Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-11-26
From the Hillsborough Recorder.
heath of Col. William F.. McManueu

Among the first volunteer companies that re.
sponded to the call of the Governor of North Caro-
lima in the war, was the Flat River Guards from
Orange county. Of this company COL William f.
McMannen was then Second Lieutenant. They
were attached to the 9th regiment of State Troops
under Col Fisher promptly taking the oath to serve
during the war. Lieut.. McSfannen proved himself
faithful and efficient officer during the time that
the regiment was in camp of instruction About
the 10th of July, 1861, they were hurried to Vir.
gina to reinforce Gen. johnson at Winchester
The trials of the regiment in that march were very
severe. Before they had time to rest from their
fatigue the forced march to Manassas was begun
From Winchester to Piedmont there was an awful
amount Of suffering as the luen were then unused
to such privatons and such exhausting marches
Through all of this Lieut.. McMannen bore brave
and cheerful heart On the 2lst he went with his
company to the bloody field. lie entered his first
battle with noble determination and courage. In
that sanguinary shock, in which his devoted COL
onel fell he brayed the leadcn storm and manfully
rallied his men to the charge. In the evening, when
the inpetuous attack was made on the enemys
right be with fragment of his regiment joined in
the victorious advance; and when their columns
broke and fed he, with the young soldiers enthu-
siasm, followed in the pursuit. until his exhausted
frame sank down for repose on the field of his
triumph Exposed as he was that night and the
.
disease which bailed all the skill of his physicians,
gradually withered his hopeful prospectc, and pre-
pared MIN for soldiers rest in the tomb. For q
long while he would not resign, hoping to be re-
stored. But in the last of October he bid adleu to
his comrades Of the glorious old 6,h on the banks
of the Potomac and sought the comforts and rest
Of home. There his health having improved some,
he WAS made Colonel Of the 45,h Regiment of
Militia, with directions to superintend the draft
In attending to this duty he contracted fresh cold
and from that time rapidly gave way to the ravages
OF consumption. In the month Of july he repaired
to the Rockbrdge Alum Springs but it soon ap-
peared that his days we're numbered. There among
friends though strangers he closed his brief career
on the 14th of August 1862 in the 22L year of his
age, leaving to his Borrowing friends at home and
comrades in the army the inspiration of the patriotic
example, the eloquence Of soldiers duty, ami the
beauty and consolation and glory of Christians
DEATH Cheerful, generous and kind -hearted; warm,
faithful and noble in his friendships brave daring
and true As soldier; there traits in his char
acter too good to be forgotten too worthy not to Ice
initiated by those who would lie what they shoui.
to country, friends and Heaven Most of all woui
VIC linger around the sacred scene of his TRANQUIL
DEATH The stiffness of his soul in its trust on God
vas beautiful as the repose of the lake in the MORN
ing, when wave rutiles its bosom save the kisses
Of the breezes that tell of the glorious rising sum-
1t was the peace which hope gathers FROM the trca-
sure house Of the Immortal, and which the hand of
mercy sweetens and brightens with joy from the
radiant land Of the blest He had raised the voice
Of faith, and God had answered in voice Of love-
He had given God his heart, and God gave his heart
peace, joy, strength. victory, iIeaveis His last
words were Though walk through the dark valley
Of the shadow Of death, will fear no evil for thy
rod and thy staff they comfort me-" May the
Father Of sympathy be tender to his weeping wife
and children. and shed on them and others who sor-
row around his grave the soothing blessings of the
Christians faith, till they all have Joined their lost
one, where the voice of war is unheard forever and
apeacc that is full Of happiness re,gns through ages
that never end.
Hark bark! to the shrill trumpet calling,
1t pierces the soft summer air;
Tears from each c,'nirude are failing
For the widow and orphan are there
The bsyones earhward are turning
AND the drum S muitied breath rolls around;
But he hears not the vmce OF them mourning
Nor awakes al the bugles sharp sound.
Sleep soldier! though many regret thee
no stand by thy Guild bier to-day
Soon, soon will the kndest forget thee
And thy name FROM earth pass away
The man thou ddst love rs q brother,
friend IN thy stead will have gained,
Thy dog shall keep watch for another,
And thy steed by a stranger be led.
Though the hearts that mourn for thee sadly
Soon Joyous as ever shall be-
Ana thy bright orphan girl will laugh gladly,
AS sue sits ON some Comrades kind knee
But there IL one that will still pay the duty
VI tears Tor the true and the brave,
As when first in the bloom OF her beauty
She wept DER the soldiers grave