Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-07-31
Farmers Boys.

Not many years since well known Ohio
Congressman said TO the writer, "a,
there is vacant cadetship at West Point
there is also a midshipman to be appointed a,
Anuapois-both from our District will
give your son choice Of the places"
The generous offer was warmly made, and
accompanied with many friendly expressions
and thanks for services rendered him in o
political campaign but on the writer's part
without the slightest expectation Of any re-
turn. The offer was therefore a surprise, and
seemed so much to require consideration that
it was q minute before could answer him at
all. During that minute | had time to call
up memories Of my own early struggles,
fighting the way up through weary years OF
toll and waiting, tnd patient self-denial, into
the possession Of a business, without any
friendly aid. My boy was seventeen years
old, aud could doubtless pass the necessary
examination at either place but then he was
all the boy | had 1 thought Of the farm
the broad meadows lately underdrained tn,
winding driveway newly graveled, with tree
grouped alongside; the orchard and tn,
woods, and the cattle on the hillside aud
wondered who would take his place 10 GU
Robinson Cfusoe kingdom if he went away
Then of what use had been all the pains au,
labor for Identifying and onrichipg the farm
if he we're not to succeed TO its Management
and enjoyment
My mind was made up. The temptation
was declined with thanks, much 10 the sur
prise Of my friend, by simply telling him
81 60 Oh lat. a. Ifpal
SAM" and thought could give him fully a
honorable a career.
Since then two years have passed. TIL
lad is rapidly growing into manhood, broad
shoudered and muscular as a young Hercu
les. Regular daily labor in blowing. au'
harvesting aud hauling, has not interfere
with rational enjoyments, but has given
keener relish for them. Should the tim
come, some day, when daily labor is no longc
necessary for the making Of livelihood, b
will enter en- middle age with the man we
developed physically, and with the min
stored with the practical knowledge Of hui
b. ndry | don't know but this is as goo
practical knowledge to have on hand as an
other, and as fitting for gentleman as Law
physic or merchandising.
The present summer we had q vsitor-a
old friend from the salty sea. lie was r,
joicing in ten days leave Of absence, an
enjoying himself like a school-boy at home o
a holiday. The swetering uniform and req
lstiou cap of the navy bad been left in III
lockers Of the iron-clad be commanded, au
he sailed up the drive into our place clad !
the loosest kind of citizens rigging, toppe
out with an exceedingly wide-brimmed stray
hat, that he was pleased to call a " Greeley
He said to me one day q" Old fellow, if
we're the owner of your farm aud stock,
would heartily ex ihange places with the ad
miral. could then be at home with m
wife and children. During twenty.six year
Of service, 1 have been seventeen at sea
There il not sea On the globe have nc
sailed, and hardly port | have not eutere,
/ am tired of the service in time Of peace
but have no other profession and no incou
but my pay. | have no future that is n,
like the past. | am subject to orders tina
may, without notice, change my plans. The
can send me, at any moment, the Lord know
where"
These were despairihg words uttered by
homeless man; no merely professional achieve
ment or reputation could Gil the void.
bold navigator and famous gunboat com
mander, he is the pet Of his superiors an
their favori,e officer to entrust with exped
tions requiring skill ard audacity. Thoug
he will have an honored name in the anna
of the navy, the sum of his life, as footed b
himself, is a failure.
thought of the Congressmans tempta
ton, and told my friend the story. II
pointed to the waving harvest fields and sal,
that he too thought my kingdom wisely gov
erned, and that it ought to pass to my sue
cessor by inheritance. JB.A.