The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1863-11-18
Che Gastalian faunt.
Published by Rcqucstl
THE SISTERS GIFT.
BY CAPTAIN II. VI. M'kiNLrY.

by request of a female friend, we publish the
following bold aud vigorous, yet dcepiy-touchug
efusion written in lS47, at the Castle of Chapulc
pee, by Captain d. NJ. Mckinley, formerly of this
county. The circumstance that gave birth to the
poem was the following A young Lieutenant OF
our army was presented with pocket Bible by his
sister, when he left for Mexico. In that fearful
encounter at the Garita San Belen. the young Off
Ger was struck by ball, but the gift of his sister,
which he carried in his bosom, saved his life. The
poem will be read with tears by many, and with
interest by all.--Eps. JouRSAI.I
The youthful warrior at his country's call,
Put on his armor, aud with steady hand
He graspcd his fathers sword.
His patriotic countrymcu of iron nerves,
And proud. bravo hearts, were rallying beneath
The idol Flag Of Freedom,
His hoaryhcadcd father tool; him by the hand,
Invoked the blessings of Columbia's God
Upon his youthful head, and with his fearful eyes
upraised toward the Everlasting Throne,
lie dedicated there his darling boy,
Aud prayed. Oh, for fathers prayer
He prayed that he might safely pass
Amid the blood and carnage, and the storms
The vcngciul storms Of battle, and again return
To cheer the darkness of his fast-dcclnng days.
His mother such mothers as in days Of yorc
Were found in Sparta, and which now
America can boast OF having
With yearning heart and streaming eyes,
Fell ON his neck, and poured out there
The fullnoSs of her soul.
Her darling son, the child of mutual love,
Was now about to leave.
Oh how scalding were her tears
How deep and terrible the grief
Which took possession of her breast
"My son how can | give thee up?
The staff of my declining life" Then seeming
As if getting strength of God, she said
"My country It's for thee | make this sacrifice
Q, God who rules DER all, and holds
The dcstncs of nations i'll thy hands,
And gives to Right the victory, Oh spare my child
Mid all the dangers of the battlefield" !"
She spoke more, but left him more resigned
Than when she came. Her faith in God was strong
His sister-0h what heavenly tenderness
Lngers around the name Of sister--
Plat fair, bright being, in whose sweet blue eyes
Glistencd the diadcms of tears,
Came now in turn to take her leave.
oh what an hour of sorrow i!
She now must tear herself away from him
With whom she spent so many peaceful hours
Around their dear patcnal iireSide
She claspcd him in her ivory arms, and wet
His manly cheeks with sweet sisters tears
"My brother, Oh!my brother my heart will break
! iiow can let thee go? Must you and |
Forever part? o, no, dear brother no!
| VIII you have faith in God, and ne'cr forget
The sacred teachings which our parents gave?'
She drew from her unSputted, virgin bosom
That Holy Book-that Book of Books
| The chart and compass of the Christians life
And like an angel messenger, with smiles
As sweet AS lleaven-she gave it him.
"Takc this, dear brother, and when far away
Amid the burning sands, or when upon
The mountains craggcd cliffs, or tossed upon
The trcachcruuS main: when sick sad,
In battle, or in camp Oh! mediate
Upon these holy lessons. Let them he vour stay
lour hope. and them vonr sure deicnSe
And though. if woundcd, struggling in yonr blood
You ean not have sisters hand to bind
Z IL 4 1. Il. :.
From your dear checks yet God is Love;
And he who puts his faith in Him.
viii find stronger kinder, aud better Friend
My brother God will save your life,
And safely bring you back. Farewell"
The youthful warrior leaned upon his sword,
And brushed away the manly tear
Then clasped her his bosom, kisScdher fair check
And whispered thc'c sad adicu.
Then bursting from her fond embrace,
lie waved his hand to his grici-strckcn parents
And with Aasty step lie left his fathers house.
When ncxt wc find him, he's amid that band
In southern plains atar. nobly coutending
With his country enemies; blNckcncd with powder
And cntombcd in fire and smoke, blinded by sweat
! And hungry and iatiguvd, he still moves forward
The charge is sounded, and he brcathcs PRAYER
Thinks Of his home, and his fair sister.
! His hand, led by some holy influence is laid
| Upon that Book-th that Holy Book SISTERS GIFT
! Which he still priced and carried in his bosom.
He rushed into the fight where steel meets steel
And braycd the i2ry storm of battle with
Calm resiEuUtun'S look.
The fiery avalanche swept on with vengeful fury
And the ieaden messengers of death
| Fell thick and fast around:
| His comrades are cut down on every side,
! And vet hc is safe
| At last, when Eeas the loud-mouthcd cannon o
the foe,
| Amid the thickest melee O, God he is struck
A ball has struck him on the breast,
! Near his brave heart--and yet he ialters not.
| His sisters God had guarded him,
ard in His mercy guided well the shot
So that it struck TnE BOOK!
sisters prayers prevailed. Her f&ith la,
saved him.
And yet he lives! He lives to see his nations
Proud, bright flag
| Float high in victory DER the naughty foe;
! lie lives to loyc and bless
/ That sweet, God-icaring sister.
! CASTLE OF CHAPULTEPEC, MEMCo,l
December "a, 1917 I