Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-12-09
Samaritans Live Still.

bat SANHN'o ~SN'fNSt $500 49,
cidences, or to exhibit some remarkable
pcrsistency in adherence to some lofty
idea. And il we could get at all the
facts that are actually occurring in oul
own country, it is hard to see why the
most tastidious novel reader could not b'
satisfied without having any shade oil tic
ton thrown over the narrative. The
story that tells of Lieut. Henry Edsor
Bedel, Co. d, Isl Heavy Artillery, from
Wesfffeld, is worth study. On the 18Th
of last September, he was with his regi-
ment on reconnaissance in force, at the
commencement of those brilliant battles
and victories by the brave soldiers under
Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley
About six miles from Winchester, they
encountered rebel force whose strength
and position they were disposed TO ascer'
tain. Shells began TO pass from one side
to the other somewhat freely. One OF
these struck tree near Lieut.. Bedell,
and destroyed its fuse, glancing, it struck
him so as to cut his left leg nearly off,
near the body. A cord was secured and
twisted about the stump in season to save
bis life, which would have gone from loss
of blood in few minutes. Amputation
took place, and the second finger on the
right hand, shivered probably by frag-
ment of the broken fuse, was also cut
out. No place was at hand for him to
be cared for, except field hospital, and
this must move on with the army imme-
diately. Harper's Ferry was eighteen
miles away. Orders were for the woun>
ded to be carried there TO the hospital
The lieutenant was placed in an ambu
lance and started he felt well at the
start, but before be got half mile bis
mouth parched to bleeding, and it became
apparent that another half mile would be
more than be could ever live to pass over
in the state he was. His entreates had
no effect to stop the ambulance, but the
chaplain interfered and secured halt
Leave was obtained for him to be left in
a stone mansion Of q secssh family. He
was placed in the third story on some
boards for bed, with blanket TO soften
it, aud another TO cover him. His waiter
boy, twelve years old, was left TO care for
him in the capacity of nurse, cook and
surgeon, as best he could. A spare bed
was in an adjoining room, but this was
not made for yankee Lieutenant. -
He was visited few times by some
members of his company before they
went too far away to return; here he lay
till the seventh day with only such care
and food as could be expected in these
circumstances. The Priest and the Le-
vite did not come near. Mosbys mer
were prowling about and no friendly hand
except that Of the boy to care for the
wounded man. Strength was failing
him. The absence of suitable care an(
warmth was fast making the wound more
formidable, and our neighbor, the lieu
tenant, saw no mercy that could give hin
hope OF life, but that from above. Jus
then stranger lady came in, inquired
who he was, why he had not bed, &c
She excused herself for few minutes
In course Of an hour she returned will
her family physician, for whom she hat
went four miles, and such cordials a
might be of use. The physician foun'
bis system inactive, and modification o
The wound imminent. What stimulant
and artificial warmth could be used, wer,
applied. The next day the lady return
ed with a straw couch and four negroe
to help move him to the bed. His stiff
fened limbs and fixed frame again resteC
on something like a bed. A softer bee
or more delicious rest be says be never
realized. This lady staid by him ant
cared for him with all the tenderness o.
a sister till the 29th Of September, wher
be became strong enough to be moved
The four negroes came with stretcher
and transported bin to the residence o
his benefactress three fourths of a mile
Here be found the best OF feather bed.
which was none too good for him. He
was cared for 10 the kindest manner
and the spies Of the enemy who were
on the search for prisoners were turned
aside by the shrewd hostess. Once she
was called upon and the question directly
put II there was not a Union soldier in
her bOuse. She replied that there had
been, but be was dead, all of which wa:
true, tor she bad purchased coffin at her
own expense and buried one. So the
minions Of Mosby became less suspicious
and siaid contentedly outside, though
hey we're ssss passing the house with