The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1890-12-10
"LIGHTs AND SHADOWS OF THE OLD
CAMP FIRES"
BY ONE OF THE TON VETS. .


CAMP FIRES"
BY ONE OF THE GOLD VETS. v
During one of those eventful nights in
Virginia, when the Federal troops lay in
line of imminent battle behind their tenn
pory Notifications of dirt, mud, logs and
rails, and the continues crack of the sharp
shooters rifles rolled startlingly along
the front, solitary voice struck in shrill
but blithesome and melodious tone, the
patriotic song, "The Union forever, hur-
rah boys, hurrah, down with the traitors,
and up with the STARE" As down the line
the strain of jubilee sped Its course oil
deep-toned, exultant song, 1t tended great
ly to inspire the hearts of the troops in that
dismal locality.
The crossing of Rolling Ford by Gener-
al Rousseau, was an act every way IN
keeping with the character of that fine
soldier. eve cross this ford,n he ex-
claimed, "never to retreat again to this
side. We are to march forward. There
is to be no backward movement. 1t is
victory or death.n Tho command was
about to be given and repeated through
the lines, when General Rousseau, In the
van, rising in the saddle, exclaimed,
'Men, follow me. expect none of you
to do what am not willing TO do myself, v
and sprlnging from his horse, he stepped
briskly into the stream and crossed the
| breast-high ford on foot. His men cheer
ing wildly followed their general, crying
they would "follow wherever he dared to
lead" He did not falter until he had
gained his end-nor did they.
In little open field in the woods, which
| had been the scene OF the hottest portion
of the Fort Donelson conflict, there was
afterward found one living mortal among
the multtudinous dead. On approaching
this person he was found to be a mere
STRIPPING, with the garb of Federal Sol
dier and at least, In his own estimation,
1
| Just then, n pretty formidable one at that.
''Do you see that old Secesh,n said he,
pointing 10 stawart body, at least six
feet in length, stretched cut short dis
lance from him. "Well, | killed him u
and with evident pride he went on to say
how the dead enemy was the color bearer
OF rebel regiment and as he was lying
there beside that stump, Ind tainted him
with being m abolitionist, and told hin
to come out OF there. He did come out
and to the sad detriment of his Goliath
like antagonist. The boy had come 0
mile or more from his camp TO got 0
glimpse of his fallen foe.
The commander of Williston Battery,
observing that when the rebels fired, there
was one particular piece that was very
annoying, on account of its Smelling tho
headquarters, turned to Gen. Deyens and
said, "for Gods sake, Gen. let us knock
that gun over, for l can do it," The Cen
eral replied that he was afraid that he
might hit some of Clusters men, who were
but recently ordered out on the left
''Tbey are not there" replied Williston !;
81 should see them II they were. know
where am going to shoot. / will not hit
any one. only want to knock that gun
over" Gen. Devens still hestating, Will
liston said, "Let mo fire on my own re-
sponsibility for Gods sake. VIII you do
it p" AT last the General consented, when
bang went one of the pieces and over
went the doomed gun, the carriage shat
tered and dispersed instantly. "There,
said the keen.eyed Williston, with smile
Of triumph, II told you could do it. p"
Just after the firing of musketry at the
battle Of Cedar Mountain had become in
teresting, private soldier was noticed
going off the field, and II being suspected
that possibly he was running away TO
avoid danger, be was spoken to, when 1t
was found that he had two fingers OF his
left hand shot away and third dreadfully
laceratcd. IL was seen at once that he
had at least hand in the fight. He was
assisted TO dress his wound as well as cir
cumstances would permit, he in the mean.
time propping up the pluck of his assis
tants by various quaint remarks. Said
he. 81 don't keer darn for that thirt
finger for IL want OF no count, no how,
but the pinter aud t'other one were right
good ones, and l hate to lose 'cm.
shouldn't have come TO the rear II ha(
been able to load my gun, but wasn't
After having his hand dressed, he looked
over In the direction OF the firing ant
stood moment. Turning presently, h'
said. stranger, | wish you would jis
load up my shooting iron for me l wan
to have little satisfaction out OF then
cusses for spiling my fore paw Hi
gun was loaded for him and he started
back for the top OF the hill at a double
quick, In quest of Satisfaction. Hi
name was private Lapham, OF the III
Ohio regiment.
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