The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1867-07-19
Asleep at His Post.
AN INCIDENT OF THE LATE WAR.


MIR. Owens, a pious farmer of Yer
mont gave his eldest son, Benjamin, to
the Federal cause, in the late fearful
struggle. One day message arrived,
which fell like a thunderbolt on that
anxious yet hopeful family. The lad
had been found asleep at his post, and
was condemned to be shot.
The terrible news soon spread in the
village, and the good minister, Mr. Al
Ian, came at once to see if it were pos
sible to administer consolation TO the
broken hearted parents.
ooh, sir !" cried the sorrowing old
man "such dear, precious noble bowl
thought when l gave him TO his
country, that not father in all this
broad land made so precious gift
no, not one God forgive me if my
grief is sin. Mr. Allan, the dear boy
only slept minute, at his post; l
know that was all, for Bonnie never
dozed over a duty. How prompt and
reliable he was !" and Mr.. Ovens eve
wandered over the brown fields with a
perplexed, wondering look 81 know
he only fell off one little second; he
was so young, and strong that boy of
mine Why he was as tall as | and
only eighteen and now they shoot
HIM because he was found asleep when
standing sentinel p Mr.. Owen re-
peated these words very slowly, as if
endeayoring o find their true meaning.
"Twcnty-four hours the telegraph
said only twenty-four. Where is Ben
ME now =
I'VE will hope with his heavenly
Father, said Mr.. Allan soothingly.
Eyes, yes, let us hope. God is very
merciful, and Bonnie was so good
do not mean holy, he said, correcting
himself sharply; there is none holy.
no, not ole; but Jesus died for sin
ners. Mr.. Allan, tell me that, Oh I
Bonnie, Benniel :" The mother raised
herself as she heard his name called.
and turning said with a smile. "Don't
call SO loud, father Bennie is not far
off; and he will come soon"
God laid his hand on them both,
you see, said Mr.. Owen. pointing to
her without making any direct reply
"She has not been Justly herself since
1t is merciful thing she is sort Of
stunned, 1t seems to me she makes no
wall r.
Mr. Allan looked in establishment ut
the bowed man, as he came now and
stood before him. These few hours
had done the work of years. The
sinewy frame was lettering, the eyes
were dimmed, and the sudden sorrow
had written itself in deep wrinkles ali
over his manly face. God have mer-
cy on you; he is trying you in n fur
mace seven times heated. he exclaimed
almost Involuntary.
The daughter a fair young girl
Blossom as they called her had sat
near them listening with blanched
check. She had not shed a tear to-
day, and the terror in her face had
been so very still that no one had
noticed it. She had occupied herself
mechanically in the household care,
which her mothers condition devolved
entirely upon her. Now she answered
gentle tap at the kitchen door, open
ing it to receive from neighbours
hand letter ut was from him, was
all she said
Twas like a message from the dead
Mr. Owen could not break the seal for
his trembling fingers, and held it to-
wards MIR. Allan with the helplessness
Of child.
The minister opened it, and obedi-
ent to the motion Of the father, read
as follows:
DEAR FATHER:-W When this reaches
you l shall be in eternity. At first it
seemed awful to me, but | have
/ thought about it so much now that it
has no terror They say they will not
bind me, but that l may meet my
death like a man. l thought, father
it might have been on the battle field
for my country, and that when l fell |
would be fighting glorioasly; but to be
shot down like dog for nearly betray-
ing ito die for neglect of duty O,
father | wonder the thought does
not kill me But l shall not disgrace
you, | am going to write you all
about it, and when / am gone you can
tell my comrades. | can't now
you know l promised Jenny
Cars mother | would look after her
boy, and when he fell sick did all /
could for him. He was not strong
when he was ordered back into the
ranks, and the day before that night,
carried all his luggage, besides my
own on our march. Towards night
we went on the double quick, and
though the baggage began to feel very
heavy, everybody else was tired, too;
and as for Jenny, if had not lent
him an arm now and then, he would
have dropped by the way. | was all
tired out when / came into camp, and
then it was Jemmy's turn to be sentry,
and | would take his place; but was
too tired father. l could not have
kent awake if had gun at my head
lint | did not know 1t until well 1t
was too late + 49,
God be thanked !" interrupted Mr..
owen, reyerently. 81 knew Bennie
was not boy to sleep carelessly at
his post"