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

w ueTe WAS TIC liistit idi Stit "ihSh
had always distinguished him among
his comrades, instead of being the
hearty, robust soldier that he was few
hours before, you would have judged
that he was just risen from a sick bed.
His doom was sealed-he heard his
that he should die the next
morning at sunrise, without the slight
est agitation; and at the order of the
court, ''remove the prisoner" he re-
sumed his place between his guards, and
strobe haughtily away. About one o.
clock, p. M, the officer ofthe guard in
formed me that Edwards had express
ed a desire to see me before his execu-
ton. Immediately repaired to the
blockhouse, and in a moment was with
the prisoner.
"Well, Edwards, I am grieved to
my Utmost soul to see you here, con-
demned to die, and yet so young. 1t
is hard, very hard-but lam constrain-
ed to confess the justice of the sem
tence."
81 know it, I am Justly condemned
and am willing to expiate my crime
with my ife-but let that pass. |
have sent for you lin the hope that
you will grant me a favor"
"Name it-Edwards, for l will
cheeriully and faithfully execute any
reasonable commission you may en-
trust to my care," was my reply. Al
ter expressing his gratitude for my
compliance he began his story nearly
after the following manner:
81 was born in Boston, Massachu-
setts--and until | had attained my 18th
year, my life passed as happily as ma
turally joyous spirits, and the indul-
gence of afilucnt parents could make
it,"
"About that time l formed an ac-
quaintance with a beautiful girl, nearly
one year younger than myself, and ere
many months had passed away we
were tenderly and devotedly attached.
At length, soon after | had attained
my 18th year, We were clandestine!y
married; but our happiness was of short
duration. My marriage was discover
ed by my parents-I was sent to sea,
the vessel was wrecked, and | returned
home: but my wife was gone, no one
knew whittier. My father would
storm and rage, and then beg me not to
mention her name. Her pai ents had
removed TO parts unknown, and all my
efforts to ascertain her residence or
her fate, proved utterly abortive.
"Ncarly two years had elapsed
without atfording any clue to the fate
of my lost treasure. became taci-
turn and unhappy and at length enlist
cd as a 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 pos
sible, seek out Ellen, and give it to her.
"Only one week since / received a
letter from her--informing me that she
was residing with her uncle-that her
parents were both dead, bequeathing
her all their property-and asking me
10 point out the most practicable mode
for obtaining my discharge, as she
doubted not her ability to procure it
for me. 1t was only yesterday 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 | was shot and died in disgrace;
can't you tell her / was killed in an en-
gagement, or anything but disgrace. "
! promised to do all he desired, and
asked him if he had anything further
to request before he should be led to
execution.
"No, that is ALL God bless you for
your kindness; and l." but he
could say no more; and as he grasped
my hand, the big tears fell thick and
fast upon it. l hastily left the prison,
my heart in an agony of sorrow for
the untimely fate of this wretched
man.
Ash left the block house, / heard a
tremendous shout, and soon learned
that Gen. c. had forced his way
through the enemy, and had Just en-
tered the fort with his command. Every
eye was lighted up with JOY at the
prospect of speedy release from this