Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-02-07
FOR THE CHILDREN
To His Country's Call - BY
Veonne Williams

| Lear juniors:
In the southern part of Kentucky,
near Glasgow, there lived farmer,
Randolph Morris, his wife and three
sons, George, aged %; Henry, aged 20,
and the youngest, Dick, aged Is. When
news of the civil war came to the
farm, George and Henry left imme-
diately for the scene of action. Mr.
Norris said that Dick was only a boy
and that he could not let him go.
One summer evening Dick went for
the COWS. He turned them from the
pasture into the river lane. He was
silent and his sunny face was clouded.
He did the chores in the same silent
mood. George and Henry were killed,
and now would he be. srsr,
Finishing his supper he slipped out
with his gun on his shoulder. About
half way to the railroad station he
was overtaken by chum of his, Bob
Blake.
Hello, Dick!" cried Bob, cheer
fully, where do you think of going
this time of night?'
"Hello," said Dick, tits strang that
I always run across you when leave
home" Then to his friends invitation,
sprang into the buggy. Eve started
to Washington" he continued, Gin
answer to Father Abe's call"
Bob was astonished, but said moth
ing. During the drive to the station,
Dick unfolded his plans.
II wish I could co." said Bob, as he
wrung Dicks hand for last good
bye. The station master came up.
"Why, 10. Dick" he exclaimed in
surprise, "Off for Washington"
Dick admitted that he was. The
agent was an old friend, so laying his
hand on the boys shoulder said, cts
a great thing for boy like you to do.
Go in peace, and may the good Lord
bless and keep you is my prayer"
So. with words of his good old
! friend ringing in his ears, Dick swung
aboard the passenger train. Two
days later he had his uniform and
was sent forward into battle. Many a
night did he lay on a bed of weeds.
and also stand sentinel. During Nc
Clellan's campaign in Virginia, one
day while out with a body of scouts
he was captured and taken into the
| confederate camp.
| "Shouts of "a yankee!" "a yankee
| spy" and he was marched into the
center of the camp. Fortunately he
had no papers with him, only letter
| from his mother and another from
Bob.
The letters were handed over to the
commanding officer with, 1--WE took
them from yankee spy, sir, that We
caught, sneaking around the camp,
/ sir" 49,
| The officer glanced at the headings.
Bring the prisoner in here at once"
he ordered. Dick was brought. The
officer turned and looked him in the
! face. Dick returned the glance. The
officer was surprised at the prisoners
young looking appearance of a boy OF
| fifteen. whats your name, and what
| have you to say?" he demanded sharp
ly thinking at first that Dick was a
drummer boy. Dicks face grew
deathly pale He set his lips in
hard, firm line. "My name is Richard
Norris" he answered, "and I have
nothing to say
you're an officer?" questioned his
captor.
81 may be a second lieutenant"
Dick paused.
(Which you are" snapped the
other. ''Who are these letters from?
What are you doing around our camp
How old are you?"
Dick hesitated, then said finally,
"While I was out scouting your men
ca ptured me. Those letters are from
my own mother and my friend, Bob
Blake, who live in the southern part
of Kentucky, at Glasgow. I am nearly
seventeen. You do not need to know
who am, or where I'm from, either"
Enough, sir" cried the officer
"Here are your letters Then to an
orderly, "Put him with the squad
that is to be sent to Libby prison. See
that he does not act insultingly; if he
does, report to me. When does the
escort for the prisoners leave"
almost Immediately, SIR replied
the orderly Every WELL Have a strong
guard and do not let them escape, il
possible Now CO.
Dick was taken roughly by the
shoulder and ordered, Forward.
march, lively now!" He was escorted
into the middle of the camp where
some thirty or forty New Workers,
rounded by heavy guard of Louisi-
anians. Some of the yankees at sight
of an officer on their side got to
their feet and saluted Dick.