The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-08-25
Albert Sydney johnson.
"REMINISCENCES OF AN INTERVIEW
! WITH HIM.

ne WIS very AOASO ssAAu Au01.'svS 80
figure, and finely proportioned. He
measured six feet two inches in hight,
and had flesh to give him perfect sym
metry. His face was large; broad and
high, and beamed with look OF
striking benignity. His features were
handsomely moulded. He was very
straight and carried himself with grace
and lofty and simple dignity. He
dressed neatly but always in full Con-
federate grey Generals uniform, that
suited him admirably. His whole ap-
pearance indicated in marked degree
power. decision, serenity, thought and
benevolence. We thought him then
at first flush, and thought it unvary-
ingly afterwards, and think now IN the
hallowing memory of his noble man
hood, made sacred by the consecra-
ton of his thrilling and heroic death
for the Southern cause, that he was
one of the sweetest and most august
men we ever met. His character was
enhancing in its pure nobility. There
was something In his manner that en-
boldened confidence, and when we got
through, nothing could exceed the
fatherly manner with which he replied
encouraging, instructing and assuring
VA of his kindness. He prOfferel to
help us with his counsel, or otherwise
and, giving us the necessary orders WE
left. Ft5
| 1t was that gentle politeness tina!
won everybody who approached him.
and endeared HIM to his people. Often
afterwards we met him Mt his headqhar-
tiers, and in the field, and he always
was the same affable, considerate
fatherly gentlemen, inspiring the
gravest reverence, winning the fOndest
regard and exciting the highest admir-
alton. But we must hasten on to Oul
interview with him. 1t was at Corinth
Mississippi, few days before the
bloody battle of Shiloh. We had some
important business, and rode to his
I headquarters. He met us with his
usual cordiality, but stated that in
consequence of pressing matters he
would be unable to give us his per-
sonal attention, and must, for once
refer us to his Adjutant General, but
that we must not feel sighted, and he
would also be glad to see US hereafter
with the same freedom.
The consideration of his manner and
remarks amid the engrossing oecupa.
ton of preparing that great move.
ment of Shiloh upon which he Deepen.
ded so much to retrieve the disasters
of Donaldsunville and Nashville, prove
how thorough gentlemen he was, anG
how kindly was his heart. He bid u!
good morning with friendly grasp o
the hand. and we never spoke to hin
again. That mighty struggle at Shi-
Ion came on. We saw him once in thu
dread carnage, flashing across the field
the incarnation Of the splendid war
rior. He always rode large and mag
nifcent horses. His favOrite stcet
was grey. And when he was mount
ed upon the noble animal he was tn
beau ideal of a general. His firm
graceful seat in the saddle, his males
tic proportions, his soldierly carriag'
his handsome uniform, his noble cOun
tenance, the radiant bearing of knight
ly chivalry that marked every move
ment and feature, all leave a proud re
membrane of gallant and strikin!
manhood, for these to dwell upon win
knew and loved him. G Gf d
/ He was killed about IL o'clock il
the first days fight.
When the historian sits to writ
what will be the fair chronicle of TIN
turbulent war OF those times, will low
ingly dwell upon no character NOR
shining; illustrious and exalted-upol
no hero more luminous for chivaliy
patriotism, genius and sublime man
hood, than Albert Sydney Johnson
TAugusta COnstitutionalist.