The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1881-01-08
A SOLDIERS Tribute TO
GOV. A. Il. BROWN.
BY NAL. j. j. HOOD.


For the Comet.1
What | recently wrote you respecting
Gov. Brown, is nearly all could then say,
but have enlarged the matter little, ana
return IL to you. There were other mem
beers of the Confederate Congress who be-
slowed unstinted care and attention upon
the success of the Mississippi Depot and
Intelligence Oflice," under DR.. MarshalPs
organization and supervision, but II Is not
pertinent to speak of them here and now
My simple words are u tribute 81 loving
homage TO the memory Of one to whom we
were all wont to do honor. After The mas
terly analysis of his life, his virtues. his
public services, by one Of Mlsslssippls
gifted sons. il may seem bold and presllmp-
tu0us TO lay my single flower ON his clos
ing grave. After all that has been said,
highly credilable to the life of the brave
much remains unsaid, and very much that Is
highly creditable the life of the brave,
good man who walks with Us no more.
But how shall utter my thoughts in the
shadow of the eloquent and imposing e'll0-
our standpoint is in Virginia, during the
war. The panegyrist says-''he is mourned
not only because he was great public
character, having performed with useful
ness and distinction grave and weighty
services at a critical and important era
but because he was atrae patriot, and redt
fiiead of tie people Of this Hdte."
This last line embOdics the subject mat
ter of what write. As TO his patriotism,
his record is pure-at home he was always
ready for duty-and when wars alar'im
was sounded he went at once To the field
and front. Let his comrades speak here
after lin the next reunion OF the old
brigade-of him--a soldier--a fitting time
and place.
| take 1t the more trivial deeds of his
eyentful, brilliant and successful career are
none the less eloquent in their character,
nor the less worthy Of preservation, and
that an insight into them is cquslly inn
portant TO the public the people, OF
whom he was one truly and literally-as
the gran dest accomplishment of his life.
A. one who saw him constantly IN Rich
mond, privately, publicly, and more not
ably at the Mississippi Agency and Depot
under DR.. Marshalfs direction, | had every
opportunity to watch with interest and en-
thusasm his ceascless efforts in getting the
best and right thing for the soldiers OF his
State. | may then be pardoned, for re-
counting these acts, and know that will
touch the hearts best chords, that will re-
spond readily and in full sympathy by these
tender memories.
| lie was constantly ut the Oilice-warmly
interested in Mississippi's soldier sons.
lie was there daily to hunt them up, offer
his services. and also for pleasant associa-
| ton with them. Therein lies the secret of
the popularity which has been mentioned.
lie sympathizcd in all things deeply with
his people, and was always eager to know
how he might aid them. Quick Of perccp-
ton, he was not long in ascertalning what
was to be done. | don't believe he ever
approached man for fayor-but to do him
good. lie was as Obiyious of public or
private favor ~ any man ever knew, save
that which came legitimately, and As Il due
need of honor and rccompcnse TO true yir-
tue and worth. So, in all the little per-
sonal acts of Kindness he did, il was from
the true love of doing good, and careless of
his interest In the results.
II was the pure love of doing good that
impelled him, and this element was rs much
a part of his heart rs the magnificent fires of
nj Of |
care not where he was, when Mississippi
soldiers name was sent him, he answered
at once in person, and was ready Ia go any
where in his aid, aud he was II power for
good, and he generally accomplished what
he undertook. There t0ds no pattiag him
oF. Though always courteous, he had but
little patience with the cred tape" system
of the times. On one occasion, ! remem-
Der, he went 10 see an official about mat
tiers pertaining 10 II wounded soldier boy
friend. His condition being critical, and a
change necessary, he was quick and bold
in denouncing circumlocution, and not
withstanding his seeming antagonising the
powers that ruled, got what he wanted that
morning, though Irregular" lie was
generally plain and earnest, save as occa-
sion required something more. He usually
strpt immediate surroundings Of all irrel-
eyant matter, and with this view he claim
ed, and justly too, at times, that many lives
We're lost by delays in the ordinary process
ses of the departments. In changing, fur
Laughing and attending men in critical con-
ditions, it needed to be done at once, and
not to wait for transportation, pay, etc.,
through the regular channels. CThis il no
reflection upon the officers of the period,
but simply upon the sysfem.) Such matters
needed to he expedited, and when such de-
viations from the regular system were re-
quiSite. no man urged them more deter
minedly and strenuously than Gov. Brown.
Having been in the field himself, he was
quick to discern the wants OLA soldier, and
he was always ready to do for him all that
he could to encourage him, aid and hold
him up TO duty; what he did, he did grace
fully, cheerf,llly and manfully.
He seemed 70 he at all times In full co.
oneration with the soldier who wa. fight |
inc for Southland. | can hear him now. |
through the mists of memory. in his earn
est words of cheer and encouragement, his |
sympathetic appreciation of duty well |
done. By this warmth Of appreciation of
duty and valor, pleasantly insinuated, |