Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/259

 Major-General Stephen D. Ramseur. 259

woman in that section, bestowed in recognition of the joyous event which he had made known to her. I have already described the enthusiasm with which his presence on this occasion inspired, as he hastened from one part of the battle-field to another, and an electric glow even thrilled through my breast as we drove our gallant adver- saries before us, they making just enough resistance to heighten the effect danger inspires. How different is the situation of man and woman under such circumstances. To man the presence of danger is all-absorbing. Woman, on the approach of an impending battle, is filled with the most anxious forebodings of danger, which are to be followed after the battle has been fought with still more wearying and anxious thoughts and sleepless nights for her there is no rest until the list of killed and wounded is received and doubt is resolved into certainty.

No doubt, amidst that day's vicissitudes, Ramseur's mind was con- tinually dwelling upon his wife and child, and pleasant thoughts of an early meeting and of additional honors that might be his, for in the course of this address it may have been observed he scarcely ever participated in an important battle that he did not win a promotion. It is wisely provided that no man can see what a day may bring forth, or certify how long he has to live. In Ramseur's case it is pleasant to feel that as a hero and a Christian he was prepared to meet his last enemy when he came. When being borne from the field his memory revisits the old homestead, and he thinks of one between whom and himself the warmest ties had always existed. There was but a month's difference in their ages. " Tell General Hoke," he says, "I did my duty and died a Christian."

11 He died, but his end was fitting, Foremost in the ranks he led, And he marked the heights of his nation's gain, As he lay in his harness dead."

The Rev. E. Harding, his connection and chaplain, in his sketch of General Ramseur, to which I am indebted in preparing this me- moir, in writing of his Christian character, says : " Ramseur read his Bible a great deal, and when opportunity offered held family pray- ers ; that he was fond of conversing on religious subjects, and punc- tual in attending divine service" ; that he "was a high-toned and chivalrous gentleman, a gallant soldier, an humble Christian."