Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1865-03-31

cuss, l is"
Upon briefer acquaintance with Star
light, I should have smiled at the serio.
comic manner in which these sentiments
were enunciatcd; but as it was. shud-
dered at the intensity of passion which
lurked in his tones.
And through all those terrible battles
and rapid marches and counter marches,
with which General Grant terrified and
confused the rebel foe, from the Rapidan
to the walls of Richmond, Little Star
light conducted himself with startling
credit, winning golden opinions from all
and upon one occasion hearty hand
shake from the General of our division.
1t was however, at the severe skirmish
on our left, Immediately following our
general repulse from the rebel works and
shortly before the transfer of our army
to the south bank Of the James, that the
part which Starlight played in the great
drama was to assume truly tragic
phase.
+. The enemy's skirmishers and ours were
hotly engaged, and the fight bade fair to
be bloody, if brief, l was Immediately
in the rear Of portion of our reg lnent,
which was in reserve, busy with the
wounded; and Starlight was hopping
about me, doing what he could to assist,
but now and then looking up, and throw
ing curious gances toward the fight, which
was not far distant.
Suddenly an exclamation from him
caused me to turn, when saw him gaz.
ing ;ntently. with his hand pointing to-
ward the ground where yhe skirmish was
rogressing.
"lIooray hooray! Dere he is .dere
he is -. he shouted.
He succeeded in directing my attention
to fine looking rebel officer, who was
cheering on his men in charge they
were making upon our position.
"Dat's him dlt's him !" cried Star
light at the same time freeing himself
from his drum, and casting it on one side,
while his voice Was wild aud strange with
a fierce joy.
And before l could arrest him, or ex-
actiy understand his intention, he snatch
ed musket aud bayonct from the
ground, and ran like deer after our
column, which was advancing to rcpel the
threatened assault.
From my position | could see the whole
affair. The smoke Of the muskctry fire
was thick. but western gale was blow
ing. and the opposing columns were pretty
plainly discernabe. Then the firing
ceased, and | saw them meet in the shock
of steel to steel. The ranks Of the re-
bells were broken, and they scattered back
towards their abatis and the thick woods
on their right but the officers retained
their ground, enleavcring to inspirit their
men by their own examples, and fighting
braveiy. | saw Little Starlight rush
headlong at the man to whom he had
directed my attention, and l could hear
his shriil cheer come floating to me On
the wind. He seemed to be but half the
size of his antagonist, yet they met with
shock that seemed equal Oh both sides.
The officer evadcd the bayonet of his
puuy foe, and struck out sharply with his
sword; and l saw the blood spring. out
from the ncsro's neck. But the next in
slant they closed; the rushing bayonet
cored the breast Of the officer, and he
rolled to the plain. Twice-thrice l saw
the flashing 5ayonct leap into the air, and
fash down again upon the PROSTATE man !;
and then with louder whoop than be-
foro, Starlight sprang on farther into the
fight and the whole scene was shut from
my view by the gathering smoke, for the
breeze had died away.
The fight was soon over. The rebels
were driven back into the woods, their
abattis captured and held and VIC in
possession Of the field. My intere i'll
what | had witnessed was SO intense that
| Immediately hastened to the ground -
Our loss had been inconslderable, but that
Of the enemy was large. Their dead and
wounded lay in all directions. l found
THE officer with whom / had seen Star
light engaged. lie wore the insignia oi
ii rebel captain, and was stonedead with
his breast pierced many times with bayo.
net thrusts. AS | was standing beside
the body, Sergeant X, OF company
G. came up to me with troubled look.
Little Starlight il dying, sir" was his
greeting, land he shes to see you very
much"
starlight dying" Impossible" /" l
calculated, at the same time hurrying to
the point indicated.
1t was but too true.
Little Starlight lay at the edgc Of the
enemy's works, with Il frishttuI guushot
wound in the back part Of his head, and
as many as twenty bcave fellows were
clustering around him with sympathizng
looks and fearful eyes. You may not be-
icve me, but nevertheless l speak the
truth when | say that the brave boy
grinhed joyiously when he saw me.
Yah, yah! Massa Chaplain" he cried,
as knct by his side and took his hand,
dds nig's done for, he is. Did yer see
me tackle that Old coon Cunnel Billy =!
Yah: yah Use got it at last, massA
I'sc got it at last. -
Got what, My boy?" l whispered
with trembling voice.
Freedom !" cried Starlight, springine
to his feet.
saw that wild strange CLEAN Of pas
sion ear into his rude features, and then
he fell back into my arms.
1T am lualy day, massa," he con-
tinued, speaking with great difficulty
1T am cbeniny now an de sun am set
ting, massa. Bat | hears de Zig drum