Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1863-02-19
Written for the Newsdealer.
THE DYING SOLDIER.

Patriot, and gazed upon the CLASSY eye,
the faded cheek, and emaciated frame the
wreck of what was once noble, brave and
stalwart man. If not, you cannot form
even vague idea of suffering grief and
heart-rending pathos. 1t has been the
part of the writer to witness suffering and
death, in many forms, connected with
those noble men who have 50 gallantly
gone forth to do battle for our country.
Never shall l forget the many scenes of
death time cannot oblitcrate from my
mind the hard struggles for life which |
have seen when death claimed and seized
its victim. Of one young man remem-
ber in particular. I have seen him often
when the bloom of health illumed his
full cheek and noble brow so blithe and
gay. First in rank, and first in the sports
of the camp. Fear he knew not The
boom of cannon, the rattle Of musketry
the clash of tempered steel, joined with
bloody conflict, was music in his ears.
Refined gentlemanly and intelligent, he
was beloved and sought after by all. His
scanty ration was often divided with a
hungry comrade. Many weary and faint
ing soldier received draught from his
canteen, as he passed him by, and when
his fellows tired beneath their long march,
and heavy burden, I have seen him car
ry guns for three. Always reported for
duty, and always detailed. The Picket
and reconnaissance were his pastime. l
saw him one morn leave camp gaily sing
ing proud national air, for picket duty.
The sun never rose more beautiful than
on that morn. A balmy soothing breeze
waved the majestic pine toward the north,
and every thing bespoke pleasant and
I merry time for the picket. As they filed
down the long avenue out of sight, their
, feet were made light by the "girl left
behind me-" being discoursed by prac.
, ticed band. Little do we know what a
day will bring forth. That afternoon
, dark and ominous clouds were seen hov.
8 ering around the western horizon, aud
weather prophets talked loudly of rain.
q That evening the taps were scarcely sound.
: ed, when burst of rain fell upon the
= earth, such as Vermont seldom witnesses
The heaviest tents were soon drenched
I That night many brave thought of home
!. and it's pleasant associations. The storm
] abated but little till near morning, when
lit slackened, and sleety snow commenced
y falling fast The neighing Of horses min.
:. lgled with the curses of wicked men, but
plainly told the suffering of that night
Mud in generous profusion covered the
% ground and ran in soldiers shoes. For those
who remained in camp it was hard But
to those who passed the dreary watch oi
II the night, on the lonely beat, with fire.
lock secured, it was harder still. No rude
- tent served them for covering, and the on
q ly sound which saluted their ears was the
n relief. The next day I saw them return
i A striking contrast to those who passed
e out the day before. Covered with mud
from crown to sole. ! saw my friend a'
; he passed by to his quarters. I readily
is perceived change; his step was faltering
n his voice hoarse and cultural, his clothes
v drenched and frozen. He passed me, look
ed up, smiled and said "a hard time
It hard time"
10 The next morning the sick-list was in
is creased by many. On inquiry ! found
n my friend to be among the number. Or
r the following day called on him, anc
n found him in his tent reclining upon ;
n rude cot. He caught my hand and shool
it heartily. His pulse beat fast, and {
,e flush lit up his cheek. Iquickly saw hi
D, condition. Although he appeared ligh
10 and joyous, it was all assumed. The fe
% yer was written plain on his cheek, ant
his pulse were willing telegraphs of tn,
same feared he would be confined fo
Ut season, and told him 80. At this b,
rs laughed, and replied that had growl
70 womanish Of late.
in The next day he was removed to tn
le hospital with burning fever full at work
IN ou1 ~ ono he c,,foraI Co.. MANY MANN lnu,