Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-04-16
Gen. A. 3. Johnston.

The death of this distinguished General in the
late battle, excites universal sorrow. Appropriate
resolutions were adopted by both Houses of Con.
gress, and they adjourned in respect to the occa-
sion. During the speech of Mr.. Barksdale of Miss,
he read private letter from Gen Johnston to Presi
dent Davis, explaining the for his course in
esacuating Bowling Green and Nashville, which ex-
honerates Gen. j. from all blame We regret that
We have not space for the letter in this issue On
the Sh President Davis sent in to Congress the fol.
lowing message:
To the Sennte and House of Representatives
Of the Confederate States Of america:
The great Importance of the news just received
from Tennessee induces me to depart from cstab-
lished usage aud to make to you this communica-
ton in advance of official reports.
From telegraphic dispatches received from Off
cial sources, anu able to announce to you, with ell
tire confidence that it has pleased Almighty God to
crown the Confederate arms with glorious and dc.
csive victory over our invaders
On the morning of the 9th instant the convergins
columns of our army we're combined by its Com.
mander. in Chief General 4. s. Johnston, on an as.
sault on the Federal army, then encamped near
Pttsburg, OH the Tennessee river. After hard
fought battle of ten hours the enemy driven in
disorder from his position and pursued to the Ten
nessee river where under cover of his gunboats,
he was at the last accounts, endeavoring to effect
his retreatby aid Of his transports.
The details Of this great battle are yet too few
aSd incomplete to enable me to distinguish with
uerited praise all of those who may have conspicu
ousy earned the right to such distinction; and
prefer to delay my own qualification in recommend
ing them to your special notice, rather than incur
the risk of woundng the feelings of any, BY failing
to include them in the list Where such victory
has been won over troops as numerous as well dis
cplined, armed and appointed as those which have
just been so signally routed may we'll conclude
that one common spirit of unfliching bravery and
devotion to our country cause must have animated
every breast, from that of the commanding General
to that Of the humblest patriot who served in the
| ranks.
There is enough in the continued presence.of in
vaders on or soil to chasten exultatlon over
this brilliant SUCCESS, and to remind US Of the grave
duty of continued exertion until We shall extort
from proud and vain glorious enemy. the reluctant
acknowledgement Of oun right to selfgovernnent.
| But an alwise Creator has been pleased, while
vouch safeing to US His countenancc in battle, to
! affiict uY with severe dSpeiSation to which we
! must bow in humble submission. The last linger-
ing hope has disappeared, ard it is but too true
that ii.neral Albert Sydney Johnston is no more.
The tale of his death is simply narrated in dis
| patch Just received IRON COL Nillian preston, IN
| the following words:
General Johnston fell yesterday, at halfpast
two o'clock, while leading successful charge turn.
! irg the eneiry's right and gaining brilliant victory.
minnie ball cut the artery of his leg but ne rode
ON till from loss of blood he fell exhausted and died
without pain in few moments. His body has been
/ entrusted to me by General Beauregard to be taken
to New Orleans and remain until directions are re-
ceiyed from his family"
My long and close friendship with This departed
chisftau and patrut, forbid me to trust myself in
giving vent.to the feelings which this sad intslli
Gence has evoked Without doing injustice to, the
living it may safely be asserted that our loss is If
-epa-sh!s ..d that among TIE shining hosts Of the
great and the good Who now cluster around the han
ner Of our country. there exists purer spirit no
more heroic SOUL than that Of the iIlustrious man
Nhosedeath | join you in lamenting.
In his death he has illustrated the character for
which through life he was cons2cuous--that Of
-singleness of purpose and devotion to duty. With
his whole energies bent on attaining the victory
which he deemed essential to his countrys cause,
be rode on to the accomplishment Of his Object FOR.
getful Of self while his very lfeblood wAs hs kbb.
ing away. His last breath cheered HID comradeS 70
victory. The last sound he heard was thsir shost
Of triumph. His last thought was hie6ssantye,
and long .nd deeply VIII his county Snourn his
loss JEFFERSON DAVIS.