Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 31.djvu/171

 Sketch of Major-General Patrick R. Cleburne. 163

tie moods of the man that sometimes softened the mien of the sol- dier, gazed a moment in silence upon the scene, and turning to some members of his staff, said: "It is almost worth dying to rest in so sweet a spot."

It was in remembrance of these words that their suggestion was carried out in the choice of his burial place. In this cemetery is set apart a division called the "Bishop's Corner." Here were buried the remains of the late Bishop Otey, of Tennessee here a-re to be placed the ashes of the heroic Bishop-General Leonidas Polk, and here it is purposed that the tombs of the future bishops of Tennes- see shall be ranged beside these illustrious names. In this spot where nature has lavished her wealth of grace and beauty in ground consecrated by the dust of illustrious patriots, churchmen and war- riors in the bosom of the State he did so much to defend, within whose borders he first guided his charging lines to victory, and to whose soil he finally yielded to the cause the last and all a patriot soldier can give rest what was mortal of Patrick Cleburne, and will rest until his adopted State shall claim his ashes and raise above them monumental honors to the virtues of her truest citizen, her no- blest champion, her greatest soldier.

Cleburne had often expressed the hope that he might not survive the loss of independence by the South. Heaven heard the prayer; spared him this pang. He fell before the banner he had so often guided to victory was furled before the people he fought for were crushed, before the cause he loved was lost.

Two continents now claim his name; eight million of people re- vere his memory; two great communities raise monuments to his virtues and history will take up his fame and hand it down to time for exampling, wherever a courage without stain, a manhood without blemish, an integrity that knew no compromise, and a patriotism that withheld no sacrifice, are honored of mankind.

General PAT. CLEBURNE.

Thrilling Story of a Street Fight at Helena in which He was Desperately Wounded.

Mr. Biscoe Hindman, of Louisville, Ky., writing to the Picayune under recent date, refers to an article which was published a month ago, relative to General Pat. Cleburne. This contribution was from the pen of General Hardee, and abounded in interesting anecdotes of General Cleburne. It omitted, however, one very interesting in-