The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1864-04-26

were forcing themselves through the
closed lids. The invalid mother was un
ableto make any reply, but the gentle
pressure she gave the hand that was
holding hers, told more than words could
have done.
Col. l.. was a Confederate soldier, and .
duty called him to the camp, few days
after this favorable change. lie had al !
ready. on Mrs. Rs account, prolonged his
stay. 1t was hard to give him up, he |
was so necessary 10 the happiness Of
home. But how many households have
been called to part with just such treas
ures during this unrigh,eous war;
For death, how many such, mount and tide,
Their valour leap out deihcd,
How proud they sweep OH Glory 5 track
How many start, how few come back
To sit by the household fire
Mrs. LeBruce realized all the dangers to
which her husband was exposed and
was never happy one moment dusing his
absence. Her melancholy foreboAngs
had saddened all her previous letters to
him. lie was therefore most agreeably
surprised at the change which the follow.
Ling extracts from some Of her letters
show.
81 can truly say. dear Harry, have
never been so contented since The war
commenced. Lula sat up for one hour
yesterday. Her sweet, sad face aud pa
eent resignation are a continual reproach
to me tor ever repining, and complaining
as | have done while in possessjon OF "A
home, aad you, my hearts treasure, still!
spared to me. | am daily fearing that
Col, RutIedge's father will get employ
ment and then come for Lu canno,
give her up. | am better when she is
with me. Who has suffered AS she has /!
and yet have never heard "A murmur or
complaint escape her lips. Patient, suf
tering, grateful Christian, her example is
another blessing Fl ON my Heavenly Fslh
er TO me. Lilly and May agree so har.
moniously, it would do you good to see
the little souls, march Oft every morning
with their tin kettles carrying mix to
refugee babies. Oh we have found, dear
Hal, there is something for us all to do
and are happy in doing t.
In another letter she writes
"What do you think, Harry have
tour refugees IA soldiers
mother, wife and daughter. Ny enjoy
entincreases with my responsibilities,
for | carry about with me an abiding
consciousness, that.I am ia the path OF
duty. 1t is so pleasant to feel am ot
living alone for SELF i feel too, Harry, |
am doing what your generous, uuselfsh
hear. approves. Ny only regret is did
not begin earlier to practice the new
commandment" often think how
gratitied you would feel, If you could
take peep, at us as we sit around the
centre table in the evening knitting, Not
moping as used TO. Last evening we
rolled LUIS chair into the sitting room; it
was so pleasant TO have her with u.s.
The mail comes, while we are at tea Won
know, and we read in turn the news
Last evening Mrs. Sutherland called in,
and was so much pleased With our social
cir ha
very next apple ton she had for board.
a few months later we read, "D,ar
Harry, how can compose myself suffi.
cientiy to write you the wonderful escape
of dear little May from a violent death.
On last evening, as she occupied her IA
vorite seat on the steps of the coIonnade,
and was busiIy employed, s,rinpipp four
o'cIocks into wreath for Lilly, the heavy
over archiug cornice became detached
and the entire mass Of masonry fell
Mrs, RutIedge was walking on the piazza
at the time, and, at fearful risk, snatch.
ed our little treasure from the very laws
OF DEATH Clio (the dogl who was stan.
ding at her feet, was mashed into one
fiat surface. We beard the stunning re
port, felt the concussiop, and on rushing
TO the spot, found Lu lying insensibIe on
the piazza floor, and little May crying,
and too much terrified to give any ac.
count of what had happened. Our first
thought was that Lu was Killed; she !ay
so still and looked 50 ghastIy. But Mrs.
Duncan applied restoratives, and she was
after awhile 90 far restored as to 10 able
to give us all the particulars. Oh Harry;
she saved my child ! let hers die -
4 Lila e.. IL