“I'm at work upon the railroad” — So the brother's letter ran,— “I'm at work upon the railroad, With the wages of a man.
“I am up at peep of morning, And I only stop to eat; But I bear it all extremely well Except the noon-day heat.
“I do not feel much homesick, Though I think of other scenes, And what you have for dinner When I eat my pork and beans!
“‘ Tis the time for pies and dumplings, Currant jelly and all that, For an hour in mother's pantry I'd give my bran-new hat.
“You wrote about the chickens, About the crops and hay; But not a word about the colts — The black one or the gray.
“Tell father not to worry About that note at all: I shall have a hundred dollars I can send him in the fall.
“You cannot think how proudly It makes my bosom swell, To think that I am toiling For those I love so well.
“Tell mother I remember Her parting words to me; And all that she has prayed for I hope I yet may be.
“The workmen bring the bottle, They say,‘ Just take a sip;’ But, mother, not a single drop Shall ever touch my lip.
“Here's a kiss for brother Charley — The little roguish elf, I hope he'll not forget me,— And another for yourself.
“How much I want to see you I will not try to tell; I never knew I loved my home And all my friends so well!
“My lamp is burning dimly, So, sister dear, good-night; Think often of your brother, And do n't forget to write.”
The sister read the letter With a look of pride and joy; And the father and the mother said, “God bless the darling boy!”
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