The Camden confederate. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1861-1865, 1863-10-23
In ME;NHORIANI.

lt is q melancholy duty to weave the cypress
wreath fcr the brow OF noble youth, who fell in the
hrst blush OF Misunderstanding for his country s
nights on the soil of bastard foe But this lutv is
heightened in its satisfaction by recollection of the
virtues OF the departed Death is robbed of its ter
ror when its victim breads not its terrible ordeal
The christian hero Offering mis- life as libation to lib
erty, and nerved by stern conviction of duty and
honor-and solaced by the thought of virtuous ca
reer can smile at the grim king of terror The loss of
such one is a sad reflection Alas! that the frost of
death should nip his blooming promise How pertinent
are these remarks to ROBERT f. .SMALL-whose de-
cease mas darkcued the sunshine of fond family cir
Gle, and saddened the hearts of all who knew him
Hc fell on the bloody field of Gettysburg mortally
wounded, July Sd, 1863, and expired on the 9TH of
July lie was native of Mecklenburg, n c., and in
the goth year of his age. Two years previous to the
war he located in Camden, s c. where bv his nm.
obtrusive quiet demeanor and strict attention to bus
ness, together with his purity of character he won
the esteem of the community. Little did men think
who observed the slender form of that youth that it
held soul which no danger could blanche. 1t was
reserved for this to prove what high and noble
elements OF worth constituted the integral parts Of
that sou'. Occasions may very often make, but they
assuredly always prove men, Robert Small would
under any circumstances have made useful man. but
this contest for our rights developed him as n hero
use no hyperbole. AT the commencement of the
war he volunt, cred in the Camden Volunteers the
first company to leave the district and present at
the siege of Fort Sumter. He reyolunteercd i'm ls
company Tor service m Virginia and participated in
the battles of Bull Run and Manassas-in the latter
he distinguished himself bearer of the coors of
his company, marching square to the front. with an
eXharating bravery, which called forth the highest
praises OF his officers and comrades. AS member of
this company he engaged also in several skir-
mishes. On the reorganization of the I'd Regiment
he joined Gardens Battery of Light Artillery. and
shared It's dangers from SEE ond Manassas to Gettys
burg. 1t was his melancholy fate TO seal his patriot
ism by death in this great struggle He fell at his
post as corporal of gun, Which had been ordered
considerably in advance of any other artillery and on
which the enemy had concentric fire When beng
borne from the field under very heavy fire he seemed
To leel more concern for his ter-bcarers than him
sell, thus exhibiting that maynanmous feeling which
had always characterized him. He died with his ewes
fixed on the realms of eternal day. his mind at ease
in the full assurance of blessed immortalitv Like
Timothy he had been pious from childhood and WAS
protesting christian AS soldier of the Cross he
consistent in the performance of religious duties
as solder Of his country he was punctuaL energetic
and cheerful. With quick and retentive mind he
learnt the duties apperaining the position in which
he was placed, and performed them with remarka-
bile eXactness His courage the battle field cannot
be praised too highly The testimony of all his Off
be given to the cool dcliberation which mark
cd him under fire. lie had that enthusiasm which
coupled with high moral courage, man to the
undertaking. in pleasant mimor of the most haZar.
dous enterprises. Sweet tempered, he was esteemed
by all who knew him. Genial in disposition he look.
ed on the bright side OF everything. ne was honor
aoie 10 lauIt Inc country mournS the loss of such
noble young patriots who 10y their qualities Of heart
and head could have in tme aptly filled the places
OF her older sons, who arc passing away To his
aged mother, who, like the Roman matron mourns
the loss of her TWO jewels, would extend my heart
felt coincidence. grateful country has woven
crown of laurel for her sons brow whilst angelic
hands have placed one of eternal glory on his re-
deemed head.
FREDERICK MILLER, infant son of THOMAS and
ANNIE JONES, was received an angel in Heaven on
the evening OF the 10th nlt., aged years and 8
months.
" Let sickness blast, let death devour,
II Heaven must recompense our pains;
Perish the grass, and fade the flower
If firm the word Of God remaInsn
j. T. s.