text:  I saw instances where friends bold enough to brave the vengeance of the government rushed forward to take a last grasp of the hand that must so soon be cold; and my heart was wrung by partings between still dearer objects and the condemned;--wives rushing forward through the multitude; children held up to their father's arms; beautiful and graceful young women forcing their wild way through the line of troops to take a last look and exchange a last word with those whom they would have rejoicingly followed to the tomb