//7s/;mm9sm^s^f;sf^,mfSii^MM Price^ 25 Vents. /7VinJ«5i^<^;5^i^Jtj^^ THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA LIBRARY THE WILMER COLLECTION OF CIVIL WAR NOVELS PRESENTED BY RICHARD H. WILMER, JR. THROUGH WAR TO PEACE BY BENJAMIN F. MASON, Author of tlie "Village Mystery," or " The Spectres of St. Arlyle. PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR. 1891 . -'--::»t^ JL/^ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the the year iSgr, by I^. F. MASON, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. ^st^- (fe/^W^ ~*l^5,£^ CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. THE BATTLE OP BULL KUN, OR MANASSAS. CHAPTER II. THE KETREAT FKOM THE FIELD OF MANASSAS. CHAPTER III. THE soldier's LAST WATCH. CHAPTER IV. THE OLD ENEMY AGAIN. CHAPTER V. A NEMESIS ON HIS TRACK. CHAPTER VI. JUSr IN THE NICK OF TIME. CHAPTER VII. THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. CHAPTER VIII. AT REST AT LAST. CHAPTER IX. THF. BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. CHAPTER X. THE CLOSE OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. CHAPTER XI. THE STRUGGLE "WITH DEATH. CHAPTER XII. AT REST IN HEAVEN, 694198 CHAPTER XIII. NEABING THE END. CHAPTER XIV. THE DAWN OP PEACE. CHAPTER XV. THE liAST REVIEW OP THE ARMY OP THE POTOMAC. CHAPTER XVI. SAD AND SWEET MEMORIES. CHAPTER XVII. THE VANDAIi CONGRESS ONCE AGAIN. CHAPTER XVIII. THE VANDAIi CONGRESS CONTINUED. CHAPTER XIX. HOME AGAIN IN ST. ARLYLE. * CHAPTER XX. UNDER THE LIGHT OF PEACE. Through War To Peace: * * A SEQUEL TO The Village Mystery. BY BENJAMIN F. MASON. CHAPTEK I. THE BATTLE OP BULIi KUN, OE MANASSAS. m BHEN shook the hills with thunder riven, 1 * Then rushed the steeds to battle driven, J And louder than the bolts of heaven ' Far flashed the red artillery. — Campbell, T was a calm, beautiful Sunday morning, on the 2]st of June, f' 1861 ; the sun arose in all its splendor and threw its bright rays down on the glens, woods, and clear bubbling streams of the Plain of Manassas ; while far away in the distance, robed in ,, _ their azure hue, stood the tall summits and pinnacles of the Blue Ridge, guarding, like sentinels, around a field of death ! But ere long, ever and anon, the calm was broken by the roar of artillery, and white wreaths of emoke were seen ascending from the cannon's mouth, into the clear, blue sky above the two long, glittering lines of the contending ai-mies, telling of the fearful struggle soon to begin ! It was the battle field of Bull Bun, the first great, bloody conflict of the Civil War, Side by side, the men stood in the long, gleaming lines of battle, waiting for the orders to rush forward into the vortex of death ! And standing there in that short interval — with thoughts flashing over their 2 THBOUGH WAR TO PEACE. minds as thick as waves on an ocean beach — ere they met amid the awful clash of arms, many a soldier's thouglits were wandering far away to Noith- ern and Southern cities and villages, where friends and loved ones were answering the Sabbath bells' sweet peal of love and peace; and many a soldier in his imagination could see dearly loved ones walking up the old familiar church steps, that he knew so well, but that perhaps he would never see again ; for before that Sabbath sunlight faded into night many a one would be called to "join that silent number in the land whence none return ! " The St. Arlyle regiment arrived on the field the evening before the Vjattle, and had been assigned to General Hunter's division, one of the first bodies to become engaged on the following morning. There had been during the day several severe but short engagements between the advance skirmishers of the two armies, but they had now fallen back on the main bodies, and all was again quiet. But it was but the lull before the great struggle on the morrow ! It was a beautiful night; the moon was full, and shed a soft, mollow light down from a cloudless sky, while not a breath of wind ruffled the gleaming surface of the rippling streams, or rustled the leaves of the surrounding forest, arrayed in all the brightness of a mid-summer's night, wiiile in every directioq thousands of camp-fires glared forth, throwing weird fautastic shadows against the thick foliage of the trees. Around one of the numerous camp-fires a party of Vandals were collected, discussing the impending battle. " Well," said Ned Stanton, "we'll have a lively time to-morrow. Some of us will have to do a good deal of dodging to save our skulis." "Yah," said Blowhard Jake, "bud by Shimmany! von't ve mak dem llL'bil runs !" "Lo'^k out they don't make you run," said another Vandal. " Not much dey von't ! " • "I don't know about that," said Gleaton, "some of you fellows will want to go home mighty bad when the Eebel bullets are whistling around your ears. And then fight the rest of the war wk,h your jaws, in the tailor shop." "Well," said the Pirate, with his usual nonchalance, "we'll take a few shots at 'em f hirst, ahnyhow, just to kape things loively, afore we lave." Thus the conversation ran on, for most of them slept but little that night, and eagerly they responded to the rolling of the drums ere daylight broke on Sunday morning. Then followed a rapid march, until they could see the enemy's forces in the distance, when a short halt was ordered. Here we have already described them, waiting for the final order to move on to the attack. Between the two armies floM'ed the Bull Kun stream, and at a considerable distance from it, on the summit of the ridges, gently sloping to the plain, were posted the Confederate forces, nearly three miles in length. Almost opposite the enemy's center was a stone bridge, spanning the stream, which was guarded by a Confederate regiment. It was planned by the Federal commander. General McDowell, that a feint attack should be made on the bridge by one of the divisions, while the THROUGH WAR TO PEACE. two others, of Heintzieman and Hunter (the latter containing the St. Arljle ref,'in]ent), were to make a detour through the tlilcli woods, and fall upon the eiii'iny's flank and rear. The battle began a few minutes after six o'clock, by the discharge of a shell from a mortar in the direction of the regiment guarding the stone bridge. Then followed a rapid cannonade from both sides, but the Union forces did not advance to drive the regiment from the bridge, but remained firing at long range, as their desire was to attract the enemy's attention, while the two divisions pushed through the thick forest. But the Confederates were on the alert, and before long they became aware that a lar,u;e body of men were pressing through the dense forest toward their left and in their rear. They immediately wheeled around and formed a new and stronger line — as it was on elevated ground, and partly sheltered by the houses, barns, sheds, haystacks and fences of a farm situated there — and at the same time rapidly reinforcing the line to meet the attack of the Federals. Meanwhile, the divisions having forded the Bull Run stream, and filled theii canteens with water, were pressing on as rapidly through the woods as the tangled vines and thick undergiowth would permit. But their progress was so retanled that it was ten o'clock before the advance brigade reached the open field. Among the first troops to reach the edge of the wood was Landon's regi- ment, and as they came into the open ground they were received with a perfect storm of cannon balls and bullets from the enemy's elevated position. The severe fire for a few moments made the raw troops recoil, as the dead and wounded fell around them, but they were pressed forward by those in the rear, and were soon rushing up the rising ground, sharply replying to the enemy's fire, while several batteries of artillery had emerged from the wood and were firing over their heads with telling effect on the Confederates. " Bejabers!" exclaimed Kelly, wildly, "it's extramely loively ! An' thar aint mouch fun fightiu' Ribils !" "No," replied his comrade, also a Vandal, "I'd rather be back in the tailor shop." " Dunder und blitzon !" yelled Jake, "dey mights hit somebodies in der eye !" "Put yer eyes in yer phocket!" answered the Pirate. "Shiver me timbers!" cried Sailor Jack, as he glanced down the line, "ef the boys aint fallin' overboard lively !" They were now in the hottest part of the battle, and there was no longer any time for words, as -they pressed rapidly up the hillside, firing volley after volley at the Confederate ranks, while bullets and balls went plowing through their own. Each moment fresh companies of troops emerged from the wood and rushed up the gentle slope, till the Confederate commander, Evans, was on the pomt of falling back, when he was reinforced by Gen. Bee's division. The National forces were now sorely pressed, but they were rapidly supported and their line greatly strengthened. The battle \iow raged desperately, the air was filled with bullets, cannon balls and shells ; the dead and wounded lay thick on the field, while the roar of the firearms 4 THROUGH WAR TO PEACE. was almost deafening. Although the enemy, from his elevated position, was doing terrible execution — especially with his artillei-y — ^on the National line, the rapid reinforcement of the latter was slowly pressing his lines back. Just at this time the Federals were again reinforced by Sherman's brigade, and the Confederates could resist no longer and began a retreat. Over the ridge and down the southern slope of a small valley the Confeder- ates fled, but in good order, as they were aided in the retreat by Hampton's famous legion, which had just arrived on the field. Across the valley they rushed, and up a gentle slope leading to a large plateau above, closely fol- lowed by tlieir pursuers. Cheers broke from the Federal lines, as they considered the victory com- plete, and the commanders were already congratulating each other, when suddenly an incident of determination and valor occurred, that turned the tide of victory. As the flying troops, under General Bee, reached the brow of the plateau there stood a brigade drawn up in line of battle, seemingly as immovable as the rocks themselves, watting for the coming struggle. At its head sat a commander whose name became famous on many a bloody field in after years. It was Gen. T. J. Jackson. General Bee rode up to the tall Virginian, who sat on his horse with a face like marble, and exclaimed, with despair imprinted on every line of his face : " General, they are beating us back ! " "Then, sir," answered Jackson, calmly, "we'll give them the bayonet!'* The words sent a thrill of hope through the disheartened Bee, and turning to his men, he exclaimed : " There are Jackson and his Virginians standing like a stone ivall ! " And ever after he was known as Stonewall Jackson. Although the Confederates had been driven up the hill to the plateau above, Jackson's stubborn resistance here held the Federals in check, while the former weie rapidly reinforced with infantry and artillery, and took up a strong position on the brow, sheltered by the thicket of pines. Up these hill- sides, against this strong Hue, the Federals hurled brigade after brigade, till the slopes were black with men. It was now afternoon, and the heat was intense. The battle raged fiercely, the roar of the conflict was terriflc, as the cannons belched forth their thunder, mingled with the crash of the mus- ketry, the heavy tramp of the cavalry, the screams and groans of the wounded, and the shrill shriek of the bursting shell. The air was thick with dust and smoke, completely hiding the combatants from each other, as if struggling in a mist, while red flashes of flame darted high into the air above the pandemonium of death and destruction. The Confederates were inferior in numbers to the attacking forces, but they had by far the advantage, in their elevated position, and the cover afforded by the pine trees. And from the elevation the Confederates poured a raking artillery fire into the advancing masses. But on the National soldiers came, every moment pressing the enemy harder. At last the critical moment had arrived. The loss had been severe on both sides. Though the Federals had not broken the enemy's line, the latter's situation had now become desperate. Every one of their available men had long since been hurried to the heart of the THROUGH W^AR TO PEACE. 5 struggle, while on the National side fresh troops were already hurrying to the front. The Confederate generals Bee and Baxter had been killed, Jack- son and Hampton wounded. "Oh, for a brigade !" cried the Confederate commander to a staff olBeer. At this period, to add to General Beauregard's despair, telegraphic signals warned him to look out for a body of troops advancing on his left. "At this mijraent," said G-en. Beauregard in mentioning the occurrence afterward, " I must confess my heart failed me." It was a strong column of men, and at their head was a flag, but Beaure- gard could not tell, even through a strong field glass, whether it was the stars and bars or the stars and stripes. A look of despair and sadness swept over the Confederate General's face, as he turned to an officer and ordered him to hasten to General Johnston and request him do what he could to support and protect a retreat. Again Gen. Beauregard fixed one last lingering gaze through his field-glass upon the advancing flag, but he could not distinguish it, as it hung limply around the staff. But, just as he was lowering his spy-glass, a gentle breeze sprang up, and slowly, steadily, the bar.ner unfolded and floated full out on the warm air. It was the stars and bars ! Instantly the Confederate General's face lighted up with triumph and pleasure, as he cried exultantly to a staff officer : "Col. Evans, ride forward and order Gen. Kirby Smith to hurry up his command, and strike them on the flank and rear!" The advancing troops, under Kirby Smith, were a part of Johnston's army from the Shenandoah Valley, that had eluded the Federal General, Patterson, who was to have held them in check. They were moving toward Manassas Junction by railway, when Kirby Smith, hearing the heavy firing, knew that a great battle was in progress. So he stopped the engine before reaching the Junction, and, forming his men, pushed forward to the struggle. The fresh command struck the National troops full on the right flank, ere they could forn;i a new line. For a few moments the Union right fought desperately, but their efforts were in vain. Flanked and under a terrible cross fire, they were forced to fall back, slowly at first, then more rapidly. As the Federals saw their right wing fall back in confusion, th*; cry rapidly went along the line : " Here's Johnston from the "Valley ! Here's Johnston from the Valley !'' And in a few minutes the entire army began to retreat, and then broke into a wild rout. The battle was lost. CHAPTER II. THE KETKEAT FROM THE BATTLE FIELD OF MANASSAS. jtOR those t'Jat fly may fight agaiu, CSi Which he can never do that's slain; Hence timely running's no mean part Of conduct In the martial art. —Butler. MOXG the few regiments that retained their order, and re- mained firm to the last, was tlie St. Arlyle one. But at last, far out- numbered by the enemy, and each moment being cut through by their own fugitive infantry and artillery, they were forced to scatter in every direction. Gleaton's company formed a part of the extreme left of the regiment, and, unlikt." the rest of the command, was unpro- tected by the bushes and under- growth ; therefore was the first to be overrun by the flying artillery and cavalry. Helter skelter his men fled to escape the wheels of the cannons and the hoofs of the horses. Gleaton soon found him- self, to use his own expression, "in command of him self only." He ran on for quite a distance, till he came to a clump of bushes — ^where another Vandal had already taken refuge — when he sprang behind them. But ere long the enemy's bullets began to whistle thick around their heads, and it got by far too hot to be comfortable, as Gleaton remarked to his companion, laugliingly : " 'As custom arbitrates, whose shifting sway Our lives and manners must alike obey.' So I guess we'd better run away." But Gleaton was a little too late in this movement, for before he could reach the open ground he was captured by two Confederates, who, seizing him by each arm, led' him rapidly through the thicket toward their lines. But as they were emerging from the undergrowth with their prisoner they THROUGH WAR TO PEACE. 