Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-04-03
FROM THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.
CAMP NEAR WOLF Run SHOALS, Va,
March 18TH 1863


CAMP NEAR WoLF Run SHOALS, VA,
March 10th, 1868.
Mr.. Editor Another soldier has fallen
fallen sacrifice on the altar Of his country
Another family is called upon to mourn the
loss of son a victim Of the Unsuitable de-
mon Of war. The only consolation, the only
solace there can be for the friends of one who
has died at his post, is that be has done his
duty, and that, too, willingly, with no com
pulsion. The making of war for the love Of
1t, or to aggrandizo some imperial throne, or
to crafty the caprces of some chivalrous
knight, or to enslave free people-this is the
part Of barbarians and despots-this is as low
and degrading, as it is high and ennobling for
people to defend their country. Indeed
there is something in the bosom Of every no.
BILE man that instinctively leads him to adj
mre patriotism that knows no sefshness,
forttude that knows no murmuung, bravery
that knows no fear. Again and again and
again, the heart OF every Northern neighbor-
heod has been thrilled by the sad news that
come ono of their number had fallen, who had
gone forth to fight the battles of their coun-
try. Who can compute the cost of this awful
strife None. none; but il we're an easy
task compared with estimating the value of
is no less than the preservation of our coun-
try, nationality and liberty, for continent.
Since this is so, we need not,--rati err we
must moi, stop to compute the cost, though it
be mountains Of gold and seas of human
blood; better this by far than entail upon
our posterity nation ruined and torn into
many rival fragments, and to carry on wars,
the seeds of which, we ourt elves had sown
But in the midst Of the excitement of camp
we could not forget to pay all honor to the
GLORIOUS dead" certainly not to the remains
of one who had twice enlisted to serve his
country.
FRANKLIN NJ. ATKINS, of Du, bury, VT,
was among the first to enlist in the Second
Vermont regiment. He was sick with the
measles in the hospitals at Fairfax, at the
time of the first Bull Run battle but rather
than fall into the bands of the enemy he went
on foot to Alexandra. He lay on the ground
all night,-caught severe cold This ruined
his health. After enduring the hardships of
camp as long as possible, he takes his dis
charge. At the call last summer for more
men, he again was among the first to put his
name to the paper, though he had by no
means, recovered his former health. lie serv-
ed his country faithfully; he endured the
hardships of camp patiently; be was kind
generous, too, and beloved by all. Anxious
ly we watched him; but all could but OBJ
serve that his pale face was growing thinner
that consumption-that memorable foe-had
done its work. He received an honorable
discharge nd went home about the middle of
last January. But he returned to his friends
to survive but a short time, only till the sth
OF March. As soon as his company heard of
his death its members passed the following
resolutions. which were presented by J. X
Hartwell, ID. s. Stoddard, II. A. Dewey and
Z. L. Palmer: ELF.
WHBREAs, In the wise dspensAton Of an oyerruling
Providence, Il. M. ATKINS, beloved member Of Co H.
18th Vermont Regiment, has been removed from our
midst by disease, and from his anxious friends by DEATH
and
WHERRAs, he was faithful soldier. true to the Union
formed by our oreathefs having twice enlisted Ia the
service OF our common county, and having been honorA
bly, discharged each time by Of disease induced by
the hAdships OF the campaign Therefore,
RESOLVED, That we tender to hs Borrowing friends
our "armest sympAthes IN their bereavement
that they are permitted the sad privilege Of caring for
and watching over him in his last days
RESOLVED. That we will cndeAvor to initiate his pAtr
ousm and devotion TO the Of our country even to
the giving up Of our lives in her defence
hHOLNhD, That copy Of these resolutions be sent TO
he vermont Waterman, for public aton, with request
mat other Vermont papers copy.