Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 12.djvu/196

182 head was frosted with age. After giving him wine and food, I said, 'My friend, you are an old man. Do you enjoy the comforts of religion?' 'Oh, yes,' he exclaimed, 'I have been a member of the church for twenty-five years. Often in our little church at home our minister told us that religion was good under all circumstances, and now I have found it true; for even here in this old stable, with my leg amputated, and surrounded by the dead and dying, I am just as happy as I can be."

"In the retreat of our army from middle Tennessee, one of the soldiers," says Dr. W. A. Mulkey, a surgeon in the army, "was struck by an exploded shell, the ponderous mass sweeping away his right arm and leaving open the abdominal cavity, its contents falling upon his saddle. In a moment he sank from his horse to the ground, but soon revived, and for two hours talked with as much calmness and sagacity as though he were engaged in a business transaction. He said, 'I know that my wound is mortal, and that in a very short time I shall be in eternity; but I die as has been my aim for years prepared to meet my God.' After exhorting those who stood around him to live the life of Christians, he said, 'Tell my wife to educate my two children and train them up in such a way as to meet me in a better world.' He then observed that in entering the army he was influenced alone by a sense of duty; that he did not regret the step he had taken, and that while dying he felt he had tried to discharge his duties both as a soldier and Christian. Thus died an humble private in the ranks of our cavalry, in whose life were most harmoniously blended the characters of patriot, soldier, and Christian."

In a letter from General Johnston's army, Rev. J. J. Hutchinson describes a most pleasing scene. He says: "Ten days ago General Pendleton, a hero of Manassas memory, preached to the soldiers at Dalton. General Johnston and very many other officers were present. On the same day Major-General Stewart, who is an elder