The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-11-16
CAPTAIN B.

| one person holding n commission in the
honorable service of arms in whom was
combined all the skill and accomplish
ments of true soldier with the incorri-
giblc cowartlice of the meanest poltroon.
This uncnvable character was possessed
by Captain b. first became acquainted
with this officer Mt Comargo, where his
regiment arrived Il 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 prcpara-
lions for the advance was promulgated. no
one was more elated, apparently, than
| captain b., during the march no officer
I was more cheerful and sangrinc of the re-
suit of the fierce struggle in which we ex-
pectcd to be engaged before the walls of
the strongly defended city.
But alas! for poor Captain b., his courage
did not remain Mt the sticking point after
we arrived i'll sight of the enemy. Our
general was SO favorably impressed with
his soldierike appearance during the
march and the perfect discipline of his
men that he selected him, with portion
of his company, to form n accommodating
party.
| Unfortunately, just ms the party had en-
| tered a narrow gully in front of the works
he was suddenly attacked with n 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 rs directed by the general.
| Captain Is. 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 Mt their head he reported the re-
suits of his examination with so much mi
nutcness 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, to 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 Mt
the head of his brave men and move on
with his regiment. But scarcely had il
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 soldier whose duty it
was to attend the surgeons attendants, in
bringing in the wounded from tho 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
| ! hnstened to the spot indicated by the
man, and on entering the house found Cap
tain Is. lying apparently insensible upon "A
blanket y few stains of blood were dis
coverable upon his face, and his white
linen trousers were considerably colored
with dirt and blood commingled, rs if he
had drawn himself painfully over the un-
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
All. my dear doctor is that you? How
kind you are. Tell me, how long have
been lying here? But don't stay any
longer-l 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 it not glorious thus tc,
die ut ones post? But break it gently to
them, doctor-to my friends Mt home, I
mean; don't put my name among the
Killed; but only report me wounded, dan
| geronsly woundcd'-you understand. 1t
| might be too great II shock to their loving
hearts to learn too abruptly that / was
killed-so please. dear doctor, enter me on
| your list as dangerously wounded"
But Captain b." answered, 'T can
not report You at all, until ascertain the
nature of your injuries Where were you
wounded?"
| 'sWhU damn fol Il L.
| made n painful effort to turn upon his
side, "as to that | can't sayas was exactly
| hit-but-but"-
But what, sir?" | exclaimed now be-
coming extremely Disguised with the fell
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 it
was here" said he as he placed his hand
upon his breast. II think it must have
been round shot from one of the cnemy's
battery guns, for it seems as if my breast
bone was broken in-that is to say, it must
have been spent shot"
"BrS there is no mark of it there"
answered.
"Oh no. l suppose not, doctor, for now
that l 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
a note of this if you choose: Captain b.,
OF the Blank regiment, in the storming of
Monterey, knocked insensible by the wind
Of 9-pound shot, and though rendered
hors de combat for the time not materially
injured"
AS turned away to return to the spot
where my brother surgeons were occupied
in dressing fsse wounds of really brave
men, was SO completely disgusted with