The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-07-01
THE SOLDIERS RETURN.

left Melrose before four in the afternoon. On
arriving at Abbotsfor'l, perceived High
land soldier, apparently fatgued as myself,
leaning upon walking stick, and gazing
intensely on the fairy palace of the magician
whose wand is since broken. but whose
magic still remains, am no particular dis
clple of Lavater's, yet the man carried his
soul upon his face, and we were friends at
the first glance. He wore plain High
land bonnet and coarse grey great coat,
buttoned to the throat. His dress bespoke
him to belong to the ranks; but there was
u dignity in his manner, and fire, glow /
ing language in his eyes, worthy of chiet
tam. His height might exceed five feet nine,
and his age be abuu, thirty. The traces Of
manly beauty were still upon his cheeks
but the sun Of western emisphere had
tincel them with sal.ow hue and imprint
ed uninely furrows.
Our conversation related entirely to the
classic scenery around us; and we had
pleasantly journeyed together for tw" or
three miles, when we arrived 1T little
seques,ercd bnrlal-grounG hy the way.side,
near which there was nenher church or
dwelling. Its low wall was thinly covered
with turf, and We sat down upon it TO rest.
Nv companion became silent and melan-
choly, and his eyes, wandered anxious'y
among the graves.
Here" said he, "slcep some Of my
fathers children who died in infancy"
He picked up small stone from the
ground. ant; throwing it gently about ten
yards. that" added lie, "is the very spot
But, thank God! no grave.stone has been
raised during my absence! 1t is a token
shall find my parents living-and," con'in-
ucd he with sigh, "may also find their
love. 1t is hard, sir, when the hesrl of a
parent is turned against his own child"
lie drooI,ed his head upon his breast fof
few moments and was silent; then, hastily
raising is fore,fnger to his eyes, seemed to
dash away solitary tear. Then turning to
me, he continued: You may think, sir,
this is weakness in a soldier; but human
hearts beat beneal, "A red coat. My father
whose name is Campb.ll, and who was
brought from Argyleshre, while young, is a
wealthy farmer in this neighborhooh
Twelve years ago, loved being gentle as
the light Of summer morn. We were
children together, aud she grew in beaut!
. on my sight, as the star Of evening steal:
into glory through the twilight. But sh'
was poor and porlionless, the daughter of
. mean shepherd Our attachment offende,
my father lie commanded inc to leave he
forever. Icould not, and he turned me fron
his house. wandered, knew not, am
l cared not, whittier. But will not, de
tain you with my history. In my utmos
J., need met sergeant Of the forty-secont
WHO was then upon the recruiting servic
and in few weeks joined that regimen
"a of proud hearts. was at Brussels whe
the invitations to the wolf and the rave
!. rang at midnight through the streets.
WAS the herald Of day Of glory and deatl
:, There were three Highland regiments of u
40 three joined in one-joined in rivalry,
j., love and in purpose and thank Fate!
:, was present when the Scots Greys, flying
our aid. raised the electric shout, "Scotan
foreverw -"Scotland forever!" returned Of
:; tartaned clanslnen; Scotland forever = r
-, verberated as from tho hearts we had le
= behind us; and 'Scotland forever T. 7
,.t echoed "Vic,ory" "Heavens!' added h
~ starting to his feet, and graspipg his staff,
~. the enthusiasm Of the past rushed back up
his soul ito have joined in that shout W
to live an eternity in the vibration Of a pc
ws duumr'
'ru In few moments the animated soul tn
gave eloquencs to his tongue drew its
'ur back into the chambers Of humanity. Al
IN resuming his seat upon the low wall, I
ere continued, 81 left my own regiment wi
l" l" the prospect Of West Indies; but ha
The heard nothing of my father-nothipg of I
NE understanding of her love-"
:. While he was yet speaking, the gra
- digger with pick axe and spade upon
=, shoulder. entered the ground. He approa'
W. ~" ed within few yards Of where we sat.
'"'' measured of narrow piece Of earth-it I
!" circled the stone which the soldier b
's'' thrown to mark out the burial place Of
-, 20 family. Convulsion rushed over the
v" tures of my companion; he shiversd-
""o grasped my arm-his lips quivered--
~~ ~~ breathing became short and lond.-the
"se sweat tricklsd from his temples. He spr
e. over the wall, and rushed toward the a
'e" aMnn !" he exclaimed in agony, "wt