The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-09-17

ing. Can 1t be possible that my boy is a SOL
dier, and In the face OF the enemy; and that
ne IS there with my consent.
would you have him back ?" asked the
friend
quick change as of surprise was seen for
moment in the face of Mrs. Irwin; then she
answered calmly
mo yield him to his country"
friend.
"And seemed was added, "to comprehend
SO clearly the issues at stake. 1t was no muir
derous thirst for blood, no love of excitement
and change, that filled his heart, but that true
patriotism which is the inspiration OF an hon
orable mind, and gives IL courage to meet
death in defence OF country and right. l
honor you. my friend in being the mother Of
such son.
How strangely pleasurable were the pulses
that leaped away from the heart of Mrs. lr-
win.
This praise Of her son was very sweet.
Weeks passed. With what an absorbing
interest did she watch the progress OF events.
Once she turned with instructive repug-
nance from all accounts of military move
ments aud battles: but now she had no taste
for anything else. The whole country was
spread, out like map, Ia her mind and eye-
ry strategic point, with its camps aud its SOL
troops, their movements, strength and posi-
tions, were now familiar things; and her
heart beat high with pleasure at every irining
success, or veiled itself with shadows when
even the smallest reverse was sustained
With what an irrepressible impatience did
she look tor the regularly coming letters of
her son; and with what proud satisfaction
did she read every detail of his new life that
showed courage, endurance and self denial!
Sha fnlf tha@h h,x 4. A.
fore she was very, very proud OF him.
The news came that the regiment in which
her son was serving, had made an advance
upon the enemy's lines, that some severe
skirmishing had taken place and that an en-
gagement 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 victory was
flashed over the country, We will not venture
TO describe. Many were killed and many
wounded. With breathless eagerness she de-
voured their names as with white lips and
starting eyes she bent over the brief dispatch
es. What is this? Her sons name The pa
per shivers in her hand. She cannot read the
paragraph. Desperately she thrusts the sheet
down upon table to hold ii firmly; but q
mist comes over her eyes; she does not make
out the words. Killed or wounded?
20 God! give me strength"
The dimness passes as she reads
'Among the brave men who distinguished
themselves, private John Irwin deserves men,
tion. In a desperate assault OF the rebels, the
captain OF his company received severe
wound and fell upon the ground. He was a
isw PAGES In advance OF his men, and as be
fell two OF The enemy sprang forward to bay
onet him. Irwin seeing this fisng himself be-
fore his PROSTATE captain, shot one OF the
men, and in hand-to hand encounter disa-
bled the other. He then bore the wounded
officer IRON the neld During the whole fight
this young man, who Is not twenty-one years
of age, conducted himself with the coolest
courage, and 10 more than one instance raj
lied his falling comrades. He has the stuff Of
which officers are made, and the Department
should send him a commission"
Mrs. Irwin bowed down with her face upon
the table, trembling in every nerve; weak
In glad ewilderment-teariul. Then drop
ping upon her knees, with clasped hands and
eyes uplifted, she said laintly-
20, Lord, is he not Thine?"
A deep peace fell upon her spirit, and she
remained for some time kneeling. But prayer
formed itself in no other words.
u could not stay away from you after read
ing the news this morning."
A friend said this as sne came In, q little
while afterwards. "Are you not a proud wo-
man to-day, Mrs. Irwin?'
Il feel glad and humble" was the subdued
answer.
"But did he not aci nobiy? Who would
have thought that in your quiet. retiring boy,
there was such a darling spirit?'
1t does not seem as If it we're my son who
has been SO brave" said the mother.-"The
act has apparently removed him TO distance,
and set itself up as question ofright against
me. He Is not mine id the sense have hith-
erto regarded him. Higher duties than those
of a son are laid upon him; and ! iaust give
him to his country 10 degree not understood
when he went forth at bis country's call. |
pray, now. that God will make him equal to
his duty under all circumstances. To lose
him would be a fearful thing but TO find him
weak coward In the day OF battle would be
more fearful still.n
"To hear such words from your lips From
whence has come this new spirit-this new
courage ~
sAs our day is so shall our strength be Mrs.
Irwin. God gives the spirit Of endurance
and self reliance when We have need OF it;
and this is anr tine sf need. do not Halter
myself with the hope that my heart and home
will be spared-that my boy will pass un-
scarthed In the ordeal Of battle. But come
what WILL will trust in God and he vii! .sy
no sorrow upon my heart taa aeayY to bear.
II had ten sons, feeling as do now, would
give them all for this contest, and send them
forth In Gods name.s
And tothousands Of mothers. hearts strength
and spirit Of self sacrifice have come In this
time oi trial, as 1t came to the heart OF Mrs.
Irwin. Like her their souls are Ia the cause,
and their brave hearts giving out courage and
endurance to tens Of thousands Of brave sons
now battling for right and their country. 1t
is the old spirit Of the Revolution, and by vir-
tue Of Its sacred fires our armies prevail.