The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-08-11
YOUNG DEsER7ER
WHO WAS shot
a Little Story Of the War With
a Lesson in

AS we recall the past there Is an
event In the writer's life possibly
worthy OF commemoration In Our Con-
1edcrate Column, and probably of In
terest to many readers. In the sum
mer OF. 1862, as the armies Of McClel-
Ian and Lee were firing at each other
at close range on the eve OF the i'm
pending Seven Days Battles" 1t was
my duty, MS n soldier In the Confed-
crate army, to stand guard over an
unfortunate man who was sentenced to
DO shot In a few days under the charge
or desertion. He had been tried by
court-martlal, and his fate seemed to
be forever sealed, OF course, my SYM
pnthies We're deeply and keenly aroused
as tho man had all tho appearances Of
ono OF gentle rearing and culture, as
well MS bearing a handsome face,
though detected in sorrow. He be-
longed to the Roman Catholic Church.,
and had frequent visits ut every hour
OF the day from his spiritual adviser,
who administered to him the blessed
comforts of the holy religion and OF q
loving. savious The young man was
from Southern Maryland, and had re-
Gently married the object OF his su-
preme affections. Like many Of his
companions, his sympathies were en-
tirely with the Southern cause, and as
opportunity offered In sudden burst
oil patriotic emotion he seemed to think
duty called him to go with his COM
rades across the Potomac. After en-
ccuntering many dangers he succeeded
III reaching Richmond, and joined the
FAMOUS Purcell Battery, commanded by
the gallant young Pegram. At first, i
suppose the novelty Of his environ
lnent, in connection with a young SOL
dier's life, served to divert his mind.
'ihe daily drills, the merry songs and
sportive jests, all served to engage his
attention; but after the hour Of taps,
| when his companions were wrapt in
slumber, his mind, of course, reverted
| to the dear one left behind. In the
perplexity Of his conflicting emotions
he thought of securing for brief time
a Through; but on the eve Of the ap-
preaching conflict no leaves of absence
! TOR more than a day were granted.
AS each night returned the hearts love
OF this young man grew stronger. At
last, in the moment OF despair. he de-
| termined, in a rash impulse, he would
| escape from camp without leave to see
his beloved wife, with the idea OF again
| returning to his post. In the struggle
| between patriotism and the tender pas
| sion the latter overcame Ills attempt
| at escape was not successful, as he
was caught and brought to trial, with
| the result OF conviction and sentence
to be shot. After being relieved Of my
first duty on post It was my good for
| tune to meet distinguished visitor to
our camp, the late Senator Hunter, our
distinguished representative In the Con-
| federate Senate, and personal friend of
President Davis. The Senator was
much Interested in my recital of the
young Marylander's story, and prom
tised to see Mr.. Davis Immediately and
intercede in the young mans behalf.
| Els efforts were successful. and the
President Immediately sent a message
| Offering pardon, with permission to
enter the approaching battles.
OF course the relief was one not to
! be estimated. The heart OF the young
man was again buoyant at the idea of
rescue from such sad end He bore
himself with conspicuous gallantry dur
ing the Seve1i1Days' Battles, In which
/ he escaped unscatlled, as we'll as during
the ternHnder. Of the four years strug-
gle. when he2retnr,fad to his loved one
i with all the glamor and prestige of a
i faithful soldier.
i Such an experience rarely has oc-
| CURED to any one, and shows an exam
4 pie of the sore difficulties which befal,
a young soldiers life. There may have
Z. been, perhaps other similar cases, but
this one seems worthy OF especial no.
tce and shows what a narrow chasn
there may be between life and death
which when crossed in favor Of life
!. offers many possibilities Of crown.
ing success. 1t also shows the longing
IN the human heart for life, and how
every one should try to embrace thu
!. lest opportunities without running un
necessary danger, and how every on,
!, should look first to the highest dut.
! to be pursued. and thus fulfill thu
: sublimest call in our earthly pilgrim
: age. VETERAN.
Fairfax County, Va, 1907