The Portland gazette., 1818-07-21

TSe soldiers say lie has frequently hlhte
n lis intention, bu. they believed II imPos
chile for him to be serious. He procure
powder and ball for the express purpose
Major Eirdsall had ever been peculiarly ID
dulgent to this blood-thirsty wretch, ana en
deavoured 10 conciiate and soften his saV
ace serocily by mild persuasion and genti'
reproof. He formed hatred for one OF th'
recruits, and frequently threatened TO XII
him.
Our deceased friend is ake en- from the DO
som OF a young and enterprising family
from the liyeliest afFc ctions of his compan
ions in arms-from large circle of warm
friends and from the service of country
who appreciated his worth, and will rcaiIze
his loss Frank, sincere, andingenuous II
all his relations with mankind he was en-
deared to all and all mourn al his unrimely
fate. We knew him, knew him we'll, and
we know too, that his expanded soul was
the seat of every honorable sentiment which
frail man can be endowed with.
The following Is the report ofa Rev. gentle.
man, Of the Majors last moments
6 lady called to me, informing that Major
BIRDsALL was shot. left my house, and hav.
ing arrived at the fatal spot, took the hand Of the
dying man and asked him whether he recognized
me He answered, Oh yes do my dear sir,
pray for me-" ! kneeled by his side, and having
concluded, again turned to him, when, with a
look ofinexpressible Of tenderness, although in ex-
treme agony, he thanked me, and exclaimed
L VI IL, = Il he e.
time 10 prepare for death'' conyersed with
him as long as deemed it consistent with his
feeble state, and having paused perhaps one min
ute, he again squeezed my hand most fection-
ately, and importuned me to pray for him. in
quired whether he had not better defer it until
he was removed to his own house, as the physi-
clans then present advised this step. lie an
swered, +" cannot live | cannot pray for my
self; do pray now, my dear, dear sir.'' Of
course | complied with his request, and then per-
ceiving that he was not so much exhausted as
had previously supposed entered with him in
to a conversation of several minutes. proposed
q variety of questions in order to ascertain his
sentiments on the subject of religion, and tae
actual state of his feelings. inquired whether
he believed that the Lord Jes, Christ was the
only Saviour ofmen? He answered, (" ! do fully
believe it." : Do you now that you are a sim
ner ~ All yes the very greatest that ever
lived Oh pray for my poor soul ''-'' Are you
willing to be saved solely through the righteous
ness of Christ m " am.''-'' Are you perfe city
willing that he should have all the glory Of your
salvation Z" : Perfectly wiuing."-'' do you
consent cordially to the humiliating doctrine OF
the cross-that humiliating doctrine which utter
ly disrobes man of pride and glory, and gives all
honor to God in Christ ~ = do cousent.'-
5 Are you willing to be saved as beggar ~
7" Yes, oh yes."-" Are you willing, should it
please a merciful Sod to redeem your soul, TO be
pointed at by the holy angels when you shall ar
rive at heaven, as one who deserves to be plune-
ed in perdition, and who was saved by grace a.
lone ~ :" am altogether willing .''--'' DO you
then deserve 10 be sent TO hell 20 . do richly
deserve it deserve nothing else. .''-'' Do you
then feel in your utmost soul, that it would be
altogether just in Godto damn you '' "Ye les, It
would be just ! do feel it."--' DO you depend
exclusively on the merits Of the Son OF God for
salvation ~ " depend on no one else .''--''Not
on your present resolutions 20 " Mop" Not
on your vows of amendments in life, should you
recover - Z" Not at all."-" Do you repent of
your sins ~ am sorry that have sinnsd a.
gainst God"
81 then explained to him at full length, the
nature of evangelical repentance, and proposed
to him several other questions, to which receiv-
ed very satisfactory answers. | commended his
soul to God, and ceased conyersing with him, as
he was much exhausted"
The Rer. Gentleman continued qoith The de-
cecSed qltI he erpired, and concludes has account
uth number Of pathetic retiectiOns
(Signed) HOOPER CUNNING.