Fulton on the
piazza that evening. They were quite alone, as Mrs. Fulton had stepped
to the kitchen to speak to Aunt Connie.
"The girls at school all think it means something dreadful," she added.
"Let me see, Sylvia. You study history, don't you?" responded her father
slowly. "Of course you do; and you know that George Washington and
General Putnam and General Warren, and many more brave men, defended
this country and its liberty?"
"Why, yes," replied Sylvia, greatly puzzled.
"The men of South Carolina were among the bravest and most loyal of the
defenders of our liberties. And when America's enemies called American
men 'Yankees' they meant General Washington and every other American who
was ready to defend the United States of America. So if any of your
friends use the word 'Yankee' scornfully they agree with the enemies of
the Union. No one need be ashamed of being called a 'Yankee.' It means
someone who is ready to fight for what is right."
But Sylvia still wondered. "The girls don't think so," she said.
"Well, that is because they don't understand. They will know when they
are older," said Mr. Fulton. He did not imagine that any of the
companions of his little daughter had treated her in an unfriendly
fashion, and thought it a good opportunity to make her understand the
real meaning of the word.
"You are a Yankee girl. And that means you must always try to protect
other people who need protection," said her father.
Sylvia's face brightened.
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