The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1888-05-23


ily-why, sir, they're all in-father
and two brothers besides himself"
The boy spoken of was a noble fell
low in appearance, though scarcely
sixteen years of age, large, erect, with
bold, sparkling, black eyes, dark com
plexion and an unusually frank and
pleasing expression of countenance. |
had been attracted toward him by some
resemblance l fancied l saw between
him and son of my own, whom | had
not seen for several months. Where
ever he went he seemed treated with
marks of peculiar Difference. imme-
diately entered into conversation with
him.
You have seen some fighting, be-
lieve," | said.
eyes, sir, five battles"
"And were you never wounded?"
s. Yes, SIR" and turning up his coat
sleeve he displayed a deep red scar just
above the wrist.
"Your father and brothers, l think
heard, were in the service?"
Yes, sir, my father is captain of
Company A, my brother George is first
lieutenant and Henry is sergeant. He
is only three years older than | am"
Have they all been in battle, too?'
" In the same ones have, sir"
And in what capacity do you
server"
"Oh, sometimes as orderly, some
times as drummer; anything that l can
do best at the time"
"And how do you feel when you go
into fight?''
" Really, I don't know, sir-I be-
lieve my only feeling is fear that father
or the others will be killed. When they
come out safe, sir, I'm the happiest
fellow you ever saw"
AT that moment a soldier accosted
him. He held in his hand a small
black bottle, and asked the boy if he
would like taste, l having gone lit
tie one side.
"Thank you," said the boy, "I'll
take little,' and from small tin
tumbler he had about him the boy
drank what | should consider quite
dram. 1t troubled me. In magma
ton l saw that handsome Young face
ing under the pressure of the accursed
stimulant, the hands shaking, the eyes
watery and inhamed.
A moment after he joined me again.
"Oh what" was my troubled ques-
tioning, "what shall do to save this
fair, brave young lad?" My very
heart ached as | thought of it.
6 How do the men generally go into
battle?" l asked. :" In good spirits?'
almost always was the reply.
"Some poor fellows have mistaken
notion that drinking whiskey before
they fight gives them greater courage"
"The soldiers nearly all drink, sir"
was his quick reply.
" am sorry to hear that" said
Why, don't you think they should
have something to cheer them?" he
asked, apparently surprised.
4" If the cause they are fighting for is
not enough to inspire them / do not
know what ISL | replied.
{" DO you think it wrong, then, for the
soldiers to drink"
" l think it terrible habit for any
body, soldier or civilian" He looked
thoughtful.
81 never tasted ardent spirits till l
came here,' he said. {" don't know
as l do now because l like it, but it
seems to please the men,"
Have you mother?"
ooh, yes" His eyes frightened.
I" get letters from her every week"
" Are you her youngest son?"
Yes, sir, we are all three here. l
am the youngest"
" Would she approve of your drink
ing, do you believer" His counte-
nance fell in moment.
g don't quite think she would, sir"
" My dear boy, are you afraid to act
as your mother would counsel your" |
asked.
But the soldiers would think strange
and take it hard of me if l refused
them"
" Did you ever see a man or boy who
was not honored for doing right?n |
asked him. 81 perceive that in the
regiment you are great favorite You
have won name for courage and
courtesy. Now suppose you add to
these the high principle of being afraid
to do what you know is helping to ruin
the souls and bodies of men? Think
for moment what an influence you
would exert upon these soldiers here,
many of whom have tender consciences.
How much better than to encourage
them in such an evil practice, for evil
it is, and only evil-as you must see
often from its consequences"
"We have had some trouble, sir,
from the use of liquor" he said, frankly
"What argument can | USE" per-
sisted, "to induce you to drop the
habit yourself? 1t is an evil, insidious
foe, that decks its victim with flowers
while it poisons him. Before men
know it they are content to sit down
passively under its deadening influence.
You are very young, and it is the time
to form good, pure principles and good
habits | think you would have greater
influence than you have even now.
Not a soldier here, dram-drinker or not,
but would think the better of you if
you would but take this noble step"
&C But what shall do, sir?"
Resolve never to taste that fearful
poison. | will not say anything now
upon the inducements you might hold
out to others. / want to save you, for
strong as you may feel in your self