Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1903-05-21

SScn given me from ABOVE. i an
quite sure ! have never had the &C
Iquaintance Of q man who was &
poorly appreciated by the genera
run OF men as was the subject Of
this sketch Twas their misfortune
noe bis fault that they did not have
discernment enough 70 put proper
valuation on his real merit and abil.
ity. IL did not change the general
tenor OF his Christian life. nor dry
up the sympathies OF his heart for
fello" man, as was often proven il
some pocr neighbor was sick aud
stood In need Of assistance or care
OF any kind. He was not q man OF
popular manners he did not fire.
quent the bar-room and invite
crowds OF eager topers mp 10 drink,
nor did he waste his time and means
and morals at the gaming table. He
was truly gentleman of the much
written OF old school, without its
folly and frolic, coarseness and pro
family that too often prevailed in the
centuries gone by. Being a gentle
man, shorn Of the foibles of many
who bear that title, quite too often
by no valid claim, he was often class.
ed as an aristocrat, and therefore,
lacking in attraction to the masses.
But, to such as by chance or the ex-
action OF business were brought into
his presence, there was an instant
change of feeling, and when they
experienced the genial department
OF the man and the warmth of his
personal magnetism, il was q revela-
tion, and the comforting sensation
made then, feel like they would ever
wish to be near him and listen to his
words OF wisdom, sympathy or en-
courgement. There is an unspeak-
able pleasure to the writer i'm re-
cording kindly things of his depart
ed friend, to whom he owes a debt
OF gratitude, that never has or can be
repaid, for kindness to him years
ago when in deep trouble over the
death of o much loved daughter.
Nor could he trust his feelings to
dictate pleasant things TO be said of
such friend If firm conviction did
not assure him that he could not
well say anything in his praise that
he did not strictly deserve.
OF Captain Thomas career as a
soldier in the Confederate army, /
am able to say but little. From my
intimate knowledge, however, of the
man and the concurrent testimony
of very many who fought under the
same flag, am absolutely sure that
more fearless soldier never faced
a foe, than was he. His sense of
duty and firmness of purpose was
so strong that he never lost sight of
his mission and faltered or wasted
time in calculating costs and dan
gers. He received several very ugly
and dangerous wounds, ore Of them
in the face, never entirely healing,
gave him much trouble and is sup
posed TO have been a potent cause
Of the breaking up of his health.
When the Southern cause went
down, he returned to his beautiful
home, once the residence of Lord
Baltimore, aud devoted his life to
agricultural pursuits, and, while
loyal to the Federal government,
never relinquished his love for the
Lost Cause or made apology for the
active part he had taken in its de-
Tense.
Capt. Thomas never was active as
a politician and never sought office,
and, of course. in these modern days
never received political honors,
though he had abilities that would
have graced the halls of Congress.
Hehad, however, strong convictions,
was an ardent Democrat and was,
occasionally induced to make q
speech in advocacy of the principles
Of that organization. Il is well for
him that he never aspired to Office
for his high sense of honor would
ever have prevented him from re-
sorting to methods that would have
been necessary to secure q success
full result. There was nothing mar
row or contracted in his judgments,
and he was one Of that very rare or
der of men, who could and did ac-
cord TO those who differed from him
in politics or religion as much purity
and honesty OF purpose as he claim
ed for himself. It is superfluous to
say in this community, that his own
integrity was never assailed, for the
whole tenor of his life would have
been overwhelming evidence Of its
injustice. May his soul find rest in
the UNEMPLOYED world, and his sons
emulate and equal the virtues of
their departed parent. j. E. C.
--znas'-sazaz