7 were suddenly met by a flying piece of artillery, which knocked one of the Confederates down, while the other and Gleaton had just time to spring out of its way. Finding himself free, Gleaton sprang quickly forward, just as the muzzle of the gun was passing, and, seizing hold of it, with a strong effort swung himself up on the breech, where he clung desperately, as he yelled at the discomfited Confederate : " ' Fare thee well ! yet think awhile On one whose bosom bleeds to doubt thee ! ' " The soldier also proved to be a wit, for he replied in the words of Pope : " I hold sage Homer's rule the best, Welcome the coming, speed the going guest ! " And, by way of emphasizing his words, he fired point blank at Gleaton, but, luckily for the ex-blacksmith, the ball went wide of its mark. Let us now turn to Marshall. When his men scattered and left him alone, he started to run rapidly toward the rear, when he was halted by the enemy, who had nearly surrounded him. "Surrender!" shouted one of the Confederates, "you're our prisoner!" "Ah! yes, indeed; I've been looking for someone to surrender to," he exclaimed, as he threw up his arms. But at the same time, seeing an opening in the underbrush, he popped into it, as he remarked in his usual reckless manner : " The mouse that always trusts to one poor hole Can never be a mouse of any soul !" But he did not escape without a volley of harmless bullets following him. At least they were harmless so far as he was concerned, for none of them struck him. He ran through the thicket, and near its edge finding a dis- abled baggage wagon, he cut a mule loose from the traces, and mounting him, started "to leave the field," as he afterward said, "as a cavalryman,"' but, the mule not going fast enough, he struck him, when the animal suddenly stopped, and, rearing up behind, the ex-editor shot over his head, or, as Marshall afterward told it in rhyme : "I seized and mounted a black artillery mule, Made up my mind that he or I must rule ; But as I raised the whip o'er his left ear, The mule raised up his heels and shed a muleteer I " The rest of the way the ex-editor pursued on foot. For, as he remarked, he didn't wish to ride mules, as he "didn't understand their nature." Be- sides, he didn't like the "feeling" way the animal had of "shedding a muleteer!" "It sort of annihilated, kind of Vandalized a fellow." Another Vandal, who was tardy in "beating" a retreat, was Sailor Jack. And, being far behind the rest, he became confused, and ran in the wrong direction — toward the enemy's lines. As he subsequently expressed it, " he got befogged and went sailing around on a dead reckoning." At last he became surrounded by the Confederates in nearly every direc- tion, and the bullets whistling around his head as thick as hail on a winter's day. 8 THROUGH W^AE TO PEACE, "Shiver me timbers! " he exclaimed, "ef there's much chance to go fore or aft. So I guess I'll take a starboard tack," he continued, as he fled into a neighboring wood. Of all the Vandals, only one was severely wounded. That was Jim Kelly, though several others received slight bruises, though not bad enough to necessitate their entering the hospital. But poor Kelly had received a dangerous gash in the side, and had just strength enough left to crawl be- hind a tree, before he swooned away from the loss of blood. Here he was found the next day, and carried to the hospital by a number of Vandals, who had gone out in search of him. " Be jabers, boys," said he, between his groans of pain, as they raised him on the stretcher, "they kum mighty near sinkin' this pirate. They put an awful big howl in 'er side." Of the remaining Vandals, Frank Meredith and Dave Johnson were taken prisoners, or, as Gleaton remarked, "the Rebels borrowed them for awhile." But there was one Vandal the "Rebels'' did not "borrow"' or shoot. True, he did not give them much of a chance to do either — that was Blowhard Jake. Almost at the first fire his courage "oozed out," so to speak, and he took French leave. As he was starting toward the rear one of the ofQcers ordered him back, but this only accelerated his motion. "Never mind him," remarked Marshall, "he's only going off to catch his breath." But it took Jake a long while to "catch his breath,"' for he did not stop retreating until he got back to St. Arlyle, and he never returned, for he had enough of war for the rest of his life. " Dunder und blitzen ! " he used to exclaim, in speaking of the battle afterward, "dem Rebils mights er hit er feller in der eye !" He seemed to have a great respect for his eyes. As Marshall ran onward, after being so unceremoniously dismounted from the mule, he overtook Gleaton, who was also journeying along on foot, hav- ing tumbled off his seat on the cannon. " Hello, Captain Marshall !" exclaimed the latter, emphasizing the word "Captain," "why don't you rally your men, and make a brave stand and turn the tide of battle? " "Ah," replied the ex-editor, " My tongue within my lips I rein, For who talks much must talk in vain," " But why don't you, Captain Gleaton? " "I have given a very good command, and I think they'll obey it. It's found in Shakespeare, and it is: 'Sweep on, you fat and greasy citizens.' But what do you think of things in general, Marshall?" " They seem to be mixed ; in fact, sort of annihilated, kind of Vandalized." At this moment they came upon a mounted officer, who was making a buncombe speech to the flying men, urging them to rally and drive back the enemy. But all the while the officer's horse's head was turned toward the rear, and the warrior himself was every few seconds casting furtive glances toward the enemy, so as to be ready to flee at a moment's notice of danger. THROUGH WAR TO PEACE. 9 "Fine words; I wonder where he stole 'em," exclaimed Gleaton, just as the officer rode away at full speed toward the rear as he caught sight of Stewart's Confederate cavalry in the far distance. "That fellow," said Marshall, as he watched him disappear, "has mistaken his calling. He was made for an orator, not a warrior." The rout had now turned into a panic. All kinds of encumbrances had been thrown away. The field was strewn with muskets, belts, knapsacks and every conceivable kind of baggage and article, while the huge, surging mass, without form or order, rushed on to Centerville, and from there to Washington. In this huge, chaotic crowd, mingling with the soldiers, were citizens, members of Congress, governors and various other State officials and their wives, who were now ail fleeing for dear life, some in carriages, others on foot, leaving behind them elegant lunches and forgotten speeches, which they had intended tc make over a glorious victory. As Gleaton and Marshall hurried onward they passed a group of soldiers surrounding a large table cloth, on which was spread some flown Congress- man's banquet, of savory dishes and bottles of wine. They would hardly have noticed the cluster of men had they not heard their names called. Looking toward the impromptu banqueters, they saw two Vandals seated in their midst, helping themselves to the wine and other good things, per- fectly regardless of the enemy's bullets. "Come on, Marshall ! Come, Gleaton !" they shouted. " There's a mighty good spread-out here ! The best you ever saw in your life !" "Look out," answered Gleaton, "the Rebels don't borrow