ancestors.

This old gentleman--an eminent figure in the history of the Manse and
in all reminiscences of Concord--partook sufficiently of mundane
weaknesses to betray his mortality. Hawthorne describes him watching
the battle of Concord from his study window. But when the uncertainty
of that dark moment had so happily resulted, and the first
battle-ground of the Revolution had become a spot of hallowed and
patriotic consideration, it was a pardonable pride in the good old man
to order his servant, whenever there was company, to assist him in
reaping the glory due to the owner of a spot so sacred. Accordingly,
when some reverend or distinguished guest sat with the pastor in his
little parlor, or, of a summer evening, at the hospitable door under
the trees, Jeremiah or Nicodemus, the cow-boy, would deferentially
approach and inquire,

"Into what pasture shall I turn the cow tonight, sir?"

And the old gentleman would audibly reply:

"Into the battle-field, Nicodemus, into the battle-field."

Then naturally followed wonder, inquiry, a walk in the twilight to the
river-bank, the old gentleman's story, the corresponding respect of
the listening visitor, and the consequent quiet complacency and
harmless satisfaction in the clergyman's bosom. That throb of pride
was the one drop of peculiar advantage which the pastor distilled from
the Revolution. He could not but fancy that he had a hand in so famous
a deed accomplished upon land now his own, and demeaned himself
accordingly with continental dignity.