Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1858-04-14
THE VOLUNTEER
BY GEO. l.. AIKEN.

We were encamped before Monterey
The night was far advanced. Stretched
at full length before the camp fire. | was
endeayoring to snatch a short repose to
prepare me for the assault which was to
take place at day break.
The attempt was useless; slumber gave
the "cold shoulder" and found myself
wide awake, intently observing my cap.
tain, who occupied the other side of the
fire.
He was sitting on an old box, wrapped
in his cloak, and gazing among the smoul-
dering embers with an expression of coun-
tenan1 so intensely moumful that nv
sympathy was at once irresistably drawn
towards him.
His face was of ashy paleness contrast
ing strongly with his .jetty hair and eyes
His beard had been suffered to grow for Il
week unchecked by the edge of razor
and its eXuberance increased his haggard
look.
Captain Archer was 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 constant, sad melancholy
pervaded 10y the remembrance Of some
never-to-be-iorgotten grief. He made no
one COMP lanion--studiously avoided all in
tercourse with his brother rotlicers-seldom
spoke, unless it was on duty. The life he
led was one Of extreme insolation.
Notwithstanding the solitary habits Of
Archer he was respected by all his broth
er officers, for he was brave to rashness on
the battle field and treated all who an
preached him with gentle manly cour-
tesy.
Being his first Lieutenant, was slightly
exempted from tie formal manner he
adopted towards others, our duty bringing
us IN constant contact. Inever had inuu-
ded upon his sorrow with my exquisite
questioning; he felt and appreciated the
delicacy, and though he spoke not his
thanks, his eyes expressed them. Having
secured his good opinion, l 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 speculation over
his history.
As | gazed deep sigh issued from his
lips, and al oused him from his abstraction.
Our eyes met he studied my countenanco
for moment, as if intent on reading my
thoughts, He seemed satisfied with the
scrutiny, for he said immediately with q
constant tinge of melancholy which ever
accompanied his voice.
You are not asleep, Lieut. George?'
"No, Captain"
"What prevents you from sleeping -
anxiety for the morrow"
Possibly that may be one of the caus-
es | replied"
"A dangerous duty is assigned our re-
giment."
might inquire what it is."'
Certainly. Do you see yonder tall
building looming above the heights of
Monterey, through the darkness?"
You mean the Bishops Castle?"
Hes-that is to be our place of attack.
We storm it at daybreak."
" 1t is a dangerous undertaking"
True, Lieutenant--we have the honor
OF being selected for "forlorn hope. -
You understand the term we shall march
to almost certain death-we shall find a
grave beneath those walls. shall at least
meet the death have so often sought in
vain"
Sought, Captan?" ] repeated in as.
constituent, gazing in his face, which wore
look of calm resignation.
"You are surprised that | should wish
to de- he continued in the same mourn
ful strain. at excites your wonder that
one so young as | am-for | am twenty
tve-should have grown weary of life
All! my friend, the heart may grow aged
in day, and when such is the case, the
young frame that enshrines it cannot rec
oncile it to the world"
''You have met with some bitter disap
pointment," / suggested, which Ions
brooding over has tainted your mind
Danish 1t from your recollection, Hap
piness is yet within your reach if you vii
but strive to obtain it.
"Alas my friend" he cried, ''you know
not what have lost. You ould fain ad
minister comfort to me- but you know not
the extent Of the wound you would probe
i feel that tomorrow will bring the cris
of my fate. We can neither of us sleep
if you will have patience to listen, | vii
recount to you and if you ever return to m
native soil, you can tell my friends m
story and fate"
] expressed my willingness to listen, an
Archer proceeded at once
81 am a native of Boston, my professio
is that of lawyer, yet had no necessit
to practice it, for | was left an orphan a
twenty, with an ample fortune.