Page 59 - Arkansas Confederate Women

WHEN PAPA WAS GONE TO THE WAR.

By Mrs. L. A. Eason, of De Queen.

My father, Dorton Clark, was a Confederate soldier and
served through the war. When papa went to the war, mamma

was left to provide for four little girls. The times were so hard
that she had no shoes for her feet. By working hard every day
she was able to keep a roof over our heads. Roasting ears were
a welcome food. Roasted potatoes and boiled vegetables, with
only salt to season them, were our food. There was no meat.
Sassafras tea and coffee made from potatoes were our drink.

We children picked the cotton from the seed with our fingers,
and mamma spun and wove the cloth, so that we might have

some clothing.

FATHER DOWN WITH RHEUMATISM.
When papa came home after the war, he was struck down
with rheumatism. He lived until January 18, 1904, but was able
to do very little work. The cost of his medical attendance and

of his funeral ate up mother's little savings. Mother was 70
years old March 28, 1907. She does not regret or repine over

the past. She is a true Southern woman, as my father was a

true Southern man.

A Confederate soldier who shall be nameless to the readers

of this little skit, brought forth his pocket Bible upon his re-
turn from the wars, and handing it to his mother, said:

"Take it, mother; it has been with me every day, and I

have twice read it from Genesis to Revelation."
"Goodness, gracious," exclaimed the lady. "Where did

you get it ? That is my hymn book that has been lost for four

years."

The soldier changed color slightly and explanations were in

order.