The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-11-20
He DIED LIKE A HERO.
Pathetic Incident In Connection With the
Death Of a Railway Engineer.
HIS LAST MESSAGE TO HIS OLD SUPERIOR
The Engine Driver was Fatally Hurt
ON the southern Yesterday, ana ia
His Last Moments sent II Message
TO Izis ola superintendent, Capt.
v. E. sIcBcc.

Railroad officials are busy men. and as
q rule by nature of their calling, have
little time for sentiment, should they
have the inclination. Il is said. haN-
ever, that in the intercourse CT these in
authority with subordinates some times
the strongest and most lasting attach
mentS a!e formed. This WAS exempli-
fled yesterday by very pc, hc.ic Incl
dent which occurred in the Office Of Cap
tain V. Il. McBee. General Superintend-
emit OF the Seaboard Air Line. A hush
came ever the assembly CT IND or three
gentlemen who were transac.ing bust
ness with Mr.. McBee at the time, and
during The quiet which ehzued the eyes
OF the General Superintendent became
sGspic:ou:ly red rs well as ':hose who
were with him.
Mr.. Al2Bee for years prior to his con-
nect!on with the Seaboard AR Line. was
with the Richmond and Danviiie road,
In charge of the mountain division be
tween Ashev.lle and Salisbury. and Mr..
&. T. Williams, at present his chief
clerk, who VA; also with him on che
Danville cad. remarked to a N!rg!nian
reporter tbs: many incidents had occur
rsd within the past three or four years
which would indicate that the faithful
employees on that division have not for
gotten him.
a PATHETIC MESSAGE.
1t is no: surprising that the telegram
given below, signed by orc of his oldest
and best engn GERS. whose spirit had
probably taken its fight ere his dying
message was received. deeply affected
him Is we'll as those present:
odd Fort, n. c.. Nov. 10, 1896.
Captain V. e. McBee, Portsmouth, Va :
Il viii lie this morning from injuries
received IN railroad accident"
(SigneD wv. L. JAMES"
The morning paper contained an an
n n 1ap he
OF the mountain on the Southern Rail
way. S2uGe one had failed to obey or
de.s. I1ngineer James. in charge # the
Chattanooga special. had lost his life,
rs had also his fireman. 1t is beau
tifui tribute TO friendship bred OF long
association OF Official with subordinate.
rs well as touching illustration of the
GOODNESS and elaboration which charac-
tcriG6d the engineer in death as in life
when a the throttle of his engine.
He DID HIS DUTY.
Mr.. McBce Immediately dictated the
following as last message 10 an old en-
ploye who had been faithful in the dis
charge OF his duty while living and in
teLth though far distant, had not for
gotten him:
"Po:.. mouth, Va. Nov. 10. 1896.
"R. P. Foster, Train Master, Old Fort,
NC:
Il am jus, in receipt of the last tele-
gram from Engineer w. l.. James, say
Ing he VIII de this morning from in
5ulies received in railroad accident
If ne still lives. and is conscious tell
Him for me that he was one of the best
locomotive runners l ever knew. and
rhat ] know he did his duty. May God
have mercy on him.
"V. L. AIcBEE"
This message from a brave and dying
engineer 10 his former superintendent
Will give an insight into the charac Ger
OF those men who pull the throttle for
their daily bread and who risk their
lives in the pc: Torrance of duty.