Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 28.djvu/227

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Weisiger \\.i> not, in point of f.ict, " >hot through the body," but was onlv slightly injured, so slightly, as indeed, as not to be pre- vented from commanding liis brigade on the igth of August, 1864, when Mahone took this and two other brigades in rear of Warren's line of battle about the Weldon railroad, and both Mahone and \Vei>i^er distinguished themselves, e.ieli doing his work with effi- ciency. We will assume, however, that General Weisiger supposed himself mortally wounded. It is not natural for an officer who be- lieves that he has just received a mortal wound, in response to a complimentary salute from his superior officer, such as that implied in these words, kindly spoken, "Weisiger, you and Joe Johnston are always getting yourselves shot," to avail himself of the oppor- tunity to make a fling like that which Wesiger is said to have made to and at Mahone; and those who knew the two men well are un- willing to believe that Weisiger, whatever he said, intended to cast any imputation upon Mahone's courage. If General Weisiger con- sidered General Mahone wanting in courage, it may be safely affirmed that he stood alone of all of the men who served under General Ma- hone in any capacity in holding this opinion. As above suggested, there must be some mistake about this matter. General Weisiger, as did all of his men who on many occasions had seen both officers in places where there was every opportunity to watch and measure them, knew that General Mahone's courage was as true as his own. That of neither ever had been, or could be questioned. If you doubt this, consult the officers and men of the old brigade, when- ever and wherever you find them, and you will soon become satisfied how unjust is any statement that makes a different impression.

This communication, Mr. Editor, is sent to you for publication, with the belief that The Times would not knowingly make an erro- neous impressiou prejudicial to any one, but will take pleasure in publishing anything that may aid in removing any such impression, or tend to throw light upon a question of history.