The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-05-17


wood and struck the road. Pursuing this for
several miles in a northerly direction would
enable her to reach her destination. As she
passed along the scene of desolation came
more wildly before her than during her walk.
Along the track she was riding the battle had
swept in its fury. A few aged and scattered
oak trees of great size and picturesque beauty
lent shade and variety to the road; but far
greater number had fallen a sacrifice to the
cannon balls. The dark and shattered trees
that remained were like the veterans of
broken host, occupying in disorder some post
of advantage, with the stern purpose of re-
sisting to the last.
Behind and distant from the ridge along
which ran the road was another hill, which
had experienced with less rigor the fury of
the engagement. 1t was partly covered with
forest trees and underbrush, and opening into
little glades or short patches of prairie land.
Along the crest of this hill arose the tents
and encampment of the Texas troops. As
Zera rode opposite she came in view of the
Texan general and his staff just mounting,
with purpose similar to her own.
Recognizing in Zera the youth whose sue
cessful exploit in obtaining the plans of the
campaign from the federal general had so won
upon his heart, he called upon her to halt and
await his coming up.
Refining in her steed, Zera obeyed his COM
mands.
''And so, my lad, you escaped the terrors
Of yesterday"
eyes, general, without a scratch"
at wasn't because you didn't expose your
self to the risk, I'll venture to swear, for
saw you careering along by the side of that
fre-eating ranger in that last charge, like a
young demon"
81 wasn't worth bullet, you see, general"
replied Zera, laughing.
81 don't know about that, he said, shaking
his head, "but how fares it with the brave
ranger, whose protection you preferred to
miner"
"He was wounded, but not seriously"
"By my faith, 1 am sorry for it-he is a
splendid officer and to tell you the truth my
little man, his loss could not be supplied"
81 think he will become very efficient SOL
der"
"There is no doubt of it but if may be
permitted to ask, what carries you, my young
friend, in this direction so early
81 was going to headquarters"
"Ah yes, to hear the news but, poor fell
lows, look here?" said the general as a long
string of ambulances INSTRUCTED the further
passage of the cavalcade.
"a ~ I
upon. White, agonized faces cleaned
from the windows, exposed by the Topped
up curtains. One would never recognize
in those crushed and mangled forms the
heroic soldiery who on yesterday inter-
posed an impossible barrier to the invaders
of their native land.
Reverently the party lifted their plumed
hats as they passed. AS Zera was passing
on with the rest q feeble voice from
the hindmost carriage arrested her attention.
1t called to her by the name of Taylor, and
she reined her horse to the side of the wagon.
"What can do for you, comrade?"
The inquiry was made in tone of such
deep sympathy, that the rude heart Of the
| rough soldier was touched by its tender
| ness.
"My name is Martin; am shot all to
pieces and cannot live but a few hours.
want you to write home to my wife and tell
her all about it. Your sister, Miss Laura,
knows where we live ; she came to see US last
winter, when our little girl was sick, and
brought the little one many dainties which
our means would not let US supply her. God
bless her kind heart Tell my wife died
for my country and don't regret it ; although
it's hard to know you leave the world before
you are prepared for another. But it can't be
helped, if it's Gods will. You'll write for me,
won't you, Master TaylorP"
eyes, that will, my brave comrade," re-
| Piled Zera, cor do any other service for
| you"
| "There's nothing more 1 think of now
but felt mighty bad few hours ago, when
thought was going to die, with no friend near
me to take my dying message to my wife and
little ones at home. don't think they'll suf-
fer, but they may"
Crest easy there, my friend, your wife and
children shall never suffer. will take care
of that"
God bless you, Master Taylor q dying
mans blessing is worth something. You've
got brave heart in your bosom, and know
you wouldn't hold out vain promises to a fell
low-soldier when he's dying"
That l never could do, Martin. Your wife
and children shall never want, while have a
hand to help them"
"Good-bye, then Again, God bless you. "
And the long line freighted with the pre-
cious relics of day memorable for the heroic
achievements of the citizen soldiers Of the
South, dragged its weary length along, bitter
means and cries of human suffering echoing
from the heavy laden ambulances as they
| passed up the road
1t is such sights as these that make the life
of a soldier terrible. In the glare of battle,
when every nerve is strung with excitement,
and the passions of the heart are aroused to fever
heat, we forget the agony the strife is inhict-
ing. But when a night has passed, and the
| light of another dawn has shone on the woods