Year: 1861

In a small farm house. towards the close of
the year 1880, sat an old man, his wife and
only son. The face of the father appeared
troubled at times he looked thoughtfully on
the floor, and then he would gaze long and
wistfully at his son, a fine, manly youth OF
twenty. At length he said:


"David. this is disaStl Gus news from Cam
den. God knows what will become of the
country now Congress needs every arm that
is capabe-ah me, | wish this old wound |
got in the French war had not lamed me-but
for it, l should now be shoudering my musket
and marching to defend my country


Both the son and wife looked up at these
words. The old lady ceased knitting, and
gazed inquiringly at her boy, and it was evil
dent from the expression of her face, that
patriotism and motherly affection were at va
rance in her bosom. The son, however, after
encountering his fathers eye for moment,
turned confusedly away. The old mans brow
darkened, and he said warmly:


"David, David, why do yon linger about the
village when your country needs your services
so much Why, son, 1 am ashamed of you
Twice before have spoken to you on this
subject, but you have no spirit What, will
you see us trampled upon by the neacenaries
of Britain, and still lie here supinely For
shame David-for shame! 1 will not call
you my son. Long since you should have
been in the army.''


"Joshua, joshua" interposed the old moth
er, "David is but youth, then do not speak
so harshly. He cannot feel what you feel who
have fought SO often against your countryss
enemy. Joshua, he is but boy"


ga boy, indeed, Deborah such boys as
David have already gained imperishable lau
res since the war commenced. L could name
host of them why, were it not for the boys
of this land, where would be our army, which
/ dare say is composed OF boys of David's
age?' The cid mas was excited, and it was
the first unkind word that he had ever used to
his boy.


David arose and left the house. He walked
some distance apparently in deep thought.


"What will not woman do 2" he at length
said here have been lingering about the
village when should have been off long ago.
And for what why to meet pretty girl and
10 listen to her musical voice but now | will
be myself again. What did he call me was
it not coward Now, by Heaven, | will
learn him that he has son who possesses the
spirit of his father. Away then with love, for
feel that am called upon to act, and no
longer dream. Ere fortnight my father shall
hear from me, or else lose my life in striving
tor it.'' And with this resolution he turned
about and retraced his steps.


When he reached home he sought the stable
saddled his horse, and mounting him, struck
into gallop, which continued for several
miles. AT length he stopped and looked up
TO the windows of farm house half hid among
The trees. This was the residence of Mary
Bunker the mistress of his heart the lights
showed that the family had not yet retired,
and he resolved to pay her visit before his
departure. She was alone when he entered
and a few words acquainted her with his de-
termination. She burst into tears.


"Nay, Mary he said, ssyou must not un-
man me. At first l resolved to leave YOU
without farewell, for / knew how much you
dreaded my taking an active part in this strug-
gle. But could not be SO cruel as to desert
You without word.o


81 will compose myself said the fair girl,
with an effort to smile. 81 know have been
wrong TO persuade you to stay but you
not imagine the anxiety suffer on account of
my brothers, and could not bear TO have you
encounter their danger. But since this dread
fu defeat at Camden, l feel that every man is
wanted by our country. Go, then, dearest,
and God be with you. My prayers shall attend
You day and night'


David pressed the now weeping girl to his
BOSOM, snatched hasty kiss, and at the sound
ot approaching footsteps, wrung her hand and
was gone


The next day he left the neighborhood of
HIS lather's house, armed with a musket and
mounted on sturdy horse. His destination
was the American camp, then far to the north
ward; but as the intervening country was
Hlied With the enemy, he knew there would be


duuTeSS W eltCI
pose. Before his departure he saw few Of
MS old playmates who promised to follow as
soon as possible.


Night found him near lonely farm house
70 Which he proceeded in search of lodgings.
At first the occupant received him coldly, but
chance expression convinced David that his
Aost was tory he affected the same politi-
Cd creed, and was Immediately warmly well
comed. The 10y aist procured his cider after
supper, and insisted that David should join
.D, .'n IN his potions; this the young man did,
i1aAihg care, however, not to indulge too free
~ ~ while the farmer overjoyed to find what he
supposed new recruit for his party, drank
,r.hout stint. To his horror, David soon
earned that a party OF loyatists, lead by a