Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-11-12
ONLY A CORPORAL.
Relies Of . Dead Soldier s,es
Discovered-Thty Lay Quietly
In . Safe for Eighteen Years.
Littl, Rock anu.,ts. IL

Yesterday reporter of the Gazette WA
handed small parcel by Mr.. James K,
Gibson, of the firm Of MeAlmont a 9Th,
son, druggists. He said il was handed 10
him in the autumn of 1865, by a gentle,
man who said it would be called for in A
few days. II never was called for, and
lay in the recesses Of the safe until a few
days ago.
The reporter tucked it under his arm
and walked down to the office with il,
feeling that i might possibly contain
pocket book full OF money, or some i'm
portant secret might be enclosed in the
rough brown paper. 1t was carefully un-
wrapped, and, instead Of the great things
expected, he discovered an old battered
pocket Bible, frayed pocket book con.
tanning roll Of Confederate money and
some buttons an envelope with some let,
ters a lock Of brown hair, gold dollar
and two silver quarters dated 1853. That
was all. A soldiers legacy. Commons
place enough, to be sure. ONLY the
relics OF an obscure soldier. There wero
his pocket-book, bis Bible and lock of
his hair. Who cared about him, that he
should leave such things, to be found
years afterwards by a'callous, unapprecia-
tive newspaper man. What does the
world care about the struggles the poor
wretch hadl was not his the fate of hun
dreds and thousands? Unhonored, I'M
wept, unsung. II Il was not for the
chance that threw his simple relics in the
way OF probability, who would have
known anything about himY
The inscription on the fly leaf of the
Bible is, David Stewards book, bought
Of Wilson * Co., Monticello, Ark" And
the following letter was let with the
package
MONTGOMERY, ALA, June 20, 1865.
DEAR SIR-Your son, Corporal David
Stewart, Of company: II, LIST Arkansaw,
formerly Of the 4th, think he told me,
entered the Ladies Hospital on the I'D Of
May, very III Of typhoid dysentery, and
fingered until the Sd Of June. He was
well nursed, and l sat beside him In his
last hours, and was the last one to wet his
dying lips He was resigned TO die,
although very anxious to get 10 his home
and see his mother and father once more.
DIR Duane, the surgeon in charge, who is
on his way 10 the Hot Springs with his in
valid wife, attended your son. took
charge Of his well worn Bible, pocket
book which contains ring cut by him, a
gold dollar and two silver quarters also
$50. 20 Of Confederate money and lock Of
his haii which l thought you would rejoice
10 get. He was buried in his uniform
and | have had everything done could;
having labored for four years around the
sick beds Of our own dear soldiers know
something Of their trials, and bless God
that he has enabled me TO continue al
my post through II all. May God in his
good providence sustain you and his
mother and dear ones in this hour of great
need. This has been terrible struggle.
and we are Overpowered. II Is God s will
and We must bow In humble submission
10 His holy will, feeling assured that he
Will do all things we'll. With hope that
Gods blessings will rest upon our brave,
weary, worn Confederates and upon you
IN. your sorrow, | remain your sympa-
thizing friend,
MARY /. BELL.
Even a cAllous newspaper man feels A
strange, choking sensation, and foolish
tears well at the hearts bidding, while
reading the sweet and touching letter Of
the brave nurse. II was only a simple
incident probably In her busy life. Yet
amidst the suffering around her she found
time TO think Of the soldier boys mother,
and offer words Of consolation. Gods
mercy follow her IL yet living, and lot
this humble word OF praise help TO en-
shrine In the hearts Of those for whom she
labored, II she has sought the SANCTUARY
OF rest.
Yes, this unknown soldier boy was a
hero, as much 90 as " his name was rung
from zone 10 zone He had no laures
save the beads Of death damp that were
smoothed from his brow by tender hands,
He had no greater boon In burial than 10
be shrouded In the uniform of the cause
for which he laid down his life Yet, a.
surely as patriotism is simple perform
ance Of duty 10 fellow-men and our native
land, so surely was this obscure corporal
a patriot. II any Of his relatives or
friends are living, they can obtain the
relics described by addressing james X.
Gibson, Little Rock, Ark.