Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1828-10-16
A BRIEF ACCOUNT

Who appeals TO Col RUSSELL for The
truth Of every Wo,d he relates.
Harris was a Baptist preacher, with a
large family. He had hired as a substi-
tute for three months. This was the case
with most of them: They were ignorant
men; but obstinate in what they believed.
right. They were all sure they could not
be kept beyond three months, and they
gave up their muskets, and had provision
dealt out to them from the public stores,
before they left the camp. This confirm.
ed their convictions that they were right
and doing what was lawful.
Colonel Russell commanded at the ex.
ecution: The militia men were brought
to the place in a large wagon. The mill
iary dispositions being made, colonel
Russell rode up in the wagon, and order
ed the men to descend. Harris was the
only one who betrayed feminine weak
ess. The awfulness of the occasion
his wife and nine chiIdren-the parting
with his son-and the fear Of a quickly
approaching ignominious death! quite
overcame him-and he sunk in unmanly
grief: No feeling of military pride could
brace him up.
Colonel Russell, doubtless, felt as a
man; but he felt also for the pride of the
army, aud desired to animate the men
with fortitude: You are about to de-
said he, by the sentence of court mar
tial! Die like men-LIkR soLDfRRs:-
You have been brave in the fisld-you
have fought we'll: Do no discrsdit to
your country, or dishonor to the army,
or yourselves, by any unmanly fears!-
Meet your fate with eouragen
Harris attempted 10 make some apollo
Gy for his conduct, but while he spoke,
he wspt bitterly! The fear Of death
the idea that he should never again behold
his wife and little ones, and bis son weep
:ng near him, had taken such entire pcs
session of his mind, that it was impossi-
BILE ne SHOULD rally.
Lewis, the gallant Lewis, said in clear
and manly tone, Colonel, | have served
my country we'll: love it dearly; and
would. If l could, serve it longer and bet.
ter. | have fought bravely-you know /
have; and HEREf have a right to say SO
MYSELF! | would not wish to die in
this wayn (Here bis voice faltered, and
he passed the back Of his right hand over
his eyes) 4 did not expect it: But am
now as 6rm as | have been in battle, and
you shall see that | will die as becomes a
soldier: You know | am a brave mani
'Yes, Lewis, (said the COLONEL you have
always behaved like a brave nam
Otter sentences were uttered-other de-
clarations were made, and words of CON-
fort spoken; but they were lost on me-
My attention, says ar eye witness, be-
ing chiefly directed to Lewis.
Six collins were ranged as directed
and on each of them kuelt one Of our
condemned American militia men. Such
a sight was never seen before! trust
to God it viii never be seen again! Six
soldiers were detailed and drawn up to
fire at each man. What an awful duty!
Their white caps were drawn over the
faces of the unhappy men! Harris EVIL
IDENTIFY trembled; and could almost per-
suade myself that the heart of Lewis vas
enlarged, and that his bosom rose with
manly courage to meet death! The fatal
word was given, and they all fell!
As we approached the scene of blood
and carnage, Lewis gave signs of life
the rest were all dead: He crawled upon
his coffin. After the lapse of a few mi
nutes, he said-l give his very words
Colonel n-tbe colonel was close to him
Colonel am not killed; but ] am
sadly cut and mangled.' His body was
now examined, and it was found that but
four balls had wounded him. Colonel
said he, did | behave we'll" Yes, Lewis
said the colonel, in the mildest tone of
voice-'like a mani We'll, SIR said he,
have I not atoned for this offencef-
SHALL l NOT LIyEi The colonel
was much agitated, and gave orders that
the surgeon should, if possible, preserve
his life. They did all hat skill and huma.
nifty could do: 1t was all of no avail -
Poor Lewis expressed a great desire 10
live. Not said he. at one time. that |
feardeath; but would repent me of some
sins; and | desire to live vet a little long
er in the world He suffered inconcsiV.