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 OWN HEROES. 
 
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 BY "DOLLIB" AND "MOLLIB.* 
 
 VOLUME I. 
 
 ATLANTA, GA.: 
 
 OFFICE OF "THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND.' 
 
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George Washington Flowers 
 Memorial Collection 
 
 DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 ESTABLISHED BY THE 
 FAMILY OF 
 
 COLONEL FLOWERS 
 
. >5 OUR 
 
 Ij) 
 
 OWN HEROES. 
 
 I 
 
 THRILLING NARRATIVE. 
 
 BY "DOLLIE" AND "MOLLIS." 
 
 VOLUME I. 
 
 ATLANTA, GA.: 
 
 OFFICE OF " THE SOLDIER's FRIEND. 
 1863. 
 
r\cu,^fK ^ 
 
 OUR OWN HEROES 
 
 > 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 A little cloud appearo in the North East, the land of 
 miasma and storms. At first it attracts little attention. — ■ 
 Gradually it attracts to itself other vaporous matter — it 
 grows rapidly. The low, muttering thunder can be heard. 
 Now the black flakes of cloud roll mountain high. The 
 "forked ton-jued lightning" fla.<?he3 athwart the angry 
 heavens. The continent is shrouded in darkness. The 
 " leaden hail stones" begin to fall. A thousand chieftains 
 and a half million of heroes, as brave as ever drew a sword, 
 rush to the rescue at the first tap of the drum. 
 
 We are to be " whipped into subjection " to the avari- 
 cious Puritan. The ri'ghts of sovereign States are no 
 longer to be acknowledged. The galling chains of slavery 
 were wrought for us by the most degraded would-be masters. 
 The proud cavalier is to " tip his hat " to the haughty, 
 persecuting, infidel Puritan, whose highest idea of liberty 
 is to appropriate it all to himself, and persecute others. 
 " Gain " is his God, *' En<ls, without any reference to 
 means," is his motto. The making of *' wooden nutmegs," 
 "wooden canvassed hams," "paper-sole shoes," arid the 
 like, constitute his employment. Such are some of the 
 
4 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 bistoric features of the people who, trampling the constitu* 
 tion of the country under their feet, deluged the country 
 in blood. To them must .be attributed the guilt of the 
 present awful struggle. They have murdered our brothers, 
 insulted our mothers and sisters, imprisoned our fatherS) 
 desolated our fields, burnt our houses, and enveloped the 
 whole country in gloom. To rescue our land from a worse 
 than Egyptian bondage, our noble jTiuth, and many gray- 
 headed sires, formed themselves into " warrior bands." 
 
 Each State seemed to vie Vith h 9^. sister States in her 
 efforts to meet and repel the invader. " Yoii must'be our 
 Captain/' " Yo^i must be our Lieutenant," were expressions 
 familiar to all. '' I am not competent/' •' Elect some one 
 else/' were responses quite as common. " Take him for an 
 officer who can lead us Dest/' was the motto of our generous 
 Sand brave sons. 
 
 The stirring times found Albert B. and his gallant com- 
 rades in the hasty bivouac, where the " blue canopy was 
 their covering.'' In the organization of the company Al- 
 bert was unanimously chosen Captain; not because he 
 sought the pkce, nor because he was the intellectual supe- 
 rior of all the others; but as the office must be filled by 
 some one and he was competent to fill it, his comrades hon- 
 ored him with being their chief. When he was declared 
 unanimously elected, he arose and spake as follows : '' I feel 
 the compliment you have conferred upon me, fellow sol- 
 diers; but I can say in all sincerity, that I regret you have 
 made me your choice. As I- look around me, I see quite a 
 number of my brave comrades, who are, in my judgment, 
 more competent than myself to lead you. But having 
 been chosen to lead you, J will do the best I can. Hu- 
 mane and kind, I shall strive to inaugurate such discipline 
 as will contribiite most to the efficiency, and intellectual 
 and moral good of those whom I have the honor to lead. 
 Please accept my thanks for your compliment, and rely 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. O 
 
 upon me as being ever ready to lead you to the bloody van, 
 and to labor for your tjood in everj' particular." 
 
 There was one in this company whose name was not run 
 for any oflBce. His worth, as is often the case, was con- 
 cealed under, a reserved manner, and his real character 
 could be known only by long and familiar acquaintance, or 
 when some deed of noble daring was required. The name 
 of this hero was Ilufus V — . 
 
