The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1865-09-26
THE DAY BOOK.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Bishop POlk's Last Letter
From the Louisville Journal.l

We present below copy of the last auto
graph letter ever written, probably, by the
late Bishop General Polk, of the late Confede-
rate army. 1t was captured by chief-bugler
Joseph Roskyevich (Rrskiewiez) of the gal
liant Eleventh Kentucky cavalry, atSalisbury,
N. c. 1t was addressed, it will be perceived,
to his daughter, just after her marriage The
original is in our possession, and can be OBJ
tanned by the lady to whom it was addressed.
We are also desired to say that the watch of
Bishop General Polk, which was captured
with much other property at the same time,
is now in the hands of the same gentleman,
and is at the disposal of the family of the de-
ceased
We knew Bishop Polk personally and well,
and, aside from all political questions Or con-
slderations, always regarded him as pure
Christian gentleman-an opinion that we have
never changed. Let us not judge the dead.
To their own Master they stand or fall
New Hope CHURCH, I
Is miles from Marietta, Georgia,
June list, 1854
MY Dear Lilly Since / heard of your
marriage, [ have been more constantly and
intently engaged than have been in any
campaign / have ever made, and SO have not
found time to write to you as had hoped.
- - arr II ~ 81
You have now, my dear child, entered upon
a new field, and under Gods blessing, upon
which, if you look to Him, you may count
your future happiness and success will depend
very much upon yourself Do what is right
not calculating what is expedient, but try and
find out what is right, and with pure heart
and true devotion, go straight forward and do
it. Be always kind and considerate of the
feelings and rights of others, and you will be
very apt to have your feelings and rights re-
spected. Watch against impotence of spirit
'lf you keep your heart always under the
dominion of the grace of Gods spirit, you will
be very apt to have your own power of self
control complete and perfect That is the
thing to be cultivated, and is the fruit of
watchfulness and prayerfulness Let it be
the business of your life to strive for large at
tainments in that way. 1t will be your great
est safety from yourself, the world and the
devil, and will be shield and tower of strength
for you. }4#aHV .lAi 3
" II know not what Mr. Huger is doing or
what the commission he now holds, but sup
pose he has something in the Quartermaster's
Department. [ trust it cannot be a great
while before this war is at an end, and we
shall then find field enough for us all to make
a living in, and that we shall in the meantime
practice such economy as shall enable us to
live through the war. aI - ao.e'
Il am now looking for an attack of the
enemy on our lines, and avail of the pause
and quiet that prevails to write you these
lines.
''Our army is in good spirits and confident,
under the blessing of God, of success in the
coming conflict. 1t is also in high condition
Our trust is in God.
"May the good Lord bless and keep you
and yours, my dear child, in all your coming
experiences and trials of life, and afterward
receive you to glory, is the prayer of your af
tectionate father, L. Polk"