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 The Typical Hero of the South. 311

perceptible smile on his face, replied: "Yes, sir! that is right; you can take your seat, Mr. Gray." This, "Old Jack's conundrum," was the talk of that happy, merry-hearted corps for years afterwards. Little did we " young rascals "embryo Southern soldiers then dream that our plain, "big-footed," taciturn, fearless, prayerful, tender-hearted and punctiliously polite " Professor of Natural Phil- osophy " was to flash so soon, meteor-like, before the world as one of its greatest military heroes, and that so many of us bright, ruddy faced boys, under his matchless leadership, were to go down to death with him under the " Stars and Bars," in defense of " Dixie," the land of fair women and brave men.

JAMES H. LANE.

THE PRIVATE INFANTRYMAN.

The Typical Hero of the South.

[From The Times- Democrat's Christmas Edition, 1892.]

The Old South has grand memories and the New South has splen- did anticipations. The spirit which moved the Old leads the New South.

It is that spirit which seeks truth through roughest paths and heeds no danger in its pursuit. It is that spirit which warmed the hearts and steeled the nerves to bear the burdens of both the Old and the New South. My ideal hero embraced it with superb unselfishness.

Some would say he should be Robert E, Lee, whose great heart and lofty leadership enchained the everlasting affection of the South.

Some would 'say he should be Stonewall Jackson, whose magic power so often awakened the wonder of the world.

Some would say he should be Jefferson Davis, whose polished man- hood held with unyielding nerve the pearl of Southern pride.

Some would say he was among the hosts of cavalrymen and artil- lerymen, who flashed their swords and pulled their lanyards in battles often won.

Yes ! These are the jewels of the South, and there are honors and memories for them ; but I would take away the stars and trim- mings and titles, for there was charm and inspiration in them.