The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1867-02-07

SCar Caught stG lcr tHro;tt lilc hS9 uC it''' "
lace that covered neck and shoulders
Ny curiosity-for plead guilty to the
wrntncss-was aroused to filthom thu
origin, of Il fancy, for wearing such an
ornament on the most eventfn day of q
Young woman's life, and mnsing upon it.
nv thoughts took another direction. The
camp, the battlefield, the hope of promo
ton, and the dawn of day when too
might wear a star, engrosscd me SO EN-.
tirely that forgot time and place and
was only aroused from my rever;e by a
light touch on my arm, and the sweet
voice of the bride in my ear. saying;
IL shall not allow you to make statues
in the corner any longer, Mr.. W.; if you
will not join the dancers, at least do hom-
are 10 me. I intend to throw aside etl-
ouettc for few moments and sit down in
this alcove with you, for | wish to ask
some questions concerning my friends in
Dixie"
Was ever mortal man deaf to snch an
appeal! 1t is needless to say that COM
Piled, and, through the introduction of
many mutual acquaintances soon regard
ed myself on Il footing sufficiently inti-
mate and friendly 20 inquire the history
of the clone star.
She hestated upon hearing my ques-
ton, then lowering her voice, said "ln
this land of tn. free and home OF the
brave, to name onc of the Souths great
chicituins in tones of praise is treason !;
but since YOU arc true son of hers. l
will venture TO relate to you the story
connected with this precious relic Of
Stoncwal Jackson and how it came into
"Some months ago, while visiting the
C. hospital, my attention was attracted
towards one of the patients who had been
brought in the day before. lie WAS ii
young mar, apparently about twenty
wears Of arc, ami although almost wasted
to u skeleton, his broad open brow, deli
cate high-bred nose, and general air of re-
tncmcnt indicated that his was no mean
lineage. The beautiful brown eyes fol
lowed all my motions with such ycarn
ing, beseechng expression, that L was ir-
resistibly drawn to his bedside. Offering
him an orange to cool his parched
tongue, and seating myself beside him, |
incurred into his condition. "Will you
bathe my head, as my mother used to uo,
said he, land then talk TO met Is SO
long since l. have heard Il sweet, low
voice, like yours"
Taking out my cologne, did as he bade
me, talking in an encouraging, hopeful
manner meanwhile, until by degrees he
revived Il little, and told ms his history.
II am u Virginian, said he, and his
wan cheek flushed with pride; my home
is OF, the banks OF the Shcnandoail. and |
was one OF the first to answer tic bugc
note when our fair Valley was invaded
Jackson was my leader, and | belong TO
the Stonewall Brigade. Although only
ar humble lieutenant, L had rather 0e 1t
private in the noble band than hold Il
generals commission in any other corps
jackson was my hero, for him | would
have scaled any height, undergone ANY
hardship, aud since his death / have
scarcely cared TO live, save 10y the faithful
performance vi my duty TO assist III will
ming fresh laurcls for the brigade he loved
so we'll He ,heu went on TO tell me that
he had been taken prisoner six months
before, and, accustomed TO an opei lie IN
the open air, the confinement of prlS-
oner had undermined his health, and the
home sickness and despair of hope de-
terrcd" proved on his mind until Il slow
fever cnsucd, which was then draining
the strength from his youthful veins. Of
course ali this was not told ut oncc, but at
intervals, in answer to my questions. FL
naily, fearing the excitement would prove
injurious, [ cnjoincd quiet and rest, bid
ding him goodbye, with the promise to
return the next day.
For - week, at the same time every
morning, attended my Virginia boy" }"
and my entrance was the signal ior Il
frightening of the sad. hopeless eyes
Sitting by his side, with his thin hand
clasped in mine, he would relate many lit
tie incidents of his campaigns with Jack
son, always dwelling on the famous ex-
ploits of his adored commander, or else
pour forth tide of rccolectlons OF the
mountain home, of the dear old father
and mother whose pride he was, the fair
haired sister who 50 tondy awaited his
retur,-his horse and dog, and IL thou
sand minur details OF the sweet home life
so dearly treasured in his heart. But |
sbuddercd to mark how fast his life WAS
ebbny away, and wept at the thought OF
the sorrow that would fall with Il crush
ing weight upon that absent household.
Upon the seventh day | was shocked
by tho distressing change which had taken
place in his appearance that peculiar pat
ior and contraction Of features always tho
herald of death, having settled upon his
countcnancc. No glad smile greeted me
us l approached his cot, but only a FAINT
pressure ot the hand us bent over him
will you not taste this cooling drink
have prepared for you?" said |.
'"No, dear lady, replied he in - faint
voice, and then continued, painii "y Ia
hnrin.r fnr hrrath .:Suvn Il i'm. .na.. OH