The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1869-09-10
From tile Aag,tsta Constit,ttionalist
Albert Sidney Johnson.
"REMINISCENCES OF AN INTERVIEW WITH
HIM.

"REMINISCENCES OF AN INTERVIEW WITH
lie was very large and massive in figure,
and finely proportional. He measured six
feet two inches in height, and had flesh to
give him perfect symmetry. His face was
large, broad and high, and beamed with a
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 Confederate gray
Generals uniform, that suited him admira-
bly,. His whole appearance indicated, in
a marked degree, power, decision, serenity,
thought, benevolence. We thought him
then at first flush, and thought it unvary-
lngly afterwards, and think now in the
hallowing memory of his noble manhood.
made sacred by the conservation of his
thrilling and heroic death for the South
ern cause, that he was one of the most
august men we ever met. His character
was enhancing in its pure nobility. There
was something in his manner that embold-
ened confidence, and when we got through,
nothing could exceed the fatherly manner,
with which he replied, encouraging, in
structing, and assuring us of his kindness.
lie proffered to help us with his counsel,
or otherwise; invited lis to call on him at
any time, and giving us the necessary Or
ders, we left
1t was that gentle politeness that won
everybody who approached him, and en-
deared him to his people. Often afterward
we met him at his headquarters, and in the
held, and he always was the same affable,
considerate, fatherly gentleman, inspirin
the gravest reverence, winning the fondest
regard, and exciting the highest admira-
ton. But we must hasten on to our inter
view with him. 1t was at Corinth, Miss
few days before the bloody battle of Shi.
lob. We had some important business
and rode to his headquarters He met us
with his usual cordially, but stated that
III consequence of pressing matters. he
would be unable to give us his personal
attention, and must, for once, refer us to
his Adjutant- General, but that we must
not feet sighted, and he would also be glad
to see us hereafter with the same freedom.
The consideration of his manner and re-
marks amid the engrossing occupation OF
preparing that great movement to Shiloh,
upon which he depended so much to re-
trleve the disasters ofDonaldson and Nash
vile, prove how thorough gentleman he
was, and how kindly was his heart. He
bid US good morning with friendly grasp
OF the hand, and we never spoke to him
again That mighty struggle at Shiloh
came on. We saw him once in the dread
carnage flashing across the field, the incar
nation OF the splendid warrior. He always
rode large and magnificent horses his ia
vorite stced was gray; and when he was
pounted upon the noble animal he was the
beau ideal of a general. His firm graceful
seat in the saddle, his majestic proportions
his soldierly carriage, his handsome uni
form, his noble countenance, the radiant
bearing of knightly cbivalry that marked
every movement and feature, all leave proud
membranes of gallant and striking
manhood for those to dwell upon who knew
and loved him.
He was killed about twelve o'clock in
the first days fight
When the historian sits to write what
will be The fair chronicles of the turbulent
war OF those times, he will lovingly dwell
upon no character more shining, illustrious
and exalted-upon no hero more luminous
for chivalry, patriotism, genius and sub
lime manhood than Albert Sidney John
son.