The daily clarion. [volume] (Meridian, Miss.) 1863-1866, 1864-06-15
Yonnr 4. 8. .. Walton.

|sippircgimcnt took placein Rlchmond
on The Goth ult, at Rev. DIR. Hoge'i
church, and was numerously attended
At their conclusion the remains of the
iamented youth were conveyed to the
Hollywood Cemetery for intermcnt. Thus
has the grave closed over all that was
[ mortal Of one Of Mississsippi's most prom
ising sons. AT the early age Of nineteen
years, this gifted and heightened youth,
endowed with every noble attribute Of
mind and heart, has offered up his life as
a voluntary sacrifice, on the altar Of his
country's independence. lie has had
many predecessors in the same race Of
glory among the young men Of our State,
who have met the same fate, but none
who met it more in the spirit OF patriot
and martyr. His whole soul, aud il
was one Of great quickness, comprehen-
sion and lenaciiy Of pmpose, was engaged
in The great and good cause he had es.
poused. He did not fear death, because
he was prepared for it, not by professions
of faith, but by life Of spiritual dIscip-
line and active usefulness. The office Of
Sergeant Major and Adjutant Of his
Battalion would have exempted him
from tho risks Of an actual engagement
with the foe, but he made it a size qua non
OF his acceptance Of those delicate trusts
that he should be permitted to be among
the first to take his share III any fight
that was going forward. Our correspond
ent was permitted by hisvenerable father,
Senator Watson, TO transcrbe the last
letter which he ever wrote TO him. We
publish it below, knowing that it cannot
but afford satisfaction to the friends OF the
lamented young hero:
In LINE or BATTLE, May 10th, 1864.
Ny Deas Father: 1t is nearly night,
so that will only have time to say that.
am still safe. We have passed through
the battles with comparatively slight loss.
i was struck with spent ball, and also
grazed by another but God merc:fully
watched over me, and preserved me from
OF my christian parents, sisters and friends
gagged again soon, and shoald | escape,
will lose no time ia giving you an account
of the part taken by my regiment. We
have been doing very heavy duty, and
are all nearly exhausted. We have
marched nearly all night for three or
four nights since the battle commenced,
and have been up more or less every
night. Ithas been raining for three or
four days, and / fear many Of us will be
made sick by the exposure. ALI seem to
be in good spirits, and are willing to do
battle again, feeling that SO much depends
on the final issue Of this engagement.
Please dispatch home and let them know
that | am safe, as yet My best
love to all my relatives. Should we meet
meet in heaven y
Your affectionate son,
J. S. G. WATSON.
Young Watson met his death from !
wound in the head, in skirmish near
Hanover Junction. lie was brought |
to the Arlington House in Richmond
where his father was staying, but he rec
ognized no one up TO the time Of his
leath. The shock was great 10 the sen,
,ibilities of the fond parent, but as he
could render no services of which his son
vas conscious. and as he was watched
over with constant and tender solicitude
~ kind and sympathizing friends and
elatives. he devoted himself with Roman
irmncss 10 his public duties Of Senator,
i however great d sacrifice Of his person
i feelings. This is the second son whom
senator Watson has lost during this I'M
ighteous war, his Oldest son, Adjutantl
Watson, having been killed at the battle
f Thompson's Station, near Franklin, |
i Tennessee, on the 5th Of March, 1868,
little more than year ago.
The Rev. Dr. Hoge, in his funeral dis
curse, alluded TO circumstance con-
ected with the religious habits Of young
lr. Watson, which is worthy Of mention.
lie carried about his person, Testament,
ound with the Psalms of David, and :
gainst such passages as appear to have j
lade deep impression upon his mind |
! had'placcd pencil marks. It would
G interesting as wei as Instructive to cite :
lese passages, did time permit, but | +
annot omit to extract the short, signifi- /
mt comprehensive prayer, written in his a
En hand, at the end of the yolumes
o God" he prays, "may walk upriglt- i
knowing thatmy influence goeth abroad s.
r good, or for evil, grant that it may be /
4 good p What an example for all our
ldiers, is supplied by this youthful pa q
lot, hero and christian! His former p
mmander, the Hon Mr.. Holder Of thel q
'nfederate House Of Representatives, Il Il
ID of him, "He was one Of the most re- i
arkable Young men ! ever knew, equal pi
distinguished for the gift of his mind, "
Q eloquence of his manners, and the %
rity Of his sentiments. No female, he
ded, ever surpassed him in the sensi- Fl,
ity which abounds with loaihing from WI
indicate in thought or in
,erance." -
How THE News IRON GRANTS ARMY IS ua