How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
For a few seconds Jethro forgot the Federal Registrars and the fact that not only the word which preceded Eb, but his method of announcing himself gave credence to the suspicion that he was a deserter. But for those first few seconds Jethro could only remember that this was Eb, a part of the family, the boy who had been close to Tom, the soldier who would have more vivid stories to tell of the war than ever a newspaper would be able to publish. (9.61)
There's a reason why people say to trust your gut. Instant reactions are usually parallel to our truest feelings, and Jethro immediately sees Eb as family and a survivor of war, not as a more-than-likely deserter. That familial recognition trumps any threat or worry the Federal Registrars could place in Jethro's mind.
Quote #8
He would like to have taken some coffee beans—a man lying out in the woods all night needed a hot drink; but that item was one he would not take. Not for Eb, not even for Bill or Shad, would he have taken his mother's coffee. (9.143)
It's hard to break a mama's boy. And to show just how much Jethro cares for his mother, we're told how he wouldn't give away something so important to her, even if it were for Bill and Shad, two men that he cares for more than most others.
Quote #9
[…] What you told me about Jeths intrust made good readin. And it brings comfert to me that the one brother Ive got left is close to my little boys […]. (11.19)
This one is a little heart breaking. By now John has learned of Tom's death, and refers to Jeth as the one brother he has left. Except he's not, right? Because as far as we know, Bill is still alive. But for John that clearly doesn't count. Joining up with the Rebels was such a betrayal to John that Bill is as good as dead in John's mind.