Pomeroy weekly telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio) 1860-1866, 1861-11-08
all preferred the places of comparative

/ ali PreIerreu tne places OF compare tive
security. r
/ But in this many of them were gre
viously disappointed. Instead of Sc
lecting from these the required number
Captain Smelling ordered them few
Epaees in front of the main body of the
guard, and calling out successfully the
posts beyond, inquired who of them
would offer their services.
| Still there were volunteers, but not
so many. And as the posts became
more and more remote, the number
steadily diminished. At length he
Preached the post in advance, and no one
offered.
"This is the post of danger" said
the general, after waiting a few mo-
ments. But it is also the post of honor
He who fills it with credit shall have
my appreciation.
There was an impulsive movement in
the ranks, like as of an electric shock
but no one volunteered. Many were
ready to incur any ordinary danger for
the cause they had espoused, but fo1
the sake of friends or families, valued
their lives too much to sacrifice them
merely for the reputation of unequaled
bravery.
"There is not man among you who
would not 60 if designatedl'' said the
general, not little chagrined; "yet !
should be afraid to trust the post to one
who went under compulsionr'
1t was this consideration that induced
the general to choose his pickets from
such as voluntarily proffered their SER
vices. For on several previous occa-
sions, the outmost picket had been
transfxed with Indian arrows, and
found dead the next day. No one
could hope to occupy the post without
extraordinary vigilance, and escape
with his life
Captain said the general presently,
"you will have to seek elsewhere for a
picket such as the occasion requires.
''ln my own company" replied cap
tain Smelling, with slight show of
! pride, Il think there is man in every
way equal to the emergencyr'
"Good!" exclaimed the general, de-
lighted. "Leth be summoned at once!"
Accordingly, a messenger was dis
patched for the soldier, and he soon
after made his appearance.
He was tall, slender, stripping, but
erect and manly, with frank, intelli-
gent countenance, and bold brown
eye, that fairly sparkled with the fire
of intrepidity. And such was Spread
eagle in his youth.
"Joe, - said Captain Smelling, II have
sent for you at the request of General
Wayne, who wants brave man to un-
dertake dangerous duty"
Il shrink from no duty, however
dangerous replied the soldier, proudly.
My officers have but to command me!
'That is precisely what they will not
do!'' remarked the general. "Any good
soldier will obey the command of his
officer. wish man to do a service
which / shall order no one to perform
The service must be voluntarily!'
Il am a soldier, sir!' replied the
stripping. you have but to show me
in what way 1 can serve my country
pause not to consider personal conse-
quence!'
"Well spokenr' said the general,
pleased with the spirit which the young
man evinced.
The latter stood still, ANXIOUS to learn
the service which he was expected to
perform. ..s -
"Lt is the post of danger" added the
general, "and the danger is imminent
"What is the service?,' inquired the
soldier, indifferently.
ITO stand on the front pickett an
swered the general, scrutinizing the
young mans countenance as if he would
judge of his courage beforehand.
Wayne seldom mistook human char
acter; and in an instant more, he knew
precisely how far he might trust in the
valor Of the youthful volunteer.
The cheek of the latter blanched a
little, and there was nervous twitching
about the mouth, and briny moisture
in his eye, when the duty was announced
for he regarded the danger in con,
neetion with the helpless future of an
aged couple whose only hope, in theil
second childhood, was the strong arm
and determined Will Of their brave sol
dler son. -..-.....
But the emotion vas instantaneous
like sudden flash of lght-so quick
as scarcely to be perceptible, and sc
quickly followed by another. that many
doubted the evidence Of their own senses
There stood the young man, erect and
firm, with flashing eye, compressed
lips, and strong fingers tightened about
his gun, like the jaws of q vice. Pre-
sently, his lips unclosed, and the tone OF
his voice, as much as his manner,
vinced his determination,
Il am readyr'
"You are noble boy!'' said the gene
raj, feeling the truth of his compliment,
and regarding the young man at the mo
ment as little else than chosen sacrifice.
The young man made no answer, but
his big, brown eyes sparkled with de-
light. ..... ...
You understand what is expected OF
your continued the general.
81 think l do replied the volunteer.
"1ou have served as a picket oefore?''
"Repeatedly."
The general mused moment, and
then added: ..
"Much-perhaps everything, may de-
pend upon your courage and caution
a needless alarm is to be avoided next
to surprise, for though no actual in
jury followed, it would disturb the re-
pose of the soldiery, and render them
unfit for the struggle tomorrow.
Il shall follow your orders strictly!'
said the young man.
Right, sir!'' returned the command
ant. "Challengs three times before
you fire. Be certain that any noise you
hear is not caused by the wind or the
wing of a nioht-bird. And If it be