Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1891-12-15

diers, sons of his old friends snd rel
atives, were of the most affecting
character. He would march and fight
with our regiment all day, and spend
the night administering comfort and
consolation in the hospital, or bear
the sad tidings of death to the homes
of afflicted parents. Twas thus that
he discharged faithfully the duties of
his office as the years from 81 to '65
rolled on, growing darker aud darker
for the fortunes OF the Red Cross of
the South--for it became apparent
that the proud banner that had swept
\ lvietoriOusly over many hard fought
fields, beloved and llonored by those
who followed and sustained it, must
go down in gloom and defeat. re-
member q circumstance that tested
his nerve and the duty of his respons-
ible office: One of our army corps
Yas encamped around Orange Court
House; our cavalry also was in that
neighborhood, the parson, Gas we all
fsmiliarly called him } and myself had
received an invitation from Gen. Stu
art to dine with him on that day at
his headquarters. On our way out,
and while passing through the Court
House, we overlook file of soldiers
following Immediately behind cart
in which two men were seated. We
had passed by without noticing the
circumstance, but turning and stop
ping my horse to take another look at
the party, saw at once that it was a
death detail. A few yards on one
side noticed firm post but recent
lY planted, which told me in my army
experience that the man then sitting
on his coffin in that cart was to be
g shot to death by musketry." ut
once called the parsons attention to
the fact, that the lieutenant in charge
of the file of men was about to ex-
ecute that man, and rs he had no
spiritual adviser, would he go at once
TO him and pray with him. After
taking in the situation he asked me
to accompany him to the spot, where
he was then being bound to the post,
one of them binding bandage over
his eyes and placing handkerchief
in his hand to be dropped on the
ground when he was ready to die. 1
begged from going with him, saying
to him that / could not witness tho
shooting of one of our men, but in
sisted upon his going and at once
Handing me his bride rein he quick
ly dismounted and approached the
poor man just in time, as the file of
men were in position to fire. There
upon the fresh earth, thrown out to
plant that fatal post, and by the side
of the condemned man, he dropped
upon his knees, uncovered his head
and with one hand resting upon the
breast of the soldier and the other
raised to heaven. he made one of the
most feeling, earnest and eloquent
petitions to the throne of mercy and
grace in behalf Of this poor man. L
can never forget that scene. The
prayer finished, the parson arose and
stepping quickly to one side, the
condemned man dropped the signal
promptly, the word FIRE" was inn
mediately given, and u report fol-
lowed. When the smoke from their
muskets had blown away, all that was
left of the poor soldier was seen hang
ing from the post dead, II was in
deed hard to shoot our own men, but
knowing that our beloved general was
kind and humane, it became Absolute
ly necessary to preserve proper dis
cipline in our army.
AS the dark days drew on, it be-
came manifest that our parson was
more earnest and jealous in the adj
ministration of his sacred office, and
would often tell me that he was pray
| ing with more eaTnestness and ferVor
for the overthrow of our enemies,
and the ultimate success of our army.
There were times, during the raging
of a battle, would ride up to him
and ask him What he was thinking
about, his reply would be: I atn
praying, praying. He was one of
those who never lost faith in the eff
ficacy of earnest and sincere prayer.
His old comrades. nave just been
called upon to pay their last sad
tribute of respect and love to his
memory; he has crossed the dark
river, and is resting from his labors,
well and faithfully performed; his
campaign is ended; nothing is left
for US, who still remain here, but to
draw closer together in the bonds of
affection and TO cherish the memory
of our comrades who have gone be-
fore. w. A. NJ.
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