He answered, with tears in his eyes, that he had a good hope he was going
where he should not do what he had been obliged to do in this world.
"I've killed men in my time, major, but not in malice, but in what I thought
a just war in defence of my country. And as I bore no malice against
those I killed, neither do I bear any against those who have killed me.
And I heartily trust in God for Christ's sake, that we shall yet, one day,
meet together, where we shall forgive and love one another like brothers.
I own, indeed, major, that had it so pleased God, I should have been glad
to stay a little longer with you to fight for my country. But however,
I humbly hope that my death is of God; which makes it welcome to me,
and so I bow me to his blessed will. And now, my good friend, as I feel
I have but a little time to live, I beg you will do a few things for me
when I am dead and gone."
I could not speak; but gathering my answer from my tears, and the close press
I gave his hand, he thus went on, but it was in a low voice and laborious.
"You see that sword? -- It is the one which governor Rutledge presented to me
for my services at Fort Moultrie -- give that sword to my father,
and tell him I never dishonored it. If he should weep for me,
tell him his son died in hope of a better life. If you should see
that great gentlewoman, Mrs. Elliot, tell her I lost my life
in saving the colors she gave to our regiment. And if ever
you should come across poor Jones and his wife, and little boy,
tell them Jasper is gone; but that the remembrance of the hard battle
which he once fought for their sakes brought a secret joy to his heart
just as it was about to stop its motion for ever."
He spoke these last words in a livelier tone than usual,
but it was like the last kindling of the taper in its oil-less socket --
for instantly the paleness of death overspread his face,
and after a feeble effort to vomit, with convulsions,
the natural effect of great loss of blood, he sunk back and expired.
From this victim of D'Estang's madness, I went with a heavy heart on parade,
to take a review of the sad remains of the battle. The call of the roll
completed the depression of my spirits. To every fourth or fifth name
there was no answer -- the gloomy silence which ensued, told us
where they were. About twelve o'clock we sent in a flag to the garrison
for permission to bury our dead. Curiosity led me to accompany the party
destined to this mournful duty. I had prepared myself for a sorrowful sight;
but ah! what words can express what I then saw and suffered!