The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-08-25
BRAVE SOUL OF SAM DAVIS
S'or Of Spy Who Was SEsnl Though Confession
Would Haze Saved MIN.

One of the purest and bravest men 1
knew. says Rev. g. h. Dobbs, during
the war for the Union was Sam Davis,
a famous Confederate scout, who met
his death on the scaffold at Pulaski,
Tenn, in the summer OF 1854 His
memory is cherished i'm Middle Tennes-
see as that of a martyr patriot Davis
was one OF the most reliable and dar-
ing scouts in the Southern ranks, and
TO him were committed some OF the
most dangerous missions within the
Federal lines. In executing one of these
peculiarly hazardous expeditions he
was captured and thrown into "a mill
tary prison. Some discriminating pa
pers were found upon him--papers the
author Of which II was quite important
TO ascertain. He was summarily tried
by couft-martial and sentenced to dio
upo nthe scaffold says the New Voice.
Davis was placed I'm charge of
young captain of about the same age
as his prisoner. Between the two there
developed congeniality winch rapidly
ripened into mutual esteem and
friendship. The young captain was au-
thorized To offer life and freedom TO
Davis If he would reveal the source OF
the Information contained in the in
eliminating papers.
II cannot be false to my comrades or
10 friends of our cause within the I'm
ion llnes.' was his UNMARRIED and de-
cued answer
Again and again he was importuned
to save his life by divulging the names
OF his confedsrates. To all such impor-
tunity he heroically turned deaf ear,
declaring his determination TO die with
the secret buried in his bosom. Per-
haps the severest test of his courage
was when his affianced, a lovely young
woman of north Alabama, found her
way through the Union lines and was
accorded an interview with her con-
demned lover. They were permitted
private interview. Even to the loved
one he positively refused TO yield the
coveted information. She pleaded:
sam, If you love me and your dear
old mother weeping for you at home,
beg you to save your life.'
For moment Sam trembled with un-
concealed emotion, and then taking the
girl by the hand he slowly replied:
Il do love you. JAMIE, and my neart
is breaking almost as / think OF moth
err but" His voice quivered and
utterance almost failed him. but he
quickly recovered his composure and
firmly finished his sentence: There
are occasions and circumstances when
above every other motive. can not be
traitor
To the credit Of the woman he loved
be IL said that she ceased to urge him
and soon passed from his presence with
eye undimmed, after assuring him OF
her increased admiration for him in
view OF his evident devotion to his
duty. The day of execution was not
long delayed. To the young captain
was assigned the sad dutv Of pulling
the lever which was to send the soul Of
his new found friend into eternity. To-
gether- they stood upon the fatal scaf-
fold. Once again the captain, with
voice tremulous with emotion. urged
Davis to give the desired information
and save his life. The doomed man
hung his head moment and his lips
were seen to move in silent prayer.
Then raising his head he firmly an
swered:
'If 7 had thousand lives would
lose them all here before ! would betray
my friends or the confidence OF my in
former"
Stout hearts were moved bv the hero
ism OF the man. and tears stole unbid-
den into ewes OF strong men. Reluct-
antly the lever was sprung and Ahe |
brave soul OF Sam Davis went to meet |
his Dod.