Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-03-03


troubles that were coming on. In the very
next year, when we formed an alliance with
Austria against him, Captain Taunion's regi.
ment was on service in India. And there was
not finer non-commissoncd officer in it--no,
nor in the whole line-than Corporal Richard
Doubedick.
In eighteen hundred and one, tho Indian ar.
my were on the coast Of Egypt. Next year
was the year Of the proclamation of the short
peace, and they were recalled. 1t had then be-
come well known to thousands Of men, that
wherever Captain Taunton with the dark bright
eyes, led, there, close to him, ever at his side,
firm as a rock, true as the sun, and brave as
Mars, would be certain TO be found, while life
beat in their heart, that famous soldier, Ser
geant Richard Doublodick.
Eighteen hundred and FIVE, besides being the
great year of Trafalgar, was a year of hard
fighting in India, That year saw such won
ders done by Sergeant. Major, who cut his way
single-handed through solid mass of men, re-
covered the coIors of his regiment which had
been seized from the hand Of poor boy shot
through the heart, and rescued his wounded
captain, who was down, and in a very Jungle Of
horses hoofs and sabres-saw such wonders
done, say, by this brave Sergeant-Major, that
he was specially made the bearer of the colors
ho han won; and Ensign Richard Doubledick
had risen from the ranks.
4 Sorely cut up in every battle, but alwas re.
inforced by the brayest Of men-for, the fame,
Of following the old colors, shot through and
through, which Ensign Ribhard Doubedick had
ell r.. L..
its way through the Peninsula war, up to the
investment Of Badajos in eighteen hundred and
twelve. Again and again had ii been cheered
through the British ranks until the tears had
sprung into mems eyes at the mere hearing of
the mighty British voice so exultant in their
yalor and there was not drummer-boy but
knew the legend, that wherever the two friends,
Major Taunton with the dark bright eyes, aad
Ensign Richard Doubedick who was devoted
to him, was seen TO go, there the bodest spir-
its in the English army become wild to follow.
One day, at Badajos-not in the great storm
ing, but in repelling hot sally of the besieg-
ed upon our men at work in the trenches, who
had given way, the two officers found them
selves hurrying forward, face 10 face, against a
party Of French infantry who made a stand
There was an officer at their head, encouraging
his men-a courageous, handsome, gallant OIL
Ger, Of fye-and-ihirty-wh DOubledick saw
hurriedly, almost momeniarily, but saw we'll.
He particularly noticed this officer waving his
sword, and rallying his incl with an eager aud
excited cry, when they fired In obedience to
his gesture and Major Taunton dropped
/, was over in ton minutes more, and Double
dick returned to the spot where he had laid the
best friend man ever had, on a coat spread up
on the wet clay Major Taunton's uniform was
opened at the breast, and on his shirt were three
! little spots of blood
"Dsar Doubledick." said he. 81 am dy-
ing"
/ "For the love of Heaven, no 80 exclaimed
the other, kneelng down beside him. and pass
ing his arm around his neck to raise his head.
Taunton My preserycT, my guardian angel,
my witness Dearest, truest, kindest of human
beings Taunton For Gods sake ="
The bright dark oyes-so very, very dark
now, in the pale face-smied upon him and
the hand he had kissed thirteen years ago, laid
itself fondly on his breast.
! "Write 10 my mother. You will sec Home
again Tell her how VIC became friends. Il
viii comfort her, as it comforts me-
/ He spoke no more, but faintly signed for a
moment towards his hair as il iluttegcd in the
wind The Ensign understood him. He smil-
ed again when he saw that, and gently turning
his face over on the supporting arm, as if for
rest, died, with his hand upon the breast in
which he had revived soul
No dry eye looked on Ensgn Richard
? lal, al. IL. n ,