The Brookhaven ledger. (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1876-07-27


many years.. and spent several weeks II
the most delightful manner. Before
leaving, it was arranged that our we'd
ding should take place in the following
May, and we parted full of bright hopes
of the future. Unfortunately. however,
the war broke out in April, and all oul
happy plans were destroyed. 1 wrote
to her ut once, acquainting her with ms
determination to enter the army. aud
received with her reply note from he'
father, informing me that on view oi
the then state of affairs. our wedding
had better be postponed for the present
My better Judgment approved this
course, though at first could not re-
cognize the necessity of it.
"During the first part Of the war J
heard from Edith quite regularly, and
paid her one short visit; but as com
munication became more interrupted il
was sometimes months before would
receive a line from her. I had beer
without intelligence from her three
months when received the order to &C
in pursuit of the outlaws l have before
spoken of, and you can imagine how
readily l obeyed it.
"After securing the country for {
week. I encamped my company one
night about twenty eight miles from
'Elmbrook,' both men and horses being
sadly in need Of rest. Leaving my first
lieutenant in command l set outfor Elm
brook the next morning st sunrise, de
termined to surprise Edith a. dinner.
1 was we'll repaid for my dusty ride 81
the reception I received, and when
felt once more herdear heart beat agains!
mine I forgot the dangers and priva
tions of wal
"On conversinS with the family,
was surprised to learn that they were in
anxiety lest they might receive visit
from band of marauders who had
within the last few days been commit
ting depredations in the neighborhood.
I was considerably annoyed at this in
telligence, for I could not bear the
thought of Ediths being in such dan'
ger without assistance at hand,
and the evil presentments my thoughts
suggested well nigh deprived me OF
the pleasures l had anticipated. The
family were almost defenseless, with
the exception of Mr. Grathwood, and
knew the character of the men he would
hare have to deal with.
That night. before retiring exam
ined lay pistols carefully, putting fresh
caps on them, and placed them under
my pillow SO as to be, ready in case OF
need. I was quite restless and did moi
fall asleep for some time. about
2 o'clock I was suddenly awakened by
hearing footsteps in the hall adjoining
my room, and instantly it flashed ovel
me that some of these desperadoes were
in the house. Seizing pistol anc
cooking it, l cautiously unfastenec
the door and gazed out into the dark
ness. Oh the opposite side OF the hal
I could discern the out lines of a figure
and I asked in low tone-'Who''
there? Speak, or I'll fire! Receiving
no answer, and seeing the figure move
as l thought towards me. l took aim al
we'll as I could, and fred. l saw thu
figure fall, and mournful, heart-rend
ing cry pierced my ears. Oh! what
chill ran through my whole flame! The
report of the pistol soon brought tn
household into the hall, and, as MIR
Grathwood entered with a light,
caught glimpse of a female form lyins
on the floor, covered with blood. Will
shrek of horror 1 fell senseless b,
her side. 1 had killed my betrothed!
Chow long I remained in that swool
know not, for was prostrate on m.
bed when I recovered my consciousness
unable to assist myself. I had beel
delirious ten days, and almost at tn
point of death. Oh! how prayed tina
I might die then! As soon as ! wa
able to hear it, they told me that Edit
survived only few hours, but had dice
with prayer on her lips in my hehalf
forgivipg me for that cruel mistake
She was somnambulist, and on tina
night had risep in her sleep, and. wan
dering unconsciously over the house
had been hurried into eternity by {
lovers hand
"As sooon as was sufficiently recover
ed, rejoined my command, but 1 coult
not remain among those who knew m,
sorrow; and, feeling that change to al
army where the service WAS more activ'
would benefit me, or at least sooner ent
my intolerable existence, J applied TO
transfer. As long as we were penned NJ
in winter quarters, 1 have nothing to d.
but brood over the unhappy memories
of the past; and can you now wonde
why am so reserved and take no in
terest in the pleasures OF my brothe
officers?"
I felt the deepest sympathy TO
Malgrave, and as long as we were to
gether I endeavored in every way to di
vert his thoughts from the past, an,
during his life I kept his secret faith
fully. After he told me his sad story
felt assured that he would seek hi
death in the first engagement; and l
was not long before we were called upol
| to mourn his loss for in the thickest of tn
fray, in the terrible battle of the evil
derness," he was nearly cut in two b.
a cannon shot while bearing an orde
from his corps commander to the front
FARMERS, mechanics, merchants, Civ
your sons o moral and intellectual edu
tiOn as well as an education of facts
Put not single dollar away for one @
them after you are gone - Will
there is school where they could learn
spend it there. Put it where the Sher
if cannot take it from them, or tn
i Il Il. 1,