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   A

SOLDIER OF THE CUMBERLAND:

MEMOIR

of

MEAD HOLMES, JR,

Sergeant of Company K, 21st Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers.

BY  HIS FATHEE.

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY JOHN S. HART, LL.D.

|ro Cfctisio, pro ^sttia.

PUBLISHED BT THE

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   PREFACE.

  N preparing the  following narrative, the author has found it very difficult to avoid

fa crowded recital of facts, without plunging into the greater fault of prolix detail; hut the work is not intended for the eye of criticism. Many a page has been written in tears, many a sentence is the vibration of a stricken heart; but I have aimed to execute my task with impartiality, fidelity, and accuracy. It is the simple story of a dear and only son,     my firstborn,    who, in the true martyr spirit, under-standingly and deliberately laid down his life for his country. His army correspondence, extracts from which have already met the public eye, exciting a deop and wide interest, is here given quite at length, and the preceding record of his childhood and progress will be found no less precious and fragraut.   Here are scenes of beautiful quie- 
   VI

I'HE FA CE.

tude, melting pathos, inspiring heroism, and heavenly devotion. Although the young hero, with all his longings to be useful, was unassuming and retiring,     specially averse to publicity,     I can not restrain the conviction that, on this anniversary of his death, and also of Sumter's fall, a memorial of his life will be a suitable tribute of a father's love, and, with the more imposing works of Stearns, Thompson, Bacon, Taylor, and others, by the divine blessing, do something to extend that spirit of Christian patriotism which is the hope of our beloved land.

MEAD HOLMES.

Manitowoc, Wis., April 12, 1864. 
   INTRODUCTION.

  N" compliance with the wish of a stricken and sorrowing father, most willingly do I write this present Introduction, though sure that the reader, on finishing the book, will feel, As>   as I do, that few books ever less needed to be introduced. The story of Mead Holmes, Jr., the noble young Christian soldier of the Army of the Cumberland, is one that needs no extraneous help in winning its way to favor.   I pity the man who can read it with dry eyes, or who rises from its perusal without a higher estimate of what Christianity can do to ennoble character, or without a deeper impression of the costliness of the sacrifice which the nation is now laying upon the altar.

The character of this young soldier, as it is developed in the ensuing pages, is peculiarly attractive. He was by nature generous and unselfish, ; almost to a fault. This trait showed itself in early childhood, and it continued to mark his course to the very last.  The domestic affections,

VII 
   viii

INTRODUCTION.

also, were strong within him, beyond the experience of most men.. The tie between him and his mother particularly was touchingly beautiful. It was like that between a mother and an only daughter; and it might, perhaps, have argued effeminacy on his part, but for the masculine strength and vigor which were every where bound up with it. He seems to have been naturally tender-hearted and gentle, with an instinctive love of truth, and a corresponding shrinking from every thing mean and disingenuous; and these natural impulses were fostered and strengthened by the genial influences of a Christian home, in which love and confidence reigned supreme among all the members. His parents, one an educated clergyman, the other a professional educator, did not withhold from their first-born the lights of knowledge. Every page in the following letters from their boy shows early and careful culture. His mind, indeed, was ripe beyond his years. While he had a love for every liberal pursuit, his chosen studies were those connected with the natural sciences and mechanics, and he gave some remarkable evidences of true inventive genius. Method reigned supreme in every thing he undertook, and the sturdy courage with which he faced difficulties shone only the more conspicuous for the extreme delicacy of his natural organization. It is quite in keeping with the other traits of his character, that he was passionately fond of music, 
   1NT110D UCTXUN.

IX

and that he had acquired no little musical skill. His temperament, withal, was bright and joyous, and he was quick to look on the sunny side of every thing. I may not omit the crowning grace in this beautiful character. Love for Jesus was the key-note that brought into harmony every other principle and affection. His Christianity, moreover, was no passive negation. It was his life. It permeated, controlled, purified, and sweetened the whole current of his thoughts, and gave to his daily walk among his fellows a beautiful and harmonious consistency. I do not mean to say that he had attained perfection. But his character as a Christian gentleman was one of rare loveliness. It is eminently worthy to be held up for study and imitation.

