The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-02-17
The Dying Soldier.
A TRUE STORY.

|
WAN flushed with u hue like that OF health
bis ewes were undimmed, and only the posi-
tim Of his hands, which were thrown over
his head and locked in almost spasmodl
tightness, told shat he was In pain. tic wa
unusually noble in counteuance. His brow
WAS broad and fair and the thick locks tina
clustered back igom the temples curled like
the ringIe,s Of u boy. He knew not why
but the chaplain experienced an unusual anc
sudden sympathy io- this young man, struch
down in his beauty ; still he telt that there
was no immediate danger in his case.
How is he wounded 2 ne asked oil the
surgeon, as the two approached the bed soft.
~.
In the right side, below the ribs was
the reply.
is he in DANGER p
%! no that is, not at present. The
case may take a bad turn, to be sure but it
looks very we'll now Charles he added,
addressing the sick man, familiarity, the
chaplain is going the rounds would you
like to see him ?
'O certainly exclaimed the young man
smiling am very glad to see him : and
he held out MS hand. His voice was strong
and ringing, y, with the highest health !; his
clasp was vigorous.
L am sorry to find you wounded, my
friend said tAo chaplain.
%. only the casualty Of war we must
some oil us expect it, you know
DO Won suffer much !
AT times, sir, very severely; L ieel SO
well, only the distress here,' and he pressed
his hand to his side.
You will be up soon, hope.
Il trust 50 sir !; the doctors say it is d bad
wound, but will yield with care. l onl y wish
had my mother here. She has heard Of it
and doubtless started before this. 1t will
seem SO comfortable to see her you don't
know how long for her.
All mothers, you are first thought OF when
the hardy soldier feels the pang Of pain. 1t
is your name he calls, your form be sees
through the mists Of deGrium, your voice he
hears IN every gentle word that is spokcn.-
He knows whose touch will be tenderest,
through hcsympathy of suffering he knows
who has borne the most for him ; and on the
tened field, the holy name of mother receives
fresh baptism OF love and beauty.
can imagine how you feel, said the chap.
lain and l have no doubt you will see her
soou. Meanwhile you know there is u Friend
WHO will be to you more than mother, or
father, sister or brother
realize that sir said the young man
: am u professor of religion, and have been
for years. When | was first shot, aye, and
before, commended my soul to Him for life
or death but [ confess nave much to live
tor. l an. not brought yet where | am per-
ieotiy willing 10 die
1t may be Tor the reason that YOU are not
yet called to die replied the chaplain but
IN life you know it IS the one important thing
to he prepared for death
After short prayer, the minister and the
sick man parted. He seems very strong
and sanguine, he said, as he met the surgeon
again, and likely to recover
No doubt Of it, sir, no doubt ) was the
hasty sepIy ci the surgeon, as he passed on.
The hour of midnight had struck from the
great hall. Slowly and soemny it kneled
the departing moments, and its echo rolled
through the halls, vibrating Oh many an ear
that would never hear the sound of the stri.
king hours again. The chaplain still sat up
IN his own room, writing letters for three or
four OF the wounded soldiers, and strange
stiffness fell around him as be closed the last
sheet and sat lack with folded hands to think.
lie could not tell why, but DO what he would
and 90 where he would, the face of the young
volunteer with whom be had spoken last
haunted him. He arose to move to the win
dow where the breeze was cooler, when a
knock was heard at the door, and rapid
voice called, Chaplain y He hurried to
lift the latch. The surgeon stood there look.
ing like shadow in the dim moonlight that
crept iuto the passage.
Chaplain, sorry 10 disturb you, and more
sorry still to give you an unpleasant duty to
perlorln.'
Why, what is it p was the quick reioin.
der.
The fine young fellow whom you talked
with is gong
What you DO not mean -
Won't live an hour, or two, ut the most.
l tried TO tell him, but couldn't; and finally
| thought OF you. You can ease it, you
know
y great shadow Tel! on the chaplain for :.
moment he was stunned and choked, and his
voice grew husky US be made reDlv.-