Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-09-27
Nj | S C II l. l. A N Y.
FROM THE BOSTON OLIVE BRANCH.
AN INCIDENT OF BUENA VISTA.
BY ]. II. ROBINSON.

The first grey of evening was falling like soft
curtain upon the earth, and lay like thin mist on
the tops Of the mountains at Buena Vista flinging
It's dreamy influence far down the valley that
stretched along their precipitous base. And now
the moon looked out upon the scene, and her first
silver beams kissed the American flag which float
ed proudly over gallant army-glanced down on
nodding Pumes, and bristling steel, or fingered on
the snowy tents which dotted the valley
1t was on the 22d of February, and the forces of
Gen. Taylor, awaiting the events of the morrow.
At short distance from the quarters of the Gen
eral, young officer wrapped in military cloak,
was leaning though,fully against a field piece of
large calibre
81 shall not gaze upon it again." sighed the
young man, ''my heart tells me that this is my last
night on EARTH No more for me will yon gentle
orb traverse the skies, shed her mild lght-no
more shall her fleecy beams kiss my fevered brow.
Well, feel but little regret--the world to me has
been medley Of all that is irksome and undesirable.
1t has brought me much pain, and but little pleas
ure-maDy hours of suffering, few Of enjoyment-
Still! there are ties which cannot be severed with
out struggle, bonds which attach me so strongly
TO the earth, that would even endure its ills to
preserve them unbroken. But these must be
sundered sooner or later, and resign myself to my
fate"
The solioquizer was here interrupted by the ap.
proach of person, who, by the familiar manner in
"hich hG duuleoStu appedIeu dS an Olu nc
qualntance.
"Lieut c., you thoughtful and moo
dy, tonight"
81 am, Colonel, but shall think less, TO morrow
night"
There was something in the tone Of the Lieu
tenant, so sad, and yet so calm, that for moment
the Colonel was silent
"Come, come, my friend, cheer up. nor suffer
yourself to brood over imaginary evils" said the
Colonel, gaily.
Colonel" said the Lieutenant. calmly eve
meet the foe tomorrow at fearful odds There
will be hard fighting, and many of our brave fell
lows will fall. / shall fall with them"
"Do you fear the conflict that the morrow will
| bring % replied the Colonel coldly.
Fora moment there red spot on the cheek
Of the Lieutenant, and his eye flashed fre-then
he was calm and collected as before. He turned
to his friend and said in firm though sad voice
"I shall meet the events of the morrow like
brave man and soldier"
| "Forgive my hastiness-l do not doubt you. Goo
knows, but do not believe in presentiments."
al never have until to-night--but hear a voice
which you cannot hear it whispers TO me of the
| close Of life-ofa violent death, and the graves
sleep. But think not that my heart shriuks, O
| that | fear the sangune scenes Of the morrow NJ,
! bosom is ready for the shock, and my hand shall
WELD this bit Of steel with faltering zeal, or d
mnshed strength"
otis nothing but fit Of the blues, my dear Eel
low-you will smile at your presentmeuts TO- NOR
row. You must take light suppers in future, ant
you will escape this waking incubus"