Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1862-05-14
Our stOrg-Ttutr,
THH
THE
DRUNNER-B0Y Oh NARBLEHEAD.
BY ANNIE SAWYER DOWNS.

TIE whole city was wild with triumph at
the victories of Fort DUnelson and Raanoke.
Cheer after cheer went up from the Exchange,
and people were almost momentsrily jOstling
each other in the thronged streets, and instead
of begging pardon, would burst into shout
for the old flag. Woman that am, I hurried
home in the twilight of that glorious day
had to hold my muf close to my mouth to
prevent my voice from swelling the great
thanksgiving. Turning the corner Ofmy own
street, I was astonished to see that my parlor
was brilliantly lighted and through the thin
curtains likewise saw figures moving rapid
ly. ran up the steps, and soon discovered
the reason, for as I opened the door, all my
own children and several Of my neiglbors'
rushed with a great sweep into the hall, and
for a moment I was nearly stunned with their
cheers for the fort, the soldiers, the stars and
stripes, etc. At last at the volley for the gun
boats, they stopped from sheer exhaustion,
and I asked very meekly, " What in the world
are you down in the parlors for p
Well, mother" gasped win, ave want
ed to play we were gunboats, and the nursery
wasn't big enough. See me now; I am 60
ing to run up within four hundred yards OF
the fort" and with yell like wild Indian 5
he brandished a cane and made charge at a
bookcase, coming within one inch of smash
ing my Dante and Beatrice.
WINGED, but did not scold them, only en-
ticed them into the less crowded dining room,
where we played gunboats and cheered until
their father coming home to tea, rather sDock-
ed rs by saying gravely, that be thought he
should have to send us to the watch-house
Many incidents of the battle he told the eager
children as we took our tea, and Just before
their bedtime, as they stood around him for
the customary story, he told them the one I
shall try to ten you:
You all know" said their father, chow
last April the Massachusetts, troops were at
tackled and murdered in the streets of Balti-
more, and how the whole heart Of New Eng
land thrilled to avenge their death. There
was young boy Of Marblehead, only fifteen
years old, Albert Mansur by name, who came
from school on that day wild with indigna-
ton, and told his mother that he was going to
war; he couldn't stay at home. "Why, Al
bert, " laughed his happy mother, they won't
have you; you are too little my boy. II can
drum, can't mother2 Iguess those old reb-
els viii run when they hear me play the Star
Spangled Banner" and out he went, and his
mother heard him playing the smart old tune
as be marched down the street at the head Of
q tatter-demaliot set Of urchius, called by him
bis regiment. He had a gift for drumming,
and thinking Of his words, that mothers heart
stood still with fear. He was her only child,
her handsome boy; how could she let IN
60? But she soolded herself for even think
ing Of it Of course his father would keep
him al home. At dinner time Albert attack
ed his father on the subject but his father
answered no, and told him there
must be no more talk on the matter. Usual
ly his fathers decision settled things, but this
time Albert argued manfully He could do
just at good service as anybody; he ought to
60; he must 60. But Mr.. Mansuer was firm, !
and he had to yield, although the struggle was
SO severe that he grew pale and thin. Atlast, |
to divert his attention, they sent him to his
in Augusta and fervently hoped
be would forget his fancy. But when he ar
rived there, be found a regiment all ready to
90 into camp short way from the city. He
accompanied them as drummer. His father and |
mother as the weeks went by, became i'm
patent, and at last, went for him. As they
rode through the street, almost the frst per-