Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1899-04-04
JOHN YATES BEALL.
loonltnued trom al paqe. )

Continued from first page.)
His Bible aud his Prayer Book were
his constant companions. He enjoy
cd keenly such hymns as g Rock of
Ages . and g Jesus, Lover of My
Soul He had no doubt as to his
eternal salvation through the grace
of Christ. In all the severity of his
confinement he showed the spirit of
a Christian, so that even the general
who ordered his execution testified
to his friends that he believed him
real Christian. Some time during
his respite his mother was allowed TO
see him in the presence of officers,
and she and he were sustained
through the interview by the assur-
ances of Gods favor and love, even
in that sore trial.
With perfect caImness he gave di-
rictions to his friends as TO the dis
posal of his body and estate. 1t was
his wish that after the close of the
war his body should he removed to
Virginia TO sleep among his own
people, and that his epitaph should
be: Died in the service aud de-
Tense of his country"
He sent tenderest tokens of love
to his mother. There was one whom
he had met in the South, in the win
ter after he was wounded, to whom
he had plighted his troth and given
his heart. She had been an inspir-
alton to him through his difficulties
and dangers, and she through all the
years has been faithful TO his mem
DRY. To her he sent his PRAYER
Book.
With unfailing courtesy he ac-
knowledged every Kindness shown
him. His diary, while noting the
progress of his trial and the events
of his prison life, expresses no bit
terness against his enemies.
He charged his friends to show no
spirit of revenge against any Federal
prisoners who night fall into their
hands, saying; " Vengeance belongs
TO God"
He solemnly declared to those
dearest to him that he in in all his
course had been animated by no
thirst for lucre, and that he died for
his country.
Passing the days of waiting in
reading, writing, or cheerful CONVEX
sation, he manifested no fear; and
when the final hour came, lie went to
his doom as quietly and steadily as
if going to meet friend. Without
bravado, without weakness, without
stoicism, he met his fate with cour-
age and resignation. dis last-words
were: II protest against the execu-
ton of this sentence. 1t is murder.
l die in the service and defense of
my country"
The only charge which he laid up
on his people was that they vindi-
cate his memory from aspersion. AT
this day, as we look at the history
with eyes undimmed by passion or
prejudice, IL appears that his execu-
ton was unjust and cruel, and our
indignation is only mitigated by the
remembrance of the passion and
prejudice which prevailed in those
days of bitter strife.
This man stands before us now in
memory as patriot pure and true.
who gave his life for his country. M
dishoncrable deed ever stained his
life, no vindictivc passion ever pol
luted his heart. No breath of de-
traction should ever tarnish his
name. The Confederate States ac-
knowledged responsibility for his
bold adventure but-alas when
Federal power was bent on his de-
struction, the Confcderacy was so
far reduced in strength that she
could not make effective protest
against the cruel injustice of his
taking off. Had the attempt on Lake
Erie been made year earlier. as he
wished To make it, his government
would have heen strong enough to
secure his safety, if lie had been un-
successful, as it could have taken
advantage of his exploit, if lie had
succeeded.
The South owes it to herself, as
well as to him, to make known the
story of this great sacrifice. Her
fpions reverence should raise some CO.
during monument to commemorate
his virtues and deeds, to testify to
posterity the character of thu men
who lived and fought and died for
her.
1t is our sacred duty, through the
pages of our accredited organ, the
Veteran. to guard his fame, to cher
ish his memory, and to commend his
example to cur children, that they
may know the unsullied honor. the
heroic faithfuIness, the pure patriot
ism, the Christian character of John
Yates Beall.
p. S.-The materials for this
sketch are gathered from % Capt.
Beall's diary while in prison; (2) a
letter to. his mother from Albert
Richie, Esq, telling her of his last
days; (3) volume prepared by
Daniel b. Lucas, Esq. of Richmond.
containing short biography of Capt
Beall, and the account of his trial,
published in Montreal, Canada, in
1860.
Co-ae.,I. II. =, =.