The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1865-08-03
KENOSHA, WISCONSIN, THURSDAY AUGUST, 8, 1866.
For the Telegraph.
That Old Canteen.

s.
1t hangs by its long, soiled cord, on
nail behind the door--lt is mytrophy from
the far off battle field and prize it. III
weather stained, battered, deep. dentef
sides, speak of the length of time it has beer
on duty. and the service it has rendered it'
own country.
1t has been cooled by northern frosts, and
cold water, and warmed by southern suns
and the life heat of throbbang heart in th'
hasty march, the hard fought battle ano
forced retreat. And alas! it has grow
chill, beneath midnight skies resting o'e'
one dead, throbless heart on southern
battle field.
remember now too we'll, that warn
sunny afternoon when that eldest son CANT
back from camp, where he had been to bt
Sworn in" and receive his uniform. Th,
bees buzzed laz;ly round the hives in thu
side yard, the June roses dropped in The
heat and the south wind turned the leaves
of the poplar, silver side out, to the glisten-
ing rays of the hot sun.
The gate swung back, quick step uI
the walk. and cur soldier boy stood in the
door his knapsack ON his back and that
same canteen slung over his shoulder pol
ished new and bright. The tears sprung tc
his mothers eyes as she saw him thus, fou
she thought of the fierce conflicts and bloody
fields to which they must lead him. 5n'
lie went away with the warm young lif,
throbbing high in his breast. Alas, did he
ever come back? arfa
Through many terrible struggles he
passed, and that old canteen was passed to
many lips for the Strengthening beverage
it contained, and from it has flowed the cool
water DER many clamlpy brow Its slider
have borne bright finger marks of blood
and it has been trodden under foot and lait.
with the slain. From hand to hand in th.
lull of the conflict it has passed, and from
mouth to mouth grimed with battle smoke
been pressed for just one swallow of water
to quench the inv ard heat. The means Of
the dying. and groans of anguish have re
bounded from the Sides while DER them
has rolled the slow falling tears for linger
ing. yearning memories Of home, and its
dear ones
In the midnight surprise, it has been
thrown hastily DER soldier boys shoulders,
and dangled by his side through many a
long march.
But it has witnessed its last battle, journ-
eyed its last journey, and hangs there on
the wall, undisturbed by the unquiet scenes
of its former days. Peace be to its de,ltod
sides 1t has done stern duty in its coun-
try's service. And the noble youth who
bore it to its duties-he sleeps meath south
ern skies.
lu his last moments thou old canteen
vert his only companion. Thou moistened
his parched lips with thy cool contents
while death lowered near. His life blood
stained thy war worn sides, and DER his
heart thou rested when it throbbe6 its last
throb. @
Poor old canteen, what would not wait
ing ones at home have given for thy
place at that hour God keep us all; but
many another one as noble as he, has
breathed his last, with no other companions
than just such another old canteen as thou
And may others treasure theirs as 7 will
treasure thee. There thou shalt hang, by
the same cord he placed around thee, my
companion each day. Thou hast finished
thy work like thy master, and like him shall
enter into everlasting rest and peace.
$685. 1iuTsTT EDowN