If ever there is pure patriotism, it is when such a youth offers himself freely to his country for the stern and distasteful service of war. By his education, his talents, and his social position, young Holmes was fairly entitled to a command, and through his friends he might easily have procured one. But he deliberately preferred entering the ranks i and the special value of this noble record of his service is, that it gives us, in vivid colors, a minute portrayal of the life of the common soldier. If any one wishes to know exactly how the common soldier, in this present war, has to live, the trials and hardships to which he is exposed,    above all, if one wishes to see what a glory the 
   X

IN TROD UCTION.

love of country and the love of Christ may throw-over even so hard and rude a lot as this,   let him read the life of this brave young Christian patriot, Mead Holmes, Jr., Soldier of the noble Army of the Cumberland.

JOHN S. HAKT.

Office of The Sunday-School Times, Philadelphia, March, 1861. 
   CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

CHILDHOOD..

Birth     Affectionate disposition     Love of music     Conscientiousness     Generosity     Love of nature     At school     Not ashamed to pray     His violin     Philosophical instruments     Mechanical genius   Miniature Bhip     Sympathy for the poor   A teacher in the Sabbath school     Sickness     The pleasure boat ..... IS

CHAPTER II.

YOUTH.

Mead's conversion     Profession of religion     Becomes a schoolteacher    Revival in the school     Horticulture    Love of home    Delicate health   Projects of travel     Narrow escape from drowning   Interest in public affairs   Anti-slavery sentiments . . 30

CHAPTER III.

TRAVEL.

Plans a journey to the Eastern States     Delayed by sickness     The family prepare to accompany him   The Sabbath-keeping steamboat     The lake voyage     Visit to his grandfather     Tender care for his mother     Visits New York and Philadelphia     Returns to Ohio     Thence to Milwaukee and home     Appointed superintendent of the Sabbath school     Mode of instruction     Conscientiousness in discharge of duty     Efforts to do good     Commences study

of law.............................  

XI 
   XII

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV.

ENLISTMENT.

Outbreak of the great rebellion     Mead desires to enlist in the army     A father's struggles     Final consent     Joins his company     Parting nddress to his Sabbath school     The departure     Address to the company     Letter from Eev. Mr. Camp.........55

CHAPTER V.

PASSAGE TO THE SCENE OF WAR.

Journey of the regiment to Milwaukee     To Oshkosh     Alarming news     Ordered to Cincinnati     Parting from his mother     The " good-by "     Arrival at Cincinnati     Cross into Kentucky   Pois-oned wells    Lack of water   Extreme thirst     Army rations     Scenery    Kailroad travel   Hardships   Near Louisville . . . 71

CHAPTER VI.

THE FIRST BATTLE.

The patriot soldier    Severe marcliing     Scanty food     Excessive fatigue     Battle of Perryvillo     Fearful scenes     Cold     Salt River   Comments on officers     Birthday   Illness   Army luxuries     Trust in God.....................89

CHAPTER VII.

MARCH TO NASHVILLE.

Indebtedness to the soldier     Thanksgiving at home     " The happiest man in camp "    Captain Walker's testimony   Sickness among the troops     Thanksgiving in camp     How to make a pudding    Ignorance of the people     Scenes on leaving camp    Arrives at Nashville.....................109 
   CONTENTS.

XIII

CHAPTER VIII.

BATTLE OP STONE RIVER.

Letter to the "Manitowoc Tribune"     The camp    Use of tobacco     Alarm     Slavery   Attacked by the rebels     Victory     Composure in danger     Christian courage     Second letter to the " Tribune "..........................123

CHAPTER IX.

WINTER CAMPAIGN.

