Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1857-12-12
Nliscel|aueons
THE FORLCRN HOPE.
A Leaf from The JsurnaI of Volunteer
BY GEORGE L. AIKEN.

We were encamped before Monterey.
The night was far advanced. Stretched
at full length before the camp fire, was
endeavoring to snatch short repose to
prepare me for the assault, which was 10
take place at daybreak
TIE attempt was useless; slumber gave
me the 'cold shoulder and | found myself
wide awake, inten'ly observing my captain,
who occupied the other side of the fire.
He was sitting On an old box, wrapped
in his cloak, ard gazing among the smoul-
dering embers with an expressi of ooun.
tcnancc SO intensely mournful that my
sympathy was at once irresis.ibly drawn
| towards him.
His face was of an ashy palencss, con.
tras,ing strongly with his jotty hair and
eyes. His beard hid been suffered to
grow for weeks, unchecked by the edge of
razor, and its exuberance increased his
haggord look.
Captain Archer was a mystery to the
whole regiment Young, finely formed
endowed b5 nature with face Of classic
cauy, he seemed born to enjoy every
happiless; yet constant melancholy per.
vaded his every action. He seemed de.
voured by Tie remembrance Of some never
to he forgotten grief, He made no one
his cmpauicn-studiously avoided all in
tercourse with his brother officers-seldon
spoke, unless it was on duty. The life he
led was one of extreme isolation.
Notwithstanding the solitary habit, Of
Archer, he was respected by all his brother
officers, for he was brave to tashness ou
the battle field, and treated all who ap.
preached him with gentlemanly courtesy
Being his first lieutenant, l was slightly
exempted from the formal manner he
adopted towards others, our duty bringing
us in constant contact. | never had intru
dod upon his sorrow with any inquisitive
questioning; he felt and appreciated tn,
delicacy, and though he spoke not his
thanks, his eyes expressed them. Having
secured his good opinion, was careful
enough to retain it.
Having nothing better to do, lay with
my eyes riveted upon his face, while my
Imagination ran riot in speculations ovel
his history.
AS gazed, deep sigh issued from hi
lips, and aroused him from his abstraction
Our eyes met; he studied my countenanc,
. for moment, as if intent ON reading my
thoughts. He seemed satisfied with tn
scrutiny, for he said Immediately, with tha
constant tinge of melancholy which eve
; accompanied his voice
$ You are not asleep, Lieutenant George
No, captain
Wbot npauonte xau from, sloon;no
d anxiety for the morrow!'
Possibly that may be one of the causes
= l replied.
a dangerous duty is assigned our rcgi
ment.'
I Might inquire what it isi'
: Certainly. Do you see yonder tai
e building looming above the walls Of Mon
Q terey, through the darkness =
You mean the Bishops Castle ?
!, 'Yes--that is to be our point Of attacl
g We storm il at daybreak.'
:. 1t is a dangerous undertaking.
d True, lieutenant-we have the hone
d of being selected for q " forlorn hope =
n You understand the term; we shall marc
to almost certain death-we shall find
grave beneath these walls. shall
least meet the death have so often soug
in vain.'
> Sought, cnptain' I repeated in a
nc nc tonishment, gazing in his face, which wo
look of calm, sad resignation.
/, 'You are surprised that should wi.
,s to die, he continued, in the same mourn
is full strain. 1t excites your wonder th
one SO young as am for I am twont
fve,-should have grown weary of |
%. life, All my friend. the heart may grt
9, aged in day, and when such is she cai
the young frame that enshrines it cam
reconcile it to the world
you have met with some bitter dist
pointment,' suggested, (which long broe