The letter read:-- "Dear Ma I am going to war.

Doan crye.

Iff father was here he wood go; so why should not I.I will be very caerfull not to get hurt & stay by Cap Ward all the time.

So godby yours truly J.Barclay Jr." It was five hours after the soldiers had gone when Mrs.Barclay came home from her work in the aid room, and the first thing that attracted her attention was her son's letter, lying folded on the table.

When she read it, she ran with the open letter across the common to the town.