The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-01
THE HERO OFTHE SOUTH.
FxEMPLTFTED IN THE MANHOOD
or THE PRTVATE SOLDIER.
The Pure Spirit and Deep Love Of Those
Who Fought Tor Sacred Cause VIII
be Perpctuated in Stone.

same building. A good deal of business
is to be transacted. and large attend
ance is desired.
The noble work done by the ladies In
bshalf OF the completion OF the monu-
inent to the private soldier and sailor
and I'm behalf OF the establishment OF
the Confederate museum in the old Davis
mansion is highly appreciated In all the
States of the old Confederacy, and the
newspapers OF the various parts OF the
South have taken hold OF the subject with
a will. Frequently earnest appeals are
published I'm furtherance OF the GOOD
cause and numerous manifestations or
sympathy. and promises Of support are
received bv the ladies almost every Day
The Following interesting article on
the private soldier. the typical hero OF the
South. written by a well known Virgin
ian. has appeared In the columns OF the
Times Democrat. OF New Orleans:
The old South has grand memories ana
the new South has splendid anticipations.
The spirit which moved the old leads the
new South.
II Is that spirit which seeks truth
through toughest paths and needs no
danger in its pursuit. II is that spirit
which warmed the hearts and steeled the
nerves 10 bear the burdens OF both the
old and the new South. My ideal nero
embraced II with superb unselhshness.
Some would say he should be Robert r..
Lee. whose great heart and lofty leader
ship enchanted the everlasting affection OF
the South.
some would say It should be Stonewall
Jackson. whose magic power so often
awakened the wonder OF the world.
Some would saw 1t should be Jefferson
Davis. whose polished manhood held with
unyielding nerve the pearl oil southern
pride.
Some would say he was among the
hosts of cavairymen and arullerymen'
who flashed their swords and pulled their
lanvards in battles often won.
Yes, These are the Jewels OF the SOUTH
and there are honors and memories ior
them: but / would take away the stars
and trimmings and titles. for there was
charm and inspiration in them.
would eliminate. too. the higher grades
OF service. 49,.
The purest spirit. the deepest love- inc
greatest hero. the noblest manhood. was
In the infantry private OF the South.
He WAS reared when the "irrepresslpie
conflict" ouickened the pulse or the PEG,
ple. He was inspired by the inteilectuai
gladiators OF the South. .
He gloried I'm the heroism OF ms ances-
tors. which had won the Repuohc lroi"
England. I'D.
he shouldered the burden Of his convic-
.ions he grasped his musket for ms
cause he inhaled the smoke OF battle
no felt the sting of bullet, he bled from
shot and shell. <
He dared TO die when he could foresee
his burned ashes scattered on the sou
Of his enemies.
Where is loftier heroism?
Where is nobler patriotism!
Where is truer manhood?
Where is Grander chivalry?
Where a more ideal hero?
For principles, he carried the heaviest
cross.
For principles, he courted an unknown
grave.
lie touched elbows in the unwavering
line of charge
He gained victory with the point Of the
bayonet.
He dauntlessly rushed over earth
works.
He stood Ike "stone wall" on the
field.
He was strongest in battle.
He was gentlest in victory.
He was most powerful in the face or
menace.
He was tenderest to the captured.
His pride was grand, his bravery ex-
allied, his heroism majestic!
His marvellous simplicity OF conduct was
consonant with his beauty of heart!
His life in camp was characterized by
praiseworthy endurance.
He met his privations with the calm
ness OF a philosopher.
He enjoyed the pastimes of his tent
with the guilelessneSs OF child.
He dotted on his faded uniform and
jeered at the "slick" silk hat, even on the
head of a Confederate congressman.
When the first year of his service had
passed he was bright with hope.
Fort Sumter had fallen and Manassas
had embalzoned his bayonet with glory!
The second year passed, with 56i bat
ties and engagements, including Shiloh.
the seven days battle, which made the
dark waters of the ChickahOminy run
red Second Manassas and Fredericks-
burg. and his prowess was proved to the
civilized world.
The third year passed. with 627 battles
and engagements.
Ii saw his pride at the highest and his
hope brightest when, fresh from the vic
tories Of Charlottesville. he invaded the
soil of Pennsylvania.
Alas, for human hopes,
Gettysburg turned backward his foot
steps and started anxiety in his breast.
How long could these bloody years
last?
Surely, not longer than seven, as his
ancestors revolution had cost
Then the fourth year passed, with 779
battles and engagements.
His anxiety was over.
He saw the inevitable end.
Hope of success was gone.
III was only a question of the days he
might be spared before the bullet pierced
his heart.
lie saw the end before the statesmen in
the Capitol at Richmond He knew over
whelming numbers would crush out the
soldiery of the South.
His comrades were falling, and no re-
cruits came TO mi their places.
He saw the end and felt IL in the sum-
mer OF 1864. but his allegiance TO the
army. his duty TO himself and his family
babe him go almost daily to a hopeless
slaughter. and often he marched TO bat
tie for his personal honor without the
slightest hope for his country's indie
pendence.
Can you imagine heroism more sublime
than the private infantrymans who held
the front lines of the Confederacy during
the last half OF 1864, and the winter and
sprinP Of 1855?
Around Petersburg. along the disastrous
line OF retreat TO Appomattox. and even
there he shouidered his musket and Yield
ed ready obedience TO the order for a
charge. until his matchless commander
said his duty 10 his country had been
faithfully performed" and further re-
sistance would be a useless sacrifice.
lie had enlisted as a private, he fought
az a private. he surrendered as a private,
and then he returned TO private life 10
battle for bread.
His country was lost. but dauntless