The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-12-10

December, 1862, Hardee's Corps dou- bled back the Federal right wing and pressed it until the latter. reinforced, and in a new position, became too strong. Next morning St. John Lid delPs Brigade, of Cleburne's Division. with Semples Battery Churchill Sem pie of Montgomery, Ala.), was pushed forward at a certain point to develop the enemy and succeeded in developing him to such effect and in such force that the brigade must needs withdraw with some precipitancy. Semple, rid ing behind his battery under fire. thought to set an example of coolness by dismounting to pick up derelict blanket on the field. As, bridle in hand, he stopped for that purpose, a shell exploded at his feet, his horse bounded with such quickness and force as to pull him over and leave him prone; onlookers saw a riderless horse careering and the rider stretched on the ground. under the dust and smoke of concussion and explosion. Anyone seeing it would have been quite sure that he was killed, but he was only stunned for moment, and, as. the brigade disappeared over the brow of the hill, he pulled himself together. succeeded in recovering his horse and followed. Meanwhile Captain George A. Williams, now of New Orleans, La. then Liddell's Adjutant General, had been sent forward to wlere General Hardee and his staff were grouped to report results, and. as he reached Gem eral Hardee, Semple also rode up at his side. within arms reach. His report made, Williams. with a break in his voice, said: I am sorry to have to add that Captain Semple was killed Gem eral Hardee. with a twinkle. for Semple and Williams were in front of him all most side by side. said: Are you quite sure of thatT. Yes. sir unhappily, for I saw him killed Who Is that be- side your Williams turned his head. and there was Semple at his side. Dis- cipline CT no discipline, he flung his arms around him and well-nigh broke down. General Hardee's smiling com ment was: Captain Williams, the les son is: Report only facts and leave commanding officers to draw conclu- sions.''
 The writer says:
 This incident was related to me with great gusto by Major Henry Churchell Semple, since deceased. who was a special friend of mine. I my self had only a hazy recollection of the circumstances. When I have on occa- sion repeated it. it has been deemed so good that it seems worthy of preserva- ton in the Conf. Vet tho 'Bivouac.' or the f1otsam and jetsam of the press"
 Wieszaden, Germany. Dec. 21, 1904.
 After the War.
 During the war Captain Semple wore habitually a tall white hat, rather dangerous target, but perhaps the en- emy fired at the headgear and missed the captains head. At any rate the captain, afterward major, survived the war and became a noted lawyer and judge. A nobler. braver, better man in the world and contending with it, I never knew. He was a devout. practical Catholic His wife was wor- thy of him and cannot more highly praise her. One of his sons is now Jesuit priest and a daughter a Sister of Mercy or some other order. Both pa rents were delighted that two of their children "chose the better part which shall not be taken away" Once, in Montgomery. Ala. Major Semple told me this story:
 "A great friend of mine here is a stanch Presbyterian. He Is a promi- nent contractor. On several occasions he gave me liberal donations for Cath ollie fairs. One day he came into my office and said: Judge. I have given money freely to you. at various times to help your Catholic brethren, have not? Oh. yes! I answered You have been most generous Well. he rejoined.' my time has come to ask d similar favor of you. We are going to build a Presbyterian church and I want you to contribute. in fair play I was very much surprised and explained to him that, as loyal Catholic, I could not do it, although I was willing to | accord him dny reciprocal pecuniary favor that did not involve my con science. But my words were in vain He grew angry and indignant. He could not comprehend what he consid- cred the subtle sophistry of my req soning, and. in a quiet rage, advanced to the door. Presently. happy thought struck me. and I said: Hold on, John. don't go; let us see If this matter cannot be equitably adjusted, for do not wish to forget your friendship or have you regard me as an unfair or crafty man. So I added ::
 John. you must tell me where the new church is to be built% On the same site,' he replied. Then I said. the old church Is to be town down? He nodded in assent. Then I said. are | you the contractor? He replied affirm | atively. Take, then I added, this $100 check to be used in pulling down the old edifce, but not a cent for re- building" He laughed, took the check