The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-01-31

then unsparingly criticised his inactivity
He appealed to the Confederate authorities
for reinforcements but vainly. He with that
prompt, ready fertility of resources that be-
longed to him, called for State troops ample
to have met the crisis, but the Confederate
War Department refused to furnish arms.
HIS TRIALS.
1t constitutes one OF the most pathetic ant
yet morally grand incidents of the war, the
sublime attitude of Sidney Johnston in this
trying ordeal. He saw his luminous reputa-
ton leaving him undeservedly and the ar.
dent admiration of his people changing te
contempt. He had but to disclose his weak
ness in fighting material to have transform
ed the unthinking censure Of his forced SUI
pineness into wonder. His silence was a
hard but patriotic duty. The facts that
would have indicated him before the people
would have revealed his true weakness, so
skillfully concealed to the enemy, and invi
ted attack. He was equal to his trials. His
silence was
SUPERB EXPERIMENTATION
As grand as the annals of moral heroism can
furnish. It has fallen to the lot OF few men
to practice harder self-denial. The South
ern press and people charged him with i'm
becilty, and thought him frittering away
blamefully and incompetently the brightest
promise of the war, while he was really with
incompatible strategy and courage and pue
rile means holding in check for months dis
aster and possible ruin. He saw his lus-
trous fame fading into derision under this
cruel misconception. He was stnng to the
depths OF his proud soul at this seemingly ir-
reparable sacrifice of his hard earned, life
long, supreme reputation. Yet without fall
tering in the difficult path OF this grim duty
he marched to the cad of it,. The enemy
learned his condition. ire. Il
ENGAGEMENTS. @'n
The fall of Fort Donaldson, the loss of
half his force by en- unnecessary surrender
by subortlinates, the evacuation OF Nashville,
the breaking of the Confederate line Of war
fare, the loss Of Kentucky and Tennessee,
and the mastery retreat Of Johnston with
his little remnant OF about twelve thousand
men and hazardous junction Of force at Cor
inth with Beaurcgard, came in swift success
sion, revealing the true state Of things to the
world.
JOHNSTON 5 LETTER.
In the whole OF Johnston's career he
made no grander exhibit of his greatness
than in his calamitous campaign, and when
the reality was revealed his bright fame
gained an increased lustre. Writing to Mr..
Davis in explanation of the matter one OF
the most touching letters in its simple frank :
ness and unintended pathos ever penned,
the truthful old hero used these noble words:
81 observed silence, as it seemed to me
the best way to serve the cause and country.
< I refrained, we'll knowing that
heavy censures would fall upon me, but con-
WINGED that it was better to endure them for
the present. The test of merit in my
profession with the people is success. 1t is
a hard rule, but think 1t right
ADMIRATION OF THE ARMY.
This plain statement of his high motives,
this unboastf!lI enuncation of his heroic.
conduct, this stern recognition of cruel
criterion of Judgment was his sole common
tary upon the appalling injustice he had suf-
fered. The revelation was like thunder
clap. The public was ashamed. The revul-
sion came swiftly. 1t is the godlike quality
OF the popular heart, that if prone to mis-.
judge, it is quick to own and remedy its
wrongs. The army, always devoted to john
ston. never lost faith in him moment, and
the war Of the critics but made him the idol
OF the soldiers.
JOHNsToN'S CAPACITY.
1t was in the fall of 1861, while Genera
Johnston had his headquarters at Bowling
Green, Kentucky, that the writer first made
the acquaintance of this officer, and the
memories connected with that acquaintance
have the most touching interest OF any link
ed to the war. Under the peculiar practice
Of the Confederacy, the write: raised a COM
pany CT Georgia cavalry for service during
the whole war. A young civilian lawyer,
uneducated in military matters, but ardent
in the cause and eager for service. | was a
type Of the volunteer material OF the South
ern army. There was no leader of the South
that understood better how to utilize, to
mold and discipline this quiSotic material
than did Gen. Johnston. HE
HIS COURTESY.
he won every heart. He yelled the iron
authority Of the general under the gentle
politeness of the ertleInan. The writer
applied for arms, and Gen. Johnston direct
ed an immediate admission to his presence.
I recall that initial Interview wildly. 1t
was the custom of many old army officers to
hedge themselves with much divinity OF
rank. They assumed an austerity that chill
ed. Johnston had none Of it. His unpre-
tenlious manner and his courteous greeting
removed every feeling Of awe, while in nc
| way lessenng the respect he inspired.
had experienced some of the arrogance Of
authority. 1 had expected in this leader oil
the department some of the wonted reserve
The disappointment was delightful and en-
couraging. ! impulsively told the Genera
my inexperience, my desires, my zeal. Lis
tening most patiently, taking an evident in
terest, using fatherly kindness, he took
! the trouble to inform, instruct and encour'
age me, and was deeply grateful for it,
and as he purposed, stimulated, if possible
! to higher zeal in the cause. learned that
this was his way. He was the most ap
proachable general officer in our army. lii
was accessible to the humblest private. III
turned no one away unheard il he coult
spare the time for hearing. Apart from
the kindliness of his nature his conscientious
interest in the promotion Of the service LEI
him to give careful hearing to all whit
sought him about the service.
/ MN