The Iowa transcript. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1858-1866, 1863-01-15
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THURSDAY Il.

another bullet in his back which pierced
the left lung and passed ont through the
breast.
With great difficulty he crept away
into tent and wrote into his mutllated
memorandum book stating his situation.
in the hope that it might by some means
get to his mother.
He knew by the firing that his friends
we're rctreating and the enemy advanc'
ing, and soon found himself fsurr ounded
by the hated gray rebel uniforms.
| Seeing an officer wearing the badge
Of . General, he seized his musket and
made q desperate effort to "cover' him,
but failed through utter weakness. It
was fortunate that in the heat and flush
Of fsncied victory, the rebels were too
busy to notice him. In speaking Of it
afterwards he was asked "didn't you
know they wonld have torn you in
pieces ?" "Yes', he replied smiling,
"but l thought it would be grand ex-
change"
Who can tell what he felt, as faint
and bleeding, he saw the fierce human
tide rush past which was bearing his
friends and flag, farther and farther
away. A few exultant towards stopped
to insult him, and many rebels, wounded
like himself crept into and shared the
tent with him. But there was no sym
pathy in their snfferings, nething but
angry reproachcs and snllen defiance.
At length the day wore away, and With
it the dim of death, Jong, cool blessed
rain refreshed the fevcred thousands
who lay bleeding on the field, and
washed the crimson etains from those
who blcd and suffered no more.
Never was morning more fearfnlly
heralded than that which followed. On
came the sturdy sons Of the west, "death
or victory ,hrobbing in every heart &
flashing from every eye, the crashing
thunder of the artillery doomed louder
and louder, higher and darker rose the
sulphnrous canopy, until the tide cf
battle again rushed past and our weak
and famished soldier was once more
among friends.
We may not dwell here upon his
comrades Kindness, suffice it, that all
that can be done upon the battle field,
was done for him. He was tenderly
borne to the waiting steamer and care.
fully provided for his long journey te
St. Louis; but ere he reached the hos
pit.l, pain and exhaustion had well nigh
accomplished their work.
But here again, skillful care and the
grateful ministering Of woman revived
him, his friends were duly informed ol
his situation, and all hoped strongly
that youth and health would yet triumph
Letters from his own hand, short yc,
brave and hopeful came to his mother
he would "be home in .JuAe", he said
she "must not worry, and all would
yet be well.
June came, but it brought sad tidings
he was weaker, an obstinate cough de
prlved him Of rest, he could not venture
alone, he wanted his father to come
after him. 1t was the last chance, the
doctor said, the journey, change OF ali
and the hope Of getting home might
save him, nothing else would.
He came late in June. Though littl,
more than a bed.ridden %keleton h,
seemed happy and hopeful, gazing
gratefully At the hewering vince which
shaded the porch and windows, ant
knowing full we'll for whom they wer
planted and trained.
He coald talk but little, but his word
were CHEEKY and sanguine, he was
little stronger, his cough was not quit
so distressing, ''mother must not fee
alarmed, and yet all the while the pulls
was sinking, the flesh wasting and th
last fluttering heart throb approaching
. He lived to see another national ami
versary day, that day celebrated annie
50 man~ narrowing memories and wit
, such sublime devotion and faith, bat er
} the dawn Of another, the flickerin!
flame went out and another soldier va
Ut rest.
Reader, does not this simple recits
Of facts suggest ono Of the lessons 9
the hour? Are yoa . patriot wo:th
the name and time !? Do you share tn
bereaved ones burdens - abound wit