[_A&M_ (previous sequence resumes): Unwilling to disturb the serenity of his parents, Alonzo did not tell them his troubles; he answered that perhaps all might yet come right, but that as in the present state of his mind he thought a change of situation might be of advantage, he asked liberty of his father to travel for some little time.] A sorrow unknown before seized upon the minds of his parents as Theodore repeated these words. Sad and dreadful ideas crowded their imagination at this gloomy period, when in the war's dread emergency they must risk the life of an only son, to march to the field of battle. 'Tis true, he might be again restored to them, but were there not a thousand chances to one? They were overwhelmed with sorrow at these thoughts, till at length they finally felt themselves obliged to consent to what they considered his inevitable destiny, leaving the result of their united wishes and prayers for his safe preservation to an over-ruling Providence. His father then offered him money he had on hand to defray his expenses. Theodore refused, saying, his resources had not yet left him. He then disposed of his horses and carriages, the insignia of his better days, but now useless appendages. [_A&M_ (continuing from mid-paragraph): To this his father consented, and offered him a part of the money he had on hand, which Alonzo refused, saying he did not expect to be long gone, and his resources had not yet failed him. He then sold off his books, his horses, his carriages, &c. the _insignia_ of his better days, but now useless appendages from which he raised no inconsiderable sum.] After taking an affectionate leave of his parents, he set out the ensuing day to join his companions on their route to meet the army, which was far distant. When hostilities first commenced, Theodore had said, that when it became actually necessary, and his father's affairs were settled, he would enlist in the service of his country. Nevertheless, he journeyed with a heavy heart and an enfeebled frame of spirits, through disappointment, vexation, and fatigue. The scenes he had so lately experienced moved in melancholy succession over his mind, and his despondency had not abated, even in a small degree, when he reached the army. [_A&M_: He then took a tender and affectionate leave of his parents, and set out for New-London. Alonzo journeyed along with a heavy heart and in an enfeebled frame of spirits. Through disappointment, vexation, and the fatigues he had undergone in wandering about, for a long time, in search of Melissa, despondency had seized upon his mind....] [[Middle of paragraph summarizes the earlier "He had an excuse..." passage in _A&M_.]]