The Windham County reformer. (Battleboro, Vt.) 1876-1897, 1894-06-29

Hurried preparations We're now made and
in few days fathts and daughter, the faith
full old Chloe and her no less faithful husband
Primus, turned their faces southwark. The
events that quckE followed soon brought
them all to the realization of the dreadful
thought that war was inevitable. The seces-
sion of the states, The fall of Fort Sumter, the
destruction of tn Norfolk navy yard, the
flames of which lahted up even their own
home at HamptOnEand the rallying of troops
both north and - told plainly enough that
desperate strtl fes at hand: Inc mousse
~ q nTsf eS5&& 9Ssa 'ne i ns%
home with her aiir2 and uncle. The Colonel
as an old West Pointer, was promptly sum-
noned to take command of brigade of Vir-
ginians and Frank, her eldest brother, was
assigned to a high position in the engineer
corps. The last letter received by Patty from
Walter previous to the establishment of the
blockade told her that he too, had been pro-
NOTED and ordered to the field and he laugh
ingly added that when he entered Richmond
he should claim her as his bride. Patty sighed
at the prospect for no sOutherner then be-
lieved such an event possible and even had
she done SO her patriotism had now become
stronger than her love.
The months rolled by, leaving in their train
a terrible record of battle and bloodshed.
Richmond was like great fortified camp, but
notwithstanding the turmoil and eXcltement
of war the people found recreation in social
gatherings, and Patty, always OF a lively dis
position, was thrown much in the presence
of brilliant men from every portion OF the
south. Many a handsome fellow laid seige to
her heart, and many time she had half per-
suaded herself that i'll was a duty to cast OH
the northern lover who was fighting those
she held most dear. Something deep down i'll
her warm woman's nature, however, acted as
Il restraint and told her to wait until the end.
Tho month of limo 1890 founl Met 'lplIan |
with his splendid army battering at the very
gates of the Confederate capital, so near in !
deed that he could see its church spires, and
for seven days the angry booming of the ar
tillery echoed through the streets. From
Mechancsville and Gaines Mill to Malvern
Hill the rattle of musketry somewhere along |
the line scarcely ceased for a moment, and to |
the women and children, who now consti- |
tuted the bulk of citizens, il was period of
intense anxiety. Every hour brought tidings
from the front. and with them hundreds of
the wounded prisoners.
at the breakfast table the papers were brought |
in, and Patty's aunt began to read descrip-
ton of the battle of Gaines Mill, Il few miles
from Richmond.
''Why, Patty .''she said. ''here's a name I've
heard brother mention in his letters from
West Point-Colonel Walter Rutherford NOR
tally wounded and prisoner" There was
scream, a shudder, and before any one could
reach her Patty lay senseless on the floor.
They lifted her to a lounge and summoned
Chloe.
"Wot wuz gwine on wen my chile fell!' eX-
claimed the faithful servant as she bent over
her young charge. The aunt read the item
again. "W,y, dat wuz ne name wot done
broke my chile's heart-dat wuz de one she
done sot her heart on befo' she lef de Pint.
Pore chile, pore CHIEF And the big tears
trickled down the honest black face.
lax-i in 81 for. h... hp
regained her strength, her first step was to
ascertain if possible the whereabouts of her
lover. This was not difficult mat
ter, for he had been brought to Richmond,
and through the influence of General Pelham
placed i'm special ward in one of the hospi-
tails, where with his own surgeon in attend
ince he could receive the attention due a
friend and an officer of his rank.
Not long after Patty made this discovery, u
sister of charity. accompanied by an old black
with basket, applied for permission
TO visit the wounded soldier. IL fear il is too I
late, said the respectful orderly, ..for he i ,
very, very low. But be seated while l go and
isk the surgeon The latter at once respond '
ID i'm person, and courteously bowling to the {
visitor said: "Iou may see him, madam. for
four sacred calling permits you to do so. hut
beg that you will he very guarded. as any
excitement may prove fatal. Col Rutherford b
; lowering between life and DEATH
When Patty entered, Walter was wing with -
his face to the wall. and at the announcement.
One of the holy sisters has called to see YOU,
'oonel.' merely answered in feeble tone. Il j
I'M very. very weak, but thank you" Patty Y
vas about TO speak when she heard the well y
,nown voice behind her Of Primus. saving 20 b
he surgeon. '.Gen. Pelham sent me up agin G
vid his compliments ter aN bow i kern'l \
t'day an ef he kin do anything fur q
inn.
Before an answer could lie given Primus es- =
lied Chloe. Pore de Lor. ole oman. wot j. e
% doin' yerey and looking earnestly into the I,
ace of the closely disguised SISTER he con- q
inued: sWeT. l declar' IF deere amt Miss n
FATTY too. Wot'll ole marster saw a
At the mention ~ the name. Waller turned
nd the ewes of the lovers met. Don't YOU '
peak. Walter darling. II is enough that I am y
" your side and Patty bent and kissed him. n
Then turning 60 the surgeon she said. with all n
be frankuess Of her woman's nature: "por-