Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/467

Rh know she is better off, but it is a hard blow to us. I have been in battle every day since I heard of our darling's sickness, November 2d. She died November 3rd, and I heard of it on the 6th. I have been harassing and checking a heavy force, believed to be McClellan's. God has shielded me thus far from bodily harm, but I feel perfect resignation to go at his bidding and join my little Flora."

Again:

" 8,—1863. I go forth into the uncertain future. My sabre will not leave my hand for months. I am sustained in the hour of peril by the consciousness of right, and upheld by the same Almighty hand, which has thus far covered my head in the day of battle, and in whom I put my trust."

Again:

10, 1863.—Upon the eve of another battle I write to say God has mercifully spared me through many dangers and bloody fields. My cavalry has nobly sustained its reputation, and done better and harder fighting than it ever has since the war. Pray, without ceasing, that God will grant us the victory."

Once more:

", 1862.—The next Summer will probably be the most eventful in a century. We must nerve our hearts for the trial, with a firm reliance upon God. *   *   *  What a mockery would liberty be, with submission. I, for one, though I stood alone in the Confederacy, without countenance or aid, would uphold the banner of Southern independence as long as I had a hand to grasp the staff, and then die, before submitting. I want my wife to feel the same enthusiasm; let me hear her nobler words of encouragement and faith. Tell my boy, when I am gone, how I fell; and never to forget the principles for which his father struggled.  *   *   *  Think how much better to have your husband in his grave, after a career true to every duty and every responsibility to you, his country, and his God, than an inglorious existence, a living shame to you and to his children."

Among his last utterances was his answer to the President's inquiry, "General, how do you feel?" "Easy," he replied, "but willing to die if God and my country think I have fulfilled my destiny, and done my duty." "God and my country." In these words we have the secret of his greatness.

Citizens of Richmond! he sleeps beneath the sod of your own beautiful Hollywood. For the honor of your matrons and your maidens he laid down his life. By his blood were your homes preserved from sack and desolation; and it is fitting that you should number him among