The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1868-09-19

tncn lowering nor voice. Salu fln ,tnlS lanu OF
the free and home Of the brave, to- name one
Of tho tSouthsbgreat ,chieftains in tones, Of
praise is treason but since you are la truo son
OF hers il will venture q relate to you the
story connected with this upreoious relic of
Stonewall Jackson and. how it came into my
possession" ..t.a.a h.,,.,,,y..o y: .,,., ~.
aSome, months ago, while visiting tho C.
hospital, my attention was attracted towards
oncof thcapatients who had been brought in
the day bcforc..i He was q young man, appa-.
rently about twenty years of age, and although
almost wasted to a skeleton, his broad open
brow, dclicate, high bred nose, and general air
of refinement indicated that his was no mean
lineage. The beautiful brown eye, followed
all my motions with such yearning, besecch-
ing expression that was irresistibly drawn
to his bedside. Offering him an orange to
cool his parched tongue, and seating myself
beside him, 1 inquired into his condition.
"Wi you bathc my head, as my mother used
to do" said he, Sand then talk to me-it is so
long since have heard a sweet, low voice. like
yours"
Taking out my cologne, | did as be badc
me, talking in an encouraging, hopeful manner
meanwhile, until by degrees hc revived lit
tie, and told mo his history
"I am Virginian," said he, and his wan
check flushed with pride "ny home is on the
banks of the Shenandoah and was one of
the first to answer the buglc note when our
fair Valley was invaded. jackson was my
leader, and belong to the Stoncwall Brigade
Although only an humble lieutenant, had
rather bea private in thcnoblc band than hold,
a generals commission in any other corps.
Jackson was my hero; for him would have
scaled any height, undergone any hardship,
and since his death I have scarcely cared to
live, have by the faithful performance of my
duty to assist in winning fresh laurels for the
brigade he loved SO we'll" He then went on
to tell me he had been taken prisoner six
months before, and, accustomed to an open
mir, the confinement of prison had under
mined his health, and the home sickness and
despair Of shoIrc dcferrcd preyed onhIs mind
until slow fever ensucd, which was then
draining the strength from his youthful veins.
Of course all this was not told at once, but at
intervals, i'll answer to my questions. Finally,
fearing the excitement would prove injurious,
enjoined quiet and rest, bidding him good
bye, with the promise to return the next day.
For week, Mt the same time every morning
attended my "Virginia boy" and my en-
trance was the signal for Frightening Of the
sad, hopeless eyes Sitting by his side, with
his thin hand clasped iii mine, he would relate
many little incidents of his campaigns with
Jackson, always dwelling on the famous cx-
plots of his ndorcd commander, or else pour
fourth tide Of recolloctions Of the mountain
home, Of the dear old father and mother whose
pride he was, the fair haired sister who so
fondly awaited his rcturn-his horse and
dog, and a thousand minor details Of the sweet
home life SO dearly treasured in his heart. But
shuddercd to mark how fast his life was ebb-
ing away, and wept.at the thought of the sor-
row that would fall with crushing weight
upon that absent household.
Upon the seventh day I was shocked by the
distressing change which had taken place in
his appearance, that peculiar pallor and con-
traction of features always the herald of death
having settled upon his countcnancc. No glad
smiles greeted me as approached his cot but
only a faint pressure of the hand as l bent
over him. "Will you not taste this cooling
drink L have prepared for you 2" l said.
"No, dear lady," replied lie in faint voice,
and then continued, painfully lahoring for
breath, 'Savc it for some one else; am dying.
The surgeon would not tell me just now when
asked him, but feel the death damp on my
brow. am not afraid, for / am soldier, but
it is so hard to die alone never again to see my
native mountains, and feel the cool air fan my
check-nevcr again to hear my fathers bless
ing, Or receive my mothers good night kiss.
Will you not do me ore more favor write to
my mother -
I asscntcd, and drawing forth paper pen and
ink, wrote as we'll as my fast dropping tears
and trembling hand would allow After speak
ing Of his situation and my Kindness, he pro-
cccdcd to send ailcctionatc farcwells to various
members of his family, not forgetting the SER
wants whom he mentioned by name, There
was Q. pause, and he lay silent for some mo
mcnts, the large tears gathered III his eyes, aud
rolled lnwn fhc w,ui chnnEtf Vhc,, ,;o;nt,,,o. r.,