The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-06-17

the short but bloody battle of Chantila
and his guardian angel was ever with
him here.
At last, after series of long and weary
marches, we arrived opposite Frederioks
burg and crossed the Rappahannock tc
attack the rebel Lee in his we'll chosen
position. AS well might the oceans
wave attempt to uproot the ledge from
its solid foundation as for the Union
troops to dislodge the myriad troops Of
the South from their natural advantages
improved by art; and our regiment, like
all others that attacked at this point, was
hurled back, though more than half its
numbers were left dead and dying amidst
the tangled briars.
Lieutenant Cnrtis' conduct here was
ever, as it had been, full of dash and gal,
lantry, and many an evidence did he have
to show Of his escapes from instant death.
A button on the side of his cap vas clip.
ped by rife ball; another passed thro'
his vizor ana brought the blood trickIing
from his shoulder.
The Adjutant Of the regiment was
berne bleeding from the field, and Lieu
tenant Curtis was called to Eli his place
Every one knows how the battle termi-
mated, and Of cur re-crossing the river
under cover of night, and, once across, we
.retraced our steps to our old camps, and
quietly settled down. Lieuten8nt Cur
It's merits were again noticed, and he was
promoted to the next grade.
/ A few months passed away, when Gen
eral Hookers' furlough order was issued,
and our hero concluded to visit the city
he had left SO suddenly. The two years
he had spent in the service had improved
his appearance, and the black noustache
seemed indispensable to bis gay uniform.
Coed report had, Of course, preceded
him, and when he FASTENED back to Maine
his old acquaineances received him with
open arms and many congratulations
But be had not yet seen his Helen.
A Sabbath evening, quiet, pleasant,
clear and cool, overspread the little city
of R. The stars shone out brightly
and half-grown moon gave mellow
Iightness to the night, that instiiled the
best Of spirits into the promenaders.
( On this night William Curtis, with
varied emotions in his heart, bent his
( footsteps toward the printers house. He
had faced the deadly balls of the enemy
: in many battle with less fear than that
which now possessed him and made his
heart futter and beat against his bosom.
But bad he not won an honorable name ?
Absorbed in his own deep thoughts,
and in quandary as to how he should be
received, he reached the printers gate
way. The pull that he gave the door
bell, and the audible tinkle, made his
heart leap to his mouth and almost to
choke him but by powerful effort, he
regained his composure.
4 few moments passed, the door swung
open-and there stood all that William
loved. A mutual gaze transfxed both a:
but twas only Of a moments duration,
and then Helen, with cry If JOY, threw
herself into the arms of Lim-the only
man she ever loved.
Before the cheerful coal FIRE in the
parlor they were soon seated, and their
souls were SO full Of happiness and words
to speak that tongues were found too dull
TO express what each would say. His
struggles for her sake, his faithfulress
and her secret devotion for the long two
years, were soon spoken.
"And now." said William, taking her
hand iu both of his, "have not shown
you the depth of my affection? Can yop
not trust me But the suferiDgs Of the
past are nothing and are entirely forget
ten in the joys Of the present. And yet
there remains one sweeter delight for you
to give. Can you not guess it? Oh,
dearest Helen, say that for this poor heart
yours is given IN return-that you Will
be my Helen, my wife!'
The small white hand was not with
drawn, but lay trembling in Williams
grasp, and, amid choking emotions, she
murmured,
Take mel am yours forever"
Half an hour after door opened, and
Heien's father and mother entered the.
room. They advanced and cheerfuIly
welcomed the young man to their home
and when William frankly told them that
he had returned to claim Helen for his
bride, and that be needed but their con-
sent, they could not find it in their hearts
to say no and the old gentleman, placing
his hands upon the heads Of his two chill
dren, gave them his blessing and bene-
dlc.ion.
A lady, on giving q sixpeuce to beg