Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-08-29

A CHAPTER IN REBEL wARFAR

A CHAPTER IN REBEL WARFARE
A lady Of the fret standing IL this city has
two sons in the rebel army IN Mississippi
A lady, when she Is determined, can accom-
psh almost anything, and will often sur
mount difficulties before which many brave
man wculd stand appalled, and turn back from
his purpose. This lady determined to visit
her two sons, as they could not visit their
parent, and, by some means or other. having
obtained passport, she crossed the line, and
made her way to the camp Of the Confederate
General under whose banner her sons were
serving. She was entertained at headquar
tiers. and found that the General and his staff
officers Jared sumptuously, living on the very
fiat Of the land But the common soldiers
had only bread and molasses for their fare.
1t so happened that while this lady was
with the Confederates, the time for which
certain Tennessee regiment had enlisted ex-
pred, and the soldiers, anxious to see wives
and little ones once more. began TO make prep
atations to start home. Who eau tell the
emotions " hich must throb at a soldiers heart
who has been in the front Of the thickost
battle, who has heard the rour and rattle Of
the cannon aud musketry, and seen his com
rades fall all around him, but who has been
miraculously preserved on the field Of carnage
Who can tell the emotions which must swell
his heart at the near prospect Of being well
coined to his home once more. and clasping
20 his arms the dear one who have occupied
bis thoughts day and night But it was not
to be so.
The brave men of this Tennessee regiment,
who mad been whole year in the service,
during which time one-half the number which
had started with them. flushed with health
md the hopes of victory had either fallen on
lne bloody field, or, sadder still, been pierced
~ the arrows Of slow and lingering disease,
caused by exposure and hardship, were not 20
be allowed the pleasure Of visiting their be-
loved homes The General in making his
daily rounds, and seeing the men of this regi-
ment busily engaged in making preparations
for their intended departure, inquired what
il meant and on being made acquainted with
their determination, be Immediately gave or
ders that not single man Of them should
leave his encampment The whole brigade or
division Of tho army was at once ordered
under arms cannon aud musketry were
brought to bear on this devoted regiment,
and they were told by the General, that un-
less they took up their arms, which they had
thrown down, within three minutes they
should be fred on. With death thus staring
them 10 the face, they obeyed the order to
take up their arms, all but eight. 1t was de
creed that these eight should be court-mar-
tailed and shot
Before the time came that the military court
was to be held, seven out of eight followed
the example OF their comrades. and agreed to
resume their arms One soldier alone re-
NAMED firm in his purpose one soldier alone
was willing to brave death rather than yield
To the despotic demands of tyrant.
He pleaded his own cause with all the fer
vor of which a soldier is carabe Said he to
his General, " | have served out The time for .
which | enlisted faithfully | have been in |
every battle; have been at all times at the .
post Of duty assigned me, in rain and sun
shine, in summer and winter. | have served |
and am willing TO serve my country. But, !
General, have a wife and four small chill
dren at home, who depend on me alone for
support and protection, and who have no one
besides me to look to their interests. Allow
me thirty days, the law allows furlough of
sixty days. but allow half that time to
visit my family. whom ! have not seen for
year and make some necessary arrangements
for their welfare, and promise to return
within that time and to take my former posi-
uon in my regiment. | Tan make but Just
and reasonable request. 1t is essential to the
welfare OF my family that you grant it. can
not enter the service again till have visited
my family" He was sentenced TO BE shot.
The decree was pronounced on Saturday, and
was to have been executed on the next day
the Sabbath suitable day for such a deed.
The soldier and hero, for he was a hero, and /
by far the brayest man In his regiment. asked |
Tor little longer time to make the prepara- |
zion necessary in order to enter into the
presence Of his God and the time was gra-
iously extended, one day, so that the SEN
.ence was executed on Monday instead of the
sabbath
When the fatal hour arrived, following his
coffin which was in full view, be was marched
Ca the place Of execution, and arrived there,
t1e General pointed him TO the new made
grave and commanded him to kneel down
lpun the margin Of that grave. The soldier
and martyr simply replied that he had never
kneeled to any but his Maker, and that he
could not consent to kueel now to a man.
As be said this the order was given to fire,
and in the act of making the sign of the
cross on his breast the martyr and soldier
was in eternity. But thcre were many, I'M
accustomed to weep, who shed bitter tears
on witnessing this tragedy.
We could wish that the account Just given
we're purely fiction. But it is given to us
for fact by lady Of this city, whose standing
in point of intelligence and responsibility no
one would question: and therefore we present
it as well authenticated fact
SOUND FEET FOR SOLDIERS.