The company was recruited nearly up to its maximum number, and was then attached to the -- th regiment, which had just been formed and ordered to Fort Warren.
On the 27th day of May, the company, escorted by the patriotic citizens of Pinchbrook, marched to Boston, and Tom took a sorrowful farewell of his mother, his brother and sisters, and a score of anxious friends.
"Now don't let the rebels hit you in the backbone, Thomas," said gran'ther Green, as he shook the hand of the soldier boy.
"No, gran'ther; if I can't fight, I won't run away," replied Tom.
"You've got good blood in your veins, my boy: don't disgrace it.

I don't know as you'll ever see me again, but God bless you, Thomas;" and the old man turned away to hide the tears which began to course down his wrinkled cheek.
"Be a good boy, Thomas," added his mother.
"I will, mother." "And remember what I've been telling you.

I'm not half so much afraid of your being killed by a bullet, as I am of your being ruined by bad men." "You needn't fear any thing of that kind, mother." "I shall pray that you may be saved from your friends as well as from your enemies.

We shall see you again before you go off, I hope." "Yes, mother; we shall not be sent south yet." "Don't forget to read your Testament, Thomas," said Mrs.Somers.
"I won't, mother," replied the soldier boy, as he again shook hands with all the members of the family, kissed his mother and his sisters, and hitching up his knapsack, took his place in the ranks.
His heart seemed to be clear up in his throat.

During the tender scene he had just passed through, he had manfully resisted his inclination to weep, but he could no longer restrain the tears.