The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1897-09-23

jim 10 WIN" outt JSS"s S"pth, u0
amt willin', now when we're all wilIin'
'oep,in' Jeems' .Cap,in. | think you
might up and let Jeems come. I'll
make him 60 right straight back, when
he's done GO, married and fight jus,
as hard as ever
Your affectionate friend,
Mr.. Davis read the letter and en-
dorsed it with these words, "Let Jeems
CO." and we are told that Jeems go,
married, and that the patriotic girl
drove him back to the army where he
fought as hard as ever before.
All over the South our noble women
willingly endured every hardship;
though they were mourning in sack
cloth and ashes, yet like Rizpah, they
kept their vigils day and night, and
did their part in their country's cause
Veterans, speech would fail me if l
tried to picture your patient toll and
patriotic endurance in the cause of
right. The boys of the South in many
instances carved their names on the
highest pinnacle of fame. once knew
a band of boys ranging from IA toll
years of age, which went into battle.
They we're held in reserve until Gen.
Breckinridge's right wing gave away
under a CALLING fire from infantry and
a heavy battery Of artillery, and the
day seemed to be lost; the whole line
began to waver in front Of the larger
force pressing it, when, the boys came
on the field with martial tread, the ad-
vance was in perfect line, until vol
ley from battery cut gap of forty
nine from the centre. AT the command
they closed to the center with perfect
continuing the march with
fixed bayonets they charged the bat
terry and took it. The flag bearer on
that occasion kept his place forty feet
in front until every strand of his flag
was shot away. The wavering veterans
took courage, rallied and swept the
enemy from the field. These were
sons of soldiers and gloriously exem-
plifed the devotion of the Southern
man to his cause. Nothing but patri-
otism Of the highest type could thus
make heroes of boys.
At the battle of Malvern Hill the
color bearer Of North Carolina reg
iment was shot dead on the field; an
other seized the flag and instantly fell
wounded; two others in turn
seized it and were instantly cut down;
finally lad 16 years old from New
Hanover county, took the flag; soon a
ball shattered his right arm; he was
told to 60 to the rear but he seized il
with his left hand, saying, "No, sir, l
can carry it yet" Then another shot
his fair young face and one
offers to take it, but he cried, "Let 60,
l can hold it yeti" just then another
ball pierces his noble breast; he then
handed the standard of his country to
another saying, "Take it, Lieutenant, l
can carry it no farther" They laid
him behind an embankment 10 save
his body from further mutilation, and
he shortly breathed out as noble a soul
as ever animated mortal mould.
The Southern soldier not only
acted from principle, but in many in
stances he was a soldier of the Cross,
and gave exhibition of the highest
Christian virtue. They fought bravely,
and were magnanimous to fallen foe.
One instance will suffice to set forth
this crowning virtue of noble people.
At the battle of Williamsburg, North
Carolina regiment was lying behind
ielled timber in front Of Fort Ma
gruder; both sides were firing at such
desperate rate il seemed certain death
to raise ones head above the logs in
front. Just then wounded enemy lying
between the two fires was heard ex-
"Friend or foe, some water;
for Gods sake some water" A pri-
vate from Wake county arose, and
against the remonst, ances OF his CON-
rades, walked between the lines amid
a terrific FIRE, handed his wounded
enemy his canteen Of water, and re-
turned unframed to his position, re-
that the "God bless you" Of
the dying man had amply repaid him
for the risk Of his life
Thus | might 60 on and multiply
incidents, all and every instance, but
a verse in the great chapter of human
daring, endurance and patriotism,
written by the Soldiers Of the South.
The legends and histories Of all ages
tell Of no Drawer men, or more knight
ly achievements than were seen in the
army OF the South. On every occa-
sion men in SERTED ranks marched
amid the storm Of battle with counte-
nances wrea,hed in smiles, with eyes
beaming, all aglow with delight, fred
with the glory Of patriotism and will
ing to die for their country's good.
This was patriotism, this was chiv-
airy and nobility Of soul that passes all
human understanding. From these
and their children, We naturally hope
for those who shall redeem the country.
Now, my countrymen, my time has
expired by limitation, yet would
speak a word Of cheer before l close.
Though an hour Of darkness over.