Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1816-08-14

an officer whose budding genius bid fair
to rank him with the Pixies and Coyipp-
tonscf the history of our military enown.
Lieut.. Smith Will long be remembered
by his conpatriots in arms For his heroic.
bravery and deeds ofnohle daring by
his acquaintance generally to whom he
was endeared by his many civic virtues:
and long, long, indeed, by his mourning
family. III whose affections he reigneI
i'iviHciblc. and of WHOSE Just pride and
ambi,ionhe constituted an essential part.
Bat he dieil as a soldier dieth----ori the
field of battle--in the arms of glory.-
s. Fame will record his worth---aad we
will cherish his memory.''--
Southern Patriot.
From the .4nalectic .Haeisipe.
BIocRApAfcAL NOTICE OF yL1EuvESAS-.
w. W. SMITH.
William Wallace Smith was horn near
Morristcwn, New jersey, on the 10Th Of
November, 1875. His father was a mer-
chant of responsibility and died in the
year 1904.
Young Smith, while boy, evinced a
strong prediction for military life, AMI
gave early indications of talents.
AT the age of fourteen he was appointed
a cadet, and placed at the military academy
at West Point, where he made rapid pro-
gress in his studies.
When little mere than sixteen years Of
age, he was promoted to the rank of second
lieutenant IN the regiment of light artille
ry.
Soon after the declaration of var, he re.
ceiyed orders to join the northern army.
He was present at the capture of fort
George and while TIE army was stationed
there, distinguished himself on several oc-
casions His merit did not escape the
notice his superors. lie was about this
time(the summer of is1s) promoted to the
rank Ola first iieuteuGnt.
At the battle of Williamsburg, on the ele
venth of November, 1916, la had the COM
mand of piece of artillery, which fell in
to the hands of the enemy. The official
reports bear testimony of the gallantry
which he displayed on the occasion.
1t has been ascertained from severa! of.
ficers who were in the engagement, that
although advised tn abandon his battery,
when the army were about 10 return from
the field, he declared he would never leave
the piece as long as he was able 10 dis
charge it /; aud in pursuance of this heroic
resolution, actually fired it off himself latter
losing nearly all his men, until he was
mo tally wounded and takenprisoncr.
lie was removed to farm house near
tue held o! battle. SaDguine hopes were
Tor some time entertained by his friends
that he would recover. hut unfortunately
tor his iamily. aud nerhnps for his country.
he explred on the 2I Of December, 1918
-at the age of eighteen
He displayed great Fl mness during his
illness and eyinced, as the following LETT
fer will show that to the last of his life,
the love oihis country continued TO be his
|rn'ing passion.
Extract OF n letter from lieutenant Sn,;tE
toone n his sisters, aorittea Uerg short
time befare his death.
am sorry 10 find. bv your last LETTER.
thatyour anxiety for my safety should in.
Fduce you 10 express wish TO see me re-
moved rom the scene Of danger; for all
though you are female. NJ OUGHT TO be your
pride to see me risk, and sacrifice my iG.
for my country. | confess I am amlG-
nous OF fame. hut have no desire TO seeI-
death should ii however he my fate to fall
In battle, sneh death will perhaps rescua
nv humble name from obIivion.'
Eatract IF a letter from Colonel FpnyicIc.
OF the light artillery. to Il. Smith, OF
Ne'c Brunswick, dated December. 1915,
:" condole with you for the loss of YOUR
brother, he was dear to me, & was youth
of great promise. He fell too soon IN tss,
held OF honor. Fame will reco'd his worth
and J will cherish his memory"
sBrtrdct from General Bovl's ofic;a, I,iy
ter, dated November 1eh. 1918.
I" When the artillery was finally direct.
ed to retire. having to cross deep and ey.s
cept in one place Ito artillery impossible,
rayine, one piece YVES unfortunately lost,
The tall of its gallant commander, lieuten..
ant Smith. and most of his men, may ac.
count for this accident. IN tie death Of
this young man TIE army has lost one orits
most promising officers.