 A few hastily collected blankets, and a small trunk, 
 valise, or sachel. each^ was ali the brg;j;age our brave war- 
 riors took with them into the box cars into which they were 
 crowded, as they left for , the city in which their regi- 
 ment was to be formed. The tearful eyes of these brave 
 warriors as they left the depot bespoke their tender sympa- 
 thies for home — fathers, mothers, sisters, friends. Yet 
 their manly bearing, their serious countenances, glowing 
 with indignation at the wrongs offered their country, told 
 to all who saw them, that ii\ them the invaders would find 
 warriors '* worthy of their steel ;" and that though the ene- 
 my might sweep over our country, it would not be until 
 these valiant men were trampled under the feet of the 
 despoiler. 
 
 All along the line of the railroad could be seen hand- 
 kerchiefs waved from the hands of *' maiden beauty;'' 
 while at every station flowers were showered upon them iu 
 the greatest profusion. As to the '' substantial," as well 
 as the "delicacies of life," they were brought by " lilly 
 white" hands in great abundance, and gratuitously distrib- 
 uted among the soldiers. 
 
 On one occasion, when a beautifnl young lady bad 
 brought a large basket of delicacies to them, one of the 
 soldiers inquired the price. " Price /" said she. " Do 
 you mean to insult me, sir ?" 
 
 " no; certainly not. I did not suppose that you oould 
 afford to give away such nice cakes, especially since thera-^ 
 are so many soldiers passing along this road." 
 
 \d 
 
6 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 " I hope," rejoined the young lady, " that I will never 
 grow so mean as to sell provisions to those who are sacri- 
 ficin^s: everything for liberty. While my father has any- 
 thing to eat, a hungry soldier shall never be permitted to 
 our house without something." 
 
 Saying this she handed the basket into the ear, blushing 
 deeply as her dark eyes fell upon our hero, V — . 
 
 After many expressions of gratitude to the fair donor, 
 the basket was handed back to her and she handed it to a 
 nice servant girl, who had b-rmight the basket to the depot. 
 The maiden blushinsrly stepped -back a few paces, and gave 
 an occasional glance through the cars, apparently with no 
 other object than to give a look of approbation upon the 
 brave defenders of her home, but really to see him who had 
 caused such strange and unbidden feelings to rise in her 
 heart. Her confusion, however, did not pass unobserved ; 
 for the strong arm that lifted the burdened basket into the 
 car, had noted her peculiar '* rosy blush." Others, too, 
 had observed the same thing, as also a similar confusion in 
 the noble Rufus. 
 
 The beauty, simplicity, and grace, coupled with the 
 undoubted patriotism of the maiden, prevented the men 
 from saying anything to confuse either Rufus or the fair 
 stranger. Besides, there was something so attractive, so 
 bewitching in her manners, as to throw a " kind of spell" 
 over all who saw her. Presently the engine whistled, the 
 cars started, and a shout of " God bless you," with waiving 
 of handkerchiefs, parted the strangers. 
 
 The maiden left, straightway, for home, lest she should 
 betray the feelings of her heart. She went away wonder- 
 ing who the soldier could be. '' V/ho can this be ? What 
 a complete simpleton I was, to blush so in the presence of 
 strangers ! And why should I have experienced this inde- 
 scribable feeling when I looked into the face of that stran- 
 ger ?" were questions which arose in her mind as she has- 
 tened home. 
 
OUE OWN HEROES. 7 
 
 The cars had not gone far when " you are born for luck," 
 fell from several lips at the same time. '' Why, Rufus, 
 how is it that you blushed so deeply when those beautiful 
 black eyes met yours ? There is danjer ahead for yuu 
 young man." 
 
 "Yes," shouted another, " there is dansrer ' ahead ' and 
 danger behuid /" 
 
 " You cannot blame one for admiring beauty/' said 
 Rufus, striving to conceal his evident confusion. 
 
 " No, of course not," replied a comrade ; '* but if I am 
 not very much mistaken, you are guilty of doing a little 
 more than simply admiring her beauty !" 
 
 "I should nev6r think the less of you," said the Captain, 
 ''if you were really to love so beautiful and graceful a lady. 
 I give it as my opinion that she is worthy of ac}' man's 
 love." 
 
 Thus the time passed away, as they n eared the city, 
 where the next day a regiment was to be formed. 
 
 " I suppose," said one of the company, '"■ that we will 
 have to elect*a Colonel and other officers to-morrow 3 shall 
 we all vote for you for Colonel ?" 
 
 " If you think I am competent to fill the office, and wish 
 to get rid of me as captain, you may vote for me." 
 
 " I have uo doubt as to your competency, but I am sure 
 none of us wish to get rid of you. You have destroyed 
 your vote with us this time. I shall vote for some on^ 
 else." 
 
 They soon reached the depot, took out their baggage, and 
 slept under the car-shed till day. Their sore hips reminded 
 them when they arose in the morning, of the truth of the 
 poem, " There's no place like home." 
 
