The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1893-07-04

Col. CONWAY GAnI1NaroN.

The name chosen for the Camp will
perpetuste the memory Of Lieut.. Col.
Benjamin Conway Garl,ugton. Though
recollectfons of the life, virtues and gall
lantry of this young soldier arc still
green In the hearts of many brave SUR
Yiving comrades, these facts cleaned
from a sketch in the university Memo
RIAL" a volume by Rev. John Lipscomb
johnson com memorative of those for
NOR students of the Virginia University
who gave their lives for the Co%nfederacy
will be of interest to the younger geno-
ration.
He was the third son of John and Su-
san w. Darlington, OF Laurens, was
born Nov. 4, 1886, received his early ed
ucation at the old Male Academy, was a
student for awhile at South Carolina
College blu subsequently, entered the
University of Virginia where he gradu.
ated III the law department.. "He had
Just been admitted in Columbia to the
ourts of South Carolina and had re-
turned home with the intention Of Open
ing an office in his native village when
a call was made by the Governor of the
State for soldiers to defend her borders
from an invading foe; n this gallant
young man was among the first TO offer
himself and the noble company of State
Guards of which he was Captain.
the offer was of course accepted and
the State Guards became when united
into tho service OF the Confederate
States, Company A., Third South Caro-
lima 1nfntary. From the lombard
ment OF Fort Sumter to the battles
around Richmond in 1862, Capt. Gari'ug-
ton was not absent even once from the
post of duty. Such attention to his COM
mand, such devotion to the sacred cause
In which he was engaged could not fail
to produce the legitimate results. 1t was
no mean compliment therefore when
upon a reorganization of the regiment
he was elected Lieutenant Colonel. In
this command, one of the most efficient
in material, drill and discipline, ho bore
the reputation of an officer of rare and
extraordinary promise.
AT the battle of Savage Station, juno
20. 1862, he fell mortally wounded and
died on the field. In the charge in which
he lost his life 1t Is said that he was con-
spicuously prominent, moving hither
and thither, animating and encouraging
his men. And when his vitals had been
pierced by q minnie ball he announced
with the coolest intrepidity his condition
to those around him, and then urged
them forward with words, "Charge,
boys Charge! Forward, my brave
menW
When night came on and General
summer had Withdrawn across White
Oak Swamp, Col. Garlington's comrades
fonnd him lying perfectly straight-upon
his back, with his hands folded upon his
breast. and his sword standing with the
point in the ground by his sidel How
COOL and self possessed must have
been his mind at that time! His attitude
and features bespoke no thought of fear,
or ever pain, so calm was III in that aw-
full death hour, when left alone with his
God!
Col. darlington was a man of high
promise both in tho profession which he
chosen and in that which was thrust
upon him by the event of the war. That
he was efficient in the school OF the SOL
dier, and in all the high qualities of the
officer, those Of his gallant command
who survive will testify. That he was
possessed of the truest courage the cir
cumstances of his death abundantly
prove.
Had he beeu permitted to consum.
mato the life that was opening before
him, he must, with abilities that fitted
him for the field INT the forum, have
taken position in his State among the
most honored of her sons.
~
A younger brother, John Darlington,
was killed at fredericksburg, Dec. 49, 1852.
The remains of the two wero brought
to Laurens and reinforced In the village
cemetery.
*xk
Col. Darlington was a-man of COM
mandinR form, handsome face and elo-
CANT manner, possessed o clear and Wig
orous intellect n was a graceful spea-
ker. Long will his friends remember
his last address to the estate Guards"
before they left their homes for the un-
certain field--and especially the quota
ton referring to their return,
And we'll come back in glory
Or come no againP
Sad indead Ia the hot ha