Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1857-02-05
THE FORLORN HOPE.
A TRUE STORY.

We we're encamped before Mont
: rey. The night was far advance,
n Stretched in full length before II
camp fire, | was endeavoring
e snatch a short repose to prepare N
for the assault, which was to tax
e place at day-break.
The attempt was useless; slumbe
gave me the cold shoulder, and
: found myself intently observing N
, captain, who occupied the other sid
of the fire.
: He was sitting on an old box
wrapped in his cloak, and gazing. a
mong the smouldering embers, will
an expression of countenance SO in
tensely mournful that my sympathy
was at once irresistabIy drawn TO-
wards him.
His face was of an ashy paleness
contrasting strongly with his jetty
hair and eyes. His beard bad been
suffered to grow for weeks unchecked
by the edge of razor, and its exu-
berance increased bis haggard look.
Captain Archer was a mystery to
the whole regiment. Young, finely
formed, endowed by nature, with a
face of classic beauty, he seemed
born to enjoy every happiness; yet,
a constant melancholy pervaded his
every action. He made no one bis
companion-studiously avoiding all
intercourse with his brother officers
seldom spoke unless it was on du-
ty. The life he led was one Of ex-
treme isolation.
Notwithstanding the solitary hab-
its of Archer, he was respected by
bis brother officers, for he was brave
to rasbness, on the battle field, and
treated all who approached him with
gentlemanly courtesy.
Being his first lieutenant, | was
slightly exempted from the formal
manner he adopted towards others;
cur duties bringing US in constant
contact. | never had intruded upon
his sorrow with an inquisitive ques-
tioning; he felt and appreciated the
delicacy, and though he never spoke
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 riyeted upon his
face, while my Imagination ran riot in
specializing over his history.
As l gazed, a deep sigh issued
from his lips, and aroused him from
his abstraction. Our eyes met; be
studied my countenance for a mo-
ment as if intent on reading my
thoughts. He seemed satisfied with
the scrutiny, for be said immediate
ly, with that constant tinge OF mel
ancholy which ever accompanied his
voice
"Are you not asleep, Mr.. Lieuten-
ant George?"
mo. Captain.
"What prevents you from sleep
ing-anxiety for tomorrow
POSSIBLY that may be one of the
causes replied.
"a dangerous duty was assigned
our regiment
"Might / inquire what it is?'
"Certainly. Do you see yonder
tall building looming above the walls
of Monterey, through the darkness"
"You mean the Bishops Castle?'
ayes, that is to be our point of
attack-we storm it at day-break. .
at is dangerous undertaking.
"True, Lieutenant, we have the
honor Of being selected for a 'for-
lorn hope" You understand the
term; We shall march to certain death
we shall find q grave beneath
those walls. | shall at last meet the
death | have so ofteBsought in vain. "
4Sought, Captain?' ! repeated in
astonishment, gazing in his face,
which wore look Of calm. sad res
ignation.
"You are surprised that | should
wish TO die, be continued, in the
same mournful strain. SlG excltes
your wonder that one so young as |
am--for / am only twenty-five
should have grown weary of this lie.
All! my friend, the heart may grow
aged in a day, and when such is the
case, the young frame that enshrIEes
it cannot reconcile it to the world.
@You have met with some bitter
disappointment" | suggested, (which