A private in the second battalion of the fourth regiment of foot, having a propensity for desertion, lately absented himself for that purpose, and to prevent detection, ascended a lofty hay-stack, in the neighbourhood of Colchester, by means of a ladder, where he intended to remain about 48 hours, till the alarm of his desertion had a little subsided. A short time after he had ascended the stack, the ladder being wanted by the farmer, it was removed, to the great mortification of the soldier, who lay anxiously waiting the lapse of time when it was supposed the pursuit would be over; during which time a lassitude and debility affected him so much, that he was unable to use exertions to descend the hay stack, therefore was obliged to remain without food, and subject to the inclemency of the late severe weather, which has so much injured him, that it is very doubtful if his life can be saved.
His frame is reduced to a mere skeleton, his feet and legs in a state of mortification, and his tongue quite black. He is now under the care of Dr Roberts, who will doubtless use every means in this singular case to effect a restoration to health.
He was accidentally discovered by a hay-binder who was employed to cut hay from the stack, upon which he had lain three weeks, and must shortly have perished, his faculties and organs of life being incapable of the least exertion.
What is most extraordinary in this soldier's case, about two years ago he was in a similar situation, having then deserted and secreted himself upon a hay-stack, where he was discovered, almost lifeless, after laying there on that occasion about a fortnight; his life was then preserved by medical aid almost to a miracle.
No comments:
Post a Comment