A letter from Tom, announcing the joyful intelligence of his return, had preceded him.
In ten days after parting with his father, the sergeant received a full and glowing account of the reception of Captain Somers, who became quite a lion in Pinchbrook for the time being.

He received his money as he passed through New York, though not without the aid of a government order which he had procured in Washington, and only the amount that was actually due to him, for uncle Wyman's funds were then in process of being confiscated.
The only drawback upon his father's happiness was the absence of John, who had been drafted into a vessel bound to the South.

He had not seen him for a year, and another year would probably elapse before he could expect to realize this pleasure.

But the captain's patriotism had been intensified a hundred fold by his bitter experience in Virginia; and while his twin sons were gallantly serving their country in the army and the navy, he was willing to sacrifice the yearnings of his paternal heart, and he hoped and prayed that they might do their duty faithfully.
Tom's regiment remained on the Potomac but a short time after the event we have related.

Sharper and sterner experience was before these tried soldiers, and the first indications of active service were greeted with joyous enthusiasm.