 The election of field officers came oflf, and thouph there 
 was much intriguing for office — disgraceful barterings for 
 
 votes — Captain B , who did not dream of promotion, 
 
 was elected Colonel, contrary to the general rule in such 
 cases. The political tricksters, who thought more of their 
 
8 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 own promotion than of their bleeding country, (whose ia- 
 terest, in days of peace, they had sacrificed on the ahar 
 of their unholy ambition,) felt no little disappointment at 
 their defeat.. Already they had selected, each, his "staff 
 officers" — men, whose principles were akin to their own. — 
 These would-be officers felt no little disappointment at the 
 result of the election. They had pictured to themselves 
 " easy" as well as 'profitable *' berths.'' 
 
 The Colonel elect made a short, sensible speech to hii^ 
 regiment, thanking them foi- the honor they had conferred 
 on him, and assuring them that, to the best of hie ability, 
 he would do his whole duty. The disappointed aspirants 
 thought the speech a "tame thing," whispered privately 
 that the " regiment was disgraced by having such an of- 
 ficer," and murmured their " unwillingness to serve under 
 him " The sensible, honest portion of the men were de- 
 lighted at the prospect of having a good and brave officer. 
 
 •Captain B , now Co;onel, having been promoted, 
 
 Lieutenant James M became Captain. His character 
 
 you may infer, when I tell you that " his heart was kind,'* 
 "his intellect refined," " his conduct exemplary," and " his 
 words chaste." 
 
 It may be proper to state that Mr. John R vras 
 
 elected Licut'^nant Colonel, and Joseph I — Major/ 
 
 , As might have been expected, the Colonel appointed i" 
 cTevotedly pious and intellectual minister Chaplain. 
 
 The char-aoter of^these officers the reader will be able to 
 appreciate from what will be said of them hereafter. 
 
 No sooner had the Colonel entered regularly upon his 
 duties, than it was observed that no ordinary man was in 
 command. It soon became apparent, also, that none of 
 th 030 low vices, such as gambling, drinking, swearing, and 
 other kindred evils, would be tolerated. This impres- 
 sion V as first made on the regiment by the following cir- 
 cumstance : A Lieutenant, vexed because one of his men 
 did not exactly please him, cursed and abused him at au 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 9 
 
 awful rate. The Colonel hearinp^ him, sent for him to re- 
 port at his heafl-r|uarters. Taking his sword from him, and 
 giving him his only seat — ''a camp-stool," the Colonel ad- 
 dressed hira as follows : 
 
 " Did I hear you cursing one of your men ?" 
 
 The confused Lieutenant replied: ''Yes sir; he acted 
 very badly, and — " 
 
 ''That will do, sir. You confess your own ^ruilt. Now, 
 sir, did you know that you have committed a two-fold 
 crime T' '^ 
 
 " What are they ?" 
 
 First, you used profane language, which the 'army regu- 
 lations,' as well as the Word of (Jod, positively forbids. — 
 [See Army llegulations, and the Bible.] 
 
 '" Your second crime consists in cursingand abusing one 
 of your men. You have no right to do this ; nor will it 
 be tolerated in thi? regiment." 
 
 " Jjut he provoked me. Colonel." 
 
 " Provokrd you ! Suppose he did ; is that any reason 
 why uou should commit such an outrage ? Does his wrong 
 — admitting that he committed it — ^justify your wronj; V* 
 
 " Well," said the ]>ieutenant, anxious to be relieved from 
 his troubles, " what is the penalty ?" 
 
 " You must pay — how many oaths did you use ?" 
 
 " I do not remember." 
 
 Upon questioning others, it was agreed that he had used 
 not less than five oaths. 
 
 " Having sworn five oaths, you must pay five dollars." 
 
 '■'But," inquired the astanished officer, " is there any 
 law for this exaction ?" 
 
 The Colonel thereupon opened the Army Regulations, 
 and road the following : " Any non-commis.sioncd ofiicer or 
 soMier who shall use any profane oath (»r execration, shall 
 incur the penalties expressed in the foregoing article [16f 
 cents for each oath, &c.]; and a commissioned ofiicer shall 
 
10 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 forfeit and pay, for each and every such offence, one dol- 
 lar." 
 
 " But'" said the Lieutenant, who knew for the first time 
 that there was any such law, and wishing to come off as 
 lightly as possible, " may not the whole be considered as 
 one sivearing scraj^e F" 
 
 The proof is very plain against you ; you used five oaths, 
 and must pay five dollars." 
 
 The mortified Lieutenant " footed the bill," and inquired 
 how the other offence might be attoned for; to which the 
 Colonel replied : 
 
 " I will be satisfied, so far as I am concerned, if you will 
 make a suitable apology to the abused private." 
 
 " This demand is much worse than the other," replied 
 the Lieutenant. 
 
 ^' But, if you prefer it," answered the Colonel, " you 
 can stand your chance at a court-martial." 
 
