Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1879-03-15
TWO CONFEDERATE HEROES.

Alter the battle OF Fredericksburg,
while g wing small doses OF brandy to
a dying man, low, pleasant voice said
Madam :''4 1t came from youth not
over eighteen years OF age,seeming very
ill.,. but SO placid, with that earnest. far.
away gaze SO common to the eyes OF
those who are looking their last on this
world. Does God in His mercy give
glimpse of coming peace, past UNDER
standing, that we see reflected In tho
dying eyes into which we look with such
strong yearnng to iathom what they see?
He shook his head in the negative to all
offers of food or drink or suggestions of
softer pillows and lighter covering.
Il want Perry was his only wish.
On inquiry I found that Perry was the
friend and companion who marched by
his side in the field and slept next to
him in camp, but OF whose whereabouts
l was ignorant. Armed with requisi-
ton from our surgeon, sought him
among the sick and wounded at all the
other hospitals. found him at Camp
jackson. put him in my ambulance, and
on arrival at my own hospital, found my
patient had dropped asleep. A bed was
brought and placed at his side, and Per-
i v, lbs
Just then the sick boy awoke wearily,
! fixed itself. He must have been dream
ing OF the meeting, Tor he still dIstrusted
the reality. Illness had spiritualized
the youthful face; the transparent fore
head. the delicate brow SO clearly defin-
/ ed, belonged more to heaven than earth.
AS he recognized his comrade the wan
aud expressionless lips curved into the
happiest smlle-the angel Of death had
brought the light of summer skies to
that pale face. Perry he cried, Per-
ry,' and not another word, but with enc
| last effort he threw himself into his
fciend's arms. the radiant eyes closed,
but the smile remained-he was dead.
Private Fisher renamed through all
his trials stout. fresh and hearty, inter-
estingia appearance and so gentle-man-
nered and uncemplaining that we all
loved him. Supported on his crutches
he had walked up and down his ward
tor the first time since he was wounded,
and seemed almost restored. That same
night he turned over and uttered an ex-
clamation of pain.
Following the nurse to his bed, and
turning down the covering. small jet
OF blood spurted up. The sharp edge
OF the splintered bone must have severed
an artery. instantly put my finger on
the little oritice and awaited the surgeon.
He soon came-.took Il long look and
shook his head The explanation was
easy; the artery was imbedded in the
tleshy part of the thigh and could not be
taken up. No earthly power could save
him.
There was no objection in deta,ning
DR.. He required his time and bis
strength, and long Sat by the boy, un
conscious himself that any serious trouble
was apprehended The hardest trial o.
f my duty was laid upon me-the neces
sity of telling man in the prime of life
and tulness OF strength that there was NJ
hope ior him.
1t was done at last, and the verdic
received patiently and courageously
gave directions by which his mother
would be informed of his death, and ther
he turned his questioning eyes upon m,
;, face.
: How long can live?'
Only as long as l keep my finger up
on this artery"
. A pause ensued. God alone know
what thoughts hurried through tina
heart and brain. called so unexpeetedl,
8 from all earthly hopes and ties. H,
d broke the silence at last,
5 '.You can let go''-
o But could not. Not if my own lifi
: had trembled in the balance. Hot tear
rushed to my eyes. a surging sound t,
o my ears. and deathly coldness to m,
e lips. The pang OF oheying him wa
i spared me, and for the first and last tim
during the trials that surrounded me fo
9 four wears tainted away,