"Cal., you needn't fix up so nice to go into battle, for the rebs won't think any better of you for it."

[SWMODave]

​

Meanwhile my bedfellow had taken from his pocket a small mirror and was combing his hair and moustache. Said some one to him, "Cal., you needn't fix up so nice to go into battle, for the rebs won't think any better of you for it."

Just here the firing began in our front, and we got orders : "Attention! Fall in—take arms—forward—double-quick, march!" And we moved quite lively, as the rebel bullets did likewise. ….

The creek was running red with precious blood spilt for our country. My bunkmate and I were kneeling side by side when a ball crashed through his brain, and he fell over with a mortal wound.

With the assistance of two others I picked him up, carried him over the bank in our rear, and laid behind a tree, removing from his pocket, watch and trinkets, and the same little mirror that had helped him make his last toilet but a little while before.

We then went back to our company after an absence of but a few minutes.

A Soldier's Story of the Siege of Vicksburg

 

[Mrs. V]

Sad tale. And I know this is somewhat impertanent..kind of reminds me of my Mom’s admonition to always wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident...