Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1845-05-22
THELIEUTENANT'S TALE.
lake MN hence,
The world shall not save him.
OR THE CONDEMNED SOLDIERS LAST HOUR.

lake MN hence,
The world shall not save him."
In the spring of the year lS3-, was sta
toned with my company in Florida, where
we daily expected an attack from BODY of
Indians, who had completely surrounded us,
though keeping at very respectful distance.
Our dangerous position rendered il imperative
that the out-posts should be secured by an UNI
usually strong guard. And at one point, more
exposed than the rest, picked men were sta
i toned, OF tried fidelity and firmness, upon
whom the safety of the camp mainly depended.
| Ii was past twelve at night, and the stars,
which few hours before had decked the sky
IN glowing splendor, were now obscured by
fitting clouds, that foretold storm. Not
being able to sleep, rose from my bed, threw
my cloak around me and sailed out. The gar
rison was hushed in utter silence silence
whose intensity was painful, and well wo;,
that within that fort were many sleepy eyes,
which in vain courted the favor of the sleepy
god.
The fort itself was crazy affair, very much
dilapidated, and has since gone to decay and
at the period of the commencement of my
story could have afforded us but slight protec-
tion against the vigorous onset of determin-
ed foe.
Soon after emerging from my quarters, en-
.countered the major, who being somewhat
anxious about our situation, and withal wake
ful, had come out, like myself for nocturnal
rambie. We had been sauntering about for
some little time, occasionally conversing in a
low under-tone, and were approaching a de-
iective place i'm the pickcts, near the south
west angle. when yell, such as never heard
peiore, ana never wish to hear again, broke
upon the stiffness OF the night, not hundred
leet from our position, with most terrifying
effect. The major exclaimed, "some poor fell.
low has been killed, and that is the shout of
victory; and both of us ran quickly to the
plckets, In the direction from which the veil
proceeded, where we knew sentinel had been
posted. Here we found poor Edwards crouch
ing IN sitting position, his eyes closed. not
In death, but i'm sleep, and about four inches
above his head was tomahawk deeply buried
in picket.
Would 1t had not missed its mark" NUT
tered the major, taking the musket softly from
the sleepers hand, and laying it aside ''Lieu-
tenant, call the officer of the guard"
He came, and Edwards was reused from his
slumbers to find himself a prisoner-not. as he
first imagined, in the hands of the Indians. but
OF his own comrades. He asked no questions.
Ior ne knew full well that the articles of
war awarded the punishment of DEATH to
sentinel found asleep upon his post
VIII not attempt to portray the agony of
mind which he suffered his trial came on the
next KID day, and he was brought forward.
where was the martial air which had al
ways distinguished him among his comrades
IN OF being the hearty robust soldier that
I'D "a ie~ hours before, you would have
r. n'ee ne WIS just risen from sick-bed
is uoom was sealed and he heard his sem
tence, that he should die the next morning At
sunrise, without evincing me slightest acS?ta'
ton and when the order by che go, g.
move the prisoner" struck his ear ,be res,n,sd
his place between his guards, and s,vode Samnh'
tily away. About l o'clock, z. NJ, The nfE
Ger OF the guard informed me that Edwasds
had expressed desire to see me before his
execution Immediately repaired TO the old
biock-house, and In moment was with the
prisoner
"Well, Edwards, am grieved to nv in
most soul to see you here, condemned to die,
and yet so young. Ii is hard, very hard hut
am constrained to confess the justice of your
sentence"
81 know it; am Justly condemned, and
am willing to expiate my crime with my life
but let that pass. have sent for you in the
hope that you will grant me a favor"
Name it Edwards, for will cheerfully and
faithfully execute any reasonable commission
you may entrust to my care" was my reply.
After expressing his gratitude for my compii-
ance, he began his story nearly after the fol-
lowing manner -
"lwas born in Boston, Massachusetts and
until had attained my seventeenth year, my
lille passed as happily as naturally joyous spir-
Its, and the indulgence of affluent parents
could make it.
about that period formed an acauaint-
ance with beautiful girl, nearly one year
younger than myself, and ere many months
mad passed away, we were tenderly and devo-
tedly attached TO each other. At length, soon
alter attaining my eighteenth year, we were
ciandestinely married but our happiness was
oil snort duration. My marriage was discov
sci was wrecked, and returned home but my
wife was gone, no one knew whittier. NV
iather would storm and rage, and then beg me
not to mention her name. Her parents had
removed to parts unknown, and all my efforts
10 ascertain her residence or her fate proved
utterly abortive.
Nearly two years had elapsed, without af-
iording any clue to the fate of my lost treasure
became taciturn and unhappy, and at length
enlisted as private soldier under -
no matter; it will soon be over.
81 wish to commit this package to your care,
and after am laid beneath the turf, should
pleasure or duty lead you to New England,
Will you, If possible, seek out Ellen, and give
| il TO her.
"Only week since, / received q letter from
her, informing me that she was residing with
her uncle, that her parents were both dead, be-
queathins her all their property, and asking me
TO point out the most practical mode for OBJ
tanning my discharge, as she doubted not her
ability to procure il for me. 1t was only yes
terday was indulging the pleasing hope, that
before many months should roll away. we
should again be united under happier auspices.
Poor girl! she little thinks how soon am to
receive my eternal discharge. II you please
sir, do not tell her that was shot and died in
disgrace can't you tell her that was killed in
an engagement, or anything but disgrace"
lpromlsed him that she should not know il.
Then drawing miniature from his bosom
ne continued 81 wish to give you this also
when my last moment has arrived until that
time desire to wear il next my heart. MY
cohduCt may appear to be the result of weak
ness; but is my last within, and may hope
that you will indulge it,"
promised to do all ne desired, and asked