Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-03-25
SKETCH OF GEN. A. P. HILL.

Ma1Or llOmdS nlli, TcbpcClcu duu
prominent citizen of Culpeper, Va,
and bore the name of his paternal uncle,
Captain A. P. Hill, himself an honored
representative of the same county.
Powell was the youngest of four sons, and
was born at his fathers country home,
called Greenland, ten miles west Of Cul-
pepper G. H., on the 9th of November,
1925. He was of slender frame and del
icate health, fascinating manner. In in
tellect, he was quick and retentive in
disposition, cordial and affectionate, and
in sensibiity, eminently refined. During
his boyhood, he attended the neighbor.
hood school, his first teacher being
the Rev. Andrew Broadus, then just
entering upon his career as leader
in the pursuit of truth and knowl-
edge. Maj. Hill now moved to Culpep-
er c. H., and Powell was placed under
the instruction of Mr.. A. G. Simms, at
whose institution he remained some
years. A noble and generous youth, he
was loved by teacher and companions; /;
nor were these school boy friendships
ignored or forgotten by the Lieutenant
General. Having progressed well in his
studies, at the age of seventeen, he left
Bleak Hill and entered West Point At
this place, he was classed with Burnside
and Mcclellan, and other officers con-
spicuous among our enemies during the
late war. With the latter, he was on
terms of great intimacy; and a subse-
ouent visit of the hero of the Chicka
hominy to the home of his Virginia
schoolmate, bound yet closer the ties to be
so rudely severed in the unforeseen war.
In lS47, he graduated at West Point
with high honors, and was sent with his
class to Mexico. Always brave and
dauntless, he here gave many evidences
of his courage, and was promoted for
gallantry to the rank of First Lieutenant,
nor were there wanting signs of the
genius which afterward threw lustre on
the Southern name. Entering with Scott
into the city of the .Montezumas, he re-
NAMED in Mexico until the return of the
troops. He was then stationed with his
command in Florida, and served ac-
lively In the Indian wars, His health
now became very poor, and the poisons
of that widespread swamp induced yell
low fever, which so prostrated his sys.
lam that he obtained leave of several
months absence. During this time, he
smoke Of travelling with his friend Nc
Clellan, on the continent of Europe,
but was Disappointed and instead
of receiving pleasure among the
storied scenes of ancient greatness, he
remained in his Western home, himself
the 10y of many hearts, the medium OF
most intense happiness to others. 1t
was during this stay at his paternal home,
| first remember him. Asst gay lieu
tenant. social and sportiye, | recall hls
appearauce; and the narrow escapes and
bloody encounters tsld of Mexican and
Indian wars burned on ny childish mem
ory indelible traces. In late years,
rarely met him; yet often enough to see
that he still wore the charm which cap
tivated the child, and that even the stern
duties Of mature manhood did not destroy
the wonderful gentleness of his fine grey
eve Subsequently be was transferred
from the army to the coast survey, Fhicb
more properly belonged TO the navy;
where he acquired a reputation for dis
match of business and urbanity of man
ner. so very rare, that Congress re-
marked upon it. Whilst in this position
he was married, on the 18th of July,
1856, to Mrs. McClung, formerly Miss k.
q Morgan, of Lexington, Ny, and q
sister of the gallant John II. Morgan, OF
that place.
Can't Hill held the Office in Washing
ton until the beginning of the war, when
he promptly resigned, aud offered bis
services to his mother State. He was
Immediately made Colonel Of the 18th
Virginia infantry, and stationed at Har-
pers Ferry. OF his antiring devotion 70
our cause, and able services in the held,i
may not speak. To his ceaseless care OF
his men, every veteran of the 18th will
testify; and 10 bis honor be it said, IN
every position be held, the heslth, eoHv
fort aud safety Of bis brave comrades
we're held as inferior only to the imper-
alive cali Of the country. His own hte
was held no more sacred than pri-
Yates; and at Williamsburg where he
commanded so ably, and won MAJOR
fIanerars wreath, he twice saved by his
own hand az unknown private who was
struggling in persoesl combat During
many campaigns, Gen. Hill vas TOO
feebia 10 continue on horseback, and
vas dragged from field to Geld, yet an
willing 10 be absent from the post Of duty
and danger In tbs campaign Of
1864. from Orange Courthouse 70 Rich
mond. was this the case, though
bis attending physicians we're then urg-
ing his brothers to use their influence TO
save has services TO his country, By in
ducing him to rest But no entreaty
could avail the iron will Of the brave
map shared not his feeble frame. he
had returned from a furlougb eoeFced b.