Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-02-20

tV'Mrs. Selma Reed Of Berlin, whose son
Alfred, Of Company +, 5rd Vermont Kcgi-
ment, recently died at Algiers, La, is in re-
ceipt of the following letter, from rebel
mother who took care Of and administered to
the wants other dying son, which she requests
us to publish;
BANK MIss1ssGPPI, La, 1852
DEAR MRs. REED although you and |
arc strangers, may perhaps never meet in
this world,--my thoughts and heart have
been with you the last few days. This per-
haps may seem strange, rs our country are
at enmty and war with each other. / am
mother, and know no enemy in sickness or
death. l sympathize with you deeply in the
loss of your son Alfred 1t was my privilege
to nurse your dear child in his last illness
it was indeed a pleasure to me 70 administer
to his comfort in his last severe suffering.
He was a p tient good boy. | stood by bis
bedside day and night conyersed much with
him; be frequently spoke Of his dear mother
wished be was with you. He was aware
of his situation; felt that he could not live
said he knew there was better world where
he would be happy he would be glad TO see
his friends, but said he, will meet them
after death" This my dear Mrs. Reed should
be a great comfort to you, that your son
should have a hope beyond the grave. What
a consolng thought to parents, that we are
only separated short time from our children
we are to live in this world but few short
years at most here we have no abiding
place, but seek one which is to come ; soon
time with us will be no more and eternity
will dawn upon US. Should we not then con-
secrate all our energies and powers 10 the
preparation for that everlasting life beyond
the grave, where we Will be free from all the
cares Of this world, our children and friends
restored unto us. BE not cas- down at the
ways Of God He has taken your dear AL
fred for Il wise purpose can you not exclaim
in the language Of the Bible A" the Lord gave
and the Lord taketh away Blessed be the
name Of the Lord" He is able to heal your
wounded heart; look unto Him in every
trouble and SORROW" Like as a father pitieth
his children" so pitieth He us, week, frail,
and inconsistent as we are" He is present
help in every time of trouble" or need. The
last few hours of your sons life he was I'M
conscious a kiss was imprinted upon his
cold sheek for his mother his manly form
is now no more to be seen, his eyes forever
closed to the pefplexities of this sinful world,
his seat left vacant at your table, his voice
no more to be heard amid the loved ones at
home: may you and family be enabled to
bear this sad bereavement with christian for
tiiude and resignation, feeling it to be the
will of God
This most unnatural war is convincing us
more every day of the truth Of the Bible
the fathoris in arms against the son and the
the son against iathor-cath believing them
selves pursuing the path of duty. How many
homes are now mudc sad 10y the loss of father,
husband, son, brother, or some near and dear
friend, w Guild to God the troubles could be
settled ! have two dear sons in the Con
foderate army, have not heard from them the
last four months, and know not that they art
alive. 1t has been my earnest prayer tina
they may be spared a soldiers death. ] fee
an all abiding faith in the promises of Christ
willing to leave all things in his hands II
has promised to work all things together 70
good to those that put their trust in Him.
Were it not for this hope could not bear tn
troubles of this world l have every thing 4
be thankful to God for and hope that you AM
l, with all those who are near and dear to us
may so live on earth that we may be prepare,
for the blessed mansions above May yo
accept this letter in the same spirit il is writ
ten by sympathizng stranger and mother.
Yours respectfully,
a REBEL MOTHER.