All night and all next day the space was swept by artillery from both armies; and no one could venture to the sufferers' relief.

All that time, too, there went up from the field agonizing cries for water, but there was no response save the roar of the guns.

At length, however, one brave fellow behind the ramparts, a Southern soldier, felt that he could endure these piteous cries no longer.

His compassion rose superior to his love of life.
"General," said Richard Kirkland to his commander, "I can't stand this.
Those poor souls out there have been praying for water all night and all day, and it is more than I can bear.

I ask permission to carry them water." The general assured him that it would be instant death for him to appear upon the field, but he begged so earnestly that the officer, admiring his noble devotion to humanity, could not refuse his request.
Provided with a supply of water, the brave soldier stepped over the wall and went on his Christ-like errand.