you." "Oh, confound the Rebels ! this is a Vandal lay-out !" But they were shortly afterward interrupted in their revelry by their Col- onel, Charlie Landon, who compelled them to move onward. During the battle Charlie had set his men a brave example, for he had rushed to every part of his line, regardless of the enemy's fire, whenever he saw the men heavily pressed, and encouraged them with words and deeds. And when the retreat began he actively engaged himself in trying to save any of his men from being captured, for he was among the last to leave the field. " Move on, boys !" he cried. " Don't let the enemy capture you, for we'll want you all another day. I know the battle is lost, and there is no alterna- tive but to retreat. But we'll whip them the next time, and we want every one of you to help. Fight your way through their ranks. Don't let them take you prisoners !" Charles Landon had generously given his horse to one of his wounded men to ride, and had filled, with the aid of others, an ambulance with the wounded of the regiment, when a mob of wild, excited men sprang forward to jump into the wagon upon the wounded. Instantly Charlie sprang in front of them and drew his sword. "Back!" he cried. "Shame on you, to attempt to impose on wounded men !" But the excited crowd still pressed forward. Then the brave firmness of his nature showed itself — the ring of the true metal in the man, as he exclaimed : "The first man who attempts to spring into that ambulance. 111 run my 10 THROUGH WAR TO PEACE. sword through him !" The mass halted, for the calm determination of that pale, handsome face awed them even if it did not win their admiration, and then they slowly fell back, and the wagon proceeded unmolested. Thus ended disastrously to the National cause the first important battle of the War. On both sides there had been some skillful movements, and never, perhaps, in the world's history had raw men done such good fighting. Had the Confederates pushed forward they might easily have captured Washington City. But tliey were evidently afraid of I'isking a defeat, for they had not forgotten that they had been beaten back in the early part of the battle, and they were not sure it might not occur again. They were not aware of the fact that when an army is completely routed it falls an easy prey to the victors ; besides, they had not yet been hardened to blood and death. For there is no thorough school of the soldier, except by months of experience on the field of strife — an experience they gained long before the close of the War. But so also had their opponents. After this battle came a quiet, but it was but the lull before the storm of the most bloody and destructive war the American continent had ever yet known. And during its progress the production of as fine soldiers and martial equipments as the world had ever seen. In the meantime each side began raising and organizing immense armies of men. President Lincoln's first call, after the battle, was for a half a million of men. Gen. McDowell was removed from the command of the army around Washington, and superseded by Gen. McClellan. Then followed the ^difficult task of organizing and drilling the demoralized mass. General McClellan proved equal to the exigency, and in a few months had succeeded in converting these raw men into a finely disciplined army, well prepared for the bloody work in store for it. CHAPTER III. THE SOLDIER S LAST WATCH. <*/if\H ! once was felt the storm of war I ^-^ It had an earthquake's roar; It flashed upon the mountain's height. And smoked along the shore. It thundered in the dreaming e ar, And up the farmer sprang ; It muttered in a bold, true heart, And a warrior's hari;ess rang." EARLY a year had flown on the wings of Time since the Battle of Manassas. Bertha had been a nurse in the Army of the Potomac nearly seven months. General McClellan had made his famous-' Peninsula campaign — those seven days of continual fighting — a series of the most desperate and bloody battles that had ever yet been fought on the American continent, beginning with the field at Oak Grove, then fol- lowed each successive day, by the terrible contests of Mechanics ville, Gain's Mill, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Glendale and the final fierce ond bloody struggle at Malvern Hill, and now the army had fallen back and was lying on the James River. This campaign, one of the most memorable in history, on account of its severe and protracted fighting, had cost the Federal array, in sick, wounded and killed, thousands upon thousands of men. The multitude of hospitals hastily im- provised in barns, churches, tents and every variety of building, were filled to overflowing, and Bertha and the many other noble women found plenty of work for their willing hands to do. ' '^ These months of service among the wounded were fast winning for Bertha in the Army of the Potomac a fame almost rivaling that of Florence Nigtitingale in the Crimea. For the busy months of work had made her an efficient nurse, by teaching her to bravely control her nerves and remain calm while assisting to dress those frightful wounds which sol- diers receive in warfare, and also how to make and administer the sedative and cooling potions to the fever-parched lips. Once, only, in her trying service did she faint. It was while engj>ged in bandaging a severe wound 12 THROUGH WAR TO PEACE. _ in an officer's arm. The ligature of tlie artery brolie, and the hot blood spurted in a flood over her white dress. Her head grew dizzy, while her heart seemed to cease beating, and she would have faUen had not a surgeon caught her and placed her on the bed. When she recovered, which she rapidly did, she found that the surgeon had ligated the artery again, and was bathing her face. " These are terrible sights, my little ladj'," said the surgeon, kindly, when she had opened her eyes again. " I am afraid they will prove too much for you." "Oh no !" she replied, " I shall try and be stronger the next time." After that when serious accidents occurred (for they often did) she pressed her thumb upon the artery, thus stopping the flow of blood, and quietly awaited the arrival of the surgeon. Thus when she found she could be truly useful to the wounded, she threw herself with her whole heart into the noble work. And many were the blessings showered upon the hand- some little lady's head by the suffering men, as she knelt by their beds and administered to their wants, ever with words of kindness. For a soidier in pain can fully appreciate the soft, magic touch of a woman's hand. Eough and bad as some of these men had been, they never forgot her noble kindness, and when many of them were again able to leave the hospi- tal, they could not employ words enough in which to praise her to others. And afterwards, when she passed groups of soldiers, containing, perhaps, but a single one who had ever known her gentle care (but he had informed the rest) every cap was raised, their boisterous laughter ceased, and a silence fell upon them, as if they were in the presence of an angel. It is no idle fancy that wins this respect from men. For a noble woman is God's sublimest work on earth. The brightest and richest diadem beneath the blue of heaven. Her example good men love to follow, and even evil ones learn to admire. Noble, kind and true, she leaves a record through the flood of years that time can never efface. She has planted and nourished the blossoms that will bloom beyond the skies. For there is a power in a good woman's magic touch naught else can win. It is the one foretaste of heaven that few but a wounded soldier has ever learned to feel, as she kneels by his side amid the conflict; and does a noble work of mercy. Bertha, during all these months in the army, had had but several conver- sations with Charlie Landon, for, although when they met it was in a very friendly way, there was a constraint in their manners that touched a tender chord in their hearts — and actually made the interview painful — as it became impressed upon their minds that they were drifting farther and farther apart. But oh, how he longed at each meeting to place his arm about her and tell her of the never-ceasing love beating in his heart, as he called himself a thousand times a brute for his treatment of her affections ! " But alas !" he thought, " I have crushed the last spark of fondness from her heart by my contemptible actions 1 And I will not try to degrade or annoj' her by offering a love that must be distasteful." So that powerful control of his nature crushed down every impulse of his heart, and he met her as calmly as if she were but a mere chance THROUGH WAR TO PEACE. 