Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-07-23

low soldiers, he had never received
the slightest wound. The discipline
OF war had given him military nien
and melancholy had impaired a
thoughtful and dignifed expression
TO his countenance, so that oHe would
hardly recognize in gallant Capt.
jones the awkward farmer boy OF
three years ago.
Inc great work of the siege OF
Hlcksburg was slowly progressing.
The cannon daily Numbered over the
city; daily the works crept closer and
closer TO the defense, and almost
daily, too, the brave rebels sought by
vigorous attacks to break the lire
which seemed inevitably would crush
them One day a desperate engage
nent, which had scattered the dead
and dying all over the ground separ
at1ng the famous rife-plts fro,an the
works of the besieged, the cries OF the
helpless wounded were p1teous in the
extreme, but the discharge of cannon
still continued, and a second sortie
was momentarily expected, so that Ii
was impossible without the most I'M
mlnent danger to render the poor suf-
ferers any assistance. A voice more
distinct and persistent than the others
had not ceased begging for water to
quench his thirst or a bullet to end
hls suffering, and many of the BOYS
IN blue had to make a sus
preme effort to keep their eyes
dry, IN spite of their two years
service. Presently the voice began
another strain. Tt was evident that
fever had caused the poor fellows
mind to wander. He cried out Justify,
Mary, they're going to kill nae at
last. Never forget those bloodtairsty
blue c oats. They did it, Mary. Oh,
you'll be widow before we are mar
rled. But never forget these Yank ee
cut-throats; never think of taking one
Of nay murderers to fill my place.
Water! Waterl If you won't give
nae some water, why don't you have
the heart to kill me?' And he con
tlnued necessarily Ia that strain, to
the great distress of those in hearing.
Some spoke of sending a merciful bull
let to his relief, when a young officer
who had been sitting apart with his
face IN his hands suddenly arose, and
walking by the speaker, he said
"No, no. Do not think of shooting
a wounded man. lam going to bring
him in"
what! You don't mean It'll" the
men said. "You amt a-going to walk
out among that grape and shell to
help an Internal rebel who's been a
cursing us this hour?"
Eyes. You know, the poor fellow
is delirious; he is not responsible for
what he is saying; and then, you
know he may live to make that lady
he is talking about happy-who
knows" And he walked up quickly
NOT hurriedly-among the falling
bombs and the shell and grape. He
took up the delirious soldier in his
arms and carried. him back to the pit.
1t was done IN an instant. Five thou
sand soldiers hidden from each others
view had witnessed the daring feet,
and sent up hearty hurrah of admir-
alton of the here who had just walked
IN the face of death to save a life.
God protects the heroic. Tom Jones
had not received scratch, and he had
amply atOned for a moment of MUIR
derous intent by saving for the second
time his rivals life. TIE future offer
ed him no reward, and no doubt he
felt that he had raised one more OBJ
stacle between himself and happiness.
But the pang of hopelessness was
mellOwed with the consciousness of a
noble deed, worthy of his devotion.
We know not what fruit may follow
the fragrant bloom Of heroic endeav-
ors.
Vicksburg fell and opened wide
gateway to the south, Gettysburg's
conflict was followed by a grateful
shout of victorious patriotism. The
summer waned and the departing
year filled to overfowing the hopeful
hearts that were battling for the
union, and soon the ever~swelling
voice of victory rent a joyful peal that
was no longer hope but well-assured
success from the field OF Appouattox.
Then the heaving breasts of mothers,
wives, and daughters left at home
grew tremulous with fond anticipa-
ton. The mourners wept, and, against
reason, hoped; the rejoicing sympa
thized with the weeping, and all
thanked God that the end Of strife had
come at last, Old Chambers house
hold wept with uncertain joy. Parol-
ed at Vicksourg. Henry was there; so
was Aunt Betsy and Mary and old
Grandpa Redmond, the father Of old
Chambers departed wife; but the
stout old farmer had not heard his
country call unheedingly.
Two years ago he had left for the
army, gray headed though he was,
and given the farm in charge to his
sister Betsy. During the first year
news came from him at intervals, but
now twelve months had passed SINCE
word or a message had been receiv
ed, and though none had heard of
his death the palpitating hearts of the
home folks" beat with alternate hops
and fear. Henry and Mary had
agreed to wait till the end till their
hopes were realized Or their fears verb
fed, before consummating their en-
gagement. Many a time they had
told each other that their wish was