Confidence in God   A chaplain's position in the army described   On promotions     A novel bed     Army cooking     Intervention by England and France     Effects of shot     Foraging expedition     Patriotic Bentiments     Sabbath in camp     More foraging    Compliment to officers........................140

CHAPTER X.

CAMP-LIFE.

Letter to the Sabbath school    Chief of court martial     Keepsakes sent to friends   A scouting party     Preparation for death     Lights on the battle-field     Character developed in the army     Desires to have his father a chaplain.............159

CHAPTER XL

CAMP-LIFE CONTINUED.

A soldier's influence upon his comrades     Indignation at Northern traitors     Punishment of a deserter   Morals of the army     Army of the Cumberland   Attack by Morgan's cavalry     Guerrilla warfare     Letters and papers from home     "Dog-tents"     A cavalry funeral    Last letter     Hospital burying-ground     Crackers............................171 
   XIV

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XII.

DEATH.

The unfinished letter    Sympathy between Mead and his mother     The author's visit to the army     The departure     The mother's prayer   The journey     Announcement of his son's death     Parental grief   Testimony of comrades     Circumstances of his death..............................180

CHAPTER XIII.

THE FUNERAL.

Christian lives a precious seed   The author's journey home   Arrival of the intelligence     Notice in the " Manitowoc Tribune "     The funeral     Resolve of the "Loyal Union League"     Letter frorn Col. Sweet, of the 21st Wisconsin Volunteers     Testimonial of the officers of the regiment     The funeral sermon.....200 
   A SOLDIEE OF THE CUifBEKLAND.

CHAPTER I

CHILDHOOD.

Birth     Affectionate disposition     Love of music   Conscientiousness     Generosity     Love of nature     At school     Not ashamed to pray   His violin     Philosophical instruments     Mechanical genius     Miniature ship     Sympathy for the poor     A teacher in the Sabbath school     Sickness     The pleasure boat.

)EAD HOLMES, Jr., the only son of Rev. Mead Holmes and Mary D. A. Holmes, of Manitowoc, Wis., was born in Ellicottville, N. Y., October 29,1841, and fell at Murfreesboro', Tenn., April 12, 1863, at the age of twenty-one years and five months.

His early childhood was most affectionate, unselfish, and truthful. Attachment to his mother, who did not often delegate her care and authority to nurses and servants, but was his constant companion and counselor^ formed a prominent trait of his/eh&rap'ter:;/ iwjd his sprightly inquiry, w'herr;    cslsuaH'y "looking up

 
   16 A SOLDIER OF THE CUMBERLAND.

from his play, "Don't we love each other, mother ? " became a sportive household phrase. Of a pleasant, loving disposition, yet too sensitive to battle even with the roughnesses of a tender child's life, he was never so happy as when, with her, he sat reading, studying, and drawing. In the latter, especially, he excelled ; nor was he satisfied till every picture in his books of study was nicely painted, and he could draw a ship or sketch a landscape. He was very fond of music, and most sensitive to its pathetic tones. When but four or five years old, he could not hear the Jewish captives' moan, in the plaintive strains of " Melton," without weeping. Before he could speak plainly, he was heard singing " Do, do," in a room by himself. A friend looking in, found him playing earnestly, with a knife for a bow, and a board for a violin ; " Moosic, moosic," exclaimed the little fellow, while his eyes glistened with the pleasure of his solo.

At the age of three years he was the subject of many serious thoughts, and often, when he had done wrong, he earnestly asked God's forgiveness ; and the prayer of his parents was, that his heart might then be renewed.. Why could not regenerating grace be imparted to the child; hi:>bbmparatiy,e innocence as well as to the maii-'confitmeKi' in.'derjravity ?   His mother 
   CHILDHOOD.

17

was specially impressed with the importance of his immediate conversion, and there has always been ground of hope that a radical change in him then took place. From this time he seemed to feel that Jesus was his friend, to whom he could go with all his trials, and who would finally receive him to Heaven.

