The National tribune., 1879-09-01
Written for The National Tribune.
Frank Freeman.
A STORY OF THE SECOND BULL RUN BATTLE.


The 30th day of August 1862, is day that will
live in my memory. Then fought one Of the most dis
astrous engagements of the to the Union forces
soldier in q New York regiment | in the thickest of
it. The Union troops in the position where fought
outnumbered three to accomplished prodges OF val
but could stand against the attacks of foes equally
as brave who down upon us like an avalanche
Probably fifteen hundred lay dead or wounded around me-
within the space of square acre, where fell wounded
ceverely in several places Very many OF These We're
members of my company and regiment AS the Rebs
fairly poured us in pursuit OF the Union soldiers
felt my time for death had arrived just erceook
ing fellow about to plunge his bayonet into me- utter
ing terrible expetive. But his captain fortunately
dered him desst The day had been intensely warm,
but the night felt cool probably because much blood
had been lost by First sergeant Ste var of our com
pany-here braver or better sodier--lay by my
side. He severely wounded in the abdomen obsery
ed he very feeble and resting under his head,
with the other drew blanket over us. | must have
fallen into slunber but during the night remember the
shiverng and twchng of the poor sergeant whose head
was upon my arm and when daylight came found that
arm supporting the head of corpse v lth olthcuty
dsengaged myself from the remains of the dead soldier
How much l suffered from my wounds, when gangreen
ing and for water during the three days lay upon that
field, God only knows. But head this sketch Frank
Freeman, and of him propose to write. lie was wound
ed, in this Sangunary conflict, moltaly wounded Poor
little Frank he belonged to Massachusetts, regiment
raised at Goucester-whch part of our brigade
He was well known by almost all Of the four regiments
that formed brigade He seemed not TO be more than
fifteen years of age-he probably enlisted drummer
but he carried musketa rosy-faced, brown haired
dark eyed boy full of life and gayety, and ever oblgng
and gentle He the pet of the entire brigade Around
our campfire one evening" Frank told the of his
enlistment My father is captain, said he " a
of wild and ungovernable temper yet of warm and
affectonate impulses. AT times, my mother who is an
angel, was subjected to his abuse, while infamed with
anger or the influence of the maddening cup was too
young defend her and aggravated beyond descrlp
tion that could not An only child was the adoratono OF
parents and my father loved deyoedy, though he
much incurred my resentment, by mal-tIeating my
mother After his violent language her. repeatedly did
say to him. Father, if you behave again thus to my
mother will leave your house to return again
will Join the Union Army He appeared amused at my
remark and spoke iesngy, that he would release me If
did enst-that mere child. But one day, after
than his usual abuse OF my mother departed from
his house. and shall enter it again. walked to
gina within hour, afterwards. My parents will never
find me here.
Such was Franks brief story But Ihave said, poor
Frankwas mortaly wounded at the second Bull Run bat
te ball had cut close TO artery, that his blood
could only through assiduous attention. prevented from
flowing out in torrents AS was DR.. De Witt the Hos
pita Surgeon- occupied the adjoining berths 10 Frank
at the Hospitalsad his life could only be prolonged
few days. God bless DR.. Dewitt, wherever he may be
day. for devoted faithful surgeon, more huma
lovable man never lived We the Doctor after much
treaty persuaded Frank to give his fathers address, in
In days. stout, ford loohng gentleman entered the
hospital walking arm in arm with Or. Dewitt They
came to Franks couch, but Frank had departed. The
doctor raised the sheet which covered that beauu face
cold in death, and then repentant father and Sympa
thizing surgeon wept together few years ago, while
visiting Boston, Mass rode to Mount Auburn Gene
terry, and upon Italian marble shaft read these words
Frank Freeman of Gloucester, Mass, aged sixteen
years An American soldier who died for his country our
only and beloved son." This, felt confident was our
Frank that brave gentle chvarc boy who fell at the
second battle of Bull Run. ID. b.