The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1869-03-25
THE OLD VOLUNTEER.

VdE OLD VOLONVEGd.
, The old Granite State had alread.
sent more than seventeen thousand q
her children to danger and suffering.
Nor the weak pen of woman may tel
Of their fearless deeds, of their patien
endurance, born Of q patriotism that
where it truly and unselfishly exists, i
divine enthusiasm.
One evening we were gathered rount
the fireside. talking Of the efforts bein,
made to apprehend number Of desert
ers at that time in the State, when 4
loud rapping ut the door interrupted US
An old man, dressed as a soldier In full
rig, his cap and a large leather bag
swinging from his hands, came in tn.
room-not with the upright bearing
and military salute Of regular, but
with the familiar and genial kindnes.
of an old friend. He came close up tc
General Blank, the military comm and
er of the State.
Here I am, Gineral, says he in = jol.
ly manner-'come to jine the army
A nice looking, fat old lady followed
the soldier into the room. She wore q
brown cloak, great fur cap, blue yarn
mittens and a red quilted hood. She
took her stand behind the old soldier,
and she in turn was followed by youth
about seventeen years of age-a delicate,
mild looking fellow.
Here l am-come to jine,' said the
soldier again.
Where do you come from?' said the
General.
From home.'
How long have you been there:'
well, little over year, 1 guess
who gave you leave Of absence:'
Nobody
How did you get home, then:
Il went in the cars
What did you 60 home for.'
Il wanted to see my old woman.
The General turned himself and his
chair around: stared at the man, and
said quietly.
Then you are a deserter.'
The soldier re!reated step, aud an
swered,
Am deserter, Generals?
i should think so. You enlisted rs a
soldier, and, from your own account,
you have served your country by going
home to see your wife,
That's so. But did serve with the
army for a SPELL
oh! you have been South, them
Where?'
I didn't exactly go South, General
served with the army in Boston,
In Boston? What where you doing
here?
Il flied for the Eighth regiment.
You did; and when the regiment
vent South you deserted. am look
pg up deserters now. I'll have you ar
ested as one.'
The soldier looked back at his wife,
How her eyes flashed! She had some
hing to say, but not just then. She
VAS the forlorn hope, but his part was
lot acted out.
Don't be too hard.on me, General
'aid the soldier mildly.
you will be treated as q deserter.'
Il won't be sent down South?' said he,
With look of horror.
Probably That is where we want
oldiers just now
He came nearer to the General and
aid coaxingly, I'd look pretty, would
IT l, going anywhere to fixhto why,
IN seventy years old
How did you get in the arnly?' asked
he General. who mustered you in.'
You did,
Then you did not tell me your age
Yes did, General
You did not, said the General; and
'ou know you did not
Look here! said the soldier, touching
lin on the shoulder with his forefinger.
There's no use in Citing in a passion.
Be quiet and I'll tell you how all came.
flies for every thing in our town.
Whenever we git a jolitication up there,
I'D John and his fife must be on hand.
Now when the fuss was raised about
ending down soldiers, and the Eighth
egiment was Citing up. all the boys
aid Now Uncle Jack, you must go to
var too.' They all call me Uncle Jack
,e continued, laughing-'they are fond
# me and my life at home. Why, says
!, what's the use Of carrying my old
zones down South? I'd rather be bu-
led at home oh, you must fife for
49, they all said; and coaxed and coax
ID me, and I flied for them until the
egiment was mostly got up, and then
hey said must list and go down
south, for they couldn't 60 into bat
le without my fife; and says I, Boys
IN seventy years old;' and they says,
'ou SO to Concord and tell the Gineral
'ou are only forty four, and keep your
lat on. There's such a hurry and con-
usion there now, he won't notice: be-
ides, you look younger nor any of u.s.
Ie'll list you. So l came to you and
aid Il want to go and serve my coun-
rv' and Won lonkpd kiudor eto rtod opi |