Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1888-11-07

ing among the leaves. 1t was the fettor
which had written, and which old Maria in
her haste had dropped before she reached
her masters house. Then the full storm of
wrath was turned upon us. Entering my
fathers office, Raymond Kenneth denounced
our whole family for conspiring to assist
runaway negroes. Enraged at my refusal
of his hand. and feeling that it was through
my fathers influence, he was eager 30 pro-
woke quarrel. Drawing his bowie-knife-
a weapon with which all Missourians were
then armed-a fearful tragedy would have
been enacted but for the interference of the
bystanders. Thwarted in this. he muttered
vengeance. The following day he was en-
rolled upon the list that sent so many mar
tyrs to the lost cause.
A company of men were drilling in lot
on the outskirts of the town, with out, as
yet. any regularly appointed officers. When
it was known that Raymond Kenneth had
enlisted, a shout went up: Our Captain!
our Captainl" He was received with dem
onstrations of joy, and when he counseled
an immediate departure to join the forces
of Price, they gave the widest cheers. It
was decided that upon the arrival Of the
next boat this newly organized company
would embark with Raymond Kenneth as
first officer. He knew the Indignation with
which this move would be regarded by
every Union man, and he gloried in it; but
had he known with what a throe of anguish
this news was received by me his impetu-
Gus nature would have forgiven all the past.
and he again would have been the suppliant
lover.
went about the house with Dyes strained
toward the hills for the first white wreath of
smoke which should herald the approach of
the evening steamer. Finally. upon the
clear MONDAY air the shrill whistle sound
ed. The little hamlet was alive in an in
slant. The levee was crowded with men.
women and children. while the negroes
stole surreptitious chances around the COR
ners OF fences and corn cribs. The boat
rounded to the shore as the company went
marching down the single street with it's
red and white silken banner. the work Of
fair secession hands, floating in the sun
shine. Men of pronounced Union senti-
ments were conspicuous by their absence,
and a strange quiet was over all. stood
upon bluff which commanded view Of
the whole scene, knowing that my figure
would be thrown in silhouette against the
clear sky. as a background. My pride came to
my aid and made no moan. thought that
Raymond would relert at the last and send
me some token of reconciliation, but he did
not. In anticipation of this, had formed
rosette of red and white ribbons, which,
with long, floating streamers. had fastened
to the top OF my parasol. held it closely
to my side. watching the boys as they
stepped on board. some laughing and jest
ing. others furtiveiy brushing away the tears.
and all leaning over the guards to repeat
in the bow of the boat. distinct as the
smoke-stack itself, with his arms folded,
taking no part in the general leave taking
L felt that his eye was upon me. but there
was no sign to reveal what emotion was
passing within. The band struck up gay
march. the gang plank was withdrawn, and
the boat swung out to resume her way down
the river. and still ne stood there motion
less.
Almost as he was being carried out of
sight. brought my parasol in view, and
waved the Confederate colors aloft. saw
him brace himself more erect. then
wave of his hand with the military
salute. By this time the boat was fairly
turning round, and he was lost to view.
Not till then did my courage give way. I
sank down among the reeds in the broad
sunshine and covered my face with both
hands. The townspeople wendell their
way back to their accustomed business or
pleasure, while the heavy throbs of the
steamer. as she plowed through the waters.
seemed like the bursting of some agonized
mer afternoon. watching the shadows grow
ing longer and deeper. and at last the full
glow OF the setting sun lay all about me-
turning the waters to molten gold, and
where they lay in shadow, all was dark and
gray. L see my life in this picture. There
is the gold of my vanished youth: there,
below, Is the darkness of despair,
and my hearts love has gone
down In its track. | watched the golden
glory fade away and The gray shadows that
came creeping on, and soon the slender
curve of the new moon stood over the dark
ened waters. The dampneSs of early night
was all about me, and Ray, our old house.
servant. came searching for me. Her first
words were
Miss Jessie. Ihave ben hun tin for We
all ober de place. Yere's a letter Massa
Raymond done sent by little Jake. but I
'clar to goodness couldn't find We nowhar."
l grasped the paper. In the twilight I
read these words:
go to my death Jessie, for you. Had you
said one word my resolve had been shaken. God
knows you are more to me than fame or life
itself. What is life to me without you? There
is not even the soldiers hope of glory. One
is all. For the sake of the old days Jessie,
send me some token as charm in the hour of
danger. 1t is all I shall ever ask at your hands.
RAYMOND.
Here was his old impetuous self again
still ignoring all rebutfs and f1inging his I'M
awaiting love at my feet. Ali if he could
have seen me at that moment, have seen the
passionate kisses which ! bestowed upon
have foresworn all hope Of glory, indeed.
Not a word of this did dare breathe to
my father. AS was seated on the veranda,
before retiring for the night. he referred to
the departure, saying every secessionist
should do likewise. IF they were not salts
fed with the best government on earth let
them try to overthrow it. They would soon
find an end to their boasting. He little
knew, at that moment, that in my hand Law
the little red and white rosette which I
had detached from my parasol, seeking the
first opportunity to send it to my hot-head-
ed lover as the tcharm in the hour of dan
ger"
In a few days came the news of the open
ing conflict on Missouri SOIL in the battle of
Boonville. My father was triumphant.
Lyon had routed the State forces. Only
those who experienced the dread suspense
which those battles entailed can know the
agony which L endured during the succeed
ing days until a message came by the hand
of little jake" It was this:
Your token lies over my heart. We lost
Camp Jackson, but we whipped the Home
Guards at Warsaw. Now we have arms
and horses. Forward to gloryl Your true
knight will yet win his bride. RAYMOND"
In the enlistment of Southern troops in
Missouri there was little of the pageantry
of war to captivate the senses. There was
nothing to distinguish the officer from his
subordinates save bit of red flannel or a