Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1864-01-23
Select 5torn,
The Rebel Officer.

presented nlmselt at the Cuor oil one oil
the most aristocra,ic rsidences Of the place.
and respectfully begged bowl Of coffee
for sick companion. The lady Of the
house hastened to praPare it, and present.
ly he received at ber hands large pitch
er of the refreshing beverage.
He pledged himself to return shortly,
and the lady, impeled by curiosity, re-
solved to discover whether he was truth
full, or whether it was pretext for regal.
ing himself with a luxury. She saw him
take it to an officer whose pale counte-
nance and STOPPING figure she had noticed,
and who drank cup after cup, as if his
thirst was unquenchable, until the pitcher
was drained. Immediately her visitor
turned to bear back the borrowed articles,
and on reaching the door be said "Msy
God bless you Tor your kindness to suf-
ferins man. He is feeble and almost ex-
hausted and you cannot know how much
this has comforted him."
He offered compensation, which was re-
fused. He fingered as if wishing an iu-
invitation to tarIy, and Immediately some
young ladies', whose curiosity to see Ga
splendid rebel officer outweighing their
fear, appeared on the threshold, and
among them little girl OF three years.
At the sight Of her, the sad face of tho
confederate frightened, and extending a
hand, he said, "Sissy, left a little girl at
home, just about your size, and she could
sing very swoetly. Can yos sing I"
"Yes, Sir"
"Wouldn't you like to sing me song
for my little girls sake I"
"Mamma said YOU were a rebel, and
had come here to shoot US, and burn our
houses
go, no, my little dear, I couldn't think
Of shooting you,' he replied with evident
embarrassment. I will take care of you,
instead"
"Will youl Then will sing you my
incest new song," and regarding him as a
worthy friend, she placed her hand in his,
and looking up into his face with childish
confidence began to sing, with lispiDg az
cents:
"The Union forever, hurfah boys, hurrah
Down with the traitor, up with the STAR
with as much assurance as though che had
known he admired the sentiment. His
face took on its former serious, distracted
look, and lie seemed unconscious that she
had ceased, until one of the ladies inquired
If he would favor them with singing. He
consented to join in that grand old hymn
which can never die, and he reverenly
uncovered his head while they sang:
BE Thou, o God, exalted high"
and the fullness, and richness, and ex.
quisite melody of his tones can never be
forgotten by that little company.
He took leave of the party, but, as if
having forgotten himself, turned back aud
inquired; "Will one of you ladies oblgs
me by exchanging postage stamp, for
wish to communicate with my sister in
Washington, which I cannot do with my
stamps of currency"
A lady promptly aseented, and received
this curiosity, aud ou discovering traces of
his High Mightiness, JEFF. Davis, perched
it on the tip Of her 6uger, and cycling it
askauce inquired in the saucy spirit of
mischief which her beauty and grace guar.
anteed her, "Wil it BITE |"
"No, it's warranted not to bite," ho
said smiling at the oddness of the ques.
| tiun.
'HOw long are you rebels going to stay
herel" she continued
care you in haste to have US GO! We
shall protect you as carefully as your own
army would do."
perhaps SO, bu. we don't need protec,
ton, and that is not the object Of your
coming"
awe propose TO make tour of tina
North, partly on business and partly on
pleasure"
"Well, but how long will it take you to
accomplish your plans!"
"Really, could not sayi perhaps six
weeks, perhaps all summer, Possibly we
may like it so well We may never 60
back"
"NO," she said, With burst Of passion.
ate impulse, 81 hope YOU will never get
back, but your bones will strew the way,
and bleach in the sun all the way from
here TO the Potomac"
"You are very bitter, should have ex.
peeted that from Yankee lady, but hard
ly from yoa,"
81 am from the opposite extreme from