Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-07-17

The monument which Is being erected
to the memory of General William H. I.
Walker, the division commander Of the
Confederate troops, who was killed in the
great battle of July I'D, around Atlanta
is creating a great deal of interest all
over the south.
General walker was the only Georgia
general who was killed in action during
the civil war, and he was one Of the most
distinguished generals in the Confederate
service.
Julus L. Brown, OF Atlanta, son OF
Georgia's war governor, who has taken
such an active interest In the ereelon o.
the monument to General Walker, has
received the following letter from ]. I.
Collier of Vienna. Ca, who served Gen.
eraI Walk. as orderly from January,
) LEA. until the death Of the general:
VIENNA, Ga, July s. 1901
Hon. Julius L. Brown. Atlanta, Ca
Dear Sir: I notice from reading
an active part In erecting a mon
ument to the memory Of General
w. III. T. Walker. who fell on the
battlefield 22d Of July, 1854 Thinking you
would like TO have few facts connected
with his death on that fatefui morning
make bold to write you what saw with
my own eyes.
1T will first go back to the time when 1
was ordered to report to him as his or
derby at Dalton. in January, 1854. From
| that time up 20 the moment OF MS
| death I was with him night and day,
| and when he moved I moved: and when
ne rested, / did the same. / never lost
sigl.t Of him save when he slept. Old
| George, his negro servant, looked after his
wants when in his tent. but when he
mounted pet" his gray mare, was
ready to go whenever he wiiied to go.
ST had heard a good deal about the
generals quick temper ant stern ways,
/ and 1 was little bit afraid Of him when
first began to serve him, as his orderly
but soon found out that all had to do
| was to obey orders promptly and be on
hand when wanted.
'The first dispatch carried from him
/ to General Hardee (about two miles from
our quarters) and Walker complimented
| me for the promptness OF its delivery.
| Then I saw the soft place in his heart,
| and I cultivated It up 70. his death.
could tell many anecdotes about the gen.
eral. but as they may not interest you, I
/ forbear. On the 18th at the battle Of
Peachtree Creek, he had a narrow es-
| cape from death. Walker was giving an
| order 10 a carrier George Price,, when
a shell plunged into the ground under the
horse. lad 1t exploded, all three OF US
would have been blown to pieces.
/ 49,
22d of July.
st suppose IT was about midnight when
/ we were ordered to go out towards De-
| catur You are doubtless aware OF the
thick WOODS that abounded here, through
which we had 10 march TO get TO the
| point where Walker was killed. Just De-
| fore we struck the enemy. Walker wished
/ to stop ana get the division in shape as
/ Bates division was a good way OF on the
i right, and Cleburne's away to the LETT.
1 Geenral Aercer's brigade was TO be In
reserve behind Walkers, but when our
division stopped to get in battle array
MERGERS brigade was at right angles to
\ the divisions, some Of his men being IN
| front and the balance In the rear.
We got out Of that, though. just as Har-
dee sent a very perenptory order TO Wal
/ ker to move at once. Walker was very
angry at the wording Of the order, and
turning in his saddle. asked me to pour
him out a drink of whisky. He then order