Eastern times., 1854-03-23
G9e storp GeIltr
THE DYING VOLUNTEER.
BY H. G. CHAPMAN.

", and nung ABOVE LHe edStSIH HOIlLOh iAh0
ball of glowing fire. Its bright rays danced
merrily along the Lake of Teseneo over the
glittering domes of the city of Mexico past
the dark frowning battlements Of Chapultepec
castle, and lit, in all their glorious efulgence,
upon the blood stained field of Molino del Rey.
The contest was over, the sounds Of the
battle had died away, save an occasional shot
from the distant artillery of the castle, or the
fire of some strolling rifeman.
was standing beside the battered remains
of the mill door, above which the first footing
had been gained upon the well contested wall,
and gazing over the plain, now saturated with
the blood of my fellow soldiers, which that
morning had waved green with flowing grass,
when heard low and feeble wall, in the
Aitch beside me. | turned towards the spot
and beheld, with his right leg shattered by a
cannon ball, volunteer lying amid the man
gled dead. He had been passed by in the
haste of the gathering up Of the wounded un-
der the fire from the castle, and the rays of
the burning sun beat down with terrible fervor
upon his wounded limb, causing heavy groans
to issue from his pallid lips, and his martial
countenanee to writhe with pain.
Water, for Gods sake, drink of water
he family artieulated. as / bent down beside
frm.
Fortunately had procured canteen of
water, and placing it to his lips, he took long,
deep draught, and then sank back exhausted
upon the ground
The SUM- he murmured. it is killing me
by its rays; cannot you carry rae into the
shadeI'
lean procure assistance, and have you tax
en- TO the hospital
No, do it not my sands of life are almost
out An hour hence shall be dead man.
Garry nae into the shade of the mill, and then,
ii you have time to spare, listen to my dying
words and if you are fortunate enough to
ever return to the United States, bear me back
message to my home, and to anoth-' he
paused, and motioned for me to carry him to
the shade ! did so, and the cool wind which
swept along the spot, seemed to revive him,
and he continued:
you, sir, are total stranger to me, and
from your uniform, belong to another corps,
and vet must con6de this, the great secret Of
all nv recent actions and the cause of my be-
inc here. 10 YOU. Would to God that had
reflected upon the fatal step | had taken, and
7 should now have been at home, enjoying the
society of kind friends, instead Of dying upon
this CORY field, in foreign land. My father
was wealthy man in the town OF G-ch,
in the state of Virginia, and moved in the best
society of the place. had received an excel
lent education had studied law, and was ad-
mitted in the twenty fourth year of my age TO
practice at the bar had early seen and ad-
mired Young lady of the place, daughter
of an intimate friend of my fathers, and fortu-
nately the feeling was reciprocal, and we were
engaged to be married. The war with Mexl-
co had been in existence some twelve months
and many were focking to the standard OF the
country. 1t so happened that about this time
recruiting Office had been opened In the
town, and several Of my younger friends had
enlisted to go and try their fortunes upon the
plains of Mexico. One night there was
grand party, in honor of those who were about
TO depart for the seat of war, and both myself
and Everline were at the ball. Among those
who were assembled that evening, was Au-
gustus p, talented young man, and accom-
plished scholar, gay and lively in his manners,
free and cheerful in his disposition, and uni
versal favorite with the fair sex. He had been
for some time paying his addresses to Ever
line, as deemed in rather too pointed man.
uer. AS the party assembled in the long hall,
and the dance was about to commence, asked
her for her hand for the first set.
1T is engaged she replied, / thought, rath-
er tartly.
s.To whom, if may be so bold as to in
puire = demanded.
ITO Augustus P ; was the immediate re-
ply.
smothered my rising Indignation as best
could; and proudly returned the glance Of ma
lignant Joy my rival gave me.
Perhaps can engage it for the second set,'
calmly asked. ..-.- .-
Il Il
pettishly replied, and rising and taking his
hand, they took their station upon the floor.
- / remained thunderstruck, and rooted to the
spot, until saw the eyes of my hated rival
fixed upon me, and throwing off the spell that
bound me, L assumed proud, cold look, and
passed from the hall. AS swept by the dan
GERS, Everline paused moment when just be-
side me, and bending close to her ear, whis-
pered Everline, farewell forever lar
She turned slightly pale, and then answered
- When 91 o-ar
Tonight join the army for Mexico
firmly replied.
A deep flush passed haughtily across her
brow, and then waving her hand gracefully,
she replied, Co. and again glided through
the mazes of the dance.
I rushed from the spot, and never paused
until had entered the recruiting office, and
offered myself a candidate for the army.
ases Are you good moral man, Of well regu-
lated habits.' asked the sergeant.
can give hundred certificates, If neces-
sary,' hastily replied.
rs 81 rather think you'll do said the Of11cer