Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-02-28
WILLIAM nj. MARTIN.

Uur Columola 1rlend, MIR. jas. w o0u DaVluS0n, J.,
sends us "A touching and worthy tribute to the
memory Of this sunny-hearted child Of song,
genial and kindly humorist, and youthful patri
ot-solder, who died in Columbia on Wednesday
night of last week, from the effects of exposure
while at the post of duty and danger ut Char.
leston 1t is needless for as to add q word to
this full and impartial, yet warmly sympathetic
and appreciative tribute, to one whom we had
learned to love as n man and admire as genius.
But we cannot tear the cherished name from its
place above, without striving to give utterance
to the sorrow that rolls its heavy tide back upon
us, at every effort 10 throw it off.
Our memory forces US to recall the Chatter
toms the Keates, the Shelleys, the brakes and
the Poes of Literature, who,
"Likc the ranbow's lovely form
Evanishing amid the Storm"
gave US few elimpses into the universe of un-
revealed Beauty, and then exhaled in fragrant
cloud of song to heaven. Alas is genius indeed
a disease preying upon its possessor, like worm
at the ruddiest flowers heart? Certain it is,
the gem is often set in delicate casket. But
we had looked forward for our gifted young
friend ani literary brother, with undoubting
hope to IL long life of continually increasing
lustre. The symmetry of his form, the rosy hue
of his cheek, and the healthful sparkle of his
eye, promised as much. Now, however, the
daisies, the violets and the roses Of this Spring.
will bloom above his youthful grave. If South
Carolina loses nothing more, she has paid Of
liberty.
The Carolinian commenting on his death re.
marks:
ssHe is well known as writer of infinite hu-
NOR Some OF his contributions, both poetry
and prose, evince decided genius. He was a
and his death by the readers of that paper will
be particularly lamented. He died in the SER
vice Of the State, and as tribute to his memo
ry, his remains will be escorted to their last
resting place, this morning, with military res
pect-a detachment of the Artillery Company,
honorary members of the Richland Volunteer
Rifle Company, and the Governors Guards hav-
ing rendered themselves as an escort"
The readers of the Enquirer will, we are sure,
feel every word of this that relates to them
His numerous prose contributions, chiefly over
the familiar signature of Ruby" carried with
them an irresistible charm of wholesome humor
and bewitching gayety. And the sweetest sing
ing bird of the grove, might borrow new and
sweeter notes from the honeyed music of his
poetry. We rejoice to learn through Mr.. Da-
Wilson's tribute, that these fugitive emanations
the history of radiant, fascinating, early
expiring genius-are to be collected and pre-.
served as the embalmment of the departed poets
name.
We had the pleasure of only short person al
acquaintance with Mr.. Martin. We met him
for the first time-and never afterwards in COM
versation--in the Convention Hall ut Columbia,
on the day when South Carolina resolved upon
the action in the vindication of which he has
given his life. Surrounded as we were by many
of the nohlest spirits of the State, engaged too
in work of intensest interest to US, we were
nevertheless irresistiby attracted to him by the
atmosphere Of artessness and good nature en-
folding him, and the lovely inspiration of his
face. We shall, therefore, cherish his image as
we would an Ideal-as the impersonation oflooks
and tones that darted instant sunshine into our
heart. And thus we beg to come, with kindred
and friends and the State, and mingle our sad
sympathies with the tears that have fallen from
loving eyes over the early grave of the poet,
VIII "to the good brings the best"