Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1889-01-12


Bile and bloody battle, and that from
the dawn OF the fifth until sunset of
the sixth according to history fifteen
thousand men were slaughtered in both
armies; nor did the firing then entirely
cease on the picket lines, for the occa4
sional crack of muSket gave evidence
that the III 'kets of both armies were On
the alert, Watching for an opportunity
to do bod " ham t. any one who eX-
posed his person. That night | was
detailed for picket duty and was sta
toned IN front of our corps, not far
from IL point where the woods were
said to b. on fire: indeed, the smoke OF
the burning had already reached us;
but as We were informed that thu dead
and wounded hal all been removed we
gave the subject n thought, knowing
that beyond n thorough smoking per
haps, it could do us no harm.
| had gone back into the wood
short distance and built little fire to
cook coffee for my comrIde and my
self-hi wing been fortunate enough t.
purchase cantaen of water from u
passing soldier-and WAS rejoicing over
the prospect of IL feast fit for a king
hardtack and coffee. While waiting
for the water to boil | had sat down.
and, as | have stated, was hrooding
over my feeble fire, and being weary,
it is Just possible that | fell asleep
Whether asleep or awake the follow
ing visions pa used before my mind: l
was up North among my friends and
acquaintances and was warmly greeted.
NO 30
the cruel war was over" and the flag
of our Union toatad over the Who'll
country, it, honor no longer divided
with another. Bonfires were burning,
cannons were booming and orators
wera shouting themselves hoarsc,
while bands were Blowing 4" Hail Column
bi&" and "Ihe Star-Spangled Banner"
to tattprS. In fact, the whole country
had gone mad with joy. [ was re-
ceived everywhere as hero, and
proudly walked ut the head of long 10
cessions in my thrcad-bare uniform.
far proudcr than king in his robes of
purple and gold.
Then the scene suddenly changed.
The year was 1862; | stood before II
humble cottage, Il cottage covered with
faircSt flower of all stood in the door
way and, extending her hand, greet Il
me warmly. This was heaping Goals
of fire on my head for ] had scarcely
been true to her; still | was not untrue
only a little wayward, that was all
Then she talked of parting. as size
had on former occasion, and gave the
Young soldier excellent advice, caution
ing him against all excess: and, above
all things, be true to your country,
tluer than you have been to me- lou
are now going where You will know
something of the realities of war; some
thing of soldiers life Invested of tim
sci ard gold. Realities will meet you
on every hand, cold as the steel OF
your sword, and as broad as the wound
in our country's heart"
The next moment her fine lip curled
and her manner towards me changed,
and in place of soothing words, tho
last parting was distigured by sour
looks and upbraiding- short, we
parted in anger. This was IA true pic
ture of the parting which burned into
my heart, and this was the mountain of
al that | had carried in nv brcas.
for many Il day
How long slept / know not, hut |
was rudely awakened by the grinding
step of q man on the pine needles
and the rUstling Of dogwood bushes.
On o. cning my eyes, | saw the head
and shoulders Of man pCering over
the low bushes near mP. Although ho
wore the blue uniform, I at once felt
suspicious, and, covering him with my
revolver, called out: Haiti" "Who
ZONES here, and why do you ?"
demanded with considerable energy,
adding, "Why are you not with your
comrades?" [ mt once ordered him to
advance, and when he stepped into the
feeble freight, l saw at glance
that his lower garments were gray, and
at once jumped to the conclusion that
my former suspicious were we'll ground
ed, for he was u Confederate. ahd an
officer.
Jest drop your weapon, stranger.
Although not friend, / come as q
friend, and l put these things on"