Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-05-02
Mtsrell


that OF health the eyes we're undimmcd, and only
the position Of his hands in almost spasmodic
dghtness, told that he was in pain He was un-
usually noble in countenance. His brow was broad
and fair and the thick locks that clustered back
from the temples curled like the ringlets OF a boy
lie knew not why but the chaplain experienced an
unusual and sudden sympathy for this young man.
struck down in his beauty still he felt there was
no immediate danger in his case.
"How is he wounded ~ he asked Of the sur
goon, as the two approached the bed softly.
"ln the right side, below the ribs was the
reply.
lis he in danger;"
30, no that is, not at present The case may
take bad turn, TO be sure but it looks very well
now. Charles he added addressing the sick
man iamiliarly, the chaplain is going the rounds
would you like 10 see him 2"
20, certainly exclaimed the young man, smil-
ing Il am very glad to see him;' and he held
out his hand His voice was strong and ringing
as with the highest health his clasp was vigorous
II am sorry to find you wounded, my friend
said the chaplain.
''Ob, only the casualty of war; we must some
Of US expect it, you know
do you suffer much?
AT times. sir, very severely feel so WE'LL
only the distress here y and he pressed his hand
TO his side
You will beup soon, hope"
Il trust 50, sir; the doctors say it is bad
had my mother here She has heard Of it, and
doubtless, started before this. 1t will seem so
comfortable to see herr You don't know how
long for her"
All mothers, you are first thought OF when the
hardy soldiers feel the pang of pam. 1t is your
name he calls, your form he sees through the msts
of dellrum, your voice he hears IN every gentle
word that is spoken He knows whose touch will
be- tenderest, through the sympathy Of suffering,
be knows who has borne the most for him and on
the tented field the holy name of mother receives
fresh baptism of love and beauty
81 can imagine how YOU feel said the chabain,
and | have no doubt you will see her soon.
Meanwhile, you know there is friend who will be
70 YOU more than mother father, sister or
brother"
IL realize that, sir, said the young man 81
am professor OF religion, and have been for
years. When was shot. at and before, ! com
mended my soul to Him for life or death but
confess have much to live for. ! am perfectly
willing to die
ut may be for the reason that You arc not vet
called to die" replied the chaplain 'but in life.
you konw, ii is the one important thing to be pre-
pared for death"
After short PRAYER, the minister and the sick
man parted. He seems very strong and
guine,n he said. as he met the surgeon again,
' and likely to recover
"No doubt Of it, sir, no doubt" was tho hasty
reply Of the surgeon, as he passed on.
The hour Of midnight had struck from the great
hall Slowly and solemly it knelled the departing
moment, and its echo rolled through the halls Vi
brating on many ear that would never hear the
sound OF the striking hours again. The chaplain
still sat up IN his own room, writing letters for
three or four of the wounded soldiers and stran-
&c stiffness fell around him, as he closed the last
sheet and sat back with folded hands to think
He could not tell why. but do what and 90 where
he thp ~ tbo I'll
whom he had spoken last, haunted him. He arose
to move 10 the window where the breeze was cooler
when a knock was heard at the door, and rapid
voice called Chaplain r. He hurried to lift the
latch The surgeon stood there, looking like
shadow in the thin moonlight that crept into the
passage,
Chaplain sorry to disturb YOU, and more sorry
still to give you unpleasant duty to perform
why, what is it n was the quick rcionder
1.-The tine young fellow whom you talked with
is goiRg'
Wont live an hour, or two at the most
tried TO tell him, but | couldn't; and finally |
thought of you. You can ease it, you know "
great shadow fell on the chaplain for a mo-
ment he was stunned and choked and his voice
grew husky as he made reply
at is sad errand, but none the less my duty
Poor fellow! | can't realize it, indeed cannot.
Ills voice was so strong his manner so natural
I'll be there presently And left alone, he threw
himself upon his knees to wrestle for strength in
prayer
The atmosphere filled with low signs from
the strugglers with pain and disease. Going softly
up to the couch at which he had stood before, the
chaplain gazed upon the face before him IL
looked as calm as that Of a sleeping infant, but he
did not sleep. Hearing slight noise, his ewes
hew open and rested in some surprise upon the
chaplain.
81 felt as i must see you again before re-
ured SAID the latter striving to steady his voice.
How do You feel now?n
"Oh- better, thank you in fact almost well
The pain IS gone, and | feel quite hopeful Il
rather think the surgeon does though he said
nothing
Again that fearful swelling in the chaplain's
throat How should he tell him of his danger
no" prepare the mind so calmly resting on almost
n certalntY--thp nnor hopef,,l col IL. 4