Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1862-01-23
1Higrellaneans.
THE SPIRIT OF '76.

The following extract is from The Con-
tinentnl." novel BY the late james X Paul
ding;
Bidding farewell to home, as he 6cliered
for tong rchile, and receiring dirers cau-
tons to take care Of himself, from the cid
folks, John had. the morning after parting
with Jane, pursued his way to the quarters
OF Gen. Alexander McDougal, one of the
earliest and worthiest patriots of New York,
with whom his family had been acquainted
during their residence in the city, and in
whose brigade his father served as cap.
tain Of dragons. The General was Of Scot
fish descent, of cool, determined character,
and undoubtcd courage. Like Napoleon, tic
Great Captain, no was an cs.cgous snuff
taker. and to save TIE trouble Of opening a
box, or because no box OF reasonable dmcn-
sious would contain his daily supply, usually
carried his snuff in his waist coat pockst, as
we have often heard from one of his old
companions in arms. From the same au
thority we learn that tho Generals ruffies
and buff-jerkin generally exhibited a plcnti-
full sprinklng of his favorite debauch. Our
adventurer first sought his father, and the
meeting was affectonately solemn. But af-
ter the parent had welcomed his sob, ho be-
gan long lecture on tho improperly OF
leaving home, where his presence was re-
qured for the protection Of the old people,
opl tbo cpltirato,, e bo f,rr,
''BeSidts," added the captain, "you would
have seen me soon without coming here. /,
was about asking leave for a few days, al
early as next week however, John, I should ,
not find fault with you for taking all this
trouble to see me. SO give me your hand
you are heartily welcome
"But. sir" replied John, 81 did not come
to sec you, that is, I did not como on pur-
pose"
mo; what, then, brought you here ,"
81 came to fight for my country, sir"
You? why, you're but boy--a chicken;
what will you do amongst our old cocks?"
Grow, and fight like the rest father"
"Pooh, John ! 60 home and take care of
the farm, and tho old people. I'm sure
you've run away without permission"
NO, on my word. sir, they consented"
What mother too?" ,.
"Yes, sir. She opposed it at first, but at
asst said to me, "Well, 60 John, fight for
iour country, and take caro- Of your father
ibid she, the dear old soul 2" exclaimed
he captain, drawing his hand across his brow;
but why should doubt it, when have seen
0 many of our women with the hearts OF
neu in their bosoms7 john, you can hardly
emember your mother, you were so young
when you lost her. Though brought up ten- {
erly in quiet city. verify believe she t
ever knew what it was to fear for herself. 9
have seen her twice in situations that made a
Id soldiers turn pale, without change in t
er conntenance. If you ever turn coward, 8
Ohm. you will disgrace both your parents.
,ut you are too young for soldier of free s
ON. Can you live without eating ; sleep a
,ithou! covering; fight without shirt to your d
ack, or shoe to your foot without pay, and b
'itbout the hope of victory ? II you can il
OF, you'd better 60 home. Look at NC, Q
Ohm" '+--
John ran his eye over the poor soldier Of
eedom, and, though be had been absent "
ut little more than year, was struck with 81
10 change in his face and person. He had b
rown very thin ; his brow was scanned with il
sep throws; his hair, which was only p
tile grizzly when no left home. was row 81
most white, and deep scar on his check, n
ave token Of bis having been within arms 8,
ZACH Of an enemy, Cap he had uone but T
S place was supplied by coarse wool hat, 81
grim, weather beaten hue; ornamented =
it'll little faded plume, now of a most c
W & L. | Z