Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-11-18
CAPTAIN B.


with military men, to have met with but
one person holding commission in the
honorable service of arms in whom was
combined all the skill and accomplish
ments of true soldier with the incorri-
gible cowardice of the meanest poltroon.
This unenviable character was possessed
by Captain B. | first became acquainted
with this officer at Comargo, where his
regiment arrived a few days before the
army moved forward to Monterey. He
was full of wit and vivacity, and conse-
quently favorite with his regiment.
When the order for our hasty prepare
tions for the advance was promulgated, no
one was more elated, apparently, than
Captain B.. during the march no officer
was more cheerful and sanguine of the re-
suit of the fierce struggle in which we ex-
pected to be engaged before the walls of
the strongly defended city.
But alas! for poor Captain b., his courage
did not remain at the sticking point after
we arrived in sight of the enemy. Our
general was so favorably impressed with
his soldierlike appearance during the
march and the perfect discipline of his
men that he selected him, with portion
Of his company, to form accommodating
party.
Unfortunately, just as the party had en-
tered a narrow gully in front Of the works,
be was suddenly attacked with violent
spasm of the stomach, which rendered it
impossible for him TO proceed another step
The disease, he declared, he had had sew
eral twinges Of before, and attributed it to
the poor water of the country, together
with the fatigue of his previous marches
Requesting his lieutenant to conduct the
reconnaissance as directed by the general
Captain B. threw himself on the ground,
under cover of the banks, and patiently
awaited the return Of his men. When
they had accomplished their objects and
returned to the gully they found the cap
tain in perfect health and spirits, and re-
turning at their head he reported the re-
suits of his examination with so much mi
nuteness as to receive the special thanks Of
the commander.
The duty was performed, as the gallant
old general supposed, with so much fear
lessness and promptitude on the part of
Captain B., that he determined the next
morning, when the action commenced in
earnest, 20 give him with his regiment a
peculiarly honorable position in the storm
ing Of the lower part Of the city.
With cool and manly bearing did this
really fine looking officer place himself at
the head of his brave men and move on
with his regiment. But scarcely had it
entered the outskirts of the suburbs, I'M
der cover of the cane plantations and corn
fields and attracted the fire of the enemy,
than he suddenly disappeared.
About two hours after the advance of
the Blank regiment a soldier whose duty it
was to attend the surgeons attendants, in
bringing in the wounded from the various
points Of the field, stepped up to me with
request that / would come Immediately
toa young officer who, dangerously wound
ed, was lying in house close at hand.
/ FASTENED to the spot indicated by the
man, and on entering the house found Cap
tain B. lying apparently insensible upon
blanket. A few stains OF blood were dis
coverable upon his face, and his white
linen trousers were considerably colored
with dirt and blood commingled, as IL he
had drawn himself painfully over the I'M
even ground to his present shelter.
tore open his coat, and removing his
shirt bosom passed my hand carefully
over his person, but without discovering
either wound nor confusion.
"Ah, my dear doctor, is that your How
kind you are. Tell me, how long have /
been lying herep But don't stay any
longer-I know my brave fellows, many Of
them, need your services Hurry off to
them, pray, and let me die, for feel that
/ am past your help. Yes, doctor, am a
dying man. Oh, is il not glorious thus to
die at ones posti But break it gently to
them, doctor-to my friends at home,
mean; don't put my name among the
killed; but only report me wounded, dan
gerously wounded'-you understand. 1t
might be too great a shock to their loving
n
killed-so please, dear doctor, enter me on
your list as dangerously wounded"
But Captain b." answered, II can
not report you at all, until ascertain the
nature Of your injuries. Where were you
woundedp
"Why, my dear fellow" said he, as he
made a painful effort to turn upon his
side, las to that / can't say as was exactly
hit-but-but"-
But what, sir2" exclaimed, now be-
coming extremely Disguised with the fel.
lows poltroonery. Answer me quickly,
for there are many brave men about who
are actually requiring my services, answer
me quickly"
why, my esteemed friend, think il
was here" said he as he placed his hand
upon his breast II think it must have
been a round shot from one Of the enemy's
battery guns, for 1t seems as IL my breast
bone was broken in-that is to say, it must
have been spent shot"
But there is no mark of it there"
answered.
"Oh. no. suppose not, doctor, for now
that / think of IT, presume it was only
the wind of it that knocked me senseless
believe there are many similar instances
mentioned in your books. You can MAKE
q note of this If you choose: Captain b.
of the Blank regiment, in the storming o.
Monterey, knocked insensible by the wint
Of 9-pound shot, and though rendered
hors de combat for the time not materially
injured"
As turned away to return to the spo
where my brother surgeons were occupied
IN dressing the wounds of really brsv,
men, was so completely disguised will
the absolutely unnatural meanness o
- -. wsssIN "