The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-04-08
How "a CHRISTIAN soLnIRR CAN DIE

p =
J. The Central Presbyterian contains a biographi-
ca, sketch of the Rev Dabney Carr Harrison,
Captain Of company K. 58th Virginia regiment,
who fell while CALAMITY leading his men in the
terrible fight at Fort Donelsoa. We copy
portion: s., - - -.
When the sun. rose on the morning Of that
bloody Saturday, It saw him slready in the thick
of the battle Through seven hours OF mortal
peril he wrestlea with the foe. With dauntless
heart he cheered on his men. They loved him as
father, and eagerly followed wherever he led.
Their testimony is that he never said Ego on,
but always "come on, while ever before them
flashed his waving sword. At length they saw
with fear and pain that his firm step faltered, that
his erect form wavered and was sinking. They
sp-ang forward and bore him from the field to die
-" He had warred good warfare, ever holding
faith and sood conscience" % IS2@s
With reverence have taken in. slS hand the
hat he in the battle, with tears and q swell
ing heart have gazed on it. Il is pierced by
four balls Three whistled partly through and
did him no harm. The fourth, partly spent
marred that beautiful brow. But these Rere as
nothing. He calmly fought on. 4 more fatal
aim sent ball into his left breast above his heart,
quite through his body, his men did not know
it.. He still cheered them on. Another deadly
aim drove ball through his right lung; just
where can not be told. His face was to the foe
and his step onward even where from loss of blood
and exhaustion, he te 5an to sink. Yet he did not
die. . ...s ..s a..-,...,s.
; Only two incidents of his dying hours have
reached us Calling for one of his manuscripts
books, he took pencil, and, with trembling
hand, feeby wrote these words: " Feb. l6, 1862,
Srnday-I die content and happy, trusting in the
merits of my Saviour, Jesus, committing my wife
and children to their father and mine. Dabuey
Carr Harrison" Precious legacy of love aud
prayer! Precious testimony of faith and blessed
ucss! .. .l..-E-.s ~
When he felt that death was just upon him, he
gathered up his remaining strength for one more
effort. Resting in the arms of one of his men,
and speaking as if the company for which he had
toiled, and suffered, and prayed SO much, was be-
fore him, he exclaimed, Company K, you have
no Captain now; but never give up; never sur,
render" ......s. ..... s
Thus his last breath for his country; for the p
young Confederacy, whose liberty, honor, and
righteousness inexpressibly dear to him; for
which he wcpt and prayed and made supplicat0n
in secret for which he was content 10 "endure
hardness as good soldier, and then cheerfully to
die
These dying words beautifully connect ttom
selves with those of his brother Peyton on the
G-,ld of Manassas, and taken together, they have
u special fitness to our country's present need:
When the Second Virginia regiment, fighting
Oh our left at Manassas was broken by sudden
and destructive flank fire of the enemy, and by
the unfortunate command Of its Colonel, Peyton
ald few officers Of like spirit, rallied portion
of the men and led them in perilous, but
splendid and victorious charge. la the midst Of
it, however, he fell, shot like his brother, in the
breast Two of his bore him from the field
Ills face radiant with heavenly peace. He
spent few moments in debating messages of love,
and in prayer for himself, his family, and his
country "Wha. more can we do for your" asked
the affectionate young men who supported Elm.
D." Lay me down" was his answer, II am ready to
die; you can do no more for me; rally TO the
CHARGE --.- a., .-.-.--. ...-v t,s