Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1862-01-23
[From the Philadelphia Press.
AS THE DAY IL, so SHALL OUR
STRENGTH Bk.
BY 7. 5. ARTHUR.
TCONCLUpED.l

TCoNCLupED.
"Truly, it is So" she would repeat over
and over again, in her thought; Gas our
day is, so shall our strength be-"
To an intimate friend she said:
81 sometimes ask myself if l am not
dreaming. Can it be possible that my boy
is a soldier and in face of the enemy and
that be is there with my consent?"
Would you have him back 2'' asked the
friend.
A quick change, as of surprise, was seen
for moment in the face of Mrs. Irwin;
then she answered, calmly:
"No; yield him to his country"
"He looked so brave and manly said the
friend.
A glow of pride came into the mothers
face.
"And seemed" was added, "to conpre-
hend the issues at stake. 1t was no mur-
derous thirst for blood; no love of excite
ment and change that filled his heart but
that true patriotism which is the inspira-
ton of an honorable mind, and gives
it the courage to meet death in defense
Of Country and Right. / honor you,
my friend, in being the mother of such a
SON."
How strangely pleasurable were the pulsee
that leaped away from the heart of Mrs.
Irwin. 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 in
stinctive repugnance from all accounts of
military movements and battles; but now
she had no taste for any thing else. The
L. 4
in her mind, and every strategic point, with
its camps and soldiers, strongly marked.
The marshaing of troops their movements,
strength, and positions, were now familiar
things; and her heart beat high with pleas
uIe at every triiling success, or veiled itself
with shadows when even the smallest re-
verse was sustained. With what an ire
pressible impatience did she look for the
regularly coming letters from her son and
with what proud satisfaction did she read
every detail of his new life that showed
courage, endurance, and selfdeniall ShC
felt that lie was a true solSier, and there
fore was very, very proud of him.
Then news came that the regiment in
which her son was serving had made an ad.
vance upon the enemys lines; that some
severe skirmishing had taken place, and that
an engagement was imminent A sudden
fear shook the nerves Of Mrs. Irwin. Even
as she read of the advance, bloody battle
might be going on, and her son be among
the dead or dying The hours of sleepless
suspense that went by until the news of 0
victory was flashed over the country, VI
will not venture to describe. Many wer
killed and many wounded. With breathles
eagerness she devoured their names as witt
white lips and starting eyes, she bent owe
the brief dispatches. What is this He
sons name The paper shivers in he
hand. She can not read the paragraph
Desperately she thrusts the sheet down upol
table to hold it firmly; but mist come
over her eyes, she does not make out tn
words. Killed OF wounded?
"Oh, God Give me strength
The dimness passes and she reads:
"Among the brave men who distinguishe
themselves, private John Irwin deserve
honorable mention. In desperate assault
Of the rebels, the captain Of his company re
ceived severe wound, and fell upon tn
ground. lie was few PAGES in advance q
his men, and as he fell, two of the enem
stepped forward to bayonet him. irwin
seeing this, flung himself before his pros
trate captain, shot one of the men, and in
hand -to.hand encounter disabled the othe
He then bore the wounded officer from IL
field. During the whole night, this youn
man, who is not twenty-one years Of ag
conducted himself with the coolest courag
and in more than one instance rallied h
falling comrades. He has the stuff of whiC
officers are made, and the Departmel
should send him a commission"
Mrs. Irwin bowed down, with her far
upon the table, trembling in every nerve
weak-in glad bewilderment-tearfu
Then dropping upon her knees, with clasPe
hands and eyes uplifted, she said, family
''Oh, Lord, is he not Thine p
A deep peace fell upon her spirit an
she remained for some time kneeling. BJ
prayer formed itself in no other words.
81 could not stay away from you aft
reading the news this morning A frien
said this as she came in, a little while afte
ward. care you not proud woman t
day, Mrs Irwin2'
81 feel glad and humble" was the sui
dued answer
"But did he not act nobly2 Who woul
have thought that in your quiet, retirin
boy, there was such daring spirit? ?n
at does not seem as if il were my so
who has been so brave said the mothe
"The act has apparently removed him to
distance, and set itself up as question
right against me. He is not mine, in IL
sense have hitherto regarded him. HighI
duties than those of soldier are laid upC
him; and l must give him 10 his COUNT
in degree not understood when he we
forth at his country's cali. pray, no
that God will make him equal to his duti
under all circumstances. To lose hi