Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/230

 230 Southern Historical Society Papers.

In his report General Ransom speaks of the conspicuous gallantry of Ramseur and his men, and it was by reason of his soldierly qualities mainly, displayed upon this occasion, that his promotion to the rank of

BRIGADIER-GENERAL

soon followed. While still at home wounded Ramseur received notice of his unexpected promotion. At first he doubted whether one as young should accept so responsible a position, and was disposed to decline the promotion. His friends did not coincide in his views, and through their persuasion he was induced to accept it. In Octo- ber, 1862, with his arm still disabled, he went to Richmond to make a decision in regard to the brigade offerd him. While there he called upon Mr. Davis, alike distinguished as a soldier and a statesman, to whom he expressed the fears then agitating his mind. In that affable and engaging manner peculiar to himself, Mr. Davis at once dismissed any suggestion of his declining, but on the contrary urged him to accept the command, return home and remain until he had entirely recovered his health and his strength. Ramseur obeyed only in part the suggestions of his commander-in-chief. He accepted the com- mand of the brigade, and went at once to the Army of Northern Vir- ginia, and with his wound still green, entered upon the discharge of his duties. This brigade was then composed of the Second regiment, organized and instructed by that able tactician, scholarly and accom- plished gentleman, Colonel C. C. Tew, who was killed at Sharpsburg; the Fourth by the chivalrous and lamented Brigadier- General George B. Anderson, who died of wounds received at Sharpsburg; the Four- teenth, before its reorganization, was commanded and instructed by that soldierly and ardent North Carolinian, Brigadier-General Junius Daniel, who fell in the Spotsylvania campaign ere his commission as a major-general had reached him ; and the Thirteenth by Colonel F. M. Parker, the brave soldier and courteous gentleman, of whom further mention will be made during the course of this narrative. Ramseur, "like apples of gold in pictures of silver," was aptly and fitly chosen the worthy commander of this distinguished brigade, and immediately addressed himself to its reorganization. His admirable qualifications for his duties and his pure and chivalrous character were soon recognized and appreciated, and infused new life and spirit into the command. As a disciplinarian, he was rigid ; as a tactician, skill- ful; as a judge of men, good; as a reJressor of wrongs, prompt; as