Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-03-31
My eye roved over the BRILL MT scene.
The flashing of jewels, the f1utter of laces,
And odors OF tropical musk;
And eyes of tropical dusk,

mlngllng with the wltching blue OF the
Northern cline, until at last, like weary
bird, it returned to the figure of the bride
and rested there. Something in her quiet,
dignlfled bearing, and happy, trustful face
was refreshing to me, and, almost uncon.
sciously, scanned her whole person. What
struck me particularly, as 1 inwardly CON-
mented on the tasteful elegance of her at
tire (for l am something of connoisseur in
such matters), was the absence of all Jew
els. Instead of the bridal pearls, single
highly FURNISHED star caught at her throat
the light fall of lace that covered neck and
shoulders. My curiosity-for plead guilty
to the weakness-was aroused to fathom
the origin of fancy for wearing such an
ornament on the most evenSful day of a
young woman's life, and musing upon it,
my thoughts took another direction. The
camp, the battlefield, the hope of promo
ton Z nd the dawn of a day, when /, too,
might wear q star, engrossed me so entirely
that l forgot time and place, and was only
aroused from my reverie by light touch
on my arm, and the sweet voice of the bride
in my ear, saying
81 shall not allow you to make statues in
the corner any longer, Mr.. W.; if you will
not join the dancers at least do homage to
me. l intend to throw aside etiquette for
few moments and sit down in this alcove
with you, for l wish to ask some questions
concerning my friends in Dixie"
Was ever mortal man deaf to such an an
peal! 1t is needless to say that complied,
and, through the introduction of many mu-
tual acquaintance, soon regarded myself on
footing sufficiently intimate and friendly
to inquire the history of the '1one star -
She hesitated upon hearing my question,
then, lowering her voice, said: SIN this
land of the free and home of the brave, to
name one Of the South's great chieftains in
tones of praise is treason but since you
are true son of hers, l will venture to re-
late to you the story connected with this
precious relic of Stonewall jackson and how
it came into my possession"
''Some months ago, while visiting the G.
hospital, my attention was attracted to-
wards one of the patients who had been
brought in the day before. He was young
man, apparently about twenty years of age;
and, although almost wasted to skeleton,
his broad, open brow, delicate high-bre
nose, and general air of refinement indica-
ted that his was no mean lineage. The
beautiful brown eyes followed all my mo-
tlons with such yearning. beseeching ex-
preston, that | was irresistibly drawn to
his bedside. Offering him an orange to
cool his parched tongue, and seating myself
beside him, | inquired into his condition.
"Will you bathe my head, as my mother
used to do" said he, ''and then talk to me
it is SO long since 1 have heard sweet,
low voice, like yours"
Taking out my cologne, did as he babe
me, talking in an encouraging, hopeful
manner, meanwhile, until by degrees he re-
vived little, and told me his history.
81 am Virginian," said he, and his wan
cheek flushed with pride; "ny home is on
the banks of the Shenandoah, and was one
Of the first to answer the bugle note when
our fair valley was invaded. Jackson was
my leader, and | belong to the Stonewall
Brigade. Although only an humble lieu
tenant, l had rather be a private in that
noble band than hold a generals commits
sion in any other corps. jackson was my
hero; for him / would have scaled any
height, undergone any hardship, and since
his death have scarcely cared to live, save
by the faithful performance of my duty to
assist in winning fresh laurels for the
brigade he loved so we'll" He then went
on to tell me that he had been taken pris-
Oner six months before, and, accustomed
to an open life in the open air, the conhne-
ment of prison had undermined his health,
and the home sickness and despair of s'hope
deferred" preyed on his mind until slow
fever ensued, which was then draining tho
strength from his youthful veins. Of course
all this was not told at once, but at intervals,
in answer to my questions. Finally, fear
ing the excitement would prove injurious,
| enjoined quiet and rest bidding him good
bye, with the promise to return the next
day.
For week, at the same time every morn
ing, | attended my "Virginia boy" and my
entrance was the signal for Frightening
of the sad, hopeless eyes. 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 his adored COM
mander, or else pour forth tide of recollec-
tiOns of the mountain home, of the dear old
father 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 homo life so
dearly treasured in his heart. But shud-
dered to mark how fast his life was ebbing
away and wept at the thought of the sor
row that would soon fall with crushing
weight upon that absent household.
Upon the seventh day | was shocked by
the distressing change which had taken
and contraction of features always the her
aid of death, having settled upon his coun-
tenance. 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 have prepared
for you ?" said |.
''No, dear lady," replied he in faint
voice, and then continued, painfully labor.
ing for breath, save it for some one else; l
am dying. The surgeon would not tell me
just now when asked him, but feel the
death damp on my brow. am not afraid,
for l am a soldier, but it is so hard to die
alone, never again to see my native noun
tains, and feel the cool air fan my cheek
never agsin to hear my fathers blessing. or
receive my mothers good night kiss. Will
you not do me one more favor-write to my
mother?"
1 assented, and drawing forth paper and
pen, wrote as we'll as my fast-dropping
tears and trembling hand would allow. AT
ter speaking of his situation and my kind
ness, he proceeded to send affectionate fare
wells to various members of the family, not
forgetting the servants, whom he mention
ed by name. There was a pause, and he
lay silent for some moments, the large tears
gathering in his eyes, and rolling down the
Wall CHeek IHell poiHIiHS W worn gray
uniform that hung from peg on the oppo-
site wall, he asked me to hand it to him.
Fumbling in the pocket, he took out a
knife, and indicating particular place in
the wristbands of his pantaloons, directed
me to rip it open. l did so and drew out a
small roll of paper, containing something
hard, which, upon opening, l found to be
a military star, the wrapping paper being
closely written over.
After gazing upon them both for some
time, he took up the star, and handing i. 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
nay 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 silent look at his pale, heroic face,
spied the stars on the collar of his over
coat, which was 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, fastened to the bat
tle-feld, and no sword did better service