The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1907-05-21
Tuesday, May 81, 1907.
CAPT. AUGUSTUS P. PIrER,

often went to him for advice and was
advised by him, 10 pay to his memory
a simple tribute, its merit being its
deep sincerity.
Capt. Pifer died rs he must have
wanted to die, and as one who had
lived the life which he had lived
deserved to die. Hc retired to rest
and gently fell on sleep eternal.
When it was learned that he was
dead, found dead in his bed, his
features in as calm rcpose as though
he were child asleep after day
with its toys, one was reminded OF
the passing Of Tcnnyson Arthur,
for Capt. Pifcr was as kniyhtly, and
his passing was Il fitting. We are
told that when King Arthur was NOR
tally wounded, then saw he how there
hove dusky barge, dark as funcr-
al scarf from stem to stern, beneath
him; and when he was placed upon it
1t moved from the brink on and on,
till the hull looked like one black
dot against verge of dawn, going
from less to less and vanishing into
light. 1t was as though Capt. Pif-
er's funeral barge had been launch
ed upon the great sea, gently float
ing beyond the horizon Of mortal Wis
ion, "to the island valley of Avelon,
where falls not hail or rain, or any
snow, nor ever wind blows loudly,
but it lies deep-meadowed, happy
fair with orchard lawns and
bowery hollows crowned with sum-
imer sea-
Capt. Pifer was, first, a gentleman.
lie was cast in heroic mould, but he
was as tender as woman. Hc had
a kindly word for every one of whom
he spoke. He realized the frailties
and the weaknesses of humanity, and
tor those who failed he had cheer
and hope, and those who transgress-
ed he was ready to forgive. He
"spakc no slander, no, nor listened
to it," His own life was pure and
nnstained, and he was as far remov-
ed from lending himself to stain the
character of others, as man is re-
moved from the crawling things of
the earth. Exemplifying in his daily
life and conduct the highest ideals of
the old Southern civilization, he was
ever courteous, and himself "wcar-
ing the white flower of blamclcss
hfe,' he rcvcrcnccd true woman
hood. Honor he held above price. 1t
was far beneath him to take advan-
tage of any man, in things large or
small. lie was always approaehable,
and was frequently sought by those
younger than himself for the advice
which they knew they would receive
at his hands, and which they knew
would be made valuable by his SYM
pathetic interest, his sound judy-
ment and his deep insight into hui
man character and human affairs.
1t was worth the time of any man
to engage him in conversation, for
he was deeply learned and widely
read, and his discussions of men and
measures were always interesting
and entertaining. And in all his
conversations, as in all his acts, there
was in evidence the generosity of his
nature-for generosity and charity
we're parts of himself.
apt. Plfer was a courageous man.
lie had both physical and moral
courage of the highest type. In the
war between the states he had the
distinguished honor Of being captain
Of General Robert L. Lees body
guard and his comrades in arms say
that in those days when courage was
put to test at the point of steel and
at the mouth Of the cannon, he did
his duty and his whole duty.
Personal letters to him after the
war from General Lee showed in
what esteem his old commander held
him. And Captain Pifer loved Cen
eral Lee and lie loved the south. He
loved Southern traditions, he loved
Southern people and he loved South
ern soil. Memories of the Southern
Confederacy were dear to him and
were cherished by him fondly.
And, as in the days of battle, so in
after years, he shirked no duty
which was his to perform.
He was knightly Southern gen.
tlcman, and Of no man can more be
said. Those who knew him best loved
him most. j, X, A,