Great care had been taken that his young mind should not be clouded by gloomy repre-entatious of death and the future state. Hence, during a severe illness, when I remarked in his -resence that I feared he would not live long, a said, " Then, father, I shall go up to be with he holy angels and the blessed Jesus." All was light beyond the grave. In these skeptical times, who does not covet a child's faith ?

From early childhood he was eminently conscientious, often reporting his misdeeds, and saying, " Mamma, I ought to be punished." When left to choose his own punishment he ever chose the lighter, and such self-reproach id he manifest, that it was difficult for a parent d inflict even this.   Often, when feeling wrong, e would retire of his own aocord, and, in his childish way, ask God to help him master his wn spirit.   This, no doubt, was the secret of he self-control so manifest in his future life. He required but little sleep, and often at the idnight hour would his whisper awaken.his 
   18 A SOLDIER OF THE CUMBERLAND.

mother: " I can't sleep; please tell me a story." And thus he learned the Bible stories and Ten Commandments so thoroughly and accurately that, if misquoted, he instantly noticed it. Before he could read he was perfectly familiar with " Todd's Lectures to Children," and they exerted a powerful influence upon his life. He was generous to a fault. Having purchased a beautiful set of books for him, I found half of them scattered among his little friends the first day. He had no idea of keeping so many when " the others had none." Often did he weep for others' sorrows. Once, when asked what was the matter, " Oh," said he, " Willie is in trouble, and I can not help him." He was an ardent admirer of nature. The grove, the running brook, where he had a variety of miniature wheels, the delicate flower, the rocky summit, the crashing thunder-storm, were his delight,     the beautiful, the grand, the sublime. His walks and rambles were full of sport, and he was ever on the alert for curiosities. A herbarium of fair size, collections of curious stones, forsaken birds'-nests, skeletons of small animals, and preserved insects decorated his room.

In his sixth year he began to attend school, but his health would not bear the confinement, and he soon returned home to mingle study with recreation.   Here his education was well 
   CniLDIIOOD.

19

conducted, and his progress satisfactory. At the age of ten he visited New York city, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. The trip he enjoyed much, and his health was greatly improved. Soon after, he commenced attending a select school superintended by his mother, where began a new course of discipline. The youngest of fifty pupils, one-half of whom were lads, who, though gentlemanly and obedient in school hours, were inclined to be wild and noisy at other times, surprised at the small distinction they made between right and wrong, hearing now the profane word, now the vulgar jest and coarse laugh, his moral sensibilities were shocked. While the pet of some, for others he was a target. " Do you pray, Mead ? " said one of nearly twice his age. " Oh, a praying little Christian! Did you pray this morning, my little saint ? " " I am not ashamed to pray," said the brave boy, " and I did pray this morning."

As a clergyman's son, he was closely watched; but his modesty and kindness won upon all. The first piece he spoke was " Casabianca,"     a character which he greatly admired,    but entering too deeply into the scene described, he burst into tears, and rushed to his seat. Recovering himself, he returned to the rostrum, and spoke with distinctness and the pathos of reality. One 
   20

A SOLDIER OF THE CUMBERLAND.

fresh from the " burning deck " could hardly have related the facts with more stirring interest.

Fond of instrumental music, he determined to obtain a violin, and for this purpose the accumulations of his savings bank     much of them the fruit of self-denial    were at length found sufficient, and the long-coveted instrument was his. He loved its sweet tones, especially in the family and social circle.

No life is without its trials. So the shades often followed the sunlight in his path. The loss of pets     canaries, robins, rabbits, a favorite squirrel, more than all, a family horse, into whose attentive ear he had, when a small child, more than, once poured some tale of sorrow     cost him tears not a few. For dumb animals he had great sympathy, and to abuse them was to forfeit his respect and confidence.

