Cloverdale Union High School - Spectator Yearbook (Cloverdale, CA)

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Harry’s face flushed and he said in a low though steady voice. “I will join McClellan.” For a minute the doctor did not speak. Then he said cold¬ ly, ‘‘When did you make this hasty decision?” ‘‘It is not a hasty one, father,” answered Harry, “I have been thinking of it for the last week. We all know that war will soon be declared and many of my friends are going to help the South. I, at first thought to join with the South but it has been growing upon me that the South is wrong to try and secede from the union. Try as I may, I cannot rid my¬ self of that thought, so I have decided to join the North.” ‘‘You are only twenty Harry and until you are twenty-one I have control over you. You shall not join the Federals. ” ‘‘Then sir I will remain at home,” answered Harry, but there was a determined look in his eyes which his father did not see. After breakfast Harry went into the library and a few minutes later Ada followed him. ‘‘Harry, you won’t join the North will you?” she asked, ‘‘Ada dear, I must, I cannot stay at home, neither can I help the South in their outra¬ geous plans against the government.” Standing together the two looked greatly alike. Both had brown hair, deep blue eyes, and a fair complexion. Their features were also similar although Harry’s were coarser than Ada’s. Harry’s nature was strong and determined and once he reached a decision nothing could turn him from it. Ada’s was a more refined nature, although it was greatly like Harry’s She had an amount of courage quite unusual in a girl. Harry was two years the oldest. The next morning Harry did not come in. A servant was sent to call him. He soon returned with the startling news that Harry was not there and the bed had not been slept in. They rushed up stairs to find that all he said was true. Harry’s revolvers and rifle were gone and also some of his clothes. On the dresser lay a note. Dr. Langley opened it and read: Dear Father: You would not give me your consent to join the Union so I am going without it. I will stand by the Stars and 30

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old couple and the stranger eating breakfast. Again the launch comes and the Inspector steps out. He asks Mr. Pope if he is ready to take charge of the light-house and tells John and Martha to get their things together and he will take them over to the city. Mr. Pope saw at a glance the utter disap¬ pointment in the faces of the old people and said, I think, Mr. Page, the present keeper is doing all that is necessary. If it is just the same to you, I had rather the present keeper and his wife would stay.” Mr. Page seemed astonished but merely said, “Very well, Mr. Pope you will go back with me.” They rose to leave and, as they shook hands with the old man and his wife the y noticed tears in the eyes of each. As soon as the door closed behind the strangers, Martha and John hurried up stairs to the old light. Together they stood by the big window, John’s arm around his wife, silently watching the launch glide away over the waves until it was lost in the fog. It seemed to the old couple standing there that the launch was bearing all their troubles away. iflalar olntr MYRTLE READ, ’16. e REAT was the excitement in Atlanta when news was received of the capture of Fort Sumter. Many men and boys were making preparations to join Jefferson Davis, for it was conceeded that there would be a war between the North and the South. Dr. Langley and his family were discussing the probable effects of a war at the breakfast table. Harry was unusu¬ ally quiet. Suddenly he spoke, “Father I am going to the war .’ 9 Mrs. Langley and Ada turned pale but Mr. Langley ans¬ wered, “Certainly, my boy, I will not stop you if you wish it. There is nothing like serving your country. Will you join Lee or Davis V 9 29

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Stripes as long as I live. Forgive me, father, I am trying to do my duty. Give my love to Ada and mother, and oh, father, if I never come back don’t forget your only son, Harry. Harry’s horse was gone. Great was the grief of Ada and Mrs. Langley but the doctor was very angry. A week later Ada announced her intention of becoming a nurse as she had had some experience in that line. Her de¬ cision could not be moved and fearing that she would do as Harry had done she was allowed to go. She joined the hos¬ pital squad that followed behind Lee’s army. Harry had gone to General McClellan who put him under General Hooker. It was after the battle of Antietam. Many wounded were brought in some of them Northerners, and prisoners. Ada was taking bandages to a surgeon as a wounded Northerner was being brought in. Ada glanced pityingly at him, then her face turned white as death and she almost dropped the bandages, for she recognized in the blood stained face her brother Harry. With a great effort she recovered her self possession and delivered the bandages. She watched where they laid him and then went on with her work. He had a shot through his left arm and a deep gash on his head and had fainted from pain. He soon recovered and looked around him. He wondered who the nurse was across the aisle, who looked so familiar. Suddenly she turned and gazed straight into his eyes. There seemed to be a warning in hers and though he recognized her, made no sign. She leaned over and readjusted the bandage on his arm. He felt a paper touch his hand and he closed his fingers upon it. It was a short note telling him to act as though he did not know her. Harry was in the hospital for two weeks. At the end of that time his wounds were healed. From the hospital he was supposed to go to the prison. Many notes passed between Ada and him and they had arranged plans for his escape. These plans were hazardous, yet possible. The wounded men often walked out for fresh air and when the prisoners went a nurse went with them. No especial 31 I