A touching incident followed. The enemy carried Five Forks as night
descended. They had advanced so early, that Judge Conway and his
daughters had had no time to leave their home. Compelled to remain
thus, they did not forget their duty to the brave defenders of the
Confederacy, and when the firing ceased, the old statesman and his
daughters went to succor the wounded.
Among the first bodies which they saw was that of Will Davenant. One
gleam of the lantern carried by the Federal surgeon told all; and
Virginia Conway with a low moan knelt down and raised the head of the
wounded boy, placing it upon her bosom.
As she did so, he sighed faintly, and opening his eyes, looked up into
her face. The blood rushed to his cheeks; he attempted to stretch out
his arms; then falling back upon her bosom the young officer fainted.
A cry from the girl attracted the attention of the Federal surgeon who
was attending to the wounded Federalists. He was a kind-hearted man,
and came to the spot whence he had heard the cry.
"He is dying!" moaned the poor girl, with bloodless cheeks. "Can you do
nothing for him? Oh, save him, sir!--only save him!--have pity upon
me!"
She could say no more.
The surgeon bent over and examined the wound. When he had done so, he
shook his head.
Pages:
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661
662