The National tribune., 1877-12-01
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The Soldiers Reprieve.

Ayvanged 5g Mr.. O. w. Sanders, from the Union Fifth
Reader
"I thought Mr. Allan when gave my Bennie to his
country that father in all this broad land made
precious gft-no, not The dear boy only slept
v-as ALL for Bennie never dozed over duty How
prompt and reliable he was! know he only fell asleep
little second he young and not strong that
10y of mine! Why he tall and only eighteen!
and they shoot him because hewas found asleep when
doing sentinel duty Twenty-four hours the telegram
said4only twenty-four hours Where is Benne nowr'
'sWe will hope, with his heavenly father" said Mr..
Yes, yes; let us hope; God is very merciful!
90 Il should be ashamed father Benne said when
to think never used this great right arm -
and he held it proudly before for my coun-
try, when it needed it, Palsy rather than keep it at
the plow.'.
God has kept him, think Mr. Allan 7! and the farmer
repeated these last words slowly if spite of his
son. his heart doubted them.
Like the apple of his eye Mr. Owen; doubt it not
Blossom sat near them listening with blanced cheek
She had not shed tear. Her anxiety had been
ceaed that had noticed it. She had occupied her
self mechanically in the household Now she
swered gentle tap at the kitchen door, opening it
receive from neighbours hand letter /" 1t is from
him, was all she said
1t was like message from the dead! Mr.. Owen took
the letter. but could break the envelope
Of his trembling fingers and held it toward Mr.. Allan
with the helpessness of child
The minister opened it, and read as follows:
sDEAR ATHRR:-When this reaches you shall be in
eternity. At first, it seemed awful TO but have
thought about it so much now that it has no terror They
say they will bind me, blind me but that may
meet my death like thought father it might
have been the battlefield for my country, and that
when fell twoud be lighting glorously but to be shot
down like dog for nearly betraying ito die for neg
ect of duty o. father wonder the very thought does
not kill me But shall not disgrace you. I going
TO write you all about it and when gone, you may
tell my comrades. | can not now.
'You know promised Jennie Carr's mother, would
look after her boy and when he fell sick did all could
for him. He not strong when he ordered back
into the ranks and the day before that night carried all
his luggage, besides my own, march. Towards
night in doube-quick, and though the luggage
began to feel very heavy every body else tired
and for Jennie, If had not lent him and
then, he would have dropped by the way was all tired
out when came into camp and then it was Jemmies
turn to be sentry, and D0u6 take his place but
too tired, father could not have been kept awake if
gun had been pointed at my head but did not know it
until--wel, until it was too Late
sGod be thanked ~ interrupted Mr. Owen reverently
81 knew Benne not the boy to sleep careessly
his post"
They tell me to-day that have short repreve, given
to me by circumstances time to write to you, good
colonel says Forgive him. father he only does his duty
he would gladly if he could and do not lay my
death up against Jennie The poor boy is broken heart
cd and does nothing but beg and entreat them let him
die in my stead.
- can't bear to think of mother and Blossom. Com
fort them father! Tell them die as brave boy should,