Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-11-15
A Young Hero.

To the Editor of the Dispatch:
I have observed with surprise that no
mention has been made in our city papers
OF a remarkable and interesting incident
OF our civil war, which is new, and mas
been fer several months attracting at
tention in other quarters. II IS the story
of young Tennessee soldier. by name
Samuel Davis, hardly more than boy
about 20 years ODD. who was sent In 1865
by his commanding officer Chis Of itself
was evidence of the estimation In when
he was held. even them within the
enemy's lines though, ] believe. he wore
get what information he could OF their
designs and movements. He went and re-
manned some time and. with other Things
obtained package OF papers from the
headquarters of the commanding general.
who at that time was General Dodge, and
then started with all haste to re1oin his
regiment. but was captured. and the
papers found under his saddle and was
taken to the General, who, of course, could
do nothing but order him be ore court
martial and he was tried as a spy and
sentenced 10 be hanged. II seems that
General Dodge was attracted by the APP
pearance and manners Of the young sol
der, and took great interest in the case
and offered him life and liberty ana
safe conduct under guard 10 his own
people If he would reveal the source OF
his information. but this young soldier
with a herosm and magnanimity worthy
o. the most dauntless and devoted knight
friend, and quietly and respectfully said
10 the General that he was obliged 10
him FOR his interest in his case, but that
IL was useless 10 argue the question
his mind was fully determined-and thus
he went ca mly and composedly TO his
death. But so urgent and sOlctious was
this General Ito his honor, be il spoken
that on the day Of execution. when this
ready for his fate, he sent
staff officer 20 him, saying that II was
not yet too late, and entreating him TO
reconsider his determination. But no;
nothing could move him. and thus Samuel
Davis passed into history as one Of the
greatest heroes Of whom we have any
record, and what makes this voluntary
sacrifice still more remarkable Is the far
that it is generally believed that his
informant was "A negro. VINO was per-
suaded or bribed to steal those papers,
and you know Mr.. Editor. that Just at
that time the lives OF negroes were not at
n very high premium among us. Others
think that the information and the papers
were furnished by a southern woman, who
had access 10 The headquarters OF General
Dodge. However this may be, II seems 10
me that there H. scarcely an instance in
ancient or modern history which sur
passes this In unwavering courage and
unselfsh magnanimity II NAV be that
some are willing TO give their life for their
friend but this boy may almost be said
10 have given his lie for his enemy. a
movement has been started TO build
monument u ltlS ItAys anu NoIAllbuNDll'
are solicited. About 1900 has been coll
lected. | believe. and the projectors want
5000. All persons who are willing TO
aid in this work can send their offerings
TO Colonel Cunningham. editor of the
Confederate Veteran. Nashville, Tenn,
and they will be thankfully received,
whether q cents or S25. and placed where
they viii do good. both for the present
and future generations.
LAS long as deeds OF bravery the scrolls
OF fame adorn.
AS long as Virtue keeps her court, and
honor dwels with men,
This heros deed shall be rehearsed 10
heroes yet unborn.
And his shall be the artists brush. and
his the poets pen"