Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1905-04-20
MOTHER, CAN I COZ

"a letter written by young man to his
mother asking permission to enlist. 1t was
written in February, 1862
! am writing to YOU, mother, knowing we'll
what you will say,
When YOU read with fearful fondness what
! write to you to-day.
knowing we'll the flame OF arGor on loyal
mothers part
That will kindle. with each impulse, with
each throbbing of your heart.
I have heard my country calling for her
sons that still are true,
l have loved that country. mother, ne*1 TO
Sod and you:
And my soul is springing forward tc resist
Ster bitter foe;
Can l so, my dearest mother? Tell me-
mother. can so?
From the battered walls Of Sumter, from
the wild waves CT the sea-
have heard her cry for succor. as the
voice of God to me.
In prosperity | losed her-in her days OF
dark distress,
With your spirit in me. mother, could
love that country less?
They have pierced her heart with treason;
they have caused her sons to bleed.
They have robbed her in her kindness, they
have triumphed in her reed.
They have trampled on her standard, ana
:SEe calls me IN neF woe,
Can l go, my dearest mother? Tell me-
mother. can go?
l am young and slender. mother-they
would call me yet a boy.
But l know the land live in, and the bless
ings enjoy,
am old enough, my mother, 10 be loyal
proud and true
To the faithful sense OF duty l have ever
learned from you.
We must conquer this rebellion, let the
doubling heart be still;
We must conquer it or perish. We must
conquer and We will.
But the faithful must not faltcr, ard shall
l be wanting? No!
Bid me go. my dearest mother ten me
mother, can go?
He Who led His chosen people in their ef-
fort to be free
From the tyranny Of Egypt will be merciful
to me, s.s'
| VIII protect me by His power whatsoe'er
I undertake.
Will return me home In safety, dearest
mother, for your sake,
Or should this, my bleeding country, need
a victim such as me.
! / am nothing more than others who have
persisted to be free. ~.
On her bosom let me slumDer, on her a!tal
let me lie,
! l am not afraid. my mother, in SO good a
cause to die. Az,
| There will come a day of gladness, when
the people Of the Lord
| Shall lcok proudly on their banner which
| His mercy has restored.
| When The stars. In perfect NUMBER, on
Their azure field of blue.
Shall b. clustered in union, then and
| evc! firm and true.
I may live to see it, mother, when the pa
| ,riots' work Is doEe.
| And your heart, so full of kindness, vii
| beat proudly for your son,
Or through tears your eyes may see 1t. Will
a sadly thoughtful view,
And may love it still more dearly for tn
| cost it won from you.
| I have written to you, mother. with con
| seriousness Of right:
/ am thinking CT you fondly with loya
heart tonight;
| When l have your noble bidding, which
shall tell me to press on.
| will come and kiss you. mother, come anc
/ kiss you and be gone,
| In the sacred name of Freedom and my
! country as her due,
| In the name of law and justice l have
written this to you.
| ! am eager. anxious, longing to resist my
| country's foe.
| Shall ! go, my dearest mother? Tell me
mother, shall go?
From a Loyal Woman's" Scrap-Book.