Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1848-10-05
miscellaneous.
FROM THE BOSTON OLIVE BRANCH
AN INCIDENT OF BUENA VISTA
DY j. H. ROBINSON.

lheh rst grey oil evening was falling like soft cur
tain upon the EARTH and lay like thin mist on the
tops OF the mountains at Buena Vista, hincing its
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 tioated proudly over
gallant army-glanced down on noddine plurues
and brstllng steel, fingered on the snowy teats
which dotted the valley.
II was on the 22d of February, and the forces of
Gen. Taylo awaiting the events of the morrow AT
short distance from the quarters Of the General
young officer wrapped in a military cloak was lean
ing lhough,suy against field piece Of large cabre
Il 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, or shed her mild ght--no more shall her
teecy beams kiss my feyered brow. Well, feel hut
little regret-the world 10 Inc has been medley of all
that IS Irksome and undesirable. Ii has brought me
much pain, and but little peasure-many hours Of
suffering few OF enjoyment Still there are lies which
cannot be severed without struggle, bonds which
attach me so strongly to the earth, that would even
endure It's Ills TO preserve them unbEoken. But even
these must be sundered sooner later, and resign
myself TO my fste.o
The solIloquzer was here interrupted BY the APP
proach o. person, who, BY the familiar manner in
which he addressed him, appeared an old acquain-
lance.
Lieut.. c.. you are thoughtful and moody
TO night"
Il am, Colonel, bu. shall think less, tomorrow
night"
There was something in the tone Of the Lieutenant,
so sad and yet SO calm, that for moment the Colo.
mel was silent.
Come, come, my friend. cheer up nor suffer
yourself to brood over imaginary evils" said the Col
onel. galy.
Colonel" SAID the Lieutenant, calmly, 1--WE meet
the foe TO morrow at fearful odds There will be hard
fighting, and many of brave fellows will fall.
shall fall with them"
EDO you fear the conflict that the morrow will
brng" replied the Colonel coidy.
For moment there o red spot on the cheek of
the Lieutenant, and his eye flashed ire--hen he was
calm and collected before He turned 10 his friend
and said in firm though sad voice:
81 shall meet the events Of the morrow like brave
man and soldier.''
Forgive my hastiness-I do not doubt YOU, God
knows, but do not believe in prssentlnens"
81 never have until 20 nlght-but | hear a voice
which you cannot hear; whispers 10 me ofuhe close
OF lIieoi violent DEATH and the graves sleep But
think not thai my heart shraks. or that fear The san
guine scenes of the morrow. My bosom is ready Tor
the shock and my hand shall WELD this bit Of steel
with no tallerng zeal, or diminished strength"
Ills nothing but iii Of the blues my dear fellow
You will smile at your presen,imenls 10 morrow -
You must take light suppers IN future, and you viii
escape this waking incubus"
'lhere will be an incubus upon to morrow ere
this hour, from which there will be no awakening
Should you survive ms Colonel, say 10 my General
that died like soldier and man Look for me
where the fight has been the holtest--where spears
have waved-swords flashed, and death has been
most busy. You will find miniature beneath my
vest. Undo II. and when opportunity offers.
tura.ii 10 my wlie--tell her it the last and
that the last pulses of life and memory. hers
eff your presenumenls should prove true. will re-
giously observe your requests, but TO speak my
iments, | have but little faith in them. A good
nights rest will efiectually dspel them"
THE Colonel and Lieut. C, parted--the one
10 dream Of future removable other to think with
soened. saddened heart. OF wife and babes and a
wait with manlincss his last sunrsehis last battle
Who knows what thoughts asated the hosoln Of ihat
young solder-that bosom which ere that hour on the
morrow would be lrodden under the hoof Of the pant
ing war horse. Perhaps at periods. during the lapse
Of time, CLEAN Of the hearts sunshine hope burst
in upon him. and dreams Of future glory and fame
wreahs, which perchance might encirce his fair brow
cheered him for the moment.
But such thoughts passed quickly away. and the
darkness rushed in. Neryed up by high impulse,
and strong sense Of duty The young soldier shrank
not from that which was before him. II was his des-
tiny who can war with destiny Who can roll
back the mandates OF faie--who can combat with that
fat Of the omnpoent? who meet the surges Of death