Smyrna times., 1889-06-12
A PREsENrlMeNT.
An Irish soldier WHO knew He wa,

ing 20 Die-A War "Reminiscences,
In the autumn of go Gen. Mcclellan
was relieved from active duty in the
Army of the Potomac and Gen Burn
side assumed command This change
was very unpopular with the boys, who
loved Little Mac and who felt a great de-
gree of uncertainty in the ability of the
new commander. There was wide spread
discomfort in the ranks in consequence
OF this change. Added to this, the in
vlncible strategists at home were still
clamoring for a forward movement, re-
gardless of time or favorable opportunity.
In view of these facts, it was deemed
absolutely necessary that battle should
be fought under the new leader at the
earliest possible moment. The first
battle of fredericksburg was the result.
On the day of that battle our brigade
climbed the heights on the southeastern
bank of the Rappahannock, opposite
Fredericksburg, and halted upon the
summit near some heavy batteries. AS
we locked down upon the river with its
slender pontoon bridge, with the CITY
upon its opposite margin, and as we
raised our eyes to corresponding HEIGHTS
Just back Of the city, frowning with can
non and breastw0rks and swarmine with
Confederate soldiery, painful and over
powering sense of the impossible task
before us and the deadliness of the nm
dertaking in all its horrible magnitude
forced itself upon the minds of all
present.
a sense of duty, the imminence OF the
6Onpnpc
ness of the conflict, served to close I'D
the ranks and to keep nearly every man
in his place
had been detailed with q small SQUAD
to act as provost general to prevent fall
ing out and struggling to the rear. Dur
ing the short halt on the brow of the
heights. before the march across tbe
river several of the boys came tothe
rear OF the column to leave with the |
chaplain valuables and messages to their
friends IN case anything should happeh. |
Among the number came Mike. a large.
powerful and courageous Irishman.
great favorite in the regiment, and
man who had always laughed at danger
ana had rejoiced at the opportunity of
having a ''Scrimmage" with the enemy.
On This occasion he appeared to be an
ehtIrely different man. He approached
the chaplain with tears in his ewes. He
gave him picture of a sister living in
Portland, his Catholic catechism and
other relics, and in a choked voice gave
the address of his friends and what he
them.
The chaplain endeavored to cheer and
encourage him, but in vain.
Chaplain" said he, I'm not afraid
to tight; I'm not afraid to die; am not
a coward; but there is something here
(slapping his breas) which tells me nv
time has come. Chaplain, will you please
write my sister kind letter? She IS n
Christian Catholic and love her dearly -
Soon the word forward" rang along
the line, and Mike, with the tears cours,
ing down his cheeks, grasped the hand ]
Of the chaplain and requested the good
man to pray for him. He then took his
place in the ranks. The long column :
began to move slowly down to the river t
soon increasing its speed to the double
lmck, over the pontOon bridges across
he river into the streets of the CITY o1t
.
IN the plains and hillside bevond II amid s
smoke, shot and shell and death wounds r
Up to the very frowning jaws of death
N the heights beyond. The terrible
'harSe' the murderous repulse, repeated f.
gam and again that afternoon; the NIGHT Il
annonade, the long day following of 4
klrmish and movement, the succeedino, +
lght and the early morning abandon. s.
lent and retreat across the river have Y
een many times told. As soon as possi- B
lie after the battle the chaplain made d
arnest inquiries for Mike; but no Mike s.
-as there to answer him. c
In the terrible charge he was seen el
, fall in the forefront of battle, and was al
orne from the field fatally wounded. %
us bolsterous, cheerful voice, good ma gI
lred countenance, rich brogue and burlv
1rm, were never again with us. His ~
as the most marked and startling case
presentiment of coming death or dis W
ster that came under my observation in
lo army. ca
Army life and its dangers made MANY A,
US believe in fate-that the decree Of
le Great Author had fixed the span of =
&c FOR each one. We are sometimes con. q
ralned to believe that very thin cur
IN was stretched between the saan o,,d
.o unseen, and that few mortals yvaro
'imitted to look beyond the visible and
receive the absolute assurance Of the
'ure fate in store for them and near ot tt
'nd.-L D. Carver in Lewiston .Iour. :,