Winchester journal. [volume] (Winchester, Indiana) 1862-1863, 1862-11-28
THE LATE GEN. MITCHELL

The following paragraphs,
from a late letter by f. d. Gage,
concerning Gen. Mitchell, are
clipped from last weeks Inde-
pendent:
Finding there were large num-
bers of contrabands at Hilton
Head, subject to i'll treatment and
often abuse from the prejudiced
whites, his first work (almosD
was to see to their comfort. Very
soon a number of houses were
erected for them, just beyond the
village of Hilton Hd., for it is now
grown into a village, and quite
out of the way of the camps,
where they could be comfortably
lodged and sheltered 4 church
has been erected for them, and at
its dedication Gen. Mitchell ad-
dressed them as a kind father
would speak to his children. On
another occasion he aid the same.
And to friend he afterwards
said:
81 have addressed large audien-
ces. of the literary and scientific
men and women, in al the great
cities of the United States, and
| say to you, that | never was so
moved before in my life as when
standing before that multitude of
the poor, the humble, and the
wronged, who have but now
come out of bondage into a hope
ed for freedom"
o craven hearts of the North!
here was a man, loaded with
wealth, honors, and privilege,
yet he spurned not the poor, nor
feared to stand in his place before
them and speak words of hope
and consolation to their stricken
and trembling hearts. To all of
those engaged in teaching or 9TH
erwise in the mission, with
whom he conversed, he promised
his hearty cooperation In every
practical effort.
On the breaking out Of the mi
asmatlc fever at Hilton Head,
four of his staff were stricken
down, Col. Prentice, Gen.
Mitchel's two sons, and Capt.
Williams, since deceased, the
others now convalescent.
He said to his attendant pny-
sician wednesday morning. &
have tried for thirty years to live
the life of a Christian, and if
God wills, am prepared to 60"
He was perfectly sensible until
within few hours of his death,
but talked very little, and though
his two sons were in the chambers
above him, he did not ask for
them. Doubtless he realized the
impossibility Of seeing them,
and fOrbore TO agitate his mind bv
speaking of them. They do not
yet know of his death.
AS it was known to many that
| had been called upon to assist
in nursing their beloved General,
| was accosted as | went to and
fro (our houses being separated
only by an alley and small Yard
byofficers and privates to know Of
his condition; and when at last |
was compelled to tell them there
was no hope, 1t was wonderful
to see the love they bore him
Not in an instance did one turn a.
way with an indifferent or cold
remark. "He was so kind 10 us,
said one. at will be sad blow
to our troops" said another
"He was good man, and good
men ale scarce in these days."
said a third. "God help Us, an6
send us another of his like" ejac-
ulated an old soldier who was
walking with heavy basket on
his shoulder, as he passed on, the
tears started from his eyes. More
than one said, "Ah! if he could
live, and some of our useless,
wicked generals be taken" But
neither love nor hate could avail.
He sleeps the sleep that knows
no waking.
To-day at IL a. m. he was bu-
ried with military honors at the
Episcopal church in this place.
Rev. DR.. Strickland oficiated,
and read a part of the Episcopal
service and the 9Oth Psalm.
Commodore Dupont and staff
were in attendance, Gen. Saxton
and Gen. Brannan, and suites,
and most of the officers of the
regiments stationed at this place.
They have laid the last remains
of the classic scholar. the earnest
seeker after scientific truth, the
eloquent orator, the humble
Christian, and the successful
warrior, in a sunny spot in the
old South Carolina church-yard,
at Beaufort, around which cluster
he ever-sheltering live oaks,