Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1864-06-10
KITTY BRAGG,s HusRAND.

KITTY BRACES HUSBAND.
Mercy on US. What has happened TO your
father2 Run out quick, Charlie, and open the
gate. What is the matter John? You are as
white as a sheet
kitty, Ina drafted. p"
In place of falling to crying and moaning as
is the fashion with some of our women, Kitty
Bragg laid her hand heavily on her husband g
shoulder.
John, I'm ashamed of youi If you were a
child, would give you good shaking. Com
pose yourself before Charlie comes in-I would
not have him think his father cowardP'
THAT is a hard word Kitty"
II know it, John, but the case demands it,
would not have you lowered in your child s
sight. Now John Bragg, let you and me talk
sense; let us reason ON the matter together.-
You are good man, John-a good husband and
good father. You are a brave man, too, des-
pite your trembling nerves. Who plunged in
10 the river lust above the rapids, after poor
Cranes only son? Who flung himself before
old Mr.. Morris mad horse and saved the old
mans life? Why, Just John Bragg. Il know
what ails you, John. You are physically nerv-
1sat the report of firearms or the sight of blood
You have spent your life pouring over books
But you can overcome it. and must"
- This must was said smilingly.
Il must, indeed, for the die is cast, and there
is no escape. do not think il is want of cour-
age; and am sure my heart glows with love
for my country. You know, Kitty, / have Civ
en- literally of my poor means; but whenever
think of going to battle, this strange tremOr as
sails me. and / am reduced TO the weakness of
child. l shall be disgraced, know. Don't
you wish you had drawer husband, Kitty?
wouldn't blame you
Rt1f Kiffx, did mt hear She sat hv tha kifeh
en- hearth, leaning her brown head on the iamb
of the huge Old fashioned chimney. Her thots
at last formed themselves into the words
a verify believe, John, it is thing you can
not help-it is your misfortune not your fault.
Let us sell the place. Joe Martin will give you
five hundred dollars for it and then you can
get substitute. We can rent the little house
on the Murry farm, and then"
"Never, Kittyl Talk no more; would in
deed be a coward then. What deprive my
loved ones ofa home to save myself from hard
ships? Never, neyerl 1t is not my life / am
afraid; if is Just the din of battle and the dread
ful carnage / will go, my dear wife, and you
must help me TO be brave and do my duty"
The morning came at last that the drafted
were to join their regiment There was many
a tear shed by wives, mothers and sisters; but
Kitty shed none-she had other work to do
She stood talking with John at the end Of the
platform.
my little Bible is in your knapsack, John
Read it often. Whenever you feel that trem-
bling coming over you, John, pray; just pray to
God and be viii strengthen you. l know he
will"
''Ol Kitty, how can ever live without you?"
This almost upset the brave little woman;-
but she stilled the quiVering lip. and smiled
through her tears. When the order to fall in
was given, John laid his hand on her head and
said tenderly-
-%God bless you Kitty you are the best wife
ever poor man had"
She lifted up her mouth for kiss; but the
white lips were mute-for the life of her she
could not have spoken.
The train moved off and Kitty went home
She shuddered as she crossed her doorstep
The clock licked more lonely than she had eT-
er heard If, and all seemed like desolation. =
Kitty sat down in her little sewing chair and
wept like child. Charley came in, bis face all
aglOw and his eyes flashing.
"Whatl mother crying? Why, think it is
a glorious thing to raise ones arm for ones
country thing to die for, he said dreamily."
"les, my son, it is glorious; but it is sad too
would not call him back; but will be very
lonely"
After that one burst of tears, Kitty was her
own brave selfagain. Time passed on, and save
that Kitty prayed Oftener, and was more grave
than her wont, one could see little change in
her.
Charley went off to school in the morning.
and she was left alone all day. Broken ejac1-
lations often escaped her ips-prsyers for the
safety and Strengthening" of her husband un-
til at last it became habit.
One Saturday as she was baking and churn-
ing, as usual her heart was full Of PRAYER for
her husband
30, God strengthen poor John, and let him
not finch in the day of battle. Charley bring
me some chips for this fire won't burn"
neighbOr who was standing on the doorstep
smiled at the mingling of prayer and business
Have you heard the news, Kitty?"
The fear that John had deserted or done some
thing cOwardly, took all her strength away, and
she sank family down on chair.
'What is it, Mary2"
why, they had riot in camp. Some of the
men deserted, and some mutinied, and John
bless me, Kitty, but your milk all boiling over
There, III put it on the back griddle."
"What about-John?'
why, John was the only one in his company
that stood firm all through He was brave as
lion, though some of the half-crazy fellows
threatened TO shoot him if he did not Join them.
He influenced our boys to be quiet and do their
duty. He said it would only be for little
while; and after little while they would have
a better camp and better rations. You know
souic VI OuE DoJs were pretty WHO, ana Lley
might have got into trouble. My Joseph said
he shouldn't wonder if your John came home
yet with gold straps on his shoulders His be-
ing so brave, and having so much influence over
the men, pleased the Col. very much. Amt
you glad, Kitty?"
Kitty was crying for joy-that the first news
of John should be good.
Jacob said in his letter that he said to John
after the fuss
John how could you be SO brave and firm
when there was so much confuson, and those
fellows had their bsyonets pointed at your"
'Your John replied
Jacob came here to do my duty, and am
determined to do it; and besides how can
man 60 back from the right path with such
woman as my Kitty at home praying for me?'
This made Kitty's tears flow faster-but they
were joyful tears.
Let the young men who fear the draft, 90 and
find wife like Kitty Bragg.
About week before the present militia
my