Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1861-1862, 1861-12-19
ga soIdIer,. sratItude.n


The mother to whom the folio wing affectionate letter
was written enclosed it to gentleman Of this city re-
questing him to ascertain If he could to whom she 10
indebted for the kindness of which Der gratefully
speaks and with his permission we lay it before our
readers not only because 1t contains handsome and
well mer,ed compliment to Of Virginias most accom-
pshed matrons, but also dAguerreotypes incident
which, alike in its and results reflects nLite
honor upon human nature:
MONTEREY, Va Aug. 10, 1851.
Ny BELOVED MOTHER Among other promises which
made you, when upon the eve Of our departure from
home, you gave me your parting kiss and blessing,
well remember to have told you that would, whel our
regiment reached It's destination, sit down and sketch
YOU a history of whatever incidents OF interest might
trauspre upon journey. Between home and Rich
mond however, nothing occurred TO break the general
monotony Of duness which generally reigns along rail
road routes but when about leaving Richmond
an incident did which must forever "s linger-
log haunt the greenest spot on my memorys waste"
For several days previous 10 the receipt OF marching
orders by our regiment had been quite ndsposed and
sore Of the boys In our mess attempted even on the
very morning We struck teuts 10 dissuade from
accompanying them bu. l rail- ed my feeble energies
and resolved TO face the music bu! before had march
ed q half mile towards the Dept, found would be
bound to fall 10 the ranks attempted stay there
got leave withdraw and proceed 70 the depot In We
hicle Charley allowed TO attend and as we were
proceeding slowly along the street 10 search OF convey
ance past by the gate Of one Of the most splendid
residences in my life at the door Of which
lady about your age, dear mother was standing. She
was dressed iu mourning and soon as caught the
glance Of her dark lusrous and intelligent -.~s,
I. - It-.-'J VI greas anu nooic neart IN
her beautiful face Yes, mother she is very beautiful H.
Illustrating the truth recorded by the poet when he said
1.-The autumn Of the beautiful Is beautiful" Bending up.
me look Of generous and motherly sympathy, she
exclaimed to Charley, on whose arm was leaning, 10
accents soft and sweet as the tones Of angels harp
why young is not your friend sick? Surely he is
very SICK come, bring him into my house and let do
something for him, send for DOCTOR" If an angel
had sailing down out Of the skies and liz before u.s.
and offered to fan my evered brow with its golden wings
IL could not have struck Charley and literally
all up in heap than this beautiful woman did. We
however after making stsgger two at somsbirg Do
lite to say finally shook of embarrassment and thank
ing her. told her compelled TO hurry forward
But do you think she to b. turned aside after any
such fashion as that not bit Of It. Hurry forward
indeed" said she, "you not able to 60 all" and
with grtcsul and hospitabls Of her hand and
smile that have seen, my dear mother q thousand and
one times since and mingled lie light with the light Of
those fond memory brought from home to span
with the ralnbowj OF hope the dark clouds that
lower over a soldiers tent, she babe US "come in"
and completely were We mesmerizsd, that obey
ed her as promptly if 1t had been the Colonel
giving order, s.. Peter inviting US into Heaven
Wei, we were soon seated in her spacious dining
room, goriousy refreshed with some Of the de-
licious wine ever smscked lip over Oh, mother I
can taste t yet. Size then made US 81. up to her
breakfast table, aud found myself suddenly lcidsdy
convAescent Oar appetltes with us, and It
as precious little like sick mani down TO nv
work then and there. To tel you the truth mother
was at loss decide with which was most infatuated
the beautiful hostess her delicious wine, her superb
breakfast.
Il would be a reflection upon all the good taste
and sense among the educlte gentlemen Of Virginia.
t, suppose that any such be single That
clear out of the question, If It Is not amounts to
awful commentary upon the real claims Of Virgi.
mia gentlemen for worLhness. But Let her be married
or single, want you, mother, to pray that over her
PATH through this vale OF tears happy stars may shine
aud in it the arest flowers may bloom for she has been
than good Samaritan to your poor sick boy -
When to Leave she pressed Charley and me TO
remain few days, until should recover my health and
when assured her that could not be, she loaded
down With wine aud nicknacks, which great a
god send TO Us, on our weary march, as the mama
which rained the children Of Israe in the VII
derBess was to them. And now, motter after all,
blush to tell you do not know her name Her house
is covered with qliker ooored stucco and stands
the Of Grace and sixth seventh Streets and
you mus. not be surprised, my dear, mother If tell
you that in those dreams Heaven sends to bless the
soldiers pallet Of straw in which he flies
"To the pleasant fields traversed so oft
In Lies morning march, when his bosom was yourg"
10 ne Of my fathers also revert to that pilaal resi-
dence where met gentle kindness; for never no.
ever while breathe heavens vital air, will forget
III, incidents Of that morning. With tn, diamond |
pointed pen Of gratitude they have been recorded upon
the tablets Of my memory, and there they will glow and
gsten until with me- the "Sver cord Il loosened and
the golden bowl Is broken"
Your af.c'ionate ROBERT.
DIED,
On Wsdnesdav nnornnr he