13 acquaintance. And at these moments in her bosom what a wealth of tenderness lingered for the man she loved, no words could express. But these many days of experience with danger, death and care had taught her well the lesson of self control. So when chance threw them together her little hand touched his without a quiver, while the beautiful, pale face showed not a sign of the strong emotions that were struggling in the little heart. Of course Bertha found life in the army fraught with many hardships and trials, but there was a consolation for all its inconveniences, in being sur- rounded by so many friends of her youth. Though she met Charlie but seldom, she saw him often, and that was a pleasure that always had a lin- gering, inexpressible sweetness about it. Then, too, her true, noble friend. Dr. GranviMe, was nearly always near, ever ready to assist and encourage her. And then there were the other young men from St. Arlyle, not that she had known them much iu former j^ears, but they were from her native village, around which sweet memories still clung. And then, too, in the past year, they had been so linked in her fortunes and misfortunes, that almost unconsciously a strong friendship had grown up between the little lady and them Tor it is said, and truly, indeed, that kindred works, or trials, make kindred friendships too. And they, on their part, were always ready to add to her comfort or pleasure by bringing her flowers, fruits or other gifts, often fraught with great difficulty to obtain, in that war-swept country. Thus, surrounded by so many well-wishers, gradually came a home-like feeling in her heart. For there is nothing that constitutes home so truly as to be near friends and those dear ones we love the best. It was the evening of the 7th of July, but a week after the last battle at Malvern Hill ; the Army of the Potomac was still encamped on the James Kiver, and in the homes in every part of the Republic were still fresh the memories of the dead, as mothers, wives, sisters and sweethearts were sadly treasuring up the last mementoes of the loved ones, sleeping forever in unmarked soldiers' graves in old Virginia ! The night set in bright and clear, but ere long a fog began drifting in from the bay, each hour growing denser, till it enveloped the two armies like a mantlo, and hid from the Federal forces their long picket line, nearly two miles distant. At the extremity of the line, where it touched the river, James Kelly was standing guard in the silent gloom — silent and gloomy indeed, except for the occasional report and flash of a musket from his own line or tiiat of the enemy, for the outposts of the contending armies were so near together that they could hear the challenges of each others' officers as they went their rounds. It was just 8 o'clock when Kelly took his place on duty, relieving the former sentinel. The mist had already begun to rapidly envelope the field, and as he stood at his post and watched wistfully, almost sadly, the last gleam of the distant camp fires fade away in the gathering gloom — shutting him in on his lonely vigil — there came a presentiment over the young soldier's heart that the old life had faded too. For an indescribable something seemed to tell him that it was his last watch on earth. But in spite of his U THROUGH WAR TO PEACE. foars not a tliought of deserting his post of duly ever crossed the brave young fellow's breast. At 10 o'clock the relief came, but he gave no answer to the challenge, so another sentinel was placed on his post. Again, at midnight, the guard was changed, but there were no signs of the young soldier. He was hidden from view in the mist. Once mure the night wore on. At last, when day- light broke, and the warm beams of the sun had melted away the mist, they found the brave young fellow lying at his post ! A deep, crimson stain on the rough blue coat, just above his heart, told the sad story that he was "off duty" forever ! His eyes were gently closed, as it in sleep, while on the cold lips was even impressed a smile, telling that his death had been sudden and painless. The pale face was wet with dew, as if, for f iillfiUing his duty, Heaven had thrown down its cold kiss of approval there ! His comrades raised his body gently, and as they bore it away their weather-roughened faces softened and their eyes grew moist. Even the enemy's pickets, who were separated from them by but a narrow cornfield, dropped the butts of their muskets on the ground and waited in respectful silence till the dead soldier was borne from the field. Such was often the kindness shown on both sides for the dead and wounded. Is it any wonder, then, that the war was scarcely over before these same men who had crossed arms in deadly conflict began to bridge over the bloody chasm, by forgiving and forgetting, till it seemed that the Kepublic was growing stjonger in the union of hearts than ever? ' Just before sunset that day all that was mortal of James Kelly was brought in a rough pine coffin to its last resting place — a grave dug under a willow, near the river. Bertha had twined a wreath of white roses and geraniums — which she had gathered at a neighboring farm house — and placed it on his breast, as a tribute of her friendship. Around the coffin were gathered the men from St. Arlyle — the friends of bygone years. They removed the lid, and as each was taking a last lingering look, Bertha knelt down and severed a lock of his brown hair and pressed the cold lips that could never more know or feel a kiss unless spirits can come back again from that land beyond the skies. Bertha arose, and as the tears stole down her cheeks, said : "Poor fellow ! he's had a rugged life ! But he's at last at rest ! Let us hope on heaven's bright shore ! He once did me a noble favor, and I shall always retain a warm place in my heart for his memory !" "Yes, ' said Charlie Laudon, "he was as much a hero as the greatest general in the array, for he gave all he could give for his country — his life !" The chaplain then read the short burial service, and when it was ended the escort fired three volleys over the grave and quickly strong arms hid him from mortal view. And the friends of bygone years turned sorrowfully back to camp, as they felt that a link was missing in the silver chain of friendship; endeared by the association of years, till it almost twined with the golden chain of love ! CHAPTEK IV. THE OLD ENEMY AGAIN. •^ n open foe may be a curse, BOUT half an hour after Bertha left the hospital tent, Mar- shall entered and inquired for her. He soon found the surgeon to whom she had given the letter, and as he gave it to Marshall he remarked that Miss Merton had said that it would explain all. On receiving the epistle, Marshall walked to an opening in the tent, and hastily glanced at the address in the fast waning daylight. He knew the handwriting in an in- stant. And over his face came an expi-ession of anger and determination, that rapidly became mingled with sadness, as the writing recalled the bitter memories of long fled years. He tore open the envelope, and without relaxing a muscle of his rigidly drawn face, read the epistle through, then here escaped between his set teeth but a single word : " Entrapped !" Turning on his heel he walked back to the surgeon, and asked : '•Doctor, how long is it since Miss Merton left?" , "Not quite half an hour." "ThaJik heaven ! I'm yet in time to save Bertha," he muttered to him- self, as he strode away toward his tent. Reaching it^he entered, and taking^ his pistol and sword from a table, he attached it to his belt, and buckling it on, walked to the entrance way. As he stood leaning agamst the tent pole he formed a fine manly picture in the evening light, his thick, black wavy- hair pushed back from the broad, white brow of his uncovered head, and his tall, full figure clad in a dark blue uniform with its golden buttons across- his breast, while on each shoulder gleamed and danced in the uncertain light the golden leaves of a major. Standing there in the dim, shadowy twilight, oblivious to the noisy hum, and the thousands of expiring camp-fires of the large army — for his thoughts were drifting backward to dear and sad scenes of his boyhood, far acnibS the dark, blue waves — there came over his face a tender sadness, that illu- THROUGH WAR, TO PEACE. 