The Forrest City times., 1894-09-14

for at that moment we heard the strains of the dead march and look ing up saw the condemned men ap- preaching.
 We ran hurriedly to our details, then exchanged places.
 In front of each squad stood stake and a coffin, and as the line ap- preached each man was halted before a coffin.
 Just before they were to be bound and blindfolded heard a voice say: Kiss Eugenia and my father for me, lieutenant, and tell them that the last throb of this heart was an echo of my love for them"
 Great God." exclaimed aloud. "I didn't know it was you. Paul.
 The next moment my mind had gone back to a little more than a year be- fore, when our army had been in Ten nessee and Kentucky.
 On that campaign I had met and loved the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She was perfect in every way. A cultured min l, tender heart, loving disposition, and form as perfect as was ever given to woman. She had soft, dreamy black eyes, and, when excited. they were brighter than the dewdrop on the rose.
 I visited her home often and was al- ways welcomed with a sunny smile; but time passed rapidly and soon orders came for us to prepare to march-the very thing I dreaded.
 left camp and went to pay my last visit to her with a heavy heart.
 Sitting in the shadow of large ar bor vit9 tree, with her hands in mine, I told her of my love. It was needless, though. for me to have spoken one word of that love, for she knew it long before.
 For a moment she hesitated, and l then told her of our orders to move and possibly this would be our last meeting until the strife was over.
 That seemed to decide it, for, look ing up into my face, she said: Ut is useless to tell you of my love for you, for you must know that it is as true and pure as ever woman gave to man.
 Reaching up to branch of the tree under which we were sitting, she pulled tiny sprig and gave it to me, saying: That tree is green as long as God permits it to live. It is green for ever. and so shall my love for you be. Only be as true to me as l shall be to you, and when this cruel war is over hasten back to me and then there shall be no more parting. My prayers shall be for you and my darling brother; for, next to you, I love him. Should you ever meet him again and he should in any way need assistance, be good to him for the love give you. Take this sprig to remind you, if need be, of my love. l shall wear one like it every day until you return
 I could not speak, but folded her to my heart and gave the first golden kiss of love.
 While young Hammond belonged to the same army as myself l had never seen him, except once, until the day of the execution, when he sent the last loving message to his sister-my in- tended bride.
 When saw him standing before me " W 0S bOo AotC, AOk All AaOhChS e''S command: Ready, aim, fire" was given and Paul Hammond lay dead be- fore me, by my command.
 Who can picture my utter despair at that moment? As I saw the fire flash from the muzzle of those muskets l bade farewell to all hope of happiness in this life.
 Some weeks after the execution re- ceived letter and I instantly recog- nized Eugenia's writing.
 Enclosed was a clipping from Dal- ton newspaper. with my name and her brothers marked, and long account of the affair. There was also notice of the death of her old father caused by the shock of his sons death.
 She wrote just few lines; shall never forget them: May God forgive you as I do. This gulf can never be bridged-not even by an idolatrous love"
 Inever wrote to her. for felt it was useless. So time passed, and in the summer of 1879 1 went to the Green Brier white sulphur springs.
 The first evening there 1 saw a mag nificently-dressed woman whirling in the waltz that somehow attracted my attention Nearer and nearer she came and at last our eyes met
 Instantly she sank to the floor, and just as quickly was she surrounded by her friends.
 l saw pinned to her left breast by beautiful diamond heart piece of ar bor vita. and l recognized Eugenia, my lost love.
 left the place that night and have