An account of two very different scenes.
--A Ball and an Execution.--A letter from Murfreesboro', Tenn., dated the 26th ult., gives an account of two scenes of camp life — a ball and an execution. The writer says:‘ On Christmas eve the officers of the 1st La. and 2d Ky. Regiments gave a ball at the Court- House in Murfreesboro', which proved a magnificent affair and complete success. The beauty and fashion of this little city and many distinguished officers were present. The decorations were exceedingly handsome. Among them I noticed four large "B's" constructed of evergreens: "Beauregard and Bragg, of La.;" "Buckner and Breckinridge, of Ky." Over the windows were the names, "Pensacola," "Donelson," "Shiloh," "Santa Rosa," and "Hartsville," all enwreathed with cedar. Conspicuous were numerous United States flags--Union down — trophies belonging to Gen. John H. Morgan, furnished for the occasion by his lady. New Year's eve will be celebrated by another ball, to be given by the officers of the 6th and 9th Ky. Regiments and Cobb's Battery. Truly the grim soldiers feel fond of laying aside their stern occupation for the smiles of fair ladies. I hope they may not experience another Waterloo; but instead, when begins the "sound of revelry by night, " may the beauty and chivalry enjoy themselves without inter option from the cannon's opening roar.
In strong contrast with such scenes comes the announcement of five military executions in one day--one by hanging, the rest by shooting. The first was a spy, a traitor, and a their, named Gray. The crime committed by the other four was desertion. It was my sad duty to witness the execution of one of the latter. As the brigade was being formed on three sides of a square, the clouds grew dark and heavy as if the very heavens frowned upon the bloody deed about to be enacted. The troops remained in one of the heaviest rain storms I ever remember, until the prisoner was brought in the centre of the square, riding in a wagon, followed by a hearse. After bidding a few friends adieu, he, with a firm step, without kneeling or being blindfolded, faced the firing party composed of one lieutenant, one sergeant, and 15 men--twelve of the guns were loaded with balls and three with black cartridges. At 12 o'clock Lieut. B. gave the command "ready!" "aim!" 'fire! ' when the prisoner fell dead, pierced by eleven balls. Some of these men were arrested after an absence of six months. I would advise all deserters who may be skulking around the cities of the Confederacy, to return while Gen. Bragg offers them pardon.
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