Dec. 6, 1864
The Deathbed Friend
SUGGESTED BY THE DEATH OF BENJAMIN
R BOSTWICK, COMPANY E, 4TH GA CAVALRY, AT THE
Around his death bed are gathered a mournful, friendly few,
Who knew alas! The hour approached for a long and last adieu.
No longing sister is near him to soothe the pressing pain,
And chase away the shadow, now darkening o’er his brain.
No mother’s form bends o’er him with maternal tender grace,
To shed the tear of agony and kiss the paling face.
For far away from happy home his spirit took its flight,
And a gentle stranger watched him through that last tearful night.
A sound disturbed the stillness, it came from a footfall light,
And o’er the sheeted cot there stood a vision of calm and bright.
‘Twas that of lovely woman, in her work of trust and love,
Radiant with the favoring beams, which shine in Heav’n above.
And as she slowly fanned his brow, and gently stirred the breath,
A soft and cooling sephyx floated ‘round the bed of death,
And mindful feelings filled her heart-with hopes and fears oppress’d,
When mindful of her gallant boy, then battling in the West.
The feeble pulse-the nervous start-the hard and labored breath-
Came heralding the near approach of stern relentless death!
Oh look! This glaring eye is fixed, and broken is his tone,
A short spasmodic struggle, and the brave young soldier’s gone.
She bent in humble meekness, but not a word she said,
She only looked a sad farewell toward the handsome dead;
Then placing her soft hand upon the quiet sleeper’s breast,
Her trembling lips breathed forth a
prayer- “Oh may he be at rest!”
She wiped away the last cold drop and pillowed soft his head,
And in his blood-stained uniform, there lay the sleeping dead;
“’Tis over now,” she sadly sighed, then turned to leave the place,
Her steps were slow and measured,
and “care furrowed o’er her face.”
God bless thee, Oh gentle lady! In whom all good doth ____,
Earth’s minister to suff’ring men, the wounded soldier’s friend!
We’ll bless thee with our latest breath, and when “Grim Death” is near,
We’ll think of thee, whose pleasure is to dry the soldier’s tear.
While countless hosts of mortal men are struggling now for fame,
And striving amidst blood and death to win a lasting name;
Thou has a blessed heritage, which never will depart,
The unchanging, grateful love of the wounded soldier’s heart.
Author: MELVILLE
November 24th 1864
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]