Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1879-03-07
rwo Confedern,e Hernn.

From Mrs. Phebe Yates Pember's .So,ftb @.
ey-H H-oBIdH'S Story: After the battle of
fredericksburg, while giving small doses of
brandy to a dying man, low, pleasant voice
sand, Madam. IL came from youth not
over eighteen years OF age, seeming very i'll
but so placid with that earnest, iaraway gaze
so common to the eyes of those who are
looking their last on this world Does God
IN his mercy give a glimpse of coming peace,
past understanding, that we see reflected in
the dying eyes into which we look with such
strong yearning to tat -om what they seeI
He shook his head IN negative to all offers of
food or drink or suggestions of softer pillows
and lighter covering.
81 want Perry" was his only wish
On inquiry, | found that PERI was
the friend and companion who marched by
his side IN the field and slept next to him in
camp, but OF whose whereabouts | was ig-
norant. Armed with requlsltion from our
surgeon, | sought him among the sick and
wounded at all the other hospitals. | found
him at Camp Jackson, put HIM In my ambu-
lance, and, on arrival at my own hospital,
found my patient had dropped asleep. A
bed was brought and placed at his side, and
Perry, only slightly wounded, laid upon il.
Just then the sick boy awoke YEARLY, turned
over, and the haif-unconscious eye fixed 1T
self. He must have been dreaming of the
meeting, for he still distrusted the reality
Illness had splrltuallZed the youthful face;
the transparent forehead, the delicate brow
so clearly defined, belonged more to heaven
than earth. as he recognized his comrade
the wan and expressionless lips curved into
the happiest smile; the angel of death had
brought the light of summer skies to that
pale face. perry" he cried, Perry" and
not another word, but with one last effort he
threw himself into mis- friends arms, the ra-
diant eyes closed, but the smile still re-
mained-he was dead.
Private Fisher had remained through all
his trials stout, fresh and hearty, interesting
in appearance and so gentle-mannered and
accomplishing that we all loved him. Sup
ported on his crutches, he had walked up and
down his ward for the first time since he was
wounded, and seemed almost restored. That
same night he turned over and uttered an
exclamation of pain.
Following the nurse to his bed, and turn-
ing down the covering, a small jet of blood
spurted up. The sharp edge of the splintered
bone must have severed an artery instant
" put my finger on the little oriice and
awaited the surgeon. He soon Came-took
long look and shook his head. The explana-
ton was easy-the artery was imbedded IN
the Aeshy part of the thigh and could not be
taken up. No earthly power could save him.
There was no object IN OBTAINING DR.. -.
He required his time and his strength, and
long l sat by the boy, unconscious himself
that any serious trouble was apprehended.
The hardest trial of my duty was laid upon
me-the necessity of telling a man IN TIE
prime of life and fullness OF strength that
there was no hope for him.
1t was done at last, and the verdict re
ceived patiently and courageously, some d.
rectlons given by which his mother would be
of his death, and then he turned
his questioning eyes upon my face,
Glow long can | livea"
"Unly as long as keep my finger upon this
artery" A pause ensued. God alone knew
what thoughts hurried through that heart
and brain, called so unexpectedly from all
earthly hopes and ties. He broke the silence
at last.
''You can let CO.
But l could not. Not if my own life had
trembled in the balance. Hot tears rushed |
to my eyes, a surging sound to my ears, and |
a deathly GOODNESS to nv lips. The pang of |
obey1ng him was spared me, and for the first |
and last time during the trials THAI surround |
ed me for four years tainted away.