21 rninated it with a nobleness that almost rendered it handsome, were it not for the traces of dissipation there. But gradually the sadness of his face melted away — like snow on a vol- cano's peak from the internal tire — and over it came a look of determination, mingled with anger, as he thought : "So you've crossed my path again, James Sneaker — or John Shackle, as you call yourself now! I think I would have known your handwriting for it seems engraven on my heart in lettei'S of fire — had you attempted to disguise it, or were my eyes grown dim with years. Your cruel deed started me on the downward path, twenty long years ago ! And you, alone, are responsible for the dissipated life I've led ! You allured my only sister on to ruin, as fair and noble a giil as ever placed her heart and hand in a vil- lain's care ! You betrayed her and left her alone to face a cold and heartless world ! She felt her disgrace bitterly, to her very heart's core, and saw but one escape from her shame — in death ! So she took the cup of poison and drank it to the dregs ! And to-night she sleeps peacefully in her tomb ! And when her spirit is wafted beyond the sky, I think the God of all will uot Judge her too harshly for her only sin ! " But, Shackle, I do not envy you your conscience, or your reckoning with youi Creator, when your wicked course is run ! You had me thrown into prison when I tried to avenge the dearest and sweetest of sisters — I can see her now, in my wild imagination, and again stroke her dark brown, wavy hair, and watch her liquid black eyes look trustingly up to mine ! Yes, my darling Nelly, I can see your sweet face gazing up from the grave for ven- geante ! And here, to-night, amid the clash of war, between the contending armies, where there is no perverted justice or judge, we shall meet, and then 1 shall show you as little mercy as you showed to her ! "You think to have another victim in Bertha Merton, but retribution is close on your track! I'll cleave your wicked body, or else my right hand has lost its cunning, and my steel will refuse to cut! Yes, I'll tlucart your devilish purpose, or leave another victim for you to gloat over! " But I must to action, and, ere the day dawns, settle the old score with you!" With these last thoughts he entered the tent again, and putting on a large black overcoat, which he buttoned across his breast to conceal his uniform, he strode out and walked rapidly through the camp. Beaching and passing the Union pickets without difficulty, he moved rapidly, yet watchfully, toward the cottage. When within about a quarter of a mile of it he suddenly came upon four Confederates kneeling on the ground in a group. They had been making a reconnoissance in front of the Federal lines, and had now fallen back to a more safe distance, out of the range of the pickets' rifles. Marshall, as he approached them, assumed a bold demeanor, as if he were one of their officers, and cried commaudiiigly : " Halt ! Who goes there?" They made no reply at first, and seemed inclined to retreat, but after a hurried conference one of them answered: "Friends!" ^2 THROUGH WAR TO FEACE. •'Advauce, friends, and give the countersign !" " Stonewall Jackson !" replied one of tlie soldiers. "All right," said Marshall, as he passed onward. A few minutes after, Marshall i-eached the cottage garden, and, pushing open the little gate, walked up to the door. As Shackle yelled the words, " I'll ruin i/ou!" he sprang forward and seized Bertha savagely by the shoulder. When she felt his grasp all hope died within her heart, and a feeling of horror seized her. Almost at that Instant a muscular shoulder was thrown against the door, the lock bursted from its fastenings, and as the door swung open, Marshall sprang into the room ! "Back, villainr he cried. "Backr' As he spoke he tlirew off his overcoat — which he had previously unbut- toned — while his hand, almost involuutarily, grasped his sword. "Save vie!" cried Bertha, rushing to him for protection. He laid his hand gently on hor slioulder, as he said calmly, in a low tone: •'You are free, my little lady ! I'll attend to the scoundrel ! Now, go back to the camp." "But he may wound you," she said, hesitatingly. *'No danger of that: I'm too good a swordsman for him !" She still lingered, and he continued, " Go, Miss Mertou. Go ! I'll soon settle loith him! I ivant you to leave." "Very well," she answered, and left the room. Shackle stood glaring at Marshall like some wild beast at bay, his face convulsed with rage, while his eyes seemed balls of fire, ready to start from their sockets ! For some moments there was a death-like silence, then Shackle hissed between his tightly clenched teeth, with an oath, as he grasped his sword handle almost convulsively : " Marshall, I'm a dangerous man ! I'll cut your heart out if you don't leave!!" An expi'ession of the strongest contempt and defiance crossed Marshall's face, mingled with a sne,er, as he said, scornfully : "I've courted death too often to have a single /ea?- now! My God ! how I have prayed and waited /or this!" At Marshall's words there swept over the villian's distorted face an inde- scribable expression of fear, while his hand trembled. And as he gazed into the face of the other, and saw there a calm, cold desperation — such as only comes over a man through years of anger, suffering and disappointment — he saw but one chance of escape — that of kilJng his adversary. The two men stood watching each other, (like two wild beasts of prey before making a spring) for a few seconds, each waiting for the other to commence the death struggle, then Marshall said, in a calm, icy tone, that rang out sharp and distinct: "Are you ready? Then defend yourself!" Instantly their swords crossed with a sharp, metallic ring. Almost the next instant Shackle disengaged his blade and made a thrust i/i carte, which THROUGH WAR TO PEACE. 