Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1894-03-18
Told By General W. r. Cox.


To single out one from among the
vast number with whom l was associa-
ted, and who, like Marshal Ney, could
be Justly styled, the bravest Of the
brave, might be invidious If not unjust.
Then among the survivors Of those who
so freely offered up their young lives as
a holocaust upon their countrY's altar
these hallowed memories are now their
proudest heritage, and are cherished
with even Eastern devotion.
Among the volunteer soldiers Of
either army of our country, OF one
origin and with common aspirations,
bravery was the rule and cOwardice the
exception,
Therefore, while disclaiming any
purpose of making unjust comparisons
venture to chronicle the acts Of pri-
vate soldier belonging TO my regiment,
(2nd North Carolina State troOps,) with
which am familiar.
Young Barnes, of Wilson County. at
the frst call by the Governor Of his
State for volunteers, though hardly
eighteen yearsof age, promptly enlisted
for the war. He was singularly hand
some youth, tall erect, with rudy
cheeks, brown hair, hazel eyes, and
fair as a woman. His grave man
ner, earnestness Of purpose, and sold
iery bearing early attracted attention.
A 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,
- frr u a
laptrV and the severe wounds which be
received in the very front OF his COM
mand.
The most dangerous post in our army
during a battle is that OF color or flag
bearer. The flag in drill or ia battle,
is used for purposes Of alignment as
we'll as signal of victory or defeat.
It's loss may not only throw the troops
into confusion, but in any event is &C
companied with sense Of humiliation;
hence the heaviest fire is concentrated
upon the part of the line where il is
seen and and the most deadly struggles
take place for its retention and its
possession.
The authorities at Richmond, recOg-
nizing the importance OF the position
and danger that accompanied 10, made
il a subject Of emulation by creating
the Office Of ensign, with the rank Of
Lieutenant, and directed that the
brayest and most approved soldiers
should be selected to I'll the Office. BY
common consent Private Barnes was
accorded the high distinction by his
commanding officers as worthy Of this
promotion. tie was already a veteran
In service, as his scars and wounds
attested, though still a mere youth.
The battle Of Charlottesville was
fought on a beautiful Sabbath. On the
preceding day there were many troops
holly engaged, yet the decisive battle
was on that beautiful Sunday ia May.
Ny command was 70 the right OF the
Charlottesville House. AT the early
dawn we were moving into action, and
after driving the enemy from several
breastworks In our front, had broken
their lines though they still held posi-
ton on our TANKS, thus exposing US not
only 10 a direct, but likewise 70 severe
enfilade FIRE from the right In this
bloody angle the struggle became so
desperate, before the enemy vas dis
lodged, that 1 left upon the field half
OF my men, while not tree the size
OF mans arm but had one or more
marks Of the deadly conflict in which
We engaged, Tor not only bullets, but
grape and shrapnel had been employed.
1t was here the subject Of this sketch
gave up his young life under the most
heroic circumstances. From the CON-
mencement Of the binding Gre the eyes
OF his command had rested upon him.
Boldly, dehantly, proudly be pressed
90 with the cross OF st. Andrews tour
battle fag,) waving above US, until al
Of the color guard were either killed OF
disabled By wounds, yet be yielded not
his purpose 70 carry 10 triumph a. the
cost Of his life this guerdon Of victory.
He knew that the flag must float 10 the
eyes Of his comrades, and deliberately,
fearlessIy and heroically be gave Up his
life 10 q sense Of duty.
just before victory perchad upon the
silken folds be loved So ven while
pressing 20 the front he fele 3rtalig
wounded. Ibe ieag thst eIors