 " Call the private, and make him apologize for his wrong, 
 and I will readily do the same." 
 
 " No, sir; your wron^^ rests upon its own basis, and you 
 must account for it accordingly. No misconduct on his 
 part, can justify your treatment of him. After your case is 
 disposed of, we will look into his." 
 
 The young officer hesitated. 
 
 " Uo you prefer a court-martial ? Then a court-martial 
 you shall have." 
 
 The alternative was a bitter one ; but the officer, dread- 
 ing the consequences of a trial by a court-martial, at last 
 consented to make the required apology ; which he did like 
 a man. 
 
 The private was then called to the Colonel's tent, where 
 the following conversation ensued : 
 
 " How did you offend your officer ?" 
 
 ^' I did not obey his orders." 
 
 ^' What were his orders ?" 
 
 ^' To bring some wood and make him a fire. I would 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 11 
 
 have obeyed the order, if it had been given in a mild 
 vaj." 
 
 '* The case is a very plain one," said the Colonel, '• and 
 I therefore dismiss you at once. No officer of his rank has 
 the right to make any such demands. 
 
 The Colonel, thinking this a p;ood opportunity for im- 
 pressing his men with a few important lessons, summoned 
 the regiment "together, and addressed them thus: 
 
 " Fellow-soldiers, we have enlisted in a great cause — the 
 cause of liberty. - Our country i^tbreatened with invasion; 
 our churches with dc'secration ; our homes with flames. To 
 prevent these dire results, we have forsaken home, friends, 
 and comfort, and will march soon to meet the foe on the 
 battle-field. We all have a common interest and a common 
 destiny ; and should, therefore, be a band of brothers. 
 
 " Officers should undcrstcmd their duties — how to drill 
 and manoeuvre their men — in a word, they should under- 
 stand ' military tactics' thoroucrhly. They should under- 
 stand lufic far their authority extends over their men, and 
 M'Aeri? their anthori'y ceases. And more, they should be firm, 
 generous, kind and gentlemanly towards their men, exact- 
 ing no more than what is right, nor accepting less from their 
 men. You should remember that the men whom you com- 
 mand are your equals in everything except in office. 
 
 " You, who are privates, have to boar the heaviest burdens 
 of war. Y^'ou must submit to wholesome discipline. There 
 is nothing degrading in this ; nor will any honorable- 
 minded private feel humiliated at this. Y^ou must learn to 
 be ruled, or rather to rule yourselves by submitting to the 
 laws necessary for the regulation of an array. To desire 
 less than this, is to desire the devastation of our country, 
 the destruction of our homes, and the loss of our liberties. 
 
 " To be good privates will entitle you to greater honors 
 than if you were officers, since those who sacrifice most ia 
 a good cause deserve most praise. 
 
12 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 " To officers and privates T wish to say, once for always^, 
 that the ' army regulations ' shall be strictly carried out. 
 No profanity will be allowed ; drunkenness will be punished, 
 in the most summary '^'ay ; and every vice shall receive its, 
 merited rebuke or punishment at my hands. 
 
 " Let us, one and all, see to it that we honor our positions, 
 and our country will honor us." .' 
 
 Saying this, he dismissed them. * ''^ 
 
 This address made a decided impression on the mind^ of 
 all. Some w^ere delighted— others were mad. The virtu- 
 ous rejoiced, the vicious were alarmed and disappointed." 
 They saw that their expectation of "fun " was " nipped in 
 the bud.'^ 
 
 The few days that they remained in the city were spent 
 in getting up their camp equipments, and in *' drillin^^.'* 
 It was wonderful to see how much the young Colonel knew 
 about *' tactics." He seemed to " know it all" from the 
 very first, though he had never read a book on the subject 
 until he entered the service. The most casual thscver 
 could nut fail to see the rapid improvemont made in drill. 
 All the officers seemed to vie with their peers in seeing who 
 could understand his duties and execute them best. A 
 similar spirit pervaded the ranks. With such material it 
 was an easy matter to have a model regiment, and such this 
 was. The most perfect discipline and drill, as well as the 
 best moral deportment, were the things which our noble 
 Colonel aimed at. The men, most of them, at least, caught 
 his spirit, and fell in with his way of thinking and acting. 
 
 It is wonderful, how much influence one mind has over 
 another ! An officer, especially, has, from his position, 
 ready access to the minds of his men, and very soon im- 
 presses himself on those whom he governs. If he is a 
 noble type of man he will elevate his men and gradually 
 assimilate them to himself; and if he is a vicious charac- 
 ter, he will find many in a regiment, whom he can very 
 soon degrade to his own level. It is to be regretted that 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 13 
 
 a-sstmilation takes place more readily when the example is 
 vicious than when it is virtuous. This can bo accounted 
 for onlj by reference to the fact that men are naturally 
 more inclined to vice thaji to virtue — more in love with sin 
 than with holiness.- « 
 
 '' Off to the cars, boys — quick, or we'll be too late," said 
 the Colonel as he snatched his valise and hastened towards 
 the depot. An order had boen received requiring the 
 regiment to hasten to -, where it was expected an at- 
 tack would be made at an early djiy. 
 
