Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/132

 132 Southern Historical Society Papers.

assembled in our village, and with a pride tempered by gratitude massed themselves about the beautiful granite shaft erected to our fallen heroes, and with prayer and anthem and eloquent words gave to their cherished memories the last token of our unfading respect. And now, under God's blue heaven there remains the silent tear in the bereaved household while He has gathered them into His keep- ing, and there is no "lost cause" in His tender providence. We would that it were possible to thank by name every man, woman, and child for their ready response, for contributing in money and provisions, but we can only say, kind people of Fairfax county, both native born and adopted citizens, and many in Alexandria, Washing- ton, and Georgetown, that you lightened our labors by your kindly words, you made possible the creditable occasion by your money, you helped to entertain our guests by your generous donations, and you revived and accentuated this sentiment : ' The songs of the immortals are the holy melodies of love.' It need only be added that after all expenses are met, upon a clear sheet remains the sum of $265, which will be used in placing a railing about the mound."

" MRS. S. C. VEDDER, Secretary Central Committee"

CAPTAIN GEORGE B. JOHNSTON,

First North Carolina Infantry, Confederate States Army.

General James H. Lane, in acknowledging to the editor the receipt of advanced sheets of this volume, writes as follows of a gallant and noble young officer of the First North Carolina Infantry (the roster of the officers of which is given ante, pp. 51-55):

" Captain Johnston was not, as published, ' one of my adjutants' but one of my adjutants -general the first of my own selection. When my regiment was cut off from the brigade under General Branch, near Slash Church, in Hanover county, by the Federal divisions of Porter and Sedgwick, and Johnston's company was subsequently cut off from the regiment, after a most gallant fight, Johnston swam the river near by to encourage his men to cross, but when none of them would venture to follow him he would not