The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-09-24
JUVENILE COLUMN.
GRyNDMAMMA's STORY.


Grandmamma, when you were q little girl.
did YOU ever hear the word CENTENNIAL
"Not so often, my dear, but there were
other words more in nee then, such as
courage sacrifice deprivation, free
DOM; the mere utterance of them brings
hack to my mind scenes that make my
heart beat like that of young girl"
Grandnamma, won't you tell me OF
those scenes 7 whenever you mention
them your eyes seem to grow brl9h1, ana
your form straightens as If you were no
longer old" ;u .uu
\ to recall some of the events of my girlhood.
My father owing to an accident, was
Unable to Join in the active work of his
day, and consequently he devoted him~
self to the study of science. He was an
ardent lover of his country, and used his
gifted mind in inspiring those ABOUT MIN
with true patriotism.
"Word came to our quiet little town that
all able bodied men must join General
Wsshiugton's army, for the enemy was
fast approachiDg.' The cry of the Brit
ish are advancing went from mouth to
mouth. Men, women, and children were
fred with enthusiasm, wives cent forth
their husbands, mothers cheered their de-
parting Sous with their blessings.
"My father grew pale when he heard the
summons to arms Alas! said he, as he
pointed to his mishapen leg, cannot join
you, my brothers; l am as only one Of
these patting little child at his knee.
Keep up your heart, neighhor Young,
said friend. To know that you are here
TO guide and console our dear ones, will!
make our parting easier. We trust them
al! to you.'
How true he was to that trust!. In
those days of turmoil and battle, children
had few opportunities for education.
These little ones, father thought, are the
inherltors of our dearly bought freedom,
and they must be prepared to sustain the
young nation in its vigor and integrity ,
what better can 1 do, than fit them foI
their future =
"He gathered the youths about him, and
gave them treasures from his we'll etol ed
mind.
"The din of war came nearer and nearer
to our peaceful homes, and marauders, who,
like vultures, followed the army, entered
our quiet town, and were mercilees in their
& depredatione.
/" One day as we were studying our les
= sonsi IN our snnDy kitchen, q neighbor came
y in, bearing her silver heir looms, and beg
& ged father to hide them from the sight OF
the dreadful Cow boys who were approach
ing. Father lifted the hearthstone, and in
hollow beneath hid the silver; we quietly
resumed our lessons and waited, with beat
ing hearts, the advance of the boys as the
ow-boys were called.
"a delicate girl named Sarah Wild had
Just seated herself over the hearth stone,
when the men rushed into the kitchen.
My mother, who was fearless, cool head ed
woman arose from her spinning, and con :
fronted the men. what do you want OF
helpless women and girls 2 she asked.
Your treasures they replied, looking in
vain about our plainly furnished room.
We know well,' said one, that James
Young has his neighbours goods in his
keeping come, boys, let as search" and he
advanced to the fireplace, where onr faith
ful colored cook, Nancy, was preparing the
supper.
she exclaimed, Boys, you Jes' keep away,
and don't you tech a thing of massa's ;
you're no good to the country or your PEG
pie, and you can't harm massa's folks, for
de Lord takes care of His own, and before
you leave this roof, you'll see how He'll do
It, While she was talking, one of the men
ciously at the hearth-stone. The girl gave
an unearthly shrek, and fell at his feet in
terrible convulsion the men saw her
beautiful face strangely contorted, and
were evidently startled.
-" Nancy threw up her arms, and cried.
See what you've did now maybe that fit
is catchin', and you'd better go 'lopg quick,
for maybe you've killed that chile.' The
boys were not wholly devoid of feeling,
and withdrew.
Father repeated the words of the
psalmist, God is our hope and streu 9Th, a
very present help in troube'
ave heard confusion outside, and saw
our cousins rushing down the lane. The
desperadoes had set fire to their house, and
they we're fleeing to US for help father put
them in the OK cart, and they were driven
away to safer quarters. The little ones
thought it fpe fun, and looked upon it as a
holiday event.
"T6e tribulations of those days, my
child, were many, but they made firm men
and noble women, and gave strength to
that generation which, 1 hope, the present
day of ease and prosperity will not oblite-
y rate"