 " Glad," said private V — , to himself, '' that we are 
 going in this direction. Who knows that I will not get a 
 glimpse of that form that called into exercise those 
 strangely pleasant emotions that I experienced a lew days 
 ago \" 
 
 The cars rattled, and the, boys generally appeared to be 
 in a great glee; but V — thought of little else but her 
 whose image had been indellibly impressed upon his mind. 
 Iler graceful form and beautiful features were ever present 
 with hira, and her "rosy blush" bloomed fresh in his im- 
 agination, while a ''crimson glow" flushed his manly 
 cheeks. 
 
 " What would I not give for just one glance at the 
 graceful beauty I" silently sighed the hero, as they ap- 
 proached near the station where he had seen her before. 
 "But I must move aiy seat, for should I see her, these 
 rude boys would desecrate my holy affections by oflfensive 
 :laughing and jesting." 
 
 Accordingly he changed seats, getting in the corner of 
 the car near a hole that had been made by breaking off 
 the plank. Of course our hero did not do this himself; 
 but he regarded it as quite a convenience to himself on 
 thla occasion. 
 
 The cars stopped, but no maiden could he see. The 
 train ran an irregular schedule, which accounts for the 
 absence of many citizens — ladies and gentlemen. 
 
14 OTJR OWN HEROfiS. 
 
 "•Sad, sad, indeed," exclaimed V — , with a deep sigH, 
 which on an occasion less jolly than the present, would 
 certainly have attracted the attention of his comrades. 
 
 The cars beo^an to move off, arid still she did not come. 
 His feelings no one could appreciate, who had entertained 
 naught but emotions less pure. He would have sacrificed 
 anything but his country, his honor and his religion, for 
 one single glimpse of her, t6 him, angelic form. The 
 " iron horse " had run about half a mile, when, still gazing 
 out, he saw a stately mansion on a beautiful eminence about 
 one hundred yards from the road. The nicely arranged 
 flower yard.bespoke the elegance of the family that resided 
 there. 
 
 " What strange form is that in that rose-decked bower I 
 Can it be — it is the identical !" 
 
 As the cars came opposite the bower, she came out, and 
 seeing that the train was laden with soldiers, she waved 
 them a hearty welcome ; but did not recognize him who 
 had extracted from her heart, its first and purest admira- 
 tion. Virtus (for this was our heroe's name,) had a good 
 look, and never mortal enjoyed a vision more. Well for 
 him that he was in a dark corner of the car ) for otherwise 
 he would have exposed a secret which was as dear to him as 
 his honor. 
 
 W'hizzing they went by, and the precious sight was vio- 
 lently intercepted by the rude excavation through which 
 the cars passed. 
 
 ^' One point is made," thought Virtus, when he had 
 recovered himself from the delightful shock. " I know 
 where she lives. And if the fortunes of war ever permit 
 it, I intend to see her again." Embalming the ''sacred 
 form " afresh in his affections, he went back to his former 
 seat, and participated in the conversation of his comrades, 
 as if nothing had happened. 
 
 Time passed off pleasantly, until at 3 o'clock, A. M., 
 they were ordered to colleet their baggage, and get out of 
 
Om OWN HEROES. 15 
 
 the carg. The order is promptly obeyed, they kindle 
 hasty fires, spread down their blankets, and gently yield to 
 " nature's sweet restorer." 
 
 At early dawn reveille is beaten, and the weary soldiers, 
 who, in former days were wont to consult their pleasure 
 about getting up, spring to their feet, and to a man, answer 
 to their names at roll-call. And now liands unaccustomed 
 to drudgery were seen working up dough. ]-5reakfast over, 
 the Colonel, who had appointed an Adjutant pro tein., sum- 
 moned Virtus to his hcad-quartiirs. " I have sent for you," 
 said the Colonel, 'to tender you the adjutant's oflBce. I 
 hope you will accept it." 
 
 " Thank you, Colonel, for the compliment ; but you 
 must allow me to assure you, sir, that I cannot accept the 
 office which you have so generously tendered me." 
 
 " Why ?" • 
 
 '' Simply because T have vowed to live through the war, 
 or until I fall on the battle-field, a private." 
 
 ** Are you opposed to being an officer on principle, or is 
 it because I am Colonel of the regiment?" inquired the 
 astonished officer. 
 
