Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-08-14
Tho Duty OF tho Women of AmorICu.

The Duty OF the women OF AmcfAcu'
EDS. LEADER IL attended a war meet
ing last evening in q city, (nO matter
where, and the speaker in his earnest ap-
peal to the people to enlist before the 10Th
Of August, turned to the mothers and
urged them to give their influence TO in
duce the manhood of the neighbOrhOOd to
step forth in this hour of danger to the
country and do their duty. "Even a wo-
man, he said "may help on this work, or
a woman might hinder it, and he said
truly, moro truly perhaps than he knew.
lis the expression of nearly every wo-
man meat II would not mind having
my son or husband go if this war was car
ried on as it ought to be. As it is can't
consent
Aye! there's the trouble. But this is
no time, dear, devoted wife, or loving
mother, to discuss that question. The ship
is out in the storm. She is driving on to
the breakers The captain may be mis-
taken; the helmsman may seem to err
What then Shall the crew mutiny? shall
they be scOurged to duty2 viii that help
the matter2
One night, while we were drifting in a
small water-logged slOOp through the wa
ters of the Atlantic, with a stiff breeze
against us, our mate discovered large
ship bearing down upon us. SuppOsiug
that it would veer to the right, as it came
nearer, (as the law directs he stood at
the helm unconeerned until he discovered
their intention to run US down. Then
came the wild cry, A big ship is bearing
down upon US, Captain" Every man to
his place" was the Captains order, as he
sprang upon deck and seized the helm
Orders were issued and like automatons
every man answered Aye, aye, sir to
the word of command, as with olsnched
teeth and blanched cheek he watched the
course Of the huge vessel that seemed bent
on destroying our lesser craft.
OH the suspense Of that moment. Our
fate seemed inevitable. There was no CRY
| of terror, no word of remonstrance, but
with almost superhuman power our own
clumsy vessel was turned aside, and we
were saved. The next day, sitting on the
quarter deck, as the vessel sped gaily be-
fore gentle wind in smooth seas, all dan
ger past, the mate says to the Captain, as
he leisurely Whitfield his stick:
''Cap, did you know you like TO have run
us all under last night o.
s'No, what do you mean2'
"Why, you hadn't got your eyes open
and you ordered us to tack to the sou east
instead Of the SOU west; but we all saw
the blunder, and with long pull, a strong
pull, and pull altogether, the right way
we saved ourselves; don't you see p
"Mind how you disobey orders again,
said our good natured captain with a grim
smile, as he walked away, evidently cha
grined at his mistake.
Our good ship of State is in danger
There is no time to discuss matters. Il
Government won't arm the blacks, viii moi
confscate, orders to the 'sOu' east instead
of the SOU west, let US urge our sons and
husbands to the ropes, and be assured
if they are faithful and true, they can by Q
long, strong, quick pull in the right di
rection, so shape the course Of events as tC
yet leave the foe on the left, and guide us
into the safe quiet harbOr once more, of vic
tory and peace.
Oh women of Ohio, let not the brand
! of shame rest upon your brows, that YOU
sons were compelled to do battle agains
rebels and traitors. Send them forth Il
duty, trusting in God, and then like the
woman of old, let each one feel that it il
her special mission to ego unto all thu
people in her wisdom" laboring till they
shall arise in their might and cut of th'
head of this tyrant Slavery, sand throw i
/ over the wall" So may we all do goot
I work for our country and the cause Of hu
manity. FRANCES D. GAGE.