Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1862-12-05

ueWS VI tnS iUis " Dutnlcr, tnAt UeOTRe came
homo at the close of an April day, and as
usual the question Of news was broached,
and George told Ms of the departure of our
noble Seventh Regiment FOR Washington, al
80 that his regiment Was to lsave on Sunday
for the same destination. ~... .....''
e /" Charlotte asked, in assumed playfulness,
il he would 20. He replied in the siiirma.
tive. and twas then the young bride knew
her first sorrow. ,,. ..'... ...'.' ....s ....+..
- = The -ventful Sunday came, day that
will never be forgotten in this city. On that
morning I parted with my only child in this
room for the last time. | never saw him
again. a,.... .ss. ..,.s. ..................
"a" " Time wore on. and almost daily came let
.crs from George breathing words Of comfort,
and assuring US that his term of service wo'd
soon expire and home again would soon
greet our ears, as his manly form pearcd
our old abode Of comfort -. ...s.
Spring time had passed away and sum.
mer had fully crowned the trees with foji.
age; the atmosphere grew close and snltry,
and many were the prayers that were offered
up in behalf Of our soldiers who were march
ing under burning sun, and on dusty roads,
or parhaps facing a traitorous foe, exposed to
showers of lead sent on its deadly mission by
no unpracticed hands. . 10y
Fell disease now entered our dwelling and
fastened on our favorite flower. Oh, how |
watched the tender plant; but alas the f.
yer settled on the brain and the second week
in July the soul Of Charlotte winged its way
t., that spirit land above where all is ioy mn.
speakable and partings never come.
1T was some moments before Mrs, s.
| was able to resume her narrative.
~ wrote to George" she resumed, "but
mover received any answer p" ...''
II was sitting BY my window one lovely
moonlight Sabbath evening about a week
after Charlottc's death, when 7 was startled
by the cries of the newsboys of a great battle
in Virginia. and a terrible slaughter among
the New York regiments. The next day
brought tidings Of the battle Of Manassas
and few days brought the list Of names, in
the daily newspapers OF the killed. wound
cd, and MISSING. Among the latter was
George S.. - .a. '
On, the agony Of that announcement, ia
| me! No one but mother can know 9
moth RS h art centercd upon an only child
For days l walked alternately my room and
the streets in despair: at times ALMOST I'm.
seating my reason, and tortured hy a two.
fold bereavement. Sleep forsook nv eve.
lids and the suspense of not knowing ,ht
fate Of my son, paralyzed nv very action
In few days the regiment returned, bu,
no George came to me; crowds thr ongctl
| broadway and cheers welcomed the return
OF the battle Scared soldiers, as their mutt
lated colors were unfoldcd to the gaze of an
excited and apprecative multitude. ...j
The next day soldier came to the door
he wore the uniform that told silent tale OF
grief 10 me. As the poor fellow asked 70,
Mrs. S---the tears rolled down his sun
burnt cheeks. He who had faced death un
moved now wept like a child In n fcv
words he related his sad tale.
'GeOrge received my letter informing him
of his wife's death on Sunday, at Ceptervillc
IN Virginia, the day before the battle
Calmly and silently he received the shock
add tolds his comrades that he would be with
ner, never more to separate; confding to
his comrade this charge to see his mother
should he survye) and to tell her that his
last prayer was for her and his native land
The following morning found his regi
ment on the battle field Of Manassas; there
in the thickest Of the carnage, a rifle bullet
pierced his breast, and he fell fighting be-
meath the flag of his country. They raised
Ills head, and as the life blood oozed from his
acerated breast, he exclaimed. "Pm going
Mother Charlotte - and died IN his com.
radc's arms. ..... ..
They looscned his coat. and found near
his heart locket containing a miniature of
his wife and mother, his blood saturating
these Dcmcntocs OF his affection. When
my eyes rested on that treasure | swoonc.
When rscollcctions recalled me to the re
atty the l"cket lay upon the table, and the
soldier was gone.
"Ofa truth, sir" concluded the widow
"minc has been life Of sorrow. Nv father
died from his wounds received at I.undy's
Lane, in the war with England. NV hus-
band, an offi'.er in the United States army,
fr!l at Chapu'tepcc. And my only son has
yielded up his life on the altar Of his country,
sacrifice to freedom" 7--
Rrad.r whenever the wind moans through
the leaf|ess branches. and the snow drifts
through the silent streets and you draw near
the cheerful lire, and gathered around it are
the several members Of the home circls,-
think as your children Chamber on your knee,
OF that lonely hearthstonc, and the widows
trials. ht1 #i".9 .t'F"s@a'5. '''' ~73#3+S
y oag Avoiding = Dun s...arsa