Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-11-19
VOL. XIII.

ready achieved, ana lookeu ior"aru 10
the browning victory to be won on the
morrow. Near her sat her husband, "a
goodly man to see," but her exact coun-
terpart in every respect. He was one of
those calm, silent men, who, to the casu-
al observer, might seem to have little
force of character, but who really are the
strong ones of the world.
A faithful copy of his SIRE" was
Horace, the eldest son. Upon hin. the
father lavished those advantages which
had been denied himself, resolved that in
his first born should be realized the ambi-
lious dreams and unsatisfied longings Of
his own bJyhood. Nature had richly
gifted Horace in heart, mind, and per-
son. aud he Lade fair to fulfill bis fathers
fondest anticipations. He had gradual.
ed with honor at Harvard, and had come
home from the Law School at Cambridge
to pass at the old homestead that annual
festival so dear to every true son and
daughter of New England.
The other grown children, Jennie,
Maggie, and Harry, were more like their
mother; but in them ier peculiarities
were toned down by education, and the
rough edges of their characters worn eff
by contact with refined society. Dick, a
youth of sixteen, was, in his own estima-
ton, the most important parsonage
around tho house; aud Willie and Tom
nv, the ten-year old twins, like boys of
their age in general, loved play supp emo
IL, and hated books with a correspond.
ing intensity.
Most venerated and beloved of the
whole household was the grandfather,
around whose head the SHOWS of more
than eighty winters had gathered. Up
on this evening he sat in bis ususl cor
ner by the freside. entertaining the
children with pleasant "reminiscences of
the threescore Of Thanksgiving days he
distinctly remembered.
Thanksgiving day of the year of grace
1862 dawned clear and radiant. and the
members of the Wentworth household
were up bright and early, giving the flo
ishing touches to the great work of prep
aratiOn. By ten o'clock everything was
ready, and all, from the mistress of the
house to the Irish bound girl, Norah, ar
rayed in gorgeous state, sat down to
await the coming guests. First on the
list of arrivals was uncle Elijah, with his
wife and children. Then came uncle
Samuel, with his family; then Parson
Wheeler, with his only child, Rose; and
last of all, as might be expected, ar
rived host of city uncles, aunts, and
cousins.
The large, roomy house was full to
overflowing, and the lively conversation
of the older people, the unrestraired
merriment of the grown-up girls and
boys. and the uproarious mirlh of the
children, led on by Willie and Tommy,
made the old homestead ring.
The dinner, was of course, grand
success; and the evening-with its ap-
pies, nuts, and cider. its stories and
games. and music and dancing passed
:. merry as a marriage bell"
After while the serious withdrew
into group by themselves, and discours-
ed of graver matters, chief of which was
the war. With flushed face and beating
heart, cousin Jennie drew near to listen,
for she had lover in the Army of the
Cumberland. Others of the youths and
maidens soon followed. and the children,
at a signal from cousin Maggie. with
drew into the g.eat kitchen, and there
played blind mans buff, copenhagen,
and chase the squirrel, to their hearts
content.
All were much startled by an an
nouncement from Parson Wheeler, that
he had taken the chaplaincy of the-th
Regiment of Massachusetts, Volunteers,
and should leave in few days for the
seat of war; and solemn hush fell over
old and young as the venerable grand
father, rising, said in tones tremulous
with emotion:
MY children, upon this day Of mirth
and festivity, let US not forget those Of
our own members who are away, bat.
tleing for the old flag Your cousins
Charles and William and Andrew, were
with us last year, merry as the merrie st
of you all. Now they are exposed to
the hardships and dangers of a soldiers
life. Jennie's lover, too. is in the army.
May God protect them all J"
"Amen," was the fervent response
from every lip.
"Let us pray for them," he said; and
then, all kneeling, the good old man
commended these brave young scions O
his house to the God of battles.
First to break the deep silence which
followed that prayer was cousin Horace
who said, in a low, firm voice:
"When 1 left Cambridge it was mo-
merely TO pass Thanksgiving at home
| made solemn vow never to return
until the old flag again waved over an
united country. l am going to fight fol
the Union-to die for it, if need be-"
Sand l will go with you," said hi,
brother Harry. " 1 am young in years
but L have a strong arm and loyaI
heart to give to my country"
{" God bless you. my boys" said the
father stepping forward, AMI grasping a
hand of each. never was so proud
of you as at this moment. You belong
to the patriotic stock. Your great-grand
father served through the war Of the
Revolution; your grand father, who i: