Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1861-11-22
The Soldier,s Gratitude.

Mity.
some few weeks before the grand engagement
Of the Federal forces with the rebels at Manas-
sas Regiment Of Western troops (the First
Michigan, we think-three months men)-pas-
sed through this place on the Q. d T. Railroad,
for Washington. At Norwalk, while change
oflocornotyes was being made, the soldiers were
greeted by the citizens Of that beautiful village
who had congregated at the depot in large num-
bcrs Refreshments were rendered, kind, en-
couraging, patriotic words were spoken, which
will never be forgotten by the soldiers to whom
they were addressed
In that great throng who viewed with admra-
ton the devotion to the Union and the Flag, by
the volunteers, was little, lame girl, whose mis-
fortune caused her to shrink to the outside Of the
bustling crowd. Her face was all animation,
her eyes were alive with the patriotic spirit
which struggled in her breast. As she gazed
along the line, she singled out young soldier
and rendered him a sweet bouquet of flowers
He took it, and thanked her kindly; telling her
ne should treasure it for her sake, and, adding
you may hear from hagain," stepped aboard the
train, which, amid hurrahs, and the waving Of
hands, and the unuterable heart -breathings of
such an occasion cannot be expressed, swiftly
sped away.
The citizens dispersed. The troops reached
their destination. Other troops came, and simi
lar scenes were repeated wherever the brave and
patriotic volunteers passed. This little incident
was forgotten, and perhaps by those who wit
messed it, has scarce been recalled in their
thoughts. Even the young lady thought no
more of it--save that she gave bouquet to q
soldier-what triAe in this busy world, aud in
life time
There was one who had not forgotten the gift
or the giver. The flowers were all treasured
with a msers care. There was fragrance in
them which none but the young soldier could
perceive. Each blossom shall bear fruit
In Paradise they'll bloom.
Soon came the words,-"Forward to Rich
mond" BY the route is Manassas. Bull Run,
with its masked batteries and three score thou
sand rebels contest the way. In that sanguin-
airy conflict, on the peaceful Sabbath day, how
many brave good men shed their blood for the
perpetuity of their country and the rights of
human nature" Where the battle was hottest
masked their bristling cannon, there the Fed.
eral soldiers showed their bravery and drov,
traitors back. Like their revolutionary sres
they struck for freedom and humanity, agains
tyranny and oppression. In the thickest of the
carnage of death was our brave, young soldier
, He had won the admrHtion Of his comrades by
his deeds of daring and heroism. Rebels fell
before his unerring aim, and his soul began to
feel that victory would be decided in our behalf.
= "Onwardl brave boys is the command -
A sheet of FIRE CLEANS in front Another bat
terry opens brazen throats, from which leap forth
sulphurous thunders and messengers of death.
Through ranks of living men crashes the solid
iron and bursting shell. Like the lightning s
glare, the Federal troops are swept down by
it. Scores of valiant men, who the moment be-
: fore were driving the enemy before them, now
lay CHASTITY, dead; and others writhing in the
, pangs ofdepartng life. Our brave volunteer il
mortally wounded. His comrades raise anC
, bear him to the rear; and as his life-bloo eb
out spiritual strength sustains his soul, and th
incense of withered flowers s fragrance in hi
: memory, "Quick, comrade! hear mel TAX
d my Bible--precious book-and my portmoni
with all its contents, and when you return hom
stop at Norwalk Ohio, and give them to little
lame girl who gave me bouquet when we pas
sed through there; give them to her with my
kindest regards and dying blessing. Otter
have l thought of her sweet face, and fondly
hoped to tell her how her kind words cheered
my heart. May God bless her richly In my
Bible pressed the flowers she gave me. De
5 liver them to none but her Comrade adieu.
The soldier was dead. His body rests under tn,
turf Redeemed by his blood.
Soon after this memorable Sabbath conflic
the Regiment returned. The faithful guardian
d of the dead comrades bequest inquired at Nor
walk for the little, lame girl. He was told by
: by stander that he knew her and would delive
any thing that he wished The soldier reptile
he had a message and package to deliver, bu
could not confde it to any other than her H
u could not then stay, but proceeded with hi
Regiment.
A few weeks passed and he returned to reo
the army on the Potomac. He stopped an
n sought out the young lady. He asked her
:. she rendered giving bouquet 10 .soldier?-
v ohc Sf'iu sHCu Cu". lHoh WIN heinuiOuh WOTC
she enquired of his welfare The soldier i
compliance with his dying comrades I'M junction
y placed in her hands the packet containing the
y BILE and portmonie, containing sixty dollars
% gold. Few words were spoken. Tears sacrt
a tears, to the memory of the brave soldier we
= shed by this young girl who never saw hi
but once and then but moment
ID True words spoke the soldier You may he
Is from ii again. The flowers she had cultivate
Is had picked aud formed into bouquet, had pls
, ed in a strangers hand; came back to her agai
:, after so many weeks. They came bringing so
row and grief; but their leaves and petals wi
ever retain their fragrance and to her be pric,
y less treasure. The soldiers Bible had guide
J. him to the cross Walk, dear maiden, in ii
p same pathway and by that holy light, and tn
slain patriot and the little lame girl shall gre,
each other at Gods thrOne,-in that blessed Ian
r where they learn war no more.
Marshal Nyce arrested two men in OF
village Wednesday, who were offering
sell Government Clothing. They prove
to be deserters from the eth at Toledo.
An officer sent from there, took them bac
u to Toledo.
!, On Wednesday the weather moderate
ir and the ground has thawed out again.