Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1859-01-22

fUfbDmOukn.
when everything was distress and terror, thsre
was one humble individu al who was frieod u
all. lie IL slave, and aman whom ell ought 10
honor. That poor negro, sexton in ope Of the
churches OF Portsmouth, was always on hand 10
nurse the sick as long IA asopportunity offered. His
name Ia Robert Butt, and is a man well worthy Of
our highest respect. While his pestsr's house
was desolated with sickness he buried With his
own hands ll79 bodies. Now l call that man.
llo has dnrk skin, but he has u warm and noble
heart. lie is a shave, but We must make him
free. Such mnn ~ he shall be . slave no long
or. lie has been sent here TO bury the remains
Of those who, like him., were endsavoring to stay
the progress Of this hideous monster, He will 90
back and tell his friends in Portsmouth TINT Phia.
delphia has grateful hcrat, and can appreciate
kindness.
Now we sometimes admire the adyenturer who
seeks the spirit of gain. and we admire always the
hero who rush into tho battle for the honor
Of his country. When tho sold or dies in battle
his country honors him, and she places q laurel
over his grave. lie goes down to posterity ON
balmed in tho grateful reoollections Of his coun-
try. But what shall | say Of that more than he
roic rpirit who meets death under circumstances
very different from these-the noble spirit that
can 20 down into tho very region Of pestilence to
minister Ia suffering humanity, to lift the faint
ing head, to soothe the agoni1sd limbs, and 10
give cup Of cold water when nothing else can
be given to suffering fellow creature more
p,an that. that can u, with almost the certainty
Of meeting death himself. My friends call that
heroism lie is n hero, who, forgetful Of himself
can f0rego the comforts Of homo. and in the ro-
gicns of death aud gloom administer 10 tho re-
lief Of those who ara suffering. What shall say
Of refined woman who leave home and its As-
sociations to encounter perils which appall tho
hearts Of tho stoutest men. Yet there were such
to bo found ut this terrible crisis. persuaded
somc not To go. As came from that region,
knew they were not 1T To go, but they were AMI
mated by nobler purpose than that which In
duccd mo to keep them back. They. went like
the good Samaritan to minister relief 70 suffering
humanity and oven met death themselves. Their
b,dics have been sent back, and with sor-
rowing hearts we receive them. Wo will deposit
them in that nicho which has boon prepared for
their remains. There they arc to rest side by
sido brothers and sisters in death, and wa have
assembled in this Temple of God to perform their
obscquics. and to do them honor ~ they well de-
servc. aHp
Tho remarks In reference to Robert Butt crsa-
ted u strong but subdued sensation in tho church,
and at tho close of tho services hundreds Of ladies
and gentlemen thronged around Bob and grasped
his hand As for him, he was entirely overcome
by emotion An elderly gentleman offered him
his freedom tho spot, but Bob replied he would
SEQ about it.
BIB belongs to Mr. james Britain, Of Ports
mouth lie says thrt it will require $4,000 TO pur-
cnhsc nltnseiI anu inhhiy oshcs tuV posdioucu5u0
has been lnborng M All undertaken which has
increased his value to his master. The noble
slave has q rosary which he took from tho neck Of
Miss johnson, named in the list Of Philadelphia
Martyrs Iie would be most happy to convey tho
relic to any Of the family if he could ascertain thsir
whereabouts.
Tho procession was then formed and moved out
to LaurA Hill. tho services having occupied about
nn hour.
Tenth street was thronged ms, Tho procession
passed and we noticed many strangers in the
crowd, along with u number Of woll known citi-
zens.
The following was tho order Of the procession:
The Mayor Of Philadelphia md the Reverend
Clergy Chairman Of the Relief COMMITTEES.
Members of the Relief Committes.
Physicians and Nurses who volunteered TO aid
the sufferers.
Citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Relatives and Families of the deceaaed.
TEE MONUMENT AT LAUREL HiLL.--k 10 Ro-
man Doric Column twenty five feet high, inclu-
ding pedestal and base and with the sxcee.ion Of
one block, is constructed Of the best Italian mar
BILE.
The base, of Pennsylvania marble, measures Ave
tons. on which rests the pedestal base, with u
richly carved holdings aud appropriate inscrip-
tons The dycor pedestal is cube Of three feet,
of the best Cnrrara marble, the four pannels OF
which nre enriched with elaborate carvings IN bds-
80 rei,ero, emblomac of the professional zenl and
practical philanthropy of tho entombed.
From the pedosal rises the futed column with
its nodded bnsc and graceful capital, the whole
surmounted by shrouded urn. The plinth ofthe
column inscribed. The whole work il to be car
rcd out in the best style of art.