The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-03-08

Il "
misfortune and the nope OF fond friends "';H
he might pass the period OF cbijdbas1 'aN
outgrow his sad deormty, had f.,r 'Y" 'a
bee waxing weaker and weaker ~, '0't9
had passed, buS had brought no bo 1' :''Rp
Arches wasted form. lie knew ,n,.l
lect were Fastening towards the. aar, , ,'r Oils
Should his father break the sweet boo ''I'?
!or the sake OF u cause, dear Indeed IT, Va.
al, and leave them alone, in sorro,r1 ~ y,
shranS from such parting when 50 na,. ne
end Of his sad IlIe-joarney; hence tie =: 4e
words OF regret expressed to his motbo, '1''I
! bi other. "Da
That we may know the cause of his NV.
pectcd delay, let US 60 to the pegbb ar:''
village, not more than half mile f. ,n ~
home, and see if we can recognize tba + .H
form Of Philip Howard. The full moon "
coming up slow y from the east, batbjna "a
objects in her brilliant light; as calm and 81 -"
rene as when she shone Oh The Eden If wy
first parents, or on our own fair, happy ,od
before it was redeemed with fraternaI hla"I
That large building by the river, where IL.
strong arm earns the comforts of his homo y
silent; he cannot be there. Perban, ts
anticipations Of his family are correct, w.
will 60 to that lighted room with the dso;ns
placard Attention, Volunteers SHINING i
the windo" Several men are even MN
emerging from the entrance, and when tbar
pass from the dark shadows o! the bujIdn,.
the clear moonlight will readily enable u,t
identify them. They pause at the corner ot
the street, aud each give the other hearty
shake of the hand. Chat earnest, silent mart.
ing tells all we fain would know. Thew ,rs
not separating for few mouths, Or te.
years. 1t is the seal Of their solemn contract
No longer are they merely companions, acd
fellow-artisaps, but brothers, united 10 IN boz,
cause, for veal or woe, for life or DEATH
They separate and walk hurredy away
full Of sad thoughts Of weeping friends, and
the dangers Of the enterprise to which they
are pledged. The shadows are all passed
now, and Philip Howard is plainly visible,
walking with firm steps towards his dwelling.
He is . large, powerfuly.built man, with
brave, Intelligent face; such an one as tho
experienced general rejoices to seq marca..
under his banner. Not he who enlsts from
love Of adventure, but stern, Determined
spirit who sees his countrys peril, and gives
the weight Of his strong arm to hes defence.
There is slight shadow on his brow to.nlga.
toe shadow OF coming sorrow. He sees the
light shining from his distant dwelling 50
long a star Of hope ami promise with the pain.
full conviction that he may be watching it for
tue last time. He gazes on the familiar land.
scape, the same that had greeted his admiDg
eyes when he walked by his father side, and
listened 10 those tales of British outrage and
patriot daring, that made his young heart leap
with mingled pride and indignation. He
might fall on the banks Of the Potomac, OF
yield his life beneath the pa'm.ttos sn41e
but those hills, that quiet village sleeping ii
the valley, and the little house before hin
with its woodbne trelis-these would pas,
before his dying eyes, and sooth his d lying au.
guish. He approaches his dwelling cautious,
ly, and pauscs moment before entering e
overcome the weakness that Is creeping over
him. A blaze Of light, cheerful voices, eal
smiling faces, greet him from withln.
We've been waiting for you long tine
Philip said his wife, setting his chair in its
place, and taking her own seat at the table
Pm glad you've come, father, said Emma,
tor mother and Archie have ben very anx
ious lest you should enlist to night and now |
wish You to tell them they needn't be sober
any longer
I've been telling them you ought 10 20 aal
help whip the rebels, just as grandfather dIl
the tories and Indians says Henry. Stl..
Philip Howard did not speak lie was look
M upon the pale face OF his iovaid sou ~
the small cradle where slumbered his youueeN
born, at his faithful vile aud happy, 0Ioounns
children How could he reveal tdiDgs OF such
sorrowiul import 1t was not necessity
Mrs. Howard had read the confirmation other
in his omino1' silence, and unable
to conceal the tide of bitter Iceliog weIIl0s
from her heart, buried her face in her hand
and wept. The sad secre. passed with .isai'
ming speed through the little group, and "''
received with the silence of grief The brave
Henry was the first to dash away his tears
and rising proudly, he exclaimed
shall take care Of. them, father, wrea
you are gone. 1t would be shame it none
of grandfather's sons had spirit enough to TO-
liw his example. Take your sword, and r'1e
too, and God speed you!
Can any you wish me to remain, wnei
danger and defeat call so loudly for q ,''''
ance? said he, turning his proud gIance from
his hero son to the weeping group. 'T0'd'