Maryland free press., 1866-11-08
VOLUME I


Jackson and how II came into my possession!o
a'"some months ago; while visiting the C. hos.
pital, my attention was attracted towards one Of
the patients who had been brought in sthe day
before. He was young man, apparently about
twenty years of age; and although almost vast
ed to a skeleton, his broad open brow, delicate
Ligh-bred nose, and general air Of refinement in
dicated that his was no mean lineage The beam
tifui brown eyes followed all my motions with
such q ysarning, beseechiag expression, that ]
was irresistibly drawn TO his bed side. Offering
him an orange to cool his parched tongue, and
seating myself beside him, Inquired into his
condition. "Will sou not bathe my head, as
mother used to do" said he, ''and then talk to
met is 30 long since 1 have heard sweet, low
voice, like yours" .. ,.. ,.,..,a,. .....f;' Il.
Taking out my cologne, I did as he bade me,
talking in an encouraging, hopeful manner,
meanwhile, Until by degrees he reviveda little,
and told me his history. -ffs'. HH -. ar-
~ am a virginian," said he, AMI his wan
cheek flushed, with pride; "my home is on the
banks of the Shenandoah, and ! was one Of the
FIRST 70 answer tbe bugle notss,hen our fairlkal-
ley was invaded jackson was my leader, and I
belong to the Stoaewa.l Brigade, Although, on
ly an humble lieutenant, had rather be pri-
vate in that noble band than hold a general 8
commission in any other corps. Jackson was
undergone any hardship, and since his death
have scarcely cared to live, save by the faithful
performance of my duty to assist in winning
fresh laarels for the brigade he loved 80 we'll"
He then went on to tell me that be bad been ta-
ken prisoner six months before, and, accustom-
ed to an open life in the open air, the confae-
ment of prison had undermiuedhis health, and
the home sickness and despair Of o shope defer
rcd" proved on his mind until slow fever en-
sued, which was then draining the strength from
his youthful veins. Of course all this was not
told ut once, but at intervals, in answer to my
questions Finally, fearing the excitement would
prove injurious, enjoined quiet and rest, bid
ding him goodbye, with the promise to return
the rext day. .. ...... .
For week, at the same time every morning,
| attended my "Virginia boy" and my entrance
was the signal for Frightening Of the sad, hope
less eyes, Sitting by bis side, with his thin
hand clasped in mine he would relate manylt
tie incidents of his campaigns with jackson, al
ways dwelling on the famous exploits of his ado
red commander, or else pour forth tide of rec
elections of .he mountain home, of The dear old
father and mother whose pride he was the fair
haired sister who so fondly awaited his return
his horse and dog, and a thousand minor details
a.. ri uraI in
heart But | ehuddered to mark how fast his
life was ebbing away, and wept at the thought
Of the sorrow that would soon fall with crush
ing weight upon that absent household.
Upon the seventh day was shocked by the
change which had taken place in his
appearance, thst peculiar pallor and contraction
of features always the herald of death, having
settled upon his countenance. No glad smile
greeted me as approat hid his cot, but only n
faint pressure of the hand as bent over him.
"Will you not taste this cooling drink have
prepared for your said 49,.
"No, dear lady," replied he in faint voice,
asd then continued, painfully laboring for breath,
'.Savo it for some one else; l am dying. The
surgeon would not tell me just now when ask
ed him, but | feel the death damp on my brow.
am not afi aid, for am soldier, but it is so
hard to die alone, never again Is sec my native
and feel the cool air fan my cheek
never again TO hear my fathers blessing, or re-
ceivc my mothers good night kiss. Will you
ret do me one more flvor-writc to my mother?"
Iassented, and drawing furtn rape. and pen,
wrote rs well as my ftst dropping tears and
trembling hand would allow. After speaking of
his situation aud my kindness, he proceeded to
send affectionate firewells to various members Of
the family, not forgetting the servants, whom he
m, ntioned hy name. There was pause. and
he lay silent for some moments, the large tears
gathering in his eyes, and rolling down the wan
cheek. Then pointing to the worn, grey uni
torn that hung from peg on the opposite wall,
ne asked me to hand it to him. Fumbling in
the pocket he took out a knife, and indicating
particular place in the Wristbands of his panta-
looms, directed me to rip it open. I did SO and
drew out small roll of paper, containing some
thing hard, which upon opening l found TO be
a military star, the wrapping paper being close
~ written over. - -....,y --,ta,v
<atsSt kHLtuH upOu ticui DOtn iOE aOHlJ QtiC,
he took up the star, and handing it TO me, said
.'W hen General jackson fell it was my pain
full task to assist in carrying him OF the field to
n place Of safety. My command was forming In
line of battle, and although my heart failed, and
my right arm felt nerveless at the thought of
charging the enemy .unaided by his presence,
stern duty called me to the front. Kneeling TO
take one last silent lock at his pale, heroic face
spied the stars on the collar of his overeost,
which WINS hung loosely over the Hitter. Quick
RS thought, I took out this knife. and, cutting
one away, concealed it in Ipy bosom; with ii on
my heart, hastened TO the battle field, and no
sword did better service that day that doy than
mine. Here tits: viii you not keep ii for. the
sake of one, who, dying amongst strangers. and
enemies, has had his last moments smoothed by
your gentle care2'' Completely overcome by
grief ] took the precious gift and murmured my
thanks. Then, holding out the paper, he asked
me to enclose Il in the one to his mother. "Tell
her it is the last leave of absence ever received
from General jackson, signed by his own band
"a happy flu Tough spent at home. Isball soon