Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-08-20

IV demOn3tr3tlOnS OF ietiinb, TIC a'eico
a martyr in The cause ne had undertaken TO ad-
vance, and pressed forward with mounting
emotions, as though in haste 10 seal his pilgrim.
age here, and commence the stainless career OF
his future fame. "Ths report" thought me-
",ha, lays me low; will send forth an echo that
shall never die =,
The detachment. with their prisoner, had
now reached the summit Of the hill, and came
suddenly in view Of the ground which had been
set apart for this distressing occasion. 1t was
occupied by a gallows! With the rapldity Of
light, every eye was turned upon the victim.
His was fixed in frenzy on the dismal OBJECT
that rose portenliously out OF the multitude.
He spake not word-some powerful, rehding
emotion had taken possession OF his bursting
bosom. His hand few 10 his hearl-one look
Of anguish passed like a shadow over his lace,
aud he fell lifeless into The arms OF his guards.
There was no voice heard in, that immense
crowd-bu. a confused trampling as OF a vast
concourse of people when they are rushing to-
gether.
The clouds now cleared off from The horizon,
and the sun was about going down, when the
last rites were performed over the departed
soldier. There was no pomp, or noise, or show
A small escort Of troops marched quickly over
the gravel, and stood before the door Of the
stone building from which the remains were 10
BE- carried. A single drum beat out a hollow
note at distinct intervals, and the Fife sung sharp
and mouynfully. The coffin was a, length
borne our; and with slow step, inverted oayon>
cts, and downward eyes, the procession moved
ON. Many who cared not TO Join, stood behind
in silent contemplation; and many, out oil idle
curiosity, fingered round, scarcely knowing
why they we're there. Behind some low, desc
late buildings, which would scarcely shelter II
from the storms Of winter, the solitary grave
was dug. Round this they leaned upon their
muske,s, and hardly a breath was heard, as the
book Of prayer was opened, and the fervsnt
sup2lication went up 10 Heaven. The scene
was singularly impressive. Immediately round
the grave, in the rear Of the soldiers, some stood
wrapped in gloomy attention; others, still he
hind, were seen eagerly gazing over the Shout
ders Of those who had closed up before them.
Every cap was of, and every eye was liked
Still beyond, the sick wee seen peePing out oil
the half-opeutd door; and women and eboys
stood, with arms crossed upon their o9soms,
b, fore the miserable huts rom which they had
lust issued There, there was no moving; no
noise; no rowing Of the looks; all were bent
upon The speaker, who stood upon the brink oil
The cold grave, with his eyes raised in adjura,
ton to Heaven, and calling on the Fiber oil
Spirits with an e.oquence SO full, so powerful,
so commanding, tha, his very soul seemed to
mount up with his words. He had ended
Then came the hurryirg of the ceremony. Al
:he quick command Of the officer, the coffin was
lowered; the guns were }, brought down; The steel
rvng, and in u moment it glittered again in the
las, sun beam. At a word the death-'oliey
was fred off In the air; anolher followed; and
: then ano,h,r; md the last w as discharged into
the grave. 1t was all over, the smoke curled
slowly Among the wet gravel, aud settled down
upon the cofhn-'twas the war smoke embalm.
ing he soldier! The drum bea, merrily; and
The flies wheeled into the llnes, just as the sun
wen, down in his glory.