day is, 50 shall our strength bc,
mother. Don't you believe this?"
al do. john" answered Mrs. Irwin, lift
ing her face, and through, half binding tears
looking at him wonderipSly. Nay more
than wonderingly; with a rising glow oi
pride in her heart. Every woman admrcs
courage in man; and the true mother loves
il in her son. A new sentiment was taking
force in the mind Of Mrs Irwin, and giving
strength for duty and for sacrifice. She
seemed to herself like one undergoing quick
transformation. New ideas ani a new esti-
mate of things were pressing upon her. and
thrusting all forms Of thought aside. al do
my son." she repeated "but l never thought
to see this day."
"The day has come upon u.s." replied the
young man, .'and shall We not be equal to its
demand? ] am ready, and you are ready al.
SOL"
He spoke in quick, inspiring voice. for he
saw strength in the eyes of his mother, and
a gathering frmness about her mouth.
Only a little while longer was there strife
in the mind of Mrs Irwin; only little Ion.
ger did old prejudiccs and fOregonc conclu.
siuns battle with new convictions; only a
little while longer did shrinking natural fear
stand in the way of duty.
A week later, and Mrs. Irwin held the
hand of her son in parting. How changed
he was In single week he had seemed to
grow older by years. The firmly knit mouth
the deep, steady eyes the finely erect figure
the already browning face, for he had beer
drilling in the open air for days; the brave,
rcsolute bearing, were all wonderful to look
upon us the work Of 50 brief time. Is II
strange that Ms. Irwin was proud Of her
soldier boy? She held his hand in parting,
"Do your duty, john" she said in nc
weakness Of tone.
"l will. mother"
"Be brave"
al will never turn my back upon the en-
emy."
"God bless you and keep you, my son ~
Mrs. lrwin's eyes filled now, and her WON
ans heart trembled in her voice.
81 know it John; and il death comes tc
you"
Mrs. Irwin broke down. She could. moi
finish the sentence.
ait will be through His permission. Arr
not even tho sparrOws in His kceping'" said
John, calmly ''llOw much moro human
souls"
They parted Very pale for all that day