Hillsborough (NC) Recorder

July 24, 1861

Page 4

 

                                    From the Fayetteville Observer

                                             AN INCIDENT

                        Calmly erect, with arms folded he stood,

                        That soldier, going to a field of blood.

                        His mien was noble and his bearing proud,

                        His handsome face was darken’d by a cloud.

                        The cars had stopped, the shout of welcome rose,

                        For those enroute to meet our hireling foes.

                        Among the crowd, beside their father, stood,

                        Two noble boys, held by their father’s hand.

                        Each waved his tiny flag of stars and bars,

                        And shouted welcome, toward the crowded cars.

                        The gallant soldier’s eye beheld the boys,

                        He thought of home, its happiness and joys.

                        The love of country called on him to part,

                        From all most dear to his now aching heart.

                        Suppress’d emotions almost rent his soul,

                        His pent up feelings he could not control.

                        Forth sprang the soldier at a single bound,

                        About the boys his stalwart arms he wound.

                        With tears he gazed upon the father’s face,

                        Still held the children in his fond embrace.

                        “Oh! let me kiss these darling boys,” he cries,

                        The scalding tears were streaming from his eyes.

                        “’Twill do me good; then let me kiss them, please,

                        I left at home two lovely boys, like these.”

                        Each boy twined round his neck a chubby arm,

                        Nor felt at such a man the least alarm.

                        Again, with folded arms, the soldier stood,

                        That soldier hastening to a field of blood.

                        His mien was noble, his bearing proud.

                        A smile was on his face, and not a cloud.

                                                                                    D. H. B.

 

            [The unknown author of the above has put into very touching verse an incident that occurred at Raleigh in May last, which it will do no discredit to the poetry to republish:---]

            AFFECTING LITTLE INCIDENT—While standing a few days since looking at the debarking of that splendid Company, the Lafayette Light Infantry, preparatory to their march to the Military Camp, a stalwart soldier passed by, and looking at two little children near me, said to their father: “Let me kiss those children if you please.  I left two just like them at home.  Let me kiss these for them,” and a tear stole down his bronzed cheek.  The little ones quietly submitted to his fond embrace, and all the bystanders felt that a soft spot in their hearts had been touched by the tender little scene.  There was a noble, affectionate heart throbbing beneath the crimson vesture, and the sight of these little ones stirred up the tenderest emotions of his patriotic soul.  I do not know who he was, but there and then I sent up a prayer for his safe return to the loved ones left behind.  An army composed of such soldiers must be victorious.

                                                                                    --Spirit of the Age--

 

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]