23 though Marshall skillfully parried, just grazed his arm, tearing the sleeve of his coat. "Ah !" thought Marshall, "he's a better swordsman than I thought. I must watch him !" Then their blades crossed again, and for nearly a minute the clash of the steel rang through the apartment, each evidently waiting for the other to make a thrust. At last Shackle grew furious with rage, and stepping slightly backward, then advancing, made a quick, vigorous thrust, which the other parried, instantly giviug a counter thrust, just scratching his adversary's arm with the point of the blade. With an oath of rage. Shackle made a furious thrust, that required all the other's skill and power to parry. Once more their swords crossed, and for fully a minute and a half their blades clashed, as if in sword-play. Shackle's face was distorted with rage and fear, and his arm trembled, while the other's countenance was calm and determined. One would have thought, to have glanced at it, that he was but playing with his adversary. As the struggle went on Shackle grew more and more furious, for the very calmness of his opponent seemed to uige on his passion. Finally, he could bear it no longer, and with a wild yell of rage, like a madman, he made a powerful lunge at Marshall. The latter was fully pre- pared, and, stepping backward, easily parried the thrust, and then springing forward, gave a quick one in return, piercing the other's shoulder. From the wound the hot blood flowed freely, as with a howl more of uncontrollable anger than pain. Shackle leaped backward, knocking over the lamp, and plunging the room in darkness ! The next moment Marshall heard the crash of a breaking window, and Shackle had sprung through it, carrying with him sash and glass. Immedi- ately Marshall started to follow, but as he stepped on the window-sill, he heard two shots in rapid succession, and Shackle fell dead, shot through the heart ! Springing upon the ground, Marshall gazed in the direction of the flashes, and saw two men, still grasping their smoking pistols. In answer to the former's inquiring looks, one of the men raised his lantern, and unbuttoning his coat, showed his badge of authority, as he said : " We're London detectives. He was a bad 'un ! A dangerous cove !" '• Yes, he was," replied Marshall. "I've been amusing him, myself, inside, but it got too hot for him, and he jumped out. But it seems, from appear- ances, that he jumped from the. frying pan into the^re.'" "Yes," replied one of the detectives, smiling grimly. "We've tracked him over half the continent, but we've got 'im at last ! But I tell you! he was a sharp 'uu ! Up to all kinds of tricks and deviltry ! He got away from us many a time by a close shave ! But I think we've made short work of 'im this time !" The three men knelt down by the prostrate villain and gazed into his face. It was horribly distorted in death, with hatred, rage and fear impressed upon it. And as used to death as these men were, they started back in horror at the awful sight ! As one of the detectives said, laconically : 2Jf THROUGH WAR TO PEACE. "He's dead!" Aud so he was, and Jeremiah Marshall's revenge was complete ! Entering the house again, Marshall took his overcoat from the Iloor and putting it on, strode out and stood looking at the body. " We'll take care of him," said one of the detectives. "There's a big reward for him in London, dead or alive !" "Very well," replied Marshall, as he moved away in the gloom toward tlie Federal camp. When he reached the Confederate outpost one of the soldiers cried : " Halt ! Who goes there?" "A friend." "Advance, friend, and give the countersign !" cried the Confederate, bringing his gun to a ready. " Stonewall Jackson !" "All right. Pass." Again he pressed forward, till stopped by a picket, who cried : " Halt ! Who goes there?" "A friend." "Advance, friend, and give the countersign !" "It's all right,'' replied Marshall. " No, it is not! I have orders to hold you till the arrival of the Corporal of the Guard." " 1 am a Federal officer." "So much the worse for you! You have been communicating with the enemy." " How do you know?" "You have been watched, and seen to enter their lines. It is needless to talk further," said the soldier, seeing Marshall hesitate, "my orders are strict. I am compelled to call the Corporal of the Guard." Then he called out, " Corporal of the Guard, post Number Four!" Then from post to post, along the line, raug, " Corporal of the Guard, post Num- ber Four !" " Corporal of the Guard, post Number Four !" The Corporal of the Guard came up at a double-quick, with his gun at riglit-shoulder-shift, and, as he halted, he said : "Well, what's up?" " Major Marshall has returned." " Major, I must arrest you. I have received orders to do so," said the Corporal, as he placed his hand on Marshall's shoulder. And without.further parley, Marshall was a priaoner of war! © CHAPTER VI. JUST IN THE NICK OP TIME. HERE'S a dlviuity that shapes our euds, Roufe'h hew them how we may. — Shakespeare. iKOtJXD a long pine table, in a large tent, were seated thirteen officers, equal or superior in rank to Major Marshall, con- stituting a general court-martial, that was to try the charges against the latter, that of "holding correspondence with, and giving intelligence to the enemy." These were very serious charge, tor, if proven, their punishment, in time of war, was by death. A cour^-raartial during hostilities is entirely a different body in its action from one in time of peace. During tranquility a trial by court-martial may drag along for weeks, even months, befoie arriving at a decision, but when the army is in active iiostilities its action is usually short and decisive. And then again, the punishments meted out are very differ- ent; in peace the penalties rarely exceed fine or imprisonment, or, in the case of an officer, dismissal from the service; but during war the punish- ment is frequently by death. And this is necessarily right, ior a soldier or officer may in tranqudity give information to outsiders that may make little or no material difference, but which, given in the tace of an enemy, may thwart a generxl's plans, cost the army thousands of men, or even bring upon it defeat or ruin. The officers of the court-martial were seated at the table according to rank, the president at its head, the judge advocate opposite, and the others on the right and left of the former, beginning at the head of the table with the highest rank. Marshall was seated at the right hand of the judge advocate (the prisoner's place,) while the witnesses were standing at his left. From the officers' sober faces, and their constrained, hesitating manners — that spoke more than words — one could plainly observe that it was an uncongenial duty fcr them. And it is nearly always so, for in the army there springs up among the soldiers a strong friendship, particularly in each regiment, but still extending through the entire army, engendered by the very hardships, dangers and scenes of death they have passed through to- gether. But in Marshall's case it was more so, for he, by his good hearted- ness. genial ways, and his ready, witty remarks and answers, had won a host of friends, some of \r*hom were now members of the court-martial. 26 THROUGH WAR TO PEACE. The court being called to order, the judge advocate read the order for its assQmbling, also the charges to be investigated, then followed the question whethe'- or not the prisoner wished to challenge any member. "No, I do not," replied Marshall, calmly, "I am perfectly satisfied with every officer chosen." The members of the court were then sworn, followed by the reading of the charges to the prisoner, and the latter's arraignment by the question: " Major Marshall, you have heard the charges preferred against you ; how say you— guilty or not guilty V" " Not guilty," replied Marshall, and the trial began. There were three principal witnesses against Marshall, the picket who had arrested him, and two police guards. One of the latter was the first sworn, and testified that he had had his attention drawn to Major Marshall by seeing him pass their pickets and move directly toward the enemy. His Suspicions were aroused, so he fol- lowed him, first calling another guard to accompany him. "We approached," the witness continued, "an outpost— or rather scouting party — of the enemy, and after a short parley passed. We could not hear the conversation, as we were too far away, but we supposed he gave their countersign, for the Confederates seemed satisfied. We then notified the proper authority of Marshall's strange action, who ordered the pickets to arrest him if he returned. After this we hid in the darkness, as near the Con federates as we could without attracting their attention. After about three quarters of an hour Major Marshall returned, and as he was passing the enemy's scouts we heard one of them demand the countersign, which he undoubtedly gave, for one of