Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1863-01-23

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incidents OF a Winters Night in Clyde.
'Tis sunset! calmly and beautifully the glori-
Gus orb of day gathers back from earth his scat
tered sunbeams and wrapping the sparkling
jewels in his golden chariot, rolls majestically
down the western sky, leaving only bright foot
prints on the brow ofeven. All calm and serene
nature sits brooding over our little village
The wintry storm has passed away, to leave earth
more beautiful than before its visitation, in its
spotless winters robe. Not signing blast of
rude winds but is hushed to repose. Slowly,
surely and very noiselessly, the great arms of
the past are reaching up to encircle in its nigh
ty bosom the events of the past week.
Happy faces and briskly flying feet are ira
versing our streets, all intent on the closing du-
ties of the week. Each countenance inspired
with hope, wears more than usually cheerful
smile; the reflection, perhaps, of the beautiful
garments which nature has vouchsafed in this
bright beginning of twilight hour, to at least one
winters night. The business-like air of our
streets receives new impetus as the evening
trains whistle their approach, and eager and ex-
pectant ones hasten to obtain the evening paper,
which shall bring word from the throbbing heart
of the nation, or TO clasp hands with some re-
turned member Of the household band.
Strangely contrasting is this throbbing pulse
of activity with the slow and measured steps of
a party of strangers, who alighting in our midst,
from the noisy car, convey sick, nay, dying
soldier to the waiting room Of the travellers de-
pot. But all unmindful the train whistles its
exit; the crowd disperses, and twilight drops
her curtain.
'Tis evening, and bright fires are cleaning on
many a hearthstone, around which gather the
han lF Ia al l..
the household. Home lights peer out from half
curtained windows, into the lovely night, and
merry peals Of laughter fill the heart with joy
as they give back the echo of dancing sleigh
bells, which tell of precious burdens of pleasure
seeking ones. But alas the beautiful smilines
of nature, nor these happy sounds from Joyous
hearts can hang the lamp of happiness on our
village walls might, for sorrow, too deep for
utterance is among US. In the waiting room of
our railroad depot lays the sick stranger; the
beloved son; the patriotic soldier, who scarce
five months ago pressed his mothers hand, fare
well, and left home, aud friends, and ALTO do
his countrys service Over his wasted form
bends an aged father who, for the last six weeks
has watched his darling son wasting away under
the slow, bn, sure destroyer, pyphod, in the dis
tant city of Nashville; and at last losing all hope
of his recovery, grants the peer boys dying
prayer; takes his beloved one and turns his
steps homeward, that the mothers blessing if
possible, may be received before death claims
him forever But Tonight within ten miles OF
home, he can go no farther. The mother comes
in obedience to the sad telegram which sum
moned her, and bends with unutterable agony,
to catch his dying words, but reason has taken
its fight and allthat is left for the bereaved pa
rents, is TO watch the struggling taper of life
through this winters night away from the
comforts of home, until it shall be extinct.
They cannot cast away the bitter cup, but must
drain it slowly TO the dregs God be with them.
'Tis midnight the week has gone pleasure
seeking ones, the light of youth, health had hap
piness upon their brows, have returned to hap
py homes in Joy, all unmindful, because all ig-
norant OF the great wall of sorrow which has
gone up from our midst tonight. The spirit Of
the stranger has departed; the tears and siehs O.
aching hearts could not restrain 1t; but alone II
has this niggt walked forth, through the shad.
ows of the vale of DEATH to meet its God and re.
ceive the reward due the noble patriot, whose
life is laid as jewel upon the altar of his coun.
| try. At this midnight hour the lifeless form i,
being conveyed to his late home in Flat Rock
while the parents are keeping silent vigil owe
their precious trust, their hearts baptized il
overfOwing waters ofgrief We know them not
not even their names. but sympathy has draw
our heart very close to them, and we offer, at th
silent, midnight hour, a prayer that God will
support them, and bring them out of this Rrea
trial purified, as if by FIRE, that he will conside
this their sacrifice enough, and grant their re
naming son, wounded in the late battle at Muir
freesboro, speedy return to health, and guidinl
him safely through the perls Of war, preserv
him TO be the blessing Of their old age.
But It's midnight and let the curtain dror
When morning comes aud the recital is made I
Our loving homes, all hearts will ache with sym
pathy and blessings lave already descended 0
those whose privilege it was to minister 10 th
; sufferers wants while among us.
sOJoURNER.
CLYDE, Saturday, Jan. II, 1863