When twelve years old, his father accepted a call to settle in Wisconsin. No child was ever more delighted than young Mead with a new country. He loved the romantic scenery, beautiful rivers, extensive prairies, and deep forests, and soon the West was the home of his affections.

For two years his mother had charge of a female seminary, and he was allowed to recite with some of the classes.   In natural philoso- 
   CHILDHOOD.

21

phy, chemistry, and all departments of natural science, he was specially interested, and often surprised his teachers by his apt explanations and beautiful experiments. Extravagantly fond of philosophical apparatus, he soon constructed instruments for his own use,     air-pumps, magnets, batteries, etc. These occupied many hours usually spent by boys in the streets. Long before this he had tried the power of steam on miniature wheels, and now he built a train of cars, with locomotive and tender attached. Every day and evening was fully occupied, study and amusement being happily blended. Traversing the streets of Milwaukee and Chicago, he examined with eager eye every piece of machinery he could find. *In mechanics he seemed to master every known principle. The analysis of a melodeon, piano, or sewing-machine was only pastime. Noting carefully the use of various tools, from time to time he purchased a choice selection, which were placed and kept in perfect order. His books were selected and preserved with the same care. Indeed, order was one of the first laws of his nature. He had a " place for every thing and every thing in its place." He often combined usefulness with recreation. In mapping and draughting he took great delight. Every piece of mechanism was first neatly drawn, then he 
      1-2

A SOLDIER OF THE CUMBERLAND.

carefully worked to his plan. His inventive genius was always ready to meet the little demands of domestic life. If a skein of cotton was to be transferred to a spool, a small wheel and reel were soon produced. Christmas, New Year's, and other anniversaries, always brought some unthought-of token of mechanical skill from his hands.

Swimming, skating, and coasting, no lad enjoyed more than he, and from these amusements he would return with new zest to his studies and with the glow of health upon his cheek. Although scrupulous in saving every moment, he always had on hand something for diversion.

In the winder of 1855, while pursuing zealously his studies, he built and rigged a man-of-war, with guns of his own casting, manned by paper men, complete in all its appointments, the admiration of all who appreciate ingenuity and industry. Then came a veritable cannon, mounted and fit for service. Next followed a steam-engine, for which he received a diploma at the County Agricultural Fair. Not entirely pleased with this, he soon constructed a beautiful stationary engine, on a more expensive scale, a work of no little study and perplexity. It ran beautifully, making one thousand revolutions per minute. This was a present to his mother ; and 
   CHILDHOOD.

23

though no son returns again to superintend it, its workmanship and perfection still speak of the genius and skill of its youthful maker.

While thus engaged in his studies and inventions, scientific lectures were his delight, and much of life and strength did he owe to a course on physiology. Of slender form, he determined to try various gymnastic exercises for the fuller development of the chest and increase of muscular strength ; and at length he gained a form which few surpass.

For the poor aud ignorant, Mead felt a deep interest. Often of a stormy evening he would fear the poor might be suffering, and could hardly rest. He would brave any storm to visit the sick. One occasion, when ho was fourteen, is well remembered. A colored family, who for several weeks had been sustained by the hand of private charity, lived in the suburbs of the town. The mother was lying upon a miserable pallet in the last stages of consumption. The wind was driving the snow in furious blasts, and scarcely a person was in the streets. How was the dying woman ? " Mother," said he, " this is a terrible night in that miserable shanty,    let s go to their relief. I will see you safely there." On reaching the open room, a sight met the eye which one could scarcely endure. The snow was sifting in upon tlu lied and face 
   24 A SOLDIER OF THE CUMBERLAND.

of the dying woman. Two feet from the bed was a stove at nearly a red heat, which indeed melted the snow, but left the poor woman in a most comfortless state? "I am dying," said she; " is there hope for one so vile ? Pray for me." " I will bring my father," said the sympathetic boy; and soon he returned with his father, both coming loaded with quilts, which were hung around the bed, to protect it from the storm on two sides, and from the heated stove on the other. Thus the dying woman was made comparatively comfortable, and pointed to the sinner's Friend, able to save, even at the eleventh hour. Long before the morning's dawn, the spirit had taken its flight.

