The Press., 1883-07-26
HOW I WENT TO LIVE WITH UNCLE JOE.

You never knew Joe White? Of course not. Uncle Joe lived on the old Tracy place on the Oriskany road, where you turn the corner to go to Bettis' sawmill. This was forty years ago, when was boy and lived at home have just been visiting the old home in ''York state, " and riding by the old Tracy place one day was reminded of Joe White and an incl dent in my boyhoood life in connection with him. Joe was shiftless sort of fellow, who spent more time in the village tavern than he did at any form of work. He did little hauling with a team he owned, cultivated small patch of ground, had an apple orchard and made cider in the fall, and could pettifog a case in the justice court If anybody would allow him to. He was a genial man, when he had a glass or two, and made friends with the boys by his stories and fun.
 l believe that 1t is characteristic of boys in the country to be dissatisfied with home at an early age. They get an idea that they are not used well by their parents, particularly if any work is required of them. was that kind of boy, and when Joe White in one of his genial moods ask ed me how would like to come and live with him and be ''his little boy" was delighted with the idea. It was Satur- day afternoon, I remember, and Uncle Joe was sitting in the bar-room of the village tavern, slipping the third gin-sling that had been made for him. His face glowed with benevolent good nature clear to the top of his bald head, his voice was affection ate and kind, his eyes glistened with sym pathetic emotion. He loved boys, he said, and wished he had dozen around him all the time. He entered into all their joys and pleasures, and sympathized with them in their little woes. If he could have his way no boy would ever be required to do anything but play all the day long, Then come and live with him could do just as I pleased d-go to school or play about the ''fame''- nothing in the world should an- noy me. He spoke of his lonely life with out any little boy to cheer him, and I saw tears slowly gliding off the end of his nose into his gin-sling. Then I put my arms around Joe's neck and told him how I would go and live with him and be his lit boy; and I kissed truant tesr- drop, that had flavor of gin, off his neck and nestled against his bosom. At that moment Uncle Joe seemed to surpass father, mother, brothers, sisters and aunts, and I was ready to spend my life with him. I went home and told my parents of uncle Joes offer, and, considerably to my surprise, they said I might go and live with him if I desired to. They allowed that I might have a better and easier time at Joe's than I could at home.
 was very impatient for Monday morn ing to arrive. Never did pass so long Sunday T had to go to church and Sun- day school, but I consoled myself with the reflection that it was the last time, for uncle Joe wouldn't require me to do that. More likely he would take me off fishing with him, or hunting squirrels in the woods. Monday morning came at length, for Joe had told me he was going to keep me dressed up all the time. No more old clothes or going barefoot for me. No work to do-nothing but sit around and enjoy myself. I felt momentary qualm in parting from my father and mother, re- 'fected that I could come and see them oc- casionally. Mother offered to roll up little bundle of things for me, but I told her 1t wasn't necessary, uncle Joe would furnish everything might want. Then I left the old red house where I was born and started for my new home with Joe White. When I got there Joe had his team hitched up and was about starting for the village He wasn't the same beam ing, good humored uncle Joe that parted with so reluctantly Saturday afternoon. He was cross, grabbed and unshaven. His eyes were red, voice hoarse, and he swore at his team at an alarming rate. Never did see such a transformation. A boy who helped him on the place grinned as he told me in low voice, 'The old mans been on drunk since Saturday. He's go- ing up to the village to get hair of the dog, then he'll feel better" What ssa hair of the dog'' meant didn't know. but I thought if it would improve him any he ought to have it. This scene dampened my ardor bit, but I wasn't going to back out, so I stepped boldly up to uncle Joe and said, 'sI've come.''
 aOh, you have, have you?' growled Joe, turning his bleary eye upon me.