The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1862-11-01

: shd respectful. l did not answer his re-
mark, but stood beside him in Q vague ex-
pectancr. A child of ten years opened the
. door, and looked up into our faces curiously.
l saw that she recognized Mr.. Preston, but
no smile lit up her young face.
"How is your mother to day." was
asked.
'Not very well. Won't you walk in"
! "No. thank you my dear; only stopped
to inquire about your mother. Is she able
to sit up?"
| "Yes. sir. She sat up most all day yes
,erday. and sewed part of the time. Aud
she's up again TO- day. Won't you come in?
Maybe she'd like to see vou.'
mot this morning, III call around again.
Say that Mr.. Preston called. I'm glad that
she is better. Goodbye"
/ "Good- bye, sir" l elt the log, almost
choking Hutter of the chi!d's voice away
down in my heart; nv eyes were dim as
turnd away. Wha, did i, mean!
''She has given most of ALL" said my
companion. as we walked away.
What has she given?"
''Her husband -
"He is in the army?''
'He is dead.'
| what! Deadr'
KILLED in battle.' I stood still.
"ln battle!
"Yes. Threes week ago the news came.
He rests with the slain at Newbern."
"Who. and what was he" l asked raj
lying myself. for felt an overpowering
sense of weakness.
"a sober, industrious mechanic; a good
husband, and good father. saw his wife
on the day after his march with the regi
ment that went fr"m here six months ago.
rho ioI bor olu h,,, h..
was brave with it all, and full of noble he
roism. He is strong aud courageous and
will do his duty she said to me, 'snd HE
country must have such men. / could not
cling to him weakly and in tears. as some
wives did to their husbands. and hold him
back when his heart and conscience bads
MIN 20. He is in Gods hands. Men die
ss home Of sickness as we'll as in battle. l
trust in Cod Her eyes were full Of tears
ss she spoke, and her voice betrayed the fear
md suffering that we're in her heart. Ah,
sis, neither you nor | will ever comprehend
what that humble wife endured in parting
from a good husband. on whose strong arm
she had leaned for many years-in parting
from him thus"
He walked again, silent for some mo-
ments. How mean and poor seemed my
half extorted gift-I say half-extorted, be-
seen of men than genuine patriotism in the
act-to the priceless contribution of this
poor woman! l had signed check for five
hundred dollars. that was all. No con.
sciousness OF the draft of that check fol-
lowed. 1 did not feel my comfort dimin-
ishing; did not relinquish single pleas
ure; there was nothing sacrificed except
love Of money But she had given her hus-
band! She. poor dependent on life for the
support OF herself ard her children, said
v heu his country called, Go! And the sac
ri6ce had been complete.
''The blow must have been TERRIBLE"
aid. Poor woman This is indeed
orrow."
"ohe staggered and FELL" was replied.
For q week the struggle between life aud
eatl, was almost evenly balanced. Then
he slow reaction came. and the poor crush.
d heart began to gather up its rent fbres,
nd to string it's 4uivering nerves for new
forts and duties. The strong arm which
he had leaned Tor so many years was bro
en-, and she must stand henceforth alone.
low she taltered and staggered with un-
ertain steps at 6rst! For hours she would
it and weep. But slowly strength came,
nd DOW you remember the child's words,
She sat up most all day yesterday. and
ewed part of the time. A heavy burden
las been laid upon her. and she must walk
'enceforth with STOPPING shoulders and
weary feet Her own hands must earn the
ood with which her children are fed. and
he garments with which her children are
o be clothed. Her toll and care are more
han twice doubled; and with them are the
lens, what are yours, to this? All, sir,
here is no room for complaint or boasting.
With ns the sacrifice is nothing in compari-
on. It Is hardest with those who are least
hought of, and who get least Of public
ympathy."
1--WE must do something for this poor wo-
man," said l. "Her case touches me deep
s."
your possessions aud mine would lose
more tran half their value was such . ca
smity as the dismemberment of our coun-
ry to fall" was snsw, red. "Our enemies
re men in arms. and We must oppose man
With man in fierce battle. While they fight
md die We are at home, and in their blood
.nd sufferings we find safety. Is there
,onor, is there justice. is there humanity
o forgetting this service and leaving the
Widows and orphans OF our dead soldiers to
ear unaided their burdens Of want and
orrowe I think not. Yes, as>uredly. we
must do something for this woman. She
is given her all. and if she have no share
e nosforth in our abundance. then We are
ot gultless in the sight of Heaven
How small seemed all the contributions 4
ad made. and OF which was a ssli-gratu- I
anti Ny cheeks were hot with shame
yot since have l referred to that last sub.
cription in conversation. nor has . word
bout the coming burden of taxes escaped
ny lips; would blush At complaint now.
Burdens! They who seem to have the lar
,ess share feel their pressure lightess. On
be poor. the humble, the too often despised
nd neglected. .hs heaviest Of our troubles !