Whig Against Tory | Page 2

rights--don't
you think so, father?"

Gen. P. "Exactly so, William--a very just remark."
John. "Father! I thought you was going to tell about Enoch Crosby?--"
Gen. P. "True, master John, we will begin."
CHAPTER I.
GEN. P. TELLS ABOUT THE EARLY LIFE OF ENOCH CROSBY.
Gen. P. "Enoch Crosby was born in Massachusetts, in 1750. When he
was only three years old, his father took him, and the rest of his family,
into the state of New-York to live. He was a farmer, and had bought a
farm in Southeast, a town which borders on the state of Connecticut.
"Southeast is a wild, rough, and romantic place. Its hills are high and
steep. Several cataracts tumble over precipices, and fall upon the ear
with deafening noise. Two rivers, called the Croton and the Mill river,
wind through the place. Several large ponds enrich the scenery.
"In this rude, but yet delightful country, Enoch Crosby lived, till he was
sixteen years old. He was a strong and active boy. He could climb the
highest hills without fatigue, and walk on the brink of frightful
precipices without fear. His playmates admired him for his courage. He
always took the lead because they wished it--they loved him, because
he was generous and noble.
"When Enoch was, sixteen years of age, misfortune came upon his
father. The family had lived comfortably. They were prosperous
farmers--but now, a blast came--I know not the cause--but it came, and
they were poor.
"Enoch's father decided that his son must learn a trade. It was no
hardship for him to work--this he had been accustomed to. In those
times, people laboured harder than now-a-days. Industry was a virtue--
idleness a shame. And it was hard labour, and solid fare, that made the
men of those times so much stronger, than those of the present
generation.

"Enoch loved labour, and was willing to learn a trade. But it was hard
parting with friends, when the day arrived, that he was to go from home.
It was settled that he should be a shoemaker, and should learn the trade
of a man in a neighbouring town.
"The morning, at length, came, when he was to go. His bundle of
clothes was nicely put up by his mother; and his father added a few
shillings to his pocket--and then came the blessing of his worthy
parents, with their good advice, that he should behave well, and attend
to the duties of his place.
"And, said his tender mother--a tear starting from her eye, which she
wiped away with the corner of her lindsey-woolsey, while she spake--
'your Bible, Enoch, you will find in your bundle--don't forget that--and
you must pray for us--my son--'
"She could say no more--and Enoch could hear no more. Without even
bidding them 'farewell'--for his heart was too full for that--he
shouldered his little pack, and took his way down the lane, which led to
the road he was to take.
"At a few rods distance, he stopped to take one more look of the old
place, so dear to him. His mother was standing at the window. She had
felt the full tenderness of a mother for him before--but his love of
home--his pause--his gaze--his tears--now almost overwhelmed her.
[Illustration]
"Enoch caught a glimpse of his mother, and saw her agony. He could
trust himself no longer--and summoning his energies, hurried over the
hills, which soon hid the scenes of his youth from his view.
"In after years--many years after--even when he became an old man, he
would speak of this scene, with deep feeling. He could never forget it.
He said he felt for a time alone in the world--cut off from all he held
dear. I do not wonder," said Gen. P. "that he felt much, for well do I
remember the pain I felt, the first time leaving home."

CHAPTER II.
GEN. P. TELLS ABOUT THE WAR, AND HOW ENOCH CROSBY
ENLISTED AS A SOLDIER FOR ONE CAMPAIGN.
Gen. P. "Before night, Enoch reached his new home. His countenance
had somewhat brightened; yet his heart felt sad, for some days.
"On the following morning, his master introduced him into the shop.
He had a seat assigned him provided with awls, thread, wax, and the
more solid, but equally needful companion, a lapstone.
"Enoch proved a good apprentice. At first, the confinement was
irksome. He had been used to the open air--to the active exercise of the
field--to the free, healthful breeze of the mountain. It was tiresome to
sit all day, in a confined shop. But he made himself contented, and, in a
little time, found his employment quite pleasant."
John. "Didn't he want to see his mother?"
Gen. P. "Doubtless he did. He would not be likely to forget her; and I
hope he did