 " On principle, sir," he replied. " I will add, too, that 
 there is no man in the Confederacy under whom I would 
 sooner serve than under yourself" 
 
 " Let us now," said the Colonel, " investigate the ' prin- 
 i:iple' on which your objections are founded; and if this 
 can be removed, I feel assured that you will yield, and 
 accept the office." 
 
 "lam ready for the investigation, and will, of course, 
 'yield,' if ir.y objections are not well founded." 
 
 " It devolves upon you to establish the validity of your 
 objections. You may proceed." 
 
 " Very well, sir; 1 will give my reasons in order. 1st. 
 According to your own speech the other day, I would sac- 
 rifice, by becoming an officer, a portion of the honor which 
 I hope to receive. 
 
16 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 '^ 2d. The country demands the service, as privates, of aS 
 good men as she has. While I do not claim that I am one 
 of the beat^ I feel that I can make a good private. 
 
 " 3d. The position of the private requires him to make 
 the greatest sacrifice for his country's independence^ 
 and I am unwilling that any one shoiild sacrifice more for 
 this object than myself And 
 
 " 4th. The private's position is much more favorable to 
 his moral development than is an ojQ&cer's." 
 
 The Colonel, after listening with great admiration to the 
 reasons of his friend, replied : '^ Your first reason is one to 
 which I cannot reply, without abandoning the principle 
 assumed in my address to which you allude. Your second 
 reason is quite as unanswerable. The third, while nearly 
 akin to the first, furnishes the highest evidence of a pure 
 patriotism, which I can but admire. But the fourth 
 requires some proof. Will you elaborate the reason, if you 
 please ; for if wi/ position is more unfavorable to morality 
 and religion, I think I shall resign." 
 
 J J" I will grant your request. Colonel, if you insist upon 
 it; but I would prefer, for two reasons that you would 
 withdraw the request." 
 
 " What are those reasons?" 
 
 " 1st. My three reasons, whose validity you have con- 
 ceded, are suSicient to justify my course; and 2d. I fear 
 that you might be induced to resign your position, which 
 I would regard as a great calamity." 
 
 " If there be any truth in your fourth reason, you as a 
 man of moral integrity, are bound to give me all the light 
 in your possession. , If my morals are to be more endangered 
 by being an ofiicer than by being a private, I would resign 
 my position, if I were commander-in-chief." 
 
 " As you insist upon it, I will give my thoughts freely : 
 It cannot be denied that adversity and self-denial tend to 
 promote humility, patience and meekness, which are virtues 
 of rare worth ; and on the other hand, it is equally evident 
 
 m 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 17 
 
 to my mind that prosperity trnda to foster pride, and stimu- 
 late ifs kindred elements. 
 
 "There can he no quostion in my mind as to the moral 
 tendeii :y of offices on tho>(e who fill them — it must be for 
 evil. Yet, if an officer has perfect knowledge of hi.-* own 
 character, and perfect control of his feelinirs, he may be 
 able to arrest this evil tendency, and improve in moral 
 worth. But I am thoroughly convinced that I do not 
 possess such knowledge ; and, if I did, that I would not be 
 able to control all my feelings." ,. 
 
 "Come in Major, and take a seat," said the Colonel as 
 the former politely gave the latter a "military salute." 
 
 The Colonel, looking at his watch, found that he had 
 already postponed too long, an order to cook " three day's 
 rations." The order must not be postp<jned a mon.ent 
 longer, for at 12 o'clock, M., they mu«t leave for the 
 '* mountain pass," whither two regiments had already gone 
 to prevent the enemy, who were about 10,0'Mj strong, from 
 passing through The order was given, and the soldiers, 
 wondering where they would be ordered, began to cook 
 their " hasty rations," 
 
 Virtus, supposing that the Major might have private 
 busi^iess with the Colonel, and wishing to have his rations 
 ready in time, arose, excused himself, and departed. 
 
 " VVc will talk of th<*se matters again soon," said the 
 Colonel, addressing himself to Virtus. 
 
 " Very well, sir; but you must not do what you pro- 
 pose<l." 
 
 " We will see about that," said the other. 
 
 " About what?" inquired the Major. 
 
 " About some private matters, sir," answered the Colonel, 
 who would have been glad the whole regiment, and even 
 the whole army, were acquainted with the rf-aaons of the 
 young hero, who had just left his tent; but he felt that 
 the logic of Virtus was too pure, his patriotism too refined, 
 and his moral philosophy too elevated to be apprecifted by 
 
18 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 many men. So he did not, from his limited acquaintajice 
 with the Major, feel at liberty to disclose them to him even. 
 
 The Major saw in an instant the impropriety of his ques- 
 tion, and asked pardon, which was readily granted. 
 
