We stayed a long as we
agreed. When spring opens, or before, if need be---"
"Pardon me, sir; the need is now. The country is not to be saved
by men who make bargains like day-laborers, and who quit when the
hour is up, but by soldiers who give themselves to their country
as they would to their wives and sweethearts. My husband and sons
are in the army you have deserted. General Washington has written
to our governor asking whether an example should not be made of
the men who have deserted the cause of their country at this
critical time when the enemy are receiving re-enforcements. We are
told that Connecticut men have brought disgrace on our colony and
have imperilled the whole army. You feel like taking comfort and
seeing the folks. The folks do not feel like seeing you. My
husband and the brave men in the lines are in all the more danger
because of your desertion, for a soldier's time never expires when
the enemy is growing stronger and threatening every home in the
land. If all followed your example, the British would soon be upon
your heels, taking from us our honor and our all.
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