The Shasta courier., 1863-11-07

clar-d ourselves independent To-day we
must all be jubilant victorious We must
not nope in the house--we mnst ride or sail
So eWhere in grand family excursion, and
bte:fhc tie sunshine and the glorious air of
Srecdem, eh ~
Kitty did not even turn her head: but |
continued to speak. as | strobe up and down
the apartment.
:. Do gaa not enter into the spirit of the
day. cAild? Read your history, read of
George Washington, and the glorious men
who suffered and died that we might be free,
FREE !" | repeated seating myself, and
bringing my fist down with emphasis on the
arm of the chair. Yes, We must all cele-
brate this day; and now. Kitty. do not be
afraid, tell me where you would like TO 20,
or how we shall best enjoy it,
By th.s time Kitty's face seemed fairly
glued to the window. | was seriously dis
pleased. insulted II who had ever enforced
flial respect as the first doctrine of the
household, and here was open defiance in
the least expected quarter; and that, too,
after | lad unbent myself to an unusual de-
gree.
. Katiarinel" | exclaimed, in a terrible
voice, sturdily thrusting back unpleasant
memories of the past night what do you
mean by this conduct?"
She turned her lips were white and her
eyes swimming with tears In a moment she
was beside me, her hand upon my shoul-
der
''Tlen, father, dear father" Grid Kitty
windiug her arms around my neck, g make
this truly an independence Day for yourself,
for Us all. Be slave no more, but be FREE
in the sight Of God and your own soulr'
Where was all the paternal dignity now?
Kitty was sobbing upon my bosom; and
from my bowed face tears were falling upon
her golden hair
:" Do, father, do,'' she pleaded. 1t is
not too late, we all love you yet and moth
er's heart is breaking"
Even then, as / strained Kitty to my bo-
som that mother entered the room. Not a
word was spoken, yet she understood all, and
cast herself on her knees beside me, looking
earnestly into my eyes
john" said she, - have never re.
preached you-will you promse2''
. les :" | cried. folding my darlings to my
heart, in close embrace before God, and
to you my wife and child, l promise what
you wish -
= Never to drink wine any p cried
Kitty, holding my face between her hands, a
joyous light sparkling through her tears.
" Neyer!" echoed my wife, clasping my
hands in hers.
- Neeeri | answered. With Gods help
| will never taste wine nor strong liquor of
any kind again. From this hour shall be
free Oh, Mary, can you ever forgive me
IL the past p
She did not reply, but sheleaned and kiss
ed me in a way that made my resolution
iron.
Just then the children-dear, unconscious
little ones bounded into the room.
- Hurrah, father - they shouted, .'hurrah
for the Fourth of July. lii amt we having
grand fun though?'
:" ilurrah - responded huskily, kissing
each of the crazy little creatures in turn
And now let us hasten to our break fast, for
We must have jolly time to day ~
g Indeed we shall /" laughed my wife, as
she hustled about, with color in her cheek,
and the old, girlish ieh; kindling in her eye;
Indeed we shall. Why, John, never felt
50 happy in my life ~
All this happened some years ago. Time
has done many queer things in our family
since then. He has put the baby into pan
falcons: carried our Oldest boy to college;
married Kitty to thri1ing young lawyer
woven little slvery threads in Mary's hair
and mine; and, better than all, has never
brought Us one unhappy anniversary of my
blessed Independence Day