Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-01-29
Earth llnowcth lit,lc-God the rest"

It was during the stormy time of the great
civil war that the splendid abilities Of Doc
tor Lewis shonc most brightly, and it was in
the bvouac, the hospital, and on the battle
field, that his genius and untiring industry
had fitting scope. Amid the roar of battle,
and with the cheers of The combatants soun-
ding in his ears, some Of his greatest surg-
cal triumphs were achieved. He was by
instinct military man, and had he studied
the science Of war instead Of the art fined
icinc, he would have been one Of the fore
most soldiers Of the age. His old comrades
Of that stormy time were linked 10 him in
life with hooks Of steel, and now that ne is
cons. they love to treasure up memories Of
that majestic figure.
In their minds eye, they can see him en-
tering the crowded hospital, bringing hope
ana comfort and dispcling by his presence,
doubt and despair. They can sec him bend
inc over some poor MANNED soldier in the
field hospital and catching his last words,
or closing the staring eyes Of some dead SOL
der. with all the sympathy Of q sorrow-la.
den woman. They can see him riding at
the head Of his regiment, dismountiug many
times q day to DO some lind act, to exam
iuc some fever stricken patient in the am
bulancc, Or taking the gun and knapsack OF
some iOo!scrc iniantryman and carrying the
equipments, and AZ times actually forcing
some wearied soldier into his saddle, while
he would tramp in his stead along the
rocky turnpike.
| 1t is no wonder that the portals Of his
| great, large heart stood always open to the
old Confederate soldier, since their love for
| him, and their unquestioning trust in him
was so often and touchingly displayed.
| Some men by a few great deeds dazzle the
ewes of mankind, and enthrall their imagi-
nation. Their course is like blazing comet
! that leaves behind trail Of living fire. Yet
the meteor OF the sky soon grows cold and
dim, and disappears from the eyes and mind
There are others who do good all their lives
They are like the pure, pale star that shines
on in its steady radiance-a guide to the
wanderer by sea and land.
Doctor Lewis life has been one grand
abpegation of self, and sublime devotion
to duty, and he stood on pinace q living
example: sermon indeed TO his fellow
men. greater and more powerful indeed
than was ever uttered by the lips Of bishop
or priest, an exhortation that taught all who
cared to think how lofty ones aims can be
and how sublime ones lite.
In claucne over old letters from comrade:
Of the war days l choose one that speaks o
Doctor Lewis. It was dated in hospital a
Yorktown and bears date of April 2S 1862
u am lying here with dozen others in
large tent, and all around me are men wht
were used up in the trenches. Some are toss
inp with fever, Others are shivering with chill
as they recine upon the bosom of mothe
earth, but the ground is dry, that is some
comfort. and better than lying iu
puddle cf water outside. We have beer
visited by Dr. Lewis Of the Seventeenth
twice every day, and he is as grand specimen o
| . man as ever lived glorious man. with near
that is soft and tender rs n womau's, ana Il sur
r.ss;no skill-and he is withal the handsomcs
nan in tho division. He cheers us IN our gloon
nnJ brings with>him the oaly CLEAN of sunshln
-. evar see in these dismal hours, for it is $
desolate and dreary, lying here listening 10 u
min heat upon the canvas.
a. Another soldier writing from the winter guar
tors at Guiney's Station, near freoe1lcksou!E
do date of January g. 1868, says OF Dr. Lewis
What q noble specimen of humanity TINS man !: !:
&C ;mnosing presence, outspoken ana aelefln
ut 1.;tb a touch for the sick as soit as a 9oun
g;rrs and heart that felt for all pain and II agony
Gencrallv speaking a private soldier $ HLe Nc .
cnnsidered comparatively nothing, only Vaiueu
so much finger power to pull trigger OF - so
food fer powder Yet this go6a hlan VIII . spen
hours over some difficult, dubious case JUS
ssye these same worthless lives, and le!l lhe
arine pulses, ard stimulated the waning pow
With the same fidelity and untlrlns oc'o'ion
! If their lives were priceless