A moment more and the soldier's Merry Christmas is closed in death. He has gone on his last march. Has stood his last guard. Has fought his last battle, and spoken for the last time of home and loved ones. While those dear ones at home are perhaps speaking his name and indulging the fond hope that he will soon return.
Tears roll down their manly cheeks.
But above all things cheered by the knowledge that he is discharging his duty to his God and his country. But still a stray shot will skip across the river. The picket at the Guard-lock was fired on. Take off the camp guard and strengthen the pickets. There appears to be a great deal of masterly inactivity among the leaders, which to men who are constantly on duty seems unaccountable.