The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1889-07-26
LITTLE .CANTEEN.


In the winter of 1861, lay sick in
an army hospital. and was worn near
ly to skin and bone by one of those
dread diseases of the camp that has
slain more soldiers than either bullets
or steel.
In this state Of being, felt like a
burden, and scarcely gave more than
feeble smile of gratitude when in
formed by the surgeon in charge that
it had been decided TO send me home
as a chance of recovery.
But after got on board the cars at
Richmond, and the train rolled out
from the depot, | began to look about
me, and as did SO my spirits rallied
somewhat, and l rejoiced in the feel
ing that home with all of its endear-
ing associations would soon be reach
ed, and there would get that rest and
loving attention which one finds no
where else, SO perfectly, and that if
my disease could not be conquered,
/ would at least have the consolation
Of dying amongst my loved Ones
The train was long one, and
crowded to its utmost capacity. Sol
diers off on spree, impudent and up
roarious; sick and wounded soldiers,
pale, feverish and pain racked; here
smart commissary, there vermin in
tested rough from the front; yonder
an anxious, sad eyed woman taking
her boy home to die, further on
young beauty afraid Of the soldiers
and their rough jokes, and yet half
NJ oil
conditions mixed together, but all,
from the old gray heads to the young
est prattlers, agreed in one thing, viz:
undying devotion to the Southern
COnfederacy.
We were soon past Petersburg, and
a little later were rushing through
North Carolin;., leaving some passen-
gers and taking up others as we sped
from station to station; but the same
general description of my fellow trav-
elers. that | have just given would
hold good from beginning to end of
the journey.
We were past Weldon-how far
can't exactly say-and it was late in
the night when l was awakened from
an uncomfortable nap by the jerking
of the train as it started off after one
of its numerous stoppages. I looked
out TO see where we WERE 1t was a
wood and water station, and standing
on one end of the wood rack there
was little boy. He was peering for
ward into the car windows as the
train slowly moved by. l would have
thought no more of the circumstance,
but almost next moment the rear door
Of the car was opened, and the same
boy that l had seen on the wood rack
came timidly forward.
why, sonny" said. where did
you come from9"
Out yonder," pointing into the
darkness.
II know that much already, for if
I'm not mistaken you are the same
boy saw out on the wood rack Just
now, amt your"
He nodded assent
We'll, where did you come from
before that2 Don't be afraid; come
here and tell me about it."
The boy looked at me, and seemed
to be treasured by my manner and ex-
preston, for he came forward without
any further hesitation to the place at
my SiuO, "iHSi Atu ueChOIicu ulIl
to take.
Everybody else in the car appeared to
be asleep. So no one besides myself
had observed his entrance. He was
handsome little fellow, but his clothes
were torn and dirty, and he limped
like one who had been on long tramp.
| repeated my question, and he re-
piled that he had come from Charles
ton.
From Charleston |" exclaimed in
astonishment. "Why, how in the
world did you get this far from Char
lesion by yourself2"
II walked"
Now, look here, my little man."
I said rebulingly, do you know
where the story tellers go9'
IT declare" said he, his blue eyes
swimming in tears, 'T'm telling You
the TRUTH am not telling you a
story"
We'll. well, don't cry, bub-Ill
take your word for it; and where
were you goinga"
ITO Virginia, to find my papa"
puckered up my mouth for long
whistle, but as that would be express
i've of disbelief, and as l didn'twant
to risk hurting the little fellow again,
restrained myself, and proceeded to
draw his story from him.
IF you are going to Virginia" said
in a kind tone, you are on the
wrong train-th;s is taking us back to
Charleston"
II know that, sir; but I don't want