File:The blue and the gray, or, The Civil War as seen by a boy - a story of patriotism and adventure in our war for the Union (1898) (14576187209).jpg

Identifier: bluegrayorcivilw00whit (find matches)
Title: The blue and the gray, or, The Civil War as seen by a boy : a story of patriotism and adventure in our war for the Union
Year: 1898 (1890s)
Authors: White, Annie Randall
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Publisher: (S.l. : s.n.)
Contributing Library: State Library of North Carolina, Government & Heritage Library
Digitizing Sponsor: LYRASIS members and Sloan Foundation

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his first battle, and he was a lad of honor, and would have died before he would leave his post. So he felt a little down-hearted when orders came for adetail from Company K to turn out for picket duty. The menthemselves felt rather blue at this news, for they were worn outand disheartened by their late tussle, but they didnt expecttheir wishes would be considered in the matter. Ralphs eyesgleamed with joy, for he longed for adventure. Bill, I believe you think I am cowardly. Youll changeyour mind soon, I know. That individual grimly responded: Picket duty is a very cheerful way of passing ones time,but I guess youll do. The picket line was twelve miles distant, and as the mengot into line, the air and the excitement infused courage intoRalphs breast. They had been ordered out to relieve a regimentwhich had seen some hard work, and who were anxious to getinto shelter. The newcomers were told what spots needed the most watching, and as soon as they were stationed at their posts and 58
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60 RALPH THINKS OF HOME. received the necessary instructions, they settled down to the impor-tance of the duty assigned them. The woods lay behind them, and each picket sought theirfriendly shelter, well aware that any change of base on theirpart would be an invitation to the enemy to pick them off. Memories of home filled Ralphs breast. The night wasdark and starless. A strong wind blew at intervals, now howl-ing dismally through the trees, and then shifting its course,rushing down the bank, as if it would rend the earth and thetall grass in its anger. I wonder if mother thinks of her soldier boy, he pondered. When does a mother ever cease to think of and pray for heichildren? The night wore on. Perfect quiet reigned, and Ralph beganto consider picket duty not half so risky as Old Bill called it,after all. But as he kept his eyes on the opposite bank, wherethe Johnnies were, he fancied he saw a small dark objectcreeping through the grass down to the river, where it seemedto be lookin

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