Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-04-17

tain Epps had been in i'll health for more
than two years. and while he seldom
complained he was a great sufferer, ana
frequently in much pain. He attended
10 his Q; ties at the City Han ana at the
fail, of which. as City Sergeant, ne had
entire charge. until about three months
ago. when ne went 10 his home TO be
treated for rheumatism, the pain or
which was becoming unbearable. Little
did he or his friends then dream that
he would never again leave that home
alive. But such are the workings oil
Providence.
STRICKEN DOWN IN HIS LIBRARY.
While apparently recuperating from his
severe rheumatic attack. the deceased
was stricken down without moments
notice. He could walk only with the as
sistanCe Of canes. and while mus
moving across the floor Of his library
his legs suddenly gave way, causing MIN
10 fall heavily He was picked up ana
put 10 bed. complaining of terrible pains
I'm his right side. ii was thought at
first that this pain proceeded from some
organic trouble. but "a close examination
on the succeeding day showed that the
hin had been fractured by the fall.
The bone was set as best II could be,
and an that human skill could devise
. was done TO alleviate the suffering OF
the Official a special bed was made Tor
him 10 lie upon. and he was made as
comfortable as circumstances would al.
nit He was unable though, 10 move
hand or foot. and this inaction beng
contrary to his nature. had bad enect
upon him The fact that he was in TINS
condition preyed upon his mind. and he
chafed under the restraints that his IN
Jury placed upon him. Gradually he
wasted away until death finally came 10
his relief land silently he fell asleep, 10
rest. and find surcease Of pain.
HIS LIES HISTORY.
Captain Epps was q native Of this city,
having been born here on the nth OF
December. 1910. At the time of his birth,
and for years thereafter his father the
late Thomas Epps. was one Of Richmond $
prominent citizens The deceased was
educated at the school in this city or
l. S, SQuires and BickfOrd & Chase.
He was reared 10 know what work was,
and during his hours spent outside the
school-room he was made 10 work with
his brothers IN the wagon factory ana
smithy conducted by his father. This
habit OF industry grew upon him as he
became older, and he was all through life
active and full Of energy. When war be-
tween the States was declared. and call
was issued for the young men OF Virginia
to rally 10 the defence Of the Old Do
ninion, Captain Epps was one Of the first
10 respond 10 the call OF duty. He en-
listed on April p. 1861, in the Richmond
Light Infantry Blues and that organiza-
ton being assigned TO duty with the
Forty-sixth Virginia Regiment, he was
taken direct TO the front. He was a
splendid soldier, q brave and gallant
fighter. and in short time won the ad-
niration OF his comrades. 1t was there
fore but short while before he was
made a sergeant and soon thereafter he
was detailed as color-bemer OF the regi-
ment. a position which he filled with
great credit both 10 himself and to his
command He always carried his colors
10 the front. and they never went down
until al the battle OF Hatcher'S Run, on
March q 1866. he fell pierced through the
body with a mimic ball.
INTERVIEW WITH LINCOLN
Deceased was left on the field as dead.
but IL being discovered later that life
was not extinct he was then taken up
by the Federals and conveyed 10 their
hospital az City Point There, when ne
was somewhat conyalescent, he had an
interview with President Lincoln. Mr..
Lincoln visited the hospital and was
shown through the ward In which Ser
geant Epps was lying. As he was pass
Ing out OF the door. the attendant said
IN an off-hand fashion: we have but
one Johnny Rcb In this ward
Where Is he?" asked Mr.. Lincoln.
The attendant carried the President
over 10 where the deceased was lying.