 The Major remained but a short time, when he retired, 
 leaving the Holonel to his own meditations. "What a 
 remarkable man I have fouod in this private ! What 
 intelligence, what logic, what philosophy ! I cannot 
 answer his arguments. What shall I do ? I have, as it 
 appears to me, committed myself to him in such a way as 
 to make it necessary for me to resign.'' 
 
 Such thoughts occupied his mind until the mail boy 
 came in, handing him an official document. '' What can 
 this mean ?" queried the Colonel, as he opened the envelope. 
 " A Brigadier General, indeed ! Who ever thought of such 
 •a thing ! !" 
 
 He was one of those modest men, who naturally shrank 
 from office, and who knew a thousand men that would, ia 
 his judgment, fill the office much b&tter than himself 
 
 To the official document was appended an order that, if 
 he should accept the appointment he must take command 
 of all the regiments at — — Gap. He knew not what to 
 do. '' I know nothing," said he to himself, " about the 
 duties of a Brigadier, and I have only three days in which 
 to prepare myself for this important and highly responsible 
 office. I have a mind to write the authorities at once, de- 
 clining the position." 
 
 *' Looking at his watch again, he found that he did not 
 have time to write — the moment of their departure was at 
 hand. He sent out orders to all the companies to get 
 ready as soon as possible, for their long march of about 40 
 miles. 
 
 Having imbibed, partially at least, the spirit and prompt- 
 ness of their leader, the men were ready to march within a 
 few moments., 
 
 " Forward, march !" echoed aloivg the 1^ from one who 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 19 
 
 was destined to be a world-renowned leader. ^' Forward" 
 they went, moving in '• veteran style." 3Ioving on at the 
 head of the column, the unassuming leader, looked the 
 complete General — one of nature s own makhifj ; for Gtnc- 
 /(//Is, like ^^ Poeta^ dLVQ hum, not macft." Casting his eyes 
 backwards along the lines, he saw the manly form of Virtus, 
 somewhat bent under the heavy burden that he was bearing. 
 "There," thought he, "is one of nature's noblemen — a 
 man better, far better prepared to be a Brigadier than 
 myself; and yet he proudly scores office! I would prefer 
 being just such a man as he is, than to be Lieut. General. 
 What a noble soul I" 
 
 Coming to a beautiful shade and one of those " crystal 
 fountains" that show how the God of nature sometimes 
 lavishes his blessings on an unworthy populace — even upon 
 (ories — the Colonel ordered his men to halt, get water, and 
 rest. They sipped the perennial fount with a relish known 
 only to soldiers. While they were resting the Colonel 
 took occasion to summon Virtus to him, and insisted that 
 he should relieve him of his burden. " If you will not 
 allow me to carry all, let me have at least a part of your 
 baggage." 
 
 " Thank you, Colonel, for your great kindness ; yet you 
 must allow me to carry my own baggage. You wuuid not 
 lessen my honor by relieving me of my burden ?" 
 
 " It is remarkable, sir, that you will not allow me to do 
 anything for you I" 
 
 "You cannot carry every soldier's baggage, Colonel; 
 and if you should single me out from the. whole regiment, 
 it might subject you to the charge of partiality, and me to 
 the envy of some of my comrades." 
 
 The argument was so complete that the Colonel, smiling, 
 went away and ordered the regiment to "shoulder arms." 
 This done, the Colonel notified his men in a short address 
 that there were many tories in the country through which 
 they had to march ; that often " bushwhackers " would lire 
 
20 OUR OWN HEROFS. 
 
 upon them from behind trees and from mountain tops ; that 
 there should be no " straggling" &c. The line of march 
 ^'as resumed, and they went with little interruption till 
 night. They pitched their tents in a beautiful cove between 
 two spurs of the mountain, near a large creek, whos6 
 bounding waters sung a sweet " lullaby/' gently inviting 
 sleep to the weary soldier. 
 
 Sapper over, and the pickets having been posted all 
 around, the Colonel sent for Virtus to visit his bead- 
 quarters ; and felt no little regret on learning that he was 
 *' out on picket." 
 
 Now must be related an incident that mars the meagre 
 comforts of " camp life/' and mr-kes the moralist shudder 
 at the consequences of war. Night had but just thrown 
 her >sombre muntle over the face of earth, when a dark 
 plan is concocted, and a black deed is executed ! A number 
 of soldiers, led by a Lieutenant, left the encampment and 
 went to a house near by, for the purpose of getting ^ 
 warm supper and a "supply of eatables" to last them 
 several days. There was no wrong in this of itself; bnt 
 stcalimj oJf\ and especially tlie design of supplying their 
 wants (which were more imaginary than real,) without pac- 
 ing anything, were crimes which a life-time of after recti- 
 tude could never atone for. 
 
