Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1864-06-18
TALES AND SKETCHES.
a Id a N'S VI a ls OH.
AN INCIDENT OF TIE WAR.

IEnnt ABOVE our nc0QS DlaLcu the over
, powering sun. We looked up piteously al
the glaring sky, hoping in vain to see somt
= friendly cloud interpose in our behalf, ant
cast a generous shadow over our painting
columns. But nothing save the clear blue
of intcrminable space unrelicved by sin
gle cloud, and cmblazoncd by the scorching
sun, met our despairing eyes. Still We
marched ON, our blouses saturated pcrspira
ton. and our temples throbbing painfully
amid the tramp of Il thousand brogans.-
Each one Of the innumcrablc straps which
co npcte the harness of soldier seemed to
sink gradually into our burning flesh. We
did not drop from the ranks and stretch oul
wearied limbs on the yellow grass, or we
would famish for water, as none had been
seen for many weary mile, so still we mov.
ed on. Beside me walked pale. slender
young fellow, whom the boys had christcned
gentle Joe doubtless on account of his
mild disposition. Joe and had been great
friends since he had been transferred along
with some eight or ten others, some six
months previous. He was meek little fel-
low, and as matter of course tyranized over
by the rest. | often met him about camp.
and eventually took an interest in him. and
protecting him AS far as lay in my power
from imposition; and, indeed. one day
]
rascal, who. with an iron ramrod was about
to impose summary punishment upon poor
Joe, because, forsooth the little fellow had
declined visiting the quartermaster's tent,
for the purpose of realizing Il canteen of
whiSkCy After this ! made an attempt to
have him transferred into our mess, and to
his evident JOY, succeeded Here, under my
protection, Joe seemed perfectly happy for
though in action he was as brave as the
bravest, he appeared to have a moral terror
Of the rough ways Of the men. His modes
ty formed Il capital subject for the witty,
and would often sec him turn scarlet at
some rough joke. He was very fond of me
however, and 10y many little incident of
scl!-sacriIicc, | knew the patient affection of
gentle joe"
But to return 20 our march. As ! said |
was dragging my weary limbs along beside
my friend, who, in spite of my own suffer
ing, inspired Inc with pity. His cycballe
We're turned painfully towards the lids: his
lips dry cracked and bleeding. were drawn
tightly across his teeth his knapsack hung
tapping from his narrow shoulders. and
but one drop of sweat rolled down his check
, IA drop of mortal agony. pressed from an
unwilling brain. Yet he bore up, and his
burning feet still echoed to the thousands
around. On, on we trampcd our clothes
powdered, our beard gray, and our lungs
singing with the hateful dust Anon an
unfortunate falling in Convulsions by the
way and the surgeon bending over him in
pitcOus hclpcssncSS. for his flask is long
empty, were the only interruption in our
monOtOnous march. But no signs of com
miscration disturbed the doggcd expression
OF the grim faces that passed. All feeling,
all senses were lost in one of intense thirst.
No familiar shout greeted the colonel aS he
rode along the line, trying with ghastly
smiles to greet his men, or with husky voice
and swollen tongue to venture Il melancholy
joke. Even the dumb stones received no
curse as they struck the soldiers foot as lie
went stumbling on.
Let me take your muskct, joe" said |,
fearing he would sink down. But he shook
his head and staggered on.
"Will you give me that gun 2 | resumed,
after he had taken IA few more wild steps,
recling like a drunken man.
Il can carry it, Tom," he answered look
ing up gratefully. | saw it was useless to
ask him, as the brave little fellow would
never have rclmguished it; and it was evi-
dent that both he and his musket must soon
fall unless he was relieved. Therefore, /
unSlung my knapsack and leaving it in my
tracks, took the piece from his shoulder
We had hardly gained another mile before
my head began to whirl, and the glittering
bayonets ahead seemed tlckering sheet Of
flame. felt myself staggering.
Here, Tom, have some water, drink ~
"Water! | must he deirious, or are you
mocking me No Joe never does that
But he did not drink-then he cannot have
it, Joe, Joe. where is the watcr!"
Here, Tom, in my canteen.'
"Then for Gods sake drink yourself, for
WON'T answered; determined he should
not sacrifice the last drop OF life at the altar
/ Of friendship. | dropped both muskets, in
/ hope they would relieve me it was in vain,
for, after few random strideS became in
sensible.
| | was awakened by grateful drop of
water tnckling down my throat. More"
| grasped, as ! opened my eyes, and dis
tinguishcd the torn of man knccGng be-
side me The cantecn was placed To my
lips, and as | drained it 20 the last drop, |
recognized my gentle Joe.n felt some
what revived, and rcsained my feet,
Come Joc'
But hc made no attempt to move, sitting
motionless, embracing his knees, and watch
| lng mc !ntcntly.
"Are YOU going, Tom ~ he said vacant
/ ly.
"Of course, we will both die, if we stay
here. Come on
"Good-byc, Tom" hc said; while an al,
most angelic expression of love liz up his
| face. | stood contounded; Was he crazy
| Then, ior the first time, the truth flashed
upon my bcwildercd senses. l had taken
| his last drop of water, and lac was famish
| ing, ! turned to him in an agony OF re,
morse, lie was lying upon his back, with
| his eyes closed, kEe,t beside him, aud
placed my hand ON his temple he slowly
opened his great brown eyes. Joe, friend,
how do YOU feel lie answered laintly:
kiss me, Tom
] "i'nnr hnv his mind wandcrs thoupht I
"Come, now, let me carry YOU / said
/ but hc made NO signs of consciousness.
seized his hand, bat he was cTamped and
I sliH / laid my hand upon his temple but
( il throbbed no murr, | raised the cenohed
hand 20 nay lips aud kissed u, Tor lac was
! dead took small gold chain from his
neck, as memeuto, und taking oil my
blou-c, covered the hce Of gentle joe, and
r,clr4 uuNsIl.
/ Ia my eongalo,cence | hclhougai me of
lhr ehain. TsAing ID from nay poekst, eX
amined "a as well as mj tvars would let me.
| Attached a. lhy chain Mas sHlall locAvli
enclosing an amhtuiype oi gln -Jnea
\ a