The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-02-14
B1DDEFoRD, MAINE, FRIDAY MORNING,
To an intimate friend she said,

dreaming Can II 30 possible tna' my wy ;"
u soldier, and in face Of tho enemy ;and that
he is there with my conscntf"
would you have him back'" asked tho
friend. ...... I.... ...
A quick change, rs of surprise, was seen
for moment in the face Of Mrs. Irwin then
she answered calmly
emo; 1 yield him to his country"
"He looked 80 bravo and manly" said the
friend.
A glow of pride camo into the mothers
face. ....... ... ...r 81.
"And seemed" was added, "to compre-
bend 80 clearly the issues at stake. 1t was
murderous taste for blood-no love OF excite
ment or change that filed his heart; but that
true patriotism which Is the inspiration OF
an honorable mind, and gives 1t courage to
meet death in defense Of Country and Right.
honor you, my friend, in being the mother
of such q son."
How strangely pleasurablc were the pulses
that lcapcd away from the heart OF Mrs. lr.
win. This praise of her son was very sweet.
Weeks passed. With what an absorbing
interest did Mrs. Irwin watch the progress of
events. Once, she turned with an instructive
repugnance from all accounts Of military
movements and battles but now she had no
taste for anything else. The whole cosntry
was spread out like map in her mind, and
every strategic point, with its camps sand SOL
dicrs, strongly marked. The marshaling of
troops-thcir movements, strength and posi-
tions, were now familiar things; and her
heart beat high with pleasure at every trifling
success, or vailed itself with shadows when
even the smallest reverse was sustained
With what an irrcpressiblo impaticnce did
she look for the regular coming letters from
her son and with what q proud satisfaction
did she read every detail Of his new life that
showed courage, endurance and sclf-denial |!
She felt that he was true soldier, and there.
fore she was very, very proud Of him.
The news came that the regiment in which
her son was serving had made an advance
upon the encmy's lines; that some severe skir-
mishing had taken place, and that engage.
ment was imminent. A sudden fear shook
the nerves Of Mrs. Irwin. Even as she read
of tho advance, bloody battle might be 60
ing on, and her son be among tho dead or
dying. The hours ofslccplcss suspense that
went by until the news Of a victory was flashed
over the country, wo will not venture to de-
scribe. Many were killed and many wound
cd. With brcathlcsss eargerness she devoured
their names, as with white lips and starting
eyes. she bent over the brief despatches.-
W hat Is this? Her sons name! The paper
shiycs In her hands. She cannot read the
paragraph. Desperately she thrusts the sheet
down upon table to hold 1t firmly; but a
mist comes over her eyes; she does not make
out the words. Killed or wounded2
"Oh, God! givo me strength !"
Tho dimness passed and she reads:
"Among tho brave men who distinguished
themselves, private John Irwin deserves hon.
orablc mention. In desperate assault Of
the rebels, the captain of his company re.
ceived severe wound, and fell upon the
ground. He was q few PAGES IN advance ol
his men, and as he fell, two Of tho enemy
sprang forward to bayonct him. Irwin, See
ing this, flung himself before his PROSTATE
captain, shot ono Of the men, and in hand.
to.hand encounter disabled the other. He
then bore the wounded officer from the field.
During the whole fight, this young man, who
is not twcnty-ono years Of age, conducted
himself with the coolest courage, and in more
than one instance rallied Installing comrades,
lie has the stuff Of which officers are made
and the Department should send him com
mission"
Mrs. Irwin bowed down, with her face up.
on the table, trembling in every nerve; weak
in glad bewildcrment-tearful. Then drop.
ping upon her knees, with claspcd hand,an
eyes uplifted, she said, faintly-
"Oh, Lord, is he not thine"
A deep peace fell upon her spirit, and she
remained for some time kneeling. But pray
er formed itself in no other words.
81 could not stay away from you after
reading the news this morning" A friend
said this as she camo in, a little while after
wards. "Are you not proud woman to-
day, Mrs. Irwin?"
81 feel glad and humble, was the subducd
answer.
"But did he not act noble? Who would
have thought that in your quiet, retiring
boy, there was such daring spirit?"
at does not seem as IL it were my son who
has been so brave" said the mother. "Thc
act has apparently removed him to dis,
tance, and set'itself up as question Of right
against me. lie is not mine, in the sense
have hitherto regarded him. Higher duties
than those Of son are laid upon him; and
I must give him to his country in degree
not understood when he went forth ut his
country's call. / prny now that God will
mako him equal to his duty under all cir
cumstanccs. To loso him would bc q fearful
thing; but to find him weak coward in the
| day of battle would bc moro fearful STILL"
"To hear such words from your lips! From
.