Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1845-05-22

feel that he deserved the fate he suffered, yet
still we might pity him.
had just paid my respects to the General,
and had again returned to my quarters with
heavy heart, when the orderly sergeant pre-
sented himself for orders for the morrow, and
then recollected it was our company who
were to furnish the execution party, that should
send their comrade into the presence of his
God.
Recollecting myself, l gave the necessary
orders, and had carefully laid aside the package
Entrusted to my care, when | was informed
that General c. desiredxng attendance up
on nm immediately. fastened to his quar-
ters, and found him engaged in earnest CONVEX
sation with Major B and other officers.
only overheard the words, che must die r,-
when Seheral il, turning towards me,
asked II was "Ofiicer of the guard for to-
row." On my replying i'm the affirmative ne
directed me to have every thing properly ar
ranged for the execution; dismissing me with
the simple remark, "that8 air.
"Thdts all! How very little do we APP
preciate the woes OF others while basking in
the sunshine of prosperity ourselves.
/ passed a sleepless night, dreaming, as il
were, awake, and experienced relief when
heard the first call for reveille. The sun rose
brilliantly; not cloud obscured the heavens;
not even zephyr lrrked among the forrest
leaves; nature was hushed, as il she awaited
in breathless silence, the musket's report that
Uhould 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 Wilderness, white stockings and black
pumps, and shirt elegantly wrought by the
delicate fingers of his young wife. Alas! how
little did she dream that it was to become his
shroud! de wore no cap or roundabout, and
ms dark clustering hair, overhanging his noble
forehead, looking as if it belonged more to
some bright-eyed maiden.
Motioning me to his side, he drew the min
iature from his bosom, and taking one last fond
look, pressed 1t to his lips, and turning away
ms head to conceal his tears, placed it in my
hand.
heard deep sigh, but when he turned his
lace again towards me, all was calm. "Now,
sir, am ready" He started at the sight of the
coffin, but the pang was momentary; 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 could 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 "fou arc pdrdoned, Edwards,"
broke forth close to my position; and turning,
] met the cheerful look of Gen. C..
Soon after General G. had arrived i'm the
fort, on the day previous to the execution, he
learned that one of the garrison was condemn
ed to die; and calling the officers together for
consultation upon the subject, he finally deter
mined to pardon Edwards, in consideration of
the previous excellent character of the latter
but concealed his intention from every one ex-
cept Captain D, who at the moment of
execution, as directed by the General, whisper
ed each man to aim above thecondemned man s
"T I'd;
u1liouShout che garrison on the aIffio,.->,oment
oi lhe pardon, exceeds my powers OF descrip-
Non None wore happier countenance than
Henry Edwards; he had been a great favorite
with all, and ever after proved a valuable sol
der; indeed General C. once remarked
That there was not better officer i'm his regi
nnnt than Sergeant Edwards.
las now nearly six sears since the occur
renee VI s.ese events, ana nv health had be-
come impaireehy long service in climate un-
o o abua ~ my oOi1isssntion. iobtained 'leave
two or three months During ~ o. ae';u y, no ~.
city, made diligent inquiries al, Td,ua Ia
whose enlistment had long expired, nd Who
as understood from General c.. I'D ;i
in Charlestown, but for long time could Harn
nothing about him.
AT length, as was strolling about the city
one day, accompanied by friend, | stopped
into shop to make some trining purchases ;
and soon after entering, observed a very gen
tlemanly man, whose countenance seemed ia
miliar to me; but my eye rested on him only
fora moment, as my attention was called to
other objects.
Presently my friend exclaimed. ''Why what
the deuce does the fellow want? he looks as if
he was going to jump through one or the other
of us
l was ready to deliver homily against i'm
pudent persons in general, and him i'm partic-
lar, when he surprised me with eyes il is
no-but ii is |" and before could utter word
he had grasped my hand and given it such a
squeeze as brought the tears into my eyes
"Well, well, this may be excessively agree
able to you, but it is not so to me-"
els this Lieutenant -P
eyes; but who are you, sr2'
"You don't know me Well, that's the
best thing I've heard for month"; My name
sir, is Henry Edwards. Why | have been
looking for you these three weeks, having by
accident learned that you were expected tC
visit this city. Now, lieutenant, youand you
friend must accompany me to. my house i'm
mediately. My dear Ellen has long sine,
learned to esteem Lieutenant - as on,
OF natures noblemen, whom she cannot en-
terrain too courteously, for whose friendship
to her hush and she can never be sufficiently
grateful"
| must acknowledge that was extremel,
dplinhfnn a., mo % Mr EI...n.l. ....l