The Port Gibson reveille. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 185?-1857, 1853-03-16


misspent hours. Where in the universe, Dc
We find drawer hearts, more able aud willing
arms or those which have won brighter lau
rels {! Iu contemplating their achievements
We lose sight Of all that Is derogatory, while
otherwise engaged, and feel naught but graft
tude. The officer regards the "civilian" as
inferior, and the civilian, the officer with
jealousy and reserve, until the calamity Of
war requires his aid, and he gives evidence
Of his indispensable service to his country
Thus in time Of peace. he may be compared
to the lion reposing in his lair, until provo
ked therefrom. or the eyeried eagle only
waiting the occasion TO secure its prey.
AL the time our story begins. the strife
with Mexico had ceased and our army had
returned with their "honors thick upon
them, and we're resting upon " their bruised
arms, hung up for monuments"
In a comfortably furnished apartment,
overlooking the scene described, sat two gal
liant officers, Willing away the hours of morn
ing in social chat and in watching the
smoke from their cigars gracefully curling
above their heads. Major C. was a man
Of stern and determined countenancc, but
the most pleasing address and appearance
The phrenologist would have pronounced him
man Of acute sensibilities, great beneyo-
lence, undaunted courage, and Of cheerful
and uniform temperament; while his COM
panion, Lieut. NJ, was morose. vain, and
ovcrbearing, but handsome, intellectual and
chivalrous, in no ordinary degree.
The bright rug before the FIRE, formed a
luxuriant couch for the well cared-for aud
seemingly honored old Spaniel, which an
swered to the name of Towser. As Major
G - conyersed, he gazed up into his face
with the earnest and intelligent expression Of
a human being; often showing his affection
by approaching him to receive kindly
stroke, and then resume his posture. The
large, dark eyes, curling hair, and finely
formed head, we're recognized as old Towser'
standing by the side Of the Major, in full
length portrait on the wall. None Of his chill
dren came into the room without a kind word
for poor Towser; and Mrs. G., the Majors
wife. was 50 gentle and mindful Of his comfort,
that it was evident there was some especial
reason for IT, Lieut. M-enquired the meaning
Of such unusual Difference to one Of the ca
nine species, and said he would like to hear
his history. The Major replied, while tear
glistened in his eye
"My friend this Spaniel has been the
source of all my happiness, and be has proved
the most faithful friend l have ever had
All the kindness my family could bestow up
on him, would not repay the poor fellow for
bis devotion to myself, through period of
nearly twenty years
"It was after a warmly contested strife
with the Indians. in the last Florida War,
that was proceeding from the scene Of bat
tie to our Fort, when met with the adyen-
ture which was the means of securing to me
this invaluable treasure was within mile
Of the Fort, when my attention was arrested
BY the grOans of poor wounded man, lying
in a state Of helplessness and agony, and who
seemed to be thus providentially thrown in
my way, that l might afford him relief
Lying BY his side, was this then young and
beautiful creature. When he saw that my
intentions were good towards bis master, be
manifested great JOY, and positively took my
bride between his teeth, and held my horse
when had alighted, and remained standing
but keeping all the while close watch upon
me. The fact Of his thus holding my horse,
the expression of his eyes, aud his fondness
for his master, at once excited my interest in
him. The wounded man was conveyed to
the Fort, and every necessary attention paid
him. lie ling cred for several days in great
pain, but knowing that his wounds we're ia
tai. and that he could not survive them much
longer, be called me to him. and cOmmunica-
ted the following:
"'Major c.. am under great obliga-
tions to you, for your unremitting kindness
and as a token Of my gratitude, please accept
this faithful, well-tricd friend, at my side.
He was given me by the most beautiful wO-
man the sun ever shone upon, and who had
promised, upon my return to Charleston to
become my bride. The fates have ordered
that shall never see her again, and make
a dying request Of you to visit her at her
home give her this letter, and tell her that
1 have been as true to her as her parting
gift has been to me. She will be more than
willing that you should have the Spaniel, as
it is my wish. Her address you will find oqq !
this letter. Once more let me thank you
far vonr Lfnlno., c.-o.va1l faromall my