Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1879-04-01
St0neWalI Jacks0n's Star.
AN INCIDENT OF THE LATE WAR.

AN INCIDENT OF THE LATE WAR.
While visiting the C-hospital, my q
tentlOn was attracted towards one of IL
patients whe had been brought the ds
before. He was young man, apparen
~ about twenty years of age; and a
though almost wasted to q skeleton, b
broad open brow, delicate, high-bre
nose, and general air of refinement in
dicated that his was no mean lineag
The beautiful brown eyes followed a
my motions with such yearning, bs
seeching expression, that was irresis
tlbly drawn TO his bedside. Offerin
him an orange to cool his parche
tongue, and seating myself beside him
L inquired into his condition.
"WilI you not bathe nv head, a
mother used to dO," said he, 'and thel
talk to met is so long since 1 hav
have heard sweet, low voice lik
yours"
Taking out my cologne, I did as b.
bade me, talking in an encouraging
hopeful manner, meanwhile. until by
degrees he revived little, and told M,
bis history.
II am Virginian" said he and hi.
wan cheek flushed with pride; "my
heme is on the banks of the Shenandoah
and L was one of the first to answer tbs
bugle note when our fair Valley was in.
vaded. Jackson was my leader, and /
belong to the Stonewall Brigade. AL
though only an humble Lieutenant,
had rather be private in that noble
band than hold Generals commission
In any other corps. Jackson was my
hero; for him would have scaled any
helght, undergone any hardship, and
since his death have scarcely cared to
live, save by the faithful performance OF
nay duty to assist in winning fresh lau-
rels for the brigade he loved so WELL"
He then went On to tell me that he
had been taken prisoner six months be-
fore, and accustomed to an open life in
the open air, the confinement of a pri-
son had undermined his health, and
the home sickness and despair of a "hope
defsrred" preyed on his mind suntil a
slow fever ensued, which was then
draining the strength from his youthful
veins. Of course all this was not told at
once, but at intervals, in answer to nv
questions. Finally, fearing the excite
ment would prove injurious. enioined
quiet and rest, bidding him good. bye,
with the promise to return the next day.
For q week. at the same time each
morning, attended my "Virginia boy"
and my entrance was the signal for
brlghtning of the sad, hopeless ewes.
Sitting by his side, with his thin hand
clasped in mine, he would relate many
little incidents of his campaigns with
jackson, always dwelling on the famous
exploits of mis- adored commander, or
else pour forth tide of recollections of
the mountain home, of the dear old IA
ther and mother whose pride he was,
the fair-haired sister who so fondly
awaited his return-his horse and dog.
and Thousand minor details of the
sweet home life SO dearly treasured in
his heart. But shudder to mark how
fast his life was ebbing away, and wept
at the thought of the sorrows that would
soon fall with crushing weight upon
that absent household. Upon the sew
enth day [ was shocked by the distress
ing change which had taken place in
his appearance, that peculiar pallor and
contraction of features always the her
aid of death, having settled upon his
countenance. No glad smile greeted
me as l approached his cot, but only
faint pressure of the hand as bent over
him.
"Will you not taste this cooling drink
I have prepared for yeu?" I said
mo, dear lady, replied he in faint
voice, and then continued, painfully Ia
boring for breath, ''Save it for some one
else; | am dying. The surgeon would
not tell me just now when asked him,
but 1T is SO hard to die alone, never
again to see my own native mountains,
and feel the cool air fan my cheek
70 fafb IL
Ing, or receive my mothers goodnight
kiss.-Will you not do me one more IA
vor-write to my mother?"
I assented, and drawing forth paper
and pen, wrote as well as my fast drop
ping tears and trembling hand would
allow. After speaking of his situation
and my kindness, he proceeded to send
affectionate farewells to various mem
bers Of the family, net forgetting the
servants, whom he mentioned by name.
There was pause, and he lay silent for
some moments, the large tears gather
ing in his eyes, and rolling down the
wan cheek. Then pointing to the worn
grey uniform that hung from peg on
the opposite wall, he asked me to hand
it to him. Fumbling in the pocket he
took out knife, and Indicating par
tlctular place in the wristbands of his
pantaloons, directed me to rip it open.
did so, and drew out small roll of
paper, containing something hard,
which upon opening 1 found to be q
military star, the wrapping paper being
closely written over.
After gazing upon them both for some
time, he took up the star, and handing
it to me said:
"When General Jackson fell, it was
my painful task to assist in carrying
him off the field to place of safety.
My command was forming in line of
battle, and although my heart failed
and my right arm felt nerveless at the
thought of charging the enemy unaided
by his presence, stern duty called me to
the front. Kneeling to take one last 81
lent look at his pale, heroic face, spied
the stars on the collar of his 0vercoat,
which hung loosely over the litter.
Quick as thought took out this knife,
and cutting one away, concealed it in
my bosom; with it on my heart, has
tened to the battle field, and no sword
did better service that day than mine.
Here it is will you not keep it for the
sake of one, who dying amongst stran-
gers a1d enemies, has had his last mo-
ments smoothed by your gentle care?"
Completely overcome by grief, I took
the precious gift and murmured my
thanks. Then, holding out the paper,
he asked me to enclose it in the one to
his mother. "Tell her it is the last leave
of absence ever received from General
Jackson, signed by his own hand-a
happy furlough spent at home. 1 shall
soon have another, endorsed by great
er Captain than he, to go to q dwelling
where pleasures are endless"
Exhausted by the effort of speaking,
he sank back motionless, while ]
smoothed the damp curls, and moistened
the dry, cold lips. Riveted to the spot
by my affection and sympathy for the
poor sufferer, two hours passed away.
and [ watched with sickening dread the
death film dinlming the beautiful eyes,
and bent to catch the last faint breath.
Suddenly glorious light shone in his
face; partly rising and pointing up
wards, he exclaimed: ~ see 1.-THE
star, thast ar; General, l am here ~ anG
heaving one farewell sigh for earth anc
friends, the young hero rejoined his be-
loved commander.
A NARROW EsCAPE.-Jaf afferson Da-
vid col0red man, was convicted OF