Self-denial and self-sacrifice were an impulse of his nature. Toil and watching among the sick were no trial. He loved to do good. To instruct others less favored than himself was his delight; and for years his custom was to teach a circle of foreign-born lads two or three evenings a week. "With a very happy tact at explanation and illustration, he readily won the attention of all around him. Nor were his teachings in these evening-lessons confined to books of science. With the intellectual ho connected moral counsels. No evening passed without some moral lesson. Whatever he undertook was faithfully done.   From earliest 
   CHILDHOOD.

25

childhood a member of the Sunday school, he was appointed librarian at the age of thirteen ; and of one hundred and fifty volumes, he lost but one in a year, that one being carried away by the family leaving town.

At this time, he commenced taking lessons on the melodeon. This became his favorite instrument, and no day passed without a song. Perhaps no investment made for children ever paid better than that instrument; it was a fountain of rational enjoyment which he did not fail to improve. Next to the pleasures of religion are the pleasures of song.

At fifteen, he picked up a class of Norwegian and German boys, and for many a successive Sabbath he was obliged to call from house to house to secure their attendance. But at length they became deeply interested, prompt, and attentive, and teacher and pupils were devotedly attached to each other. Several of these lads bid fair to be ornaments to society. Who can tell the influence they may exert among their own people, in behalf of true religion, and the cause of free government ? Mead was always deferential;     his obedience to his parents, respect for authority, and condescension to inferiors were remarkable. He had his own judgment about matte-s, but did not express it obtrusively. 
   26 A SOLDIER OF THE CUMBERLAND.

In his sixteenth year, a severe illness brought him to the border of the grave. For several days nearly all hopes of life were extinguished. But his patience, cheerfulness, and fear of adding to the care of his attendants, made it a pleasure to watch by his bedside, and perform for the sufferer every office of kindness. His parents did not feel fully satisfied that he had yet chosen " that good part," and were deeply anxious for his spiritual welfare,     almost forgetting to ask his recovery, if so be he might be ready for the stern summons that seemed to await him. His father was almost overwhelmed with the possibility of his dying \uiprepared, and prayed for him day and night. But Providence smiled ; the terrible disease yielded, and health began slowly to return. Thus were his friends saved from the fearful suspense of a death-bed repentance. For, though his conduct had been irreproachable, yet morality and amiability are a poor anchor to which to trust for salvation. Many thanks to the kind friends who so tenderly watched by his bedside during this severe illness. Previously to this he had planned a long tour for pleasure and general improvement. But now his designs were frustrated. He acquiesced cheerfully, though somewhat mournfully, feeling that it is well to become inured to the pressure of disappointment in one's youth. 
   CHILDHOOD.

21

Surrounded by the tendernesses of home, why should he complain ? He felt the need of self-control. Excessively sensitive, he must gain a manly independence. * How else could he encounter the stern realities of life'! Hence his constant aim was to understand the right, and discipline himself quietly and yet firmly to maintain it. He would not be greatly elated by prosperity, nor dejected by adversity.

About this time, he united with others in organizing a lodge of Good Templars, which proved a bond of union socially, and the most effective temperance movement ever made in the town.

In the spring preceding this illness, he had laid the keel of a family pleasure-boat, fourteen feet long, four feet wide, and two feet deep. This seemed quite an undertaking likely, too, to prove a temptation to neglect his studies, or gardening, to which he was now devoting his spare hours. In reply to a remonstrance from me, he said, " I shall show you, father, that not an hour will I take for this boat to the neglect of any duty." He would be true to his pledge; but had he the necessary skill and perseverance ? Preparing the ribs and knees were slow business. But as they began to be shaped and placed, and the graceful form was developed, the pleasure-boat became a fixed fact. At length, in 
   28 A SOLDIER OF THE CUMBERLAND.

