American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-05-19

Fnnttl had attained my seventeenth year, my
life passed as happily as naturally joyous spirits,
and the indulgence of atfluent parents could
make it,
about that period formed an acquaint-
ance with beautiful girl, nearly one year
younger than myself and ere many months
had passed away, we were tenderly and devot-
eddy attached to each other, At length, soon
after attaining my eighteenth year, we were
clandestlnely married; but our happiness was
of short duration, My marriage was discover
ed by my parents; was sent to sea; the vessel
was wrecked, and | returned home; but my
wife was gone, no one knew whittier My ia
ther would storm and rage, and then beg me
not TO mention her name. Her parents had
removed TO parts unknown, and all my efforts
to ascertain her residence or her fate, proved
utterly abortivc.
"Nearly two years had elapsed, without af-
iordng any clue TO the fate of my lost treasure.
became taciturn and unhappy, and at length
enlisted as a private soldier under - -,
no matter; it will soon be over
~ 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 it
To her.
"Onlv week since, received @ letter from
her, informing me that she was residing with
her uncle, that her parents were both dead, be-
queathng her all their property, and asking me
to point out the most practicable mode for OBJ
I tanning my discharge, as she doubted not her
ability TO procure it for me- It 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. If you please,
sir, do not tell her that was shot and died n-
disgrace; can't you tell her that was killed III
an engagement, or anything but disgrace.n
| promised him that she should not know =
Then drawing miniature from his bosom,
he continued: 81 wish to give you this also,
when my last moment has arrived: until that
/ time | desire to wear it next my heart My
conduct may appear to be the result Of weak
ness; but it is my last within, and may hope
/ that you will indulge t.'
! promised to do all he desired, and asked
him if he had anything further to request be-
| fore he should be led to execution
"No, that is all God bless you for your
kindness; and -" but he could say no more
and as he grasped my hand, the big tears fell
hot and fast upon it. hastily left the prison.
my heart in an agony of sorrow for the untime-
ly fate of the wretched man.
As left the block-house, heard tre,ncnd-
Gus shout, and soon learned that General G.
had forced his way through the enemy and had
Just entered the fort with his command. Ev-
cry eye was lighted up with Joy at prospect
of speedy release from this station. Yes, by
the next noon, we should all be on the march,
and the old fort would again be lonely and de-
must lie here, and his name be forgotton.-
There would be none left to mourn: all must
feel that he deserved the fate he suffered, vet
still we might pity him.
| had Just paid my respects 10 the General,
and had again returned to my quarters with a
heavy heart, when the orderly sergeant presen-
| ted himself for orders for the morrow, and
then recolected it was our company who we're
| to furnish the execution party, that should
send their comrade into the presence of his
God.
Recollectng myself, gave the necessary
orders, and had carefully laid aside the package
intrusted to my care, when was informed that
General C desired my attendance upon
him Immediately fastened TO his quarters,
and found him engaged in earnest conversation
with Ma jor B and other officers. only
overheard the words che must die!''-when
General G., turning toward me, asked if |
was 'officer Of the guard for tomorrow" On
my replyiOg i'll the affirmative, he directed me
to have every thing properly arranged for the
executions; dsmissing me with the simple re-
mark, "Mats allh'
"That's aHt' How very little do we appre-
ciate the woes of others while baskng in the
sunshine Of prosperity ourselves.
passed sleepless night, dreaming, as it
were, awake, and experienced relief when |
heard the first call for revele The sun rose
by1lia NIL ~ aln11 nhsouref tho hpa
not even a zephyr lurked among the forest
leaves; nature was hushed, as if she awaited
in breathless silence, the musket's report that
should hurry troubled soul into eternity.
But our duty was before us; the hour of ex-
ecution had arrived, and the criminal was
brought forth OF all the actors in that sad
scene no one appeared more composed than
poor Edwards. He was dressed in linen pants
of snowy whiteness, white stockings and black
pumps, and a shirt elegantly wrought by the
delicate fingers of his young wife. Alas how
little did she dream that it was to become his
shroud! lie wore 10 cap or roundabout, and
his dark clustering hair, overbanging his noble |
forehead looked as if it belonged more to some
bright-eyed maiden.
Motioning me to his side, he drew the min
ature from his bosom, and taking one last fond |
look, pressed it to his lips, and turning away
his head to conceal his tears, placed it in my
hand,
heard deep sigh but when he turned his
face again towards me, all was calm. "Now,
sir, am ready" He started at the sight of his
coffin, but the pang was monetary; and
kneeling upon it he was asked if he requested
any thing further. "Nothing, save that you
will take sure aim," was the reply.
The execution detail took its position, and |
Captain D stepped forward and whispered
few words to each of the men composing it, |
which conld not hear. Choking with emo
ton, gave the command, "ready, aim, fire.
the discharge followed, but not at the heart Of
poor Edwards; for instantly after the report,
the words "You are hardened, Ed,cards" broke |