The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1864-02-20
Playing Secesh.


men could be such fools before. Whether
it was because Of the novelty, or because
OF the romance, or because OF one
OF their inexplicable whims, it is hard to
say, but they certainly treated him with
fattering distinction. An ugly dog he
was, too; short. thick-set and swarthy,
with half-healed wound over one eye
which did not add to his beauty. He was
captured after Fair Oaks, being out on
picket. And i'll he had Leen, undeniably
i'll, ever since he came North. A compli
Gated affection of the heart, they prononn-
ced il, which would not admit Of his reno
val so he staid on with us instead OF 60
ing down to the Fort with the rest Of the
prisoners. Nominal as his captivity was,
II was CALLING to him; and he was AS sui
len as the mischief. Withal he got the
lions share of the jellies, flowers, books
and other niceties which came to the hos
pital.
1t was ridiculous 70 see him with his
lady sympathzers. But it was provoking
as well. We, poor fellows, on the b. Dad Of
our backs, stiff and sore with loyal wounds,
bit our lips with vexation many a time,
when we saw the delicacieS travelling past
our Federal mouths, and dropping into the
ugly little traitors. Not that we begrudg-
ed him the trifles, but.there isa medium in
all things, and the women ought 10 have
known better.
In the next bed 10 mine, was my chUm,
Ike Russell. the greatest limb and most
thorough practical joker in the regiment.
The doctor had given him up twice since
the fever got hold OF him, but his constitu-
ton was guita percha. II would stretch TO
the fullest extent before il would break.
''They may give me up like a bad riddle,
as often as they like, was his characteristic
remark: but l don't think they'll play the
Dead march over me yet awhile.
And they didn't. 1t was a hand to hand
struggle; but Ike fought the fever as fierce
ly as he had fought the foe, and conquered.
| He was now cOnvalescent and most Indlg-
nant, as was natural, AT the Partially shown
Secesh.
"See here, Rufus said he to me, one
night, in Il heat, don't you think this is
pretty near played out?'
"What?n
"Tne Jelly and flower business
! II should Judge so, my son.
1T is burning shame" went on Ike.
wra.hfnlly. II didn't think Northern girls
could be such geese. / wonder what the
mischief they see i'll him. The fellow is as
ugly as a gorilla.
"hacon son govt" SAID ;houghtfully.
That's 50, bu, I've made up my mind il
shall not last"
How can you help it?'
Leave that TO me. am no novice. Be-
fore the week IS out, warrant you we shall
have plenty OF deicacies and light read
ing"
i There the conversation dropped.
The next morning, on opening my eyes,
/ became aware of a change. The rebels
bed was opposite mine-it was empty. Sc
cesh was non est. The man who was there
yesterday, who had been there all these
days, never able 10 lift himself, without
help was gone.
Halo! Ike,' said pokiing that gentle
man with my crutch; have you spirited him
lawaV3 What has become of the of tn q
| Ladies?'
Ike raised himself on his elbow and star
cd at the vacant bed.
'Ie gods! he is gomez
Fact" said 1. Thou art gone from my
gaze like beautiful uream!'
"Boshr' cried Ike, laughing at the adec-
tive. Horrible would have been more 70
the point. But bless my soa!! Hare, what
could have become Of him?'
For further particulars inquire Within
said !, tapping him loosely on the head
with my crutch.
8 Ike looked at me.
"You think / have had something to do
with it You We're never more mistaken
in yoar life; only hope, added he, plea
sanity, THAT they have sent him to the
: Fort, and may keep him on bread and
water for month. Rufus, my warrior,
that Secesh was the Mordecai in the gate
"Ue will not De likely 10 trouble you
again" said the Surgeon, who was pass
; whats the reason, he won'.?" we both
chorussed.
No lesIty. boys. He is dead
"Dead?'
, Ike's face was sobered at once. He was
heartless.
} "When in the name Of Lincoln did he
die?''
about daybreak this morning
: II didn't dream of such thing" unused
: Ike. poor rascal! Very sudden-wasn't
it?'
mot to me. anticipated as much from
his disease-the heart, you know, said the
/, Surgeon, with professional sang }ro.d, mo-
wing away.
Ike's mercurial nature was recovering
J from the shock.
Hold on a minute, Doc" be called out.
IA word with you, II you please
The Surgeon turned back. He was q
grave, decided mai, or staGEch Union
principles; and fancied he had not rel
lshed the sympathy with Secesh any more
! than ourselves.
'Be quick, then," be said, II nave my
hands full
Ike had n face Of brass.
II only wanted to know where the re-
: bells uniform was.'
0 The Doctor looked at him sharply. he
knew his reputation.
what do you want with it?'
: That is not q fair question, said Ike
boldly. 1t is certainly Of no use to it,
0 owner now, unless as a shroud. II yor
I have no objections, I'll borrow it for few
Q days.
!. The Surgeon shrugged his shoulders.
You are welcome TO it. None Of your
), practical jokes, remember, Russell. Anc
off he went.
Ike spread out his wrapper with botl
e hands, as soon as his back was turned, anC
: danced Spanish Fandago, which nearly
= sent the boys into commissions.
Vcni, vidi, vaci. Hare, he whispered Il
: me, now for some fun.
That day we had o shoal Of visitors? Il
was quite the rage last spring, you ma,
: remember to visit the hospitals. Ther'
was good deal Of genuine charity, and {
good deal Of idle curiosity as well. PEG
pie seemed to feel that there was some
: thing so good and evangelical in walking
;. through the wardsand talking patronizing
: ly to the sufferers. It was form Of phi
! !! lanthropy which was both cheap and com