Year: 1862

pondence of the Buffalo Courier, under date Of
Oct. 29th.


We rounded to abreast of the floating hospi-
tai at Columbus for the purpose Of receiving the
sick and wounded soldiers on board our boat that
she had brought up from Helena. Slowly and
sadly they came aboard, one by one, some totter-
ing on with just strength enough to make their way
unalded some leaning upon the arm of com
rade. There was one expression upon the coun-
tenances Of all-it was of deep anguish. There
were not many of them without hope of recovery,
and as they moved along to get on my boat they
seemed to get trife of fresh energy, because it
was one step towards home Home Oh, for
these poor. foot sore, broken hearted soldiers, the
very thought of that blessed spot was agonizing.
How long had they fingered II pain, wishing for
a furlough or discharge that they might once
more see home How many days and weeks and
months had they been waiting away in the poi
soned atmosphere among the bayous of Arkansas,
sinking down daily beneath torrid sun, only to
realize the vision of "boyhood home" in feverish
dreams.


AT last they commence to bring them aboard on
stretchers. These were the worst cases. l held
up the lantern in nay hand Gor it was night to
take glance at their faces. l thought they ap-
peared resigned, but saw afterwards that it was
the resignation of the dying.


At last we had taken all off the Floating hos
pital and l told the captain to start off. We
had the cabin all full the staterooms all full, and
the lower deck all full We commenced our du-
ties-to nurse and to prescribe. l saw that many
of those who were now on their winding way to-
ward home would reach their long home first.


There was one patient, young man, whose
countenance was something remarkable. II me,
high, white forehead, and appeared to be more
than usually intelligent. placed my finger at
his wrist, and found that his pulses would soon
cease He opened his eyes and looked me full in
the face questioned him, but he did not an
swer me- l repeated the question, still he did
not reply, although he tried to say something
The fever poison had overwhelmed his nervous
system He could not speak. l thought that
when the next morning came he would rally un-
der the influence of his stimulants. When the
next day went to him, found that he could not
swallow brandy, ard was rapidly sinking. then
took his knapsack and opened it. There were
few artcles-such things as a soldier always has.
found large oil-silk wallet beautifully worked.
1t contained needless thread buttons, letters, etc.
such articles as a mother, or, more likely,
sister or sweetheart might have prepared for him.
l opened the package of letters. They were all
addressed to "Charlie-Company D, Illinois Cav
airy" There were dozen or more. One was
from sister Mary. read it. It spoke words of
love and hope. ave all think ofyou, dear Charlie,
often. Not day passes but we speak your name
and hope you will soon be home, your health may
be better soon, and that home may be gladdened
by your presence" Then she told about numerous
friends, and spoke of the changes that had occurred
since he had left home.


The next letter was from Miss -- Il dare
not mention her name.) l saw what relation
existed between her and Charlie, 1t was beau
tiful letter, and bore unmstakeable evidence of
literary talent. She, too, was hoping for his re-
turn-looking forward to the happy future when
the war should be ended, and their dearest hopes
would be consummated


This read I unfoded another. 1t was long, long
letter. 1t had been written with a trembling
hand and commenced thus


81 am best of Heaven. You are mine" Oh,
what burning vows of love it breathed The tears
filled my eyes as I glanced along down the page
knew what signature was appended to that let
ter l looked closely-there it was-"Mother." )"


| laid it down and walked to the bedside ofpoor
Charlie. spoke a name in his ear. The eyes
opened and looked anxiously at me, but quickly
lost their expression, and he sank into still
slumber 1t was useless. There was no hope
again took up the letter and read it from begin
ming to end "They tell me, my darling, that by
your modest, sincere but unobrusive manners,
you have won the affections of all. Your COM
mandng officer was here few days ago. He
told me that you were truthful and brave sold
ier. My heart swells with pride and joy at the
thought of you, my noble.Charlie, for knew that
you were always good boy


"We shall know how to welcome home the
dear one who has thus proved himself to be wor-
thy of all our love. The happiness of that home,
when we again see your face, and hear your ia
miliar voice, can only compensate for the long
hours of pain during your absence.


Farewell, my noble true hearted Charlie. We
shall not am sure, have to wait long ere we see
your face, for Captain says you will be
sent up to by the first of next month.
Farewell, then, until we meet"


"MorHER."
SCI folded the letter. l had no heart to perused
any more l tried to shut out from mind the
thought of that home when they heard that Char
lie was dead.


Slowly we wended our way, stemming the cur
rent of the great river. Slowly he breathed out
his life, his soul seemingly aedging its wings for
its fight to that land "where the wicked cease
from troubling"


They might weep for Charlie, but they should
not have to recollect that no hand kindly soothed
his dying moments. Tenderly we lifted up his
head and fixed his pillows so that if he suffered
it might alleviate it little.


But when the boat neared the landing at St.
Louis he ceased to breathe, and was laid in
coffin.


WHEN a man comes home and tries to bolt
the door with a sweet potato pokes the fire with
the spout of the cOfee-pot, attempts to wind up
the clock with the boot jack, tries to cut kendings
for his mornings fire with paper knife, takes a
cold nntatn In his hand to light him 10 bed. and