Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-04-27
CHAPTER XLV-CoNTINUED.

The scene wrought upon the younger
members Of the family, who, as wei
as the domestics, were heard pouring
forth deep and loud lamentations, ac-
companied with reiterated announce
ments of the death of the soldier.
When this first burst of the general
grief was over. David Ramsay arose
from his seat and walked across the
room to a window. where he stood en-
deavoring to compose and master MS
feelings. At length facing Butler, ne
said in a low and tranquil tone,-
John Ramsay. my son, killed, killed
in a skirmish? God is my witness,
expected 1t! 1t was his falling to fol-
low his enemy with too hot hand;
and am to blame, perhaps, that new
er checked him in that temper. But
he died like a man and soldier, Ma
ior Butler" he added, firmly.
He died my arms replied Butler
"as bravely as ever soldier closed his
life, his last thoughts were fixed up
on his parents, and
Dead" interrupted Ramsay, as If
communing with himself, and regard
less of Buffers words-"Dead! He fell
doing his duty to his country, that's a
consolation. A man cannot die better
II 1t please God, hope my end may be
like him. Andrew, my boy, come here
You are now my oldest living son." he
said, taking the lads hand and looking
him full in the face, as he spoke with
bitter compression of his lips; Il am
willing much as / love you, that the
country should have you"
mo, David, David" interrupted the
mother, rousing herself from her silent
grief, I'VE have given enough; no 9TH
er child of mine shall venture in the
war. John! John! John! my dear boy
my brave son! How good and kind
he was to us all! And how glad he
was to get home to see us; and how
much we made Of him."
"Silence WIFE" said David Ramsay,
this is no time to hold back from our
duty. Andrew, listen to me; remem-
Der your brother has met his death
fighting against these monsters, who
hate the very earth that nurses liberty.
You are young, boy, but you can han
die a musket: we will not forget your
brothers death"
Nor, the burning of a good house
over your head, and full barn. father;
nor the frights they have given my
poor mother"
Nor the thousands of brave men,
added the father who have poured out
their blood to give us a land and laws
of our own. My boy. we will remem-
Der these, for vengeance"
Not for vengeance" said Allen
Musgrove, "for justice David Ramsay.
Your enemy should be remembered
only to prevent him from doing mis-
chief. The Lord will give him sword
and buckler, spear and shield, who
stands up for the true cause; and when
1t pleases Him to require the sacrifice
of life from the faithful servant who
fights the battle, he grants patience
and courage to meet the trial. Your
son was not the man, David, to turn
his face away from the work that was
before him; may God receive him and
comfort his distressed family! He was
an honest and brave son, David Ram
say"
"A braver soldier never buckled on
broadswords, Allen Musgrove," replied
the father. Yes, I looked for this;
ever since my dwelling was levelled
to the ground by these firebrands
looked for it. Johns passion was up
then, and l knew the thoughts that ran
through his mind. Ever since that
day his feelings have been most bitter;
and he has flung himself amongst the
Tories. making as little account of them
as the mower when he puts his scythe
into the grass of the meadows"
God forgive him, David" said Mus
grove, "and strengthen you and the
boys good mother in this sharp hour
of trial. They who draw the sword in
passion may stand In fear of the judg-
ment of the sword: 1t is a fearful thing
for sinful man to shed blood for any
end but that of lawful war, and at the
bidding of his country. God alone is
the avenger."
Mary had again raised herself from
the bed and at this moment gave vent
to her feelings in a loud and bitter
lamentation. John Ramsay is dead!
she exclaimed. Il cannot believe it.
He that was so true and so warm
hof lnuaH
They could not kill him! Oh. begged
him to keep his foot from danger, and
he promised me, for my sake, to be
careful. l loved him, father; l never
told you so much before. but | am moi
ashamed to tell ii now before every
body: l loved him better than all the
world. And we had promised each
other 1t is so hard to lose them thai
we love-" she continued, sobbing vio-
lently. He was so brave and so good
and he was so handsome, Mrs. Ram
say, and so dutiful to you and his faith
er. coming home to see you wheneveI
the war would let him. And he walk
ed, and rode, and ran, and fought fo
his friends. and them that he cared for
He was so thoughtful for your comfor
too" she added, as she threw hersel
on her knees and rested her head in tn
lap Of the mother, and there PAUSED
through a long interval, during whicl
nothing was heard but her own moan
mingled with the sighs of the party
1--WE were to be married after this wa
was at an end, and thought we shoul'
live so happily: but they have murder
ed him! Oh they have murdered him,
and with her hair thrown in disorde
over her face, she again gave vent t
a flood of tears.
Mary. daughter! Shame on you
girl" said her father. do you forget
in the hour of your affliction. that yo
have a friend who is able to comfort
There is one who can heal up your sor
rows and speak peace to your trouble
spirit, IL you be not too proud to as
Ii. l have taught you, daughter
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