The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-03-24
TOAp m GENERAL W. r. cox.

To single out one from amoug the vast
number with whom | was associated. and
who, like Marshal Ney. could be justly
styled, the brayost of the brave, might be in
y!liou5 not unjust Then among the sur
yiyors oi those who SO freely offered up their
Young lives as a holocaust upon their country's
altar. these halowed memories are now their
pr9udest heritage, and are cherished with
even Eastern devotion.
Among the volunteer soldiers Of either army
9. our country, Of one origin and with COM
mon aspirations, bravery was the rule and
cowardicc the exception.
Therefore while disclaiming any purpose
Of making unjust comparisons I venture to
chronicle The acts ola private soldier belong
Ing to my regiment, l2nd North Carolina State
troops with which an iGmiliar.
Young Barnes. Of Wilson County, at the
first call by the Governor of his State for vol
unteers, though hardly eighteen years of age,
promptly enlisted for the war. He was
y.ugularly handsome youth, tai, erect, with
ruddy cheeks, brown hair, hazel eyes. and
tair a. 4 woman His grave manner. earnest
ness OF purpose, and suldie.ly bearing early
attracted attention country youth. he had
been denied the benefits OF any education
save that Of the most elementary character.
This defect stood as bar to promotion, not
wIrhstandiug his recognized gallantry and the
severe wounds which nc received in the very
front Of his command.
The most dangerous post in any army dur
ilg 4 battle is that Of color or Gag-bearer.
The flag i'll drill or in battle, is used for pur-
poses Of alignment as well as a signal OF
victory or defeat It's loss may not only
throw the troops into confusion. but in any
event is accompanied with q sense Of humilia-
ton; hcuc, the heaviest fire is concentrated
upon the part Of the line where it is seen and
the most deadly struggles take place for its
retention and its possession.
The authorities at Richmond, recognizing
GIe importance Of the position and danger
tha; accompanied il, made it d subject Of
emulation by creating the Office Of ensign,
with tine rank Of Lieutenant and directed that
tha brayest and most approved soldiers
'N'"'u De ''Iet'1u 10 ''.l 'He ONCE by com
mon consent f'I'a'e barnes was accorded
Che hign distinction by his commanding of
GERS a, "ost2y OF TINS promotion tie was
"Fo'uy veteran ~ SefI'--, Us ms scars ana
wounds attaJJeu' 1hough san mere youth
The battle Of Charlottesville was fought Oh
OeauI"uI Stop''H' IN inc preceding day
there were many troops hotly engaged, yet
'h' decisive palI'@ was oh tha' LeauIitui sun
d', ~ May
NY command "as % the right oi the Chan-
esliorS'lIle House Al the early dawn we
were moving INTO acton and after driving
the enemy irom se'aII hreast|"rG5 III our
front, had broken their lines though 'Aey
sun htIa position on our Hanks, thus expos
ing us not onIy 10 a direct, but likewise to a
severe hli.ade Ire iroA ,ne right. In this
'.oody ahE.e 'he struggle became 80 desper-
ate, before the enemj was dislodg2d, Chat |
Ieit upon the leid hall OF my men, while not
tree the size OF man arm b2t had one or
more MARKS ol the deadly conflict IN which
We Engaged lo' not only bullets but grape
and shrapneI ha' been employed.
ltWaS mere the subject OF this sketch gave
up his young HE under the most heroic cir
cumstances. From ,he commencement OF the
binding ilretheeyesa mis- command lad rest
ed upon him. BOlu,y defantly, proudly he
color guard were either killed ~ disabled bv