complete trim, neatly painted and ready for service, the " Mary E. Mead " was launched at sunset, June 18, 1858, "a charming afternoon," he says, " and she sat upon the water as graceful as a swan." Would so light a craft be able to stand the winds and waves ? It was not long before, by weathering a sudden squall, she demonstrated her strength and safety, as well as beauty and convenience. Many a morning and evening hour did he spend taking a sail with his friends. Speaking of one escape from foundering, he says, " We went out with a fair wind and light sea, but when about four miles out the wind freshened, and the waves began to heave. We turned for the shore. But two miles out, a huge wave (huge for our craft) came dashing up. In a moment we must be swamped. But, thanks to God, the wave broke almost within hand's reach, and we were saved! We came in on a bound, thankful to reach terra firma." Often in the twilight or moonlight the soft strains of " Row the boat lightly," or " Glide we o'er the bright blue sea," would come floating down the smooth river, or over the peaceful bay. It was from the little boat with its happy inmates, and none more happy than he. In the spring and summer, family picnics were not uncommon with us. On these occasions the boat was unmoored, and with 
   The Pleasure Boat.

23 
    
   CHILDHOOD.

29

baskets well filled, we would take a sail to some romantic retreat, where all joined in the amusements of the hour. Sometimes two or three families would unite in these excursions. Trolling, too, was a favorite pastime. Of this he says, " we once caught five pickerel in twenty minutes. Sometimes, of an evening, I went with the boys to fish with a spear ; but, for me, this sport never paid."

Every season, at the ripening of wild fruits, he arranged one or more trips into the country. These abounded in social cheer, which he enjoyed greatly, and always returned with a light heart and improved health, ready for garden or study. 
   CHAPTER II.

YOUTH.

Mead's conversion     Profession of religion     Becomes a schoolteacher     Revival in the school     Horticulture     Love of home     Delicate health     Projects of travel     Narrow escape from drowning    Interest in public affairs     Anti-slavery sentiments.

v55^HE winter succeeding his sixteenth birth-JttjJ) day, he took a public stand for Jesus, /prvsp Without regard to the smiles or frowns of those around him, the question now

e> was one of personal duty. What was right ? Certainly it was right to serve God,     to love and honor him who gave himself a ransom for sinners. He must, he would, obey the gospel call. So, on that memorable Sabbath morning, when his father requested any who sincerely desired the prayers of Christians, that they might be brought to that repentance which is unto life, and that faith which is unto salvation, notwithstanding his natural diffidence, unexpectedly to all, he was the first to rise. A gentleman of intelligence and position, the clerk of the county, followed, and thus began a precious revival, which, however, was limited by

80 
   YOUTH.

31

the weakness and unbelief of those bearing the Christian name. The change in his outward conduct was not very perceptible. His prayers were perhaps more fervent and confiding. Previous to this, he was often troubled with skeptical thoughts, doubts as to the inspiration of the Bible, and the plan of salvation through a Redeemer. He now became fully established in the Christian faith. The Bible he could rest upon, and it was his daily companion. Perhaps few Christians peruse its pages more regularly or devoutly. No matter what the pressure of study, business, or recreation, the Bible nmst not be neglected. The mariner is hardly more attentive to his chart or compass. He ever found it " a light to his feet, and a lamp to his path."

His retiring disposition made it no light trial for him to speak or pray in public. Hence, his course was in strange contrast to that of some lads, who spoke fluently of their Christian experience, resolutions, and prospects. Of several it was said, that however others might falter, they would be firm. But alas! temptation came, and the piety that flourished in the sunshine withered in the shade. The circle of prayer was forsaken for the halls of dissipation, and their goodness proved like the morning cloud and the early dew, which soon pass 
   32 A SOLDIER OF THE CUMBERLAND.

away. While these buds of promise, so rapidly developed, were apparently blasted, it was affe