Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/258

 258 Southern Historical Society Papers.

wife and little child before he died.' He told me to tell you he had a 'firm hope in Christ, and hoped to meet you hereafter.' He died as became a Confederate soldier and a firm believer. " I inclose the lock of hair he desired sent you.

" Respectfully,

" R. R. HUTCHINSON, "Major and A. A. G. P. A. C S."

IN CONCLUSION.

Ramseur in personal appearance was slight, erect, alert, earnest in speech, with dark prominent eyes and a well developed forehead. He was an ideal soldier.

General Robert Ransom, in writing of his bearing in action, while they were together in the Valley, says : " Ramseur commanded in- fantry, and I, the whole of Early' s cavalry during the time I was with Early. Whenever I had opportunity to see Ramseur his conduct was marked by great energy, brilliant dash (often amounting to im- petuosity) and an enthusiasm which inspired those he led."

Among the soldiers of Napoleon, Marshal Ney was known as "the bravest of the brave." When asked whether he ever felt fear in battle, he replied that he never had time. His reply might aptly be that of Ramseur. When in action his enthusiasm arose with the magnitude of the dangers that environed him. But this enthusiasm was controlled by a well-directed judgment as to the best disposition to make of his troops, and as to the weak points of his adversary. He fully realized that war meant danger, even death ; that the eyes of his troops were upon him, and their greatest safety lay in march- ing fearlessly and promptly to the front of danger, and he never hesi- tated to lead them.

On the day preceding the battle of Cedar Creek, General Ramseur received intelligence of the birth of the little child mentioned in the letter of Major Hutchinson. The birth of one's firstborn arouses a thousand thrilling emotions in the heart of every manly bosom, which can be felt but not described.

General Ramseur was a superb horseman, and on the day of the bat- tle he appeared upon the field well mounted and dressed with unusual care in his handsome general's uniform. He wore upon the lapel of his coat a boutonniere, the gift doubtless of some fair and patriotic