them replied, 'All right, pass.' " The other police guard now gave his testimony, corroborating that of his comrade. The sentinel then gave the particulars of the arrest, after which several other witnesses were examined, but their evidence was of little value. Then, amid an almost breathless silence, Marshall arose and briefly stated his side of the case. But it was evident from his careless manner and words that he had no hopes of acquittal. For from the moment he learned that he had been followed and watched by the guards he yielded to his fate. He stated that his reason for going to the cottage beyond the Federal lines was to rescue a lady friend from a scoundrel, who had decoyed her there by a falsehood about a pretended sick friend. He further said that he had released the lady and become engaged in a duel with swords with her former captor. That the latter, becoming hard pressed, had sprung from the \vm- dow but before he could escape he had been mortally wounded by two English detectives, who were searching for him for the crime of murder. "But who and where was the lady?'" the judge advocate asked. She would be an important witness in his favor. This question he refused to answer unless the court would guarantee that no charges should be preferred against her. But this it did not h-ive the power to promise, as he very well knew. The judge advocate urged and entreated him to reveal the lady's name, but in vain, for in his resolution not to implicate Bertha he remained firm, nobly declaring that if ho must THROUGH WAR TO RE ICE. 27 suffer, he would not bring her into trouble. But what had become of the English detectives? suggested a member. They would be excellent witnesses in his favor. He did not know where they now were, but one of them had informed him that they were going to New York. Concerning them he spoke freely, describing them, giving their names and other particulars. But this infor- mation was of no value, for no one knew where they were to be found. At last, animated by the warm zeal the others had manifested in his favor, Marshall arose and made a brilliant, logical argument in his own behalf. But, taken as a whole, it was a poor defense, and no one knew it better than did Marshall himself. Then followed the finding of the court, but we shall not go into details, but simply say that, notwithstanding Marshall's weak defense, there were three who voted "Not guilty." They were willing to believe his simple story — implausible as it may have seemed to the others — without asking for further proof. But the other ten members made the necessary- two-third vote which is required to determine the conviction of a prisoner, when, as in this case, the law absolutely and without any discretion in the court, con- demns him to suffer death. As the guards led Marshall away, he appeared by far the most calm and unconcei'ned person present, and when he reached the open air and his old village friends plied him with questions concerning the result, he replied coolly, and with a recklessness so characteristic of the man and the life of danger and vicissitudes he had led for years. "Well, boys, they've sort of annihilated, kind of Vandalized me !" Marshall was placed in confinement and closely guarded till the day for the execution arrived, but five days after his sentence. It was a warm, clear day, toward the close of September ; the sky formed a bright blue arch above — except for an occasional white cloud floating here and there — while a warm breeze swept gently along the Shenandoah Valley, giving as yet no signs of the approaching winter, when the somber cortege containing Marshall and his coffin in an ambulance, surrounded by a guard, started for the place chosen for the execution, about half a mile from the camp. Arriving near the spot, Marshall left the ambulance, and walked with a firm step to the ground selected. Here a grave had been dug, and near it was placed the coSin, while Marshall took his place beside it. In front of him stood the firing party, two from each regiment, half of whom were held in reserve, while outside of this was drawn up- forming three sides of a hollow square — the long gleaming lines of an entire division. Near Marshall's right stood a small group of nipu, and the deep shadow of gloom on their countenances showed that they were more than ordinary observers. They were his old* friends from St. Arlyle A few minutes before, each had shaken hands with him and bade him a sad farewell. During his imprisonment they had — led by Charles Landon — made every effort in their power to effect his release, but in vain. On every face in that huge throng there was a solemn, sober expression, for although amid the shock of battle a soldier may see a comrade fall dead or wounded, and, in his excitement and eagerness to press on to victory, 28 THROUGH JVJB TO PEACE. may hardly notice it, yet in his calm moments to see a comrade executed in cold blood savors too much of the feeling that it is murder. "When Marshall had taken his place near the open grave, the provost mar- shal stepped forward and read the sentence. His voice trembled, while his eyes grew moist, for he and Marshall were old friends ! When he finished reading he approached the accused, and as he shook hands with him said sadly, as he brushed away a tear with his coat sleeve ; " Marshall, old friend, this is a hard duty for me to perform ! I wish to heaven there was a way to escape it !" " Never mind, Ned, old fellow." said Marshall, coolly, "you can't help it. So dun't take it to heart so." "I wish from the bottom of my heart," replied the other, "I could lielp you !" 'Yes, I know you would. Thank j'ou, Ned, my dear feliow, and don't forget the message for my folks across the sea. Farewell !" " No, I'll not forget it ! Goodbye !" Then the usual question was asked, if he had anything to say why the sentence should not be executed. He raised his head, and, turning his gaze toward the men, said in a calm, clear voice, without the tremble of a muscle : " Fellow soldiers, I wish to say but a few words to you. I am satisfied with the decision, for I cannot well see how it could have been otherwise. For events have transpired to seemingly prove ray guilt, till it looked as if fate liiid willed it thus. But through all my life, with all my faults — and I know tliey are not a few — I have never proved false to the flag I swore to defend ' I had hoped that if ever I met death on the field of strife it would be amid the shock of battle, fighting a common foe. For the dearest wish of my heart was that when all was over with me — to have the news sent over to my dear mother, far across the dark blue waves, in Erin's isle, that her son had proved true to the trust reposed in him. But it has been willed other- wise, and I submit ! So, comrades, with my friendship to you all and with ennaity to none, I bid you a last farewell !" For several moments after Marshall ceased speaking there was a deathlike silence, and amid it the officer of the firing party stepped forward and drew his sword. Every eye was fixed on the prisoner, as with throbbing hearts and bated breaths they waited, in awful silence, expecting the next moment to see him fall, riddled with bullets, as the officer gave the command : " Keudy — Aim " At that instant there was confusion in the ranks of the division, attract- ing general attention, and the next moment they parted and a horseman rode rapidly through the gap and bounded in front of the firing squad ! As he reined up his horse lie cried^: " Carry — ArmaP'' There vpas a hesitation of several moments, as the men stood spell-bound, gazing with woudf.r at the officer, who, with the glittering stars of a major general, had so suddenly appeared before them. Then on many a lip trem- bled the question : " Who is he?" But as he repeated the command in a clear, ringing voice, there was an indescribable magnetism in it, as they recognized the man whose presence had sent a