Wisconsin herald, and Grant County advertiser. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1844-1845, 1845-10-04

then recoilected it was our company
who were to furnish the execution par
ty-and should send their comrade
into the presence of his God.
Recollecting myself, | gave the ne
cessary orders, and had carefully laid
away the package entrusted to my
care, when was informed that Gener-
al c. desired my attendance upon
him Immediately. l FASTENED to his
quarters, and found him engaged in
earnest conversation with Maj. B
and other officers. l only heard the
words she xaatst die!"-when General
G., turning towards me, asked if
l was "officcr of the guard to-mor-
row." On my reply in the affirmative,
he directed me to have every thing
properly arranged for the execution;
dismissing me with the simple remark,
.that's alln
eThat's ALL" how little do we APP
preciate the woes of others while bask-
ing in the sunshine and prosperity our
selves.
l passed sleepless night, dreaming
as it were, awake, and experienced a
relief when i heard the first call for
rcveillc. The sun rose brilliantly -
not cloud obscured the heavens; not
even zephyr lurked among the forest
leaves; nature was hushed, rs if she
awaited in breatnless silence, the mus
ket's report that should hurry a troub-
led soul into eternity.
But our duty was before us; the hour
of execution had arrived, and the
criminal was brought forth. Ofall the
actors in the sad scene, no one appear
ed more composed than poor Ed
wards. He was dressed in linen pants
of snowy whiteness, white stockings,
black pumps, and shirt elegantly
wrought by the delicate fingers of his
young wife. Alas! how little did she
dream it was to be his shroud! He
wore no cap or roundabout. and his
dark clustering hair, overhanging his
noble forehead, looking as if it belong
ed more to some bright-eyed maiden.
Motioning me to his side, he drew
the miniature to his bosom, and taking
one last-fond look-pressed it to his
lips, and turning away his head to con-
ceal his tears, placed it in my band
| heard deep sigh, but when he turn
ed his face again towards me all was
calm.
"Now, sir, lam ready"
He started at the sight of his coffin,
but the pang was momcntary, and
kneeling on it, he was asked if he re-
quested anything further; "Nothing,
save that you take sure aim," was the
reply.
The execution detail took its posi-
ton, aud Captain D stepped for
ward and whispered few words to
each OF the men composing it, which |
could not hear.
Choaking with emotion, gave the
command, "ready, aim, fire." the dis
charge followed, but not at the heart
of poor Edwards, for instantly after
the report, the words" You are par
doned EdUayds," broke forth from my
position; and turning, | met the cheer
full look Of General c..
Soon after General c. had
arrived in the fort, on the day previous
to the execution, he learned that one
Of the garrison was condemned to die,
and calling the officers together for
consultation upon the subject, finally
determined to pardon Edwards, in
consideration of his excellent charac-
ter, but concealed his intention from
every one except Captain D, who
at the moment Of execution, as direct
ed by the General, whispered each
man TO aim above the condemned
man head.
The scene Of unboundcd rejoicing
that spread throughout the garrison on
the announcement of the pardon, cx-
ceeds my powers of description. None
wore a happier countenancc than Ed
wards; he had been great favorite
with all, and ever afterwards proved
valuable soldier; indeed, Gen. C
once remarked, that there was not a
better olficer in his regiment than Ser
geant Edwards.
IT is now nearly six years since the
occurrence Of these events, and my
health had become impaired by long
services In climate unsu;ted to my
constitution. obtained "leavc ofab-