Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/397

 gallant and idolized commander as he laid in the parlor of Judge Shackelford's house. General Stuart also came. With measured step, his black plumed hat in hand, he approached the body, looked long and silently upon the smiling face, his eyes full of tears; then stooping down he pressed his bearded lips to the marble brow. As he did so the breast of the great Stuart was shaken, a sob issued from his lips, and a tear fell on the pale cheek of Pelham. Severing from his forehead a lock of the light hair, he turned away, and as he did so there was heard in low, deep tones, which seemed to force their way through tears, the single word, "Farewell." It was Stuart's last greeting on this earth to the spirit of Pelham, soon to meet each other where the roar of battle never comes.

The next day General Stuart sent to Mr. Curry, his representative in the Confederate States Congress, the following dispatch:

"The noble, the chivalrous Pelham, is no more; he was killed in action; his remains will be sent you to-day. How much he was loved, appreciated and admired let the tears of agony we have shed and the gloom of mourning throughout my command bear witness. His loss is irreparable."

Afterwards, in a general order to his command, he says: "He fell mortally wounded with the battle-cry on his lips and the light of victory beaming in his eyes. His eye had glanced over every battlefield of this army, from the First Manassas to the moment of his death, and he was, with a single exception, a brilliant actor in them all. The memory of the gallant Pelham, his many victories, his noble nature and purity of character is enshrined as a sacred legacy in the hearts of all who knew him. His record has been bright and spotless, his career brilliant and successful. He fell the noblest of sacrifices on the altar of his country."

Such is a brief but resplendent record of this boy hero, the American "La Rochejaquelein." One who loved him from his old State of Alabama writes:

"In person he was of ordinary statue and light build, but remarkably sinewy. He was considered the best athlete at West Point, and he was there noted for his fondness for fencing, boxing, etc. The Prince of Wales (now Edward VII) was struck