Delaware State journal and statesman., 1864-08-12
Communicated.
"Remember MacP Pherson.n

When brave man dies in the discharge Of his
duty, thu hearts Of his countrymen burn to do
honor to his memory. Even q child to whom
his reverOd name had become AZ familiar as a
household word, kindes with zeal to initiate his
noble patriotism, to perpetuate the recollection
OF his great deeds aud recounts the history of
his glorious career, with heart glowing with
tho ilre OF enthusiasm, aud eyes glistening with
tears of admiration and tender regret. Such is
the feeling that has pervaded the heart Of this
nation, since the sad announcement Of the death
of MACPHERSON, the chieftain beloved Of his
glorious army whose victorious march he has
led through trial, dilhcuty and dRnger-the
bravo young warrior in whom the country trust.
ed, as one Of its noblest and most unerriug cham
pions. 10 none has the Intelligence Of bis un-
timely death, been more unwelcome, than to the
hearts Of loyal Delawareans. Though his stay at
Fort Delaware was brief, extending only over q
petiod OF six months il was sufficient To inspire In
the hearts of those with whom he held inter
course. feelings Of the sinoerest respect aud ad.
miration His gentle courtesy Of manner, his in.
tegrty OF purpose, his devotion TO the interests Of
the service in which he was engaged, won for him
uniform regard and respect, while the qualities
OF bis noble mind and genial nature, filled every
heart with afectionate interest. To ''reMember
MaePherson" with the people Of Delaware, is to
call forth spontaneous and grateful testimony
10 his superior worth and excellence to BAdden
with deep and fearful regret the voices that
would eulogize his many virtues, and sing the
story OF his Weil-Won triumphs aud never fading
lAures.
"fie is gone on the mountain,
He is lost to the forest.
Like summer dried fountain,
When our need was the sorest,
The fount, reappearing,
From the ran-drops shall borrow,
But to us comes no cheering,
To our here, no morrow
"The hand of the reaper
Takes the ears that are hoafy,
But the voice Of the weeper
Walls manhood in glory
The autumn winds rushing
Watt the leaves that are searest,
But our flower was in flushing,
When blighting was nearest"
1t is TO the writer of this humble tribute to
MACPHERSON pleasant thought that he loved
TO remsmber his home at Fort Delaware. In d
letter, dated but q short time previous to his
death, he speaks of the time Of his soiourn here,
as ''halcyon days." and, then, adds these grand
and heroic words, which prove the truth Of Gen.
Grants testimony who, while recommending
his promotion as Brigadier General of the Regu-
lar Army. says "his corps, the advanee,
always under his immediate eye," etc. al have
not been north of the Ohio river since the war
commenced, but once. and then on business
aud, indeed, l do not wish to 20. When our
glorious old flag is triumphant, and treason
crushed, then want tO go aud enjoy the socie-
ty Of my friends; but until that time comes, my
desire is 10 be with the advance"
Brave and unselfish words; the expression oil
as noble and patriotic heart as ever beat il
the bosom OF one who truly loved his country
lie has falien-but let us not forget the lessoI
taught by his noble life, and glorious death
Let teem speak TO US us ''truths of power, ii
totd immortal. Words that bear the spirit o
e'.t deeds winged for the future which III
dying breath of Freedoms martyr Phapes as
exhales." Let them inspire US with u pure
patriotism, more steadfast determination 4
bear forever Rloft that starry flag, for who's
honor be fell. Let them incite US to perpetual
the memory OF his great deeds, by oncouragin
and cberlshing wherever it appears, the arden
aVOWal Of youthful devotion TO our country
Thus his mission will be fulfilled, and while "
deeply mourn the severe loss the whole matte
has sustained, We shall feel that to truly "rl
member MACPHERSON" Is TO deserve, like him,
zone Of those few, immortal names
That were not born 10 die."