Winchester journal. [volume] (Winchester, Indiana) 1862-1863, 1863-10-09


Many night had be talked to her
there. as now, with a strange sense
of nearness-a full belief in the COM
munion of their souls.
"1ou are not here, I know. and
yet | know you hear me. l am 90
ing away tomorrow, Gods soldier
and yours. Give me your blessing.
Constance, and pray for me, YOU who
have already seen the Fathers face,
that | may do my work without fall
tering, and the end may come soon. y
1t was but q dream of his own
overwrought fancy, but he seemed to
see cloud draw near, from which a
face looked-a white, sweet face, sad
with waiting, yet glorifed with i'm
mortal hope. And be seemed to hear
voice, which said:
go forth, my beloved, and do
your work. Soon will. the struggle
be over, and the reward is long and
sure.
For an instant he seemed to see
the smile upon her face, the look of
faithful love in the immortal ewes
Then, when he stretched out his arms
towards it, the cloud seemed to melt
into the white moonlight: not even
an echo of the voice filed the Sep
tember air; he was alone with the
night.
lie went away next day to join his
regiment, one which had already seen
hard service. There was in him the
true mettle Of q soldier. His day
might be short-he would be busy
while it lasted. Besides, | think he
liked his grim work. He was always
to be found among the volunteers for
any desperate service; in many
fierce charge he led the van, with
his bright, fair hair, glittering gold
enly in the sunlight, and a blue CLINT
in his eyes. lie was never wound
ed-nothing happened TO disable him
from his duty; he had refused well
earned promotion, and once, when a
true comrade who marched always
by his side, had asked him the rea-
son why, he sadly answered:
Because | shall be here such a
little while"
Il thought you volunteered for
three years, heard that you came
in place of nine months man, but
that you chose to enlist for longer
time and join an old regiment"
There was no answer TO the in
quiring tone which made question
of this remark. and Stephen Chase,
who understood his con.fade too well
to press the point, was as much paZ-
lied IS ever.
He comprehended it all the better
the night before Fredericllsburg.-
They sat together on a stone, little
way from their tent For a while
both had been thinking silently of
what the dawn was to bring.
at will be tough fight Chase
finally said
You may well say So Ash
Thornycroit answered. at is a ter
rlhle responsibility to assume, that
of leading men TO such certain de
strnction; and yet, If we can but win
the victory. There is hardly man
but what would be willing to sell his
life for that. 1t is the only regret
have in going in, that shall never
know which side conquers."
Nonsense, man, don't get blue
after seeing so much blood split as
you have, and coming out Of SO ma
ny hard bouts scarless.
1T was not my time hitherto. 1t
is now. ! shall 90 into the field
more ioyfully than tired children ev-
or went home. have only one wish.
Ii YOU push through alive, take care
OF my body | want to be buried at
nome, beside grave that was made
last March in the Westville church
yard. You must send me to my
father. David Thornycroft, " estville,
Connecticut. Here it is written
down for you Papers left at home
explaining my wishes will be sufli-
cient for the rest.
His manner carried conviction at
least of his own faith in his fore
warning, but Stephen Chase tried to
shake it Off
Il never knew presentiment to
come true in my life" he said stur-
dilv. "You will talk over the battle
field twenty four hours from now"
Thornycroft only smiled. as he
said: ado YOU promise what ! ask,
Stephen? Will you send my body to
my father. if it is in your power to
protect it"
"Yes, for your satisfaction prom
ise. | shall not say goodbye,
though
They were toiling up the hill that
fatal afternoon. side by side. when
suddenly Thornvcroft looked round
with kindling eyes to his comrade.
He stretched out his hand with a
smile which the other will never for
get if he lives till his hair is white.
Good bye, Stephen:
The next instant he fell heavily.
\ rebel shot had given him his death
wound.
With cxcrtions which would seem
incredible. if ! should relate them.