 Entering the house, they found an old lady with her two 
 daughters and a little son, sitting by the fire. 
 
 " We wish supper !" peremptorily demanded the Lieu- 
 tenant. 
 
 " We are over with supper, gentlemen, and it will be no 
 little trouble for me to go and cook it novi^." 
 
 " It matters not about the 'trouble,* madam, we must 
 have supper." 
 
 " I hope, gentlemen, you do not intend to insult defence- 
 less women !" 
 
 '' We must hav<? supper^ madam/' was the stern and un- 
 feeling reply. 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 21 
 
 "Well, sir, if you must^ I suppose jou will have no ob- 
 jection to cooking it," answered the old lady. 
 
 Upon this, the soldiers grew very angry, and began to 
 curse iiud swear at a terrible rate. " You are a miserable 
 set of ^o>'/e.s, and you cannot claim protection at our hands." 
 
 "Tories!" exclaimed the old woman; '• there was never 
 a better Southern man than my husband, who is now in 
 the army with two sons." 
 
 "That's all stuff!" replied the soldiers. "You wish 
 merely to save your property by .this trick." 
 
 Upon this they went into the dining room, and be^^an to 
 search for something to eat. Poinding little, they went to 
 the smoke-house, battered down the door, and went in to 
 help themselves. Coming out, son)e of them went to the 
 the chicken-house, and began to lay in a supply of pflultry. 
 
 Meantime the little boy had stolen out of the house 
 unobserved, and found his way to the Colonel's head- 
 quarters. Immediately on relating his story, the Colonel 
 
 ordered a dozen soldiers, under Capt. , to hasten to 
 
 the scene of oppression, and bring the depredators to his 
 head-quarters. Within a few minutes the squad were off, 
 and soon drew near the house. Chickens were squalling, 
 the thieves cursing, and the old woman was trying to 
 shame the scoundrels. Ascertaining the number engaged 
 in this foul crime, the squad rushed suddenly upon them, 
 arresting alj but one, who made his escape through the 
 backyard. 'JJie pitiful cowards who were brave in a con-, 
 test with h^lph.ss women, crouched before the gallant and 
 indignant soldiers who were sent to arrest them. The 
 Captain made them carry the meat back, turn the chickens 
 loose, and set out for the Colonel's tent. They had not 
 gone far when the Lieutenant proposed to the Captain that 
 he should release them all, and added the promise that 
 they would never act so any more. 
 
 "Too late, gentlemoii, you must 'face the music I' " 
 retorted the indignant officer. 
 
22 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 " I will give you $1,000 if ycu will release us/' 
 
 •' Money cannot purchase your release. But you mise- 
 rable wretch, do you suppose that'I car. be bribed ?" 
 
 Finding that it was useless to attempt to bribe him, 
 they submitted to be driven on into the ColoneFs presence. 
 These gentry were put under a strong guard, and ordered 
 to await their trial by couit-martial. It is needless to say 
 that the extreme of the law was visited upon the heads of 
 these wretches. 
 
 It was about mid-night when the pickets fired their guns, 
 and such of them as had escaped death or captivity, came 
 running into camp. 
 
 " What now, boys," exclaimed the Colonel, as they ran 
 in. 
 
 '^ The enemy are upon us — they fired a full volley among 
 us before we were aware of their presence V^ answered the 
 officer in command of the pickets. 
 
 Within a few minutes the regiment was arranged in 
 " battle line,'^ and awaited the advance of the enemy. 
 But no enemy approached. At length a few companies 
 were sent to the scene of the recent firing, to see if they 
 could make any discovery of the assailants. Two of our 
 men were found dead, aud three were seriously wounded. 
 
 " Easy,'' said the Colonel, (for he was among the fore- 
 most,) " I hear them now — they are retreating over the 
 top of that mountain." 
 
 Remaining quiet until he was convinced that the enemy 
 had fled away, the wounded and dead were cared for. Not 
 seeing Virtus among the pickets who ran in, the Colonel 
 feared that he was among the killed or wounded, and the 
 manner in which he examined the unfortunate five, showed 
 how tenderly he regarded his men and how high an esti- 
 mate he placed upon Virtus, especially. But our hero was 
 not among the number. " Where is private Virtus ?" 
 earnestly enquired the Colonel. 
 . " I recollect distinctly/' said the picket officer, " seeing 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 23 
 
 him after the order to ret^reat, was given. He was stand- 
 ing boldly in the van loading his gun." 
 
 '•' Why did you not order him to retreat along with you ?" 
 asked the Colonel. 
 
 " The general order to ' retreat,' was given, and I took 
 it for granted that as all the others heard the order, he 
 must have heard it too." 
 
 " He must be captured/' replied the Colonel, sighing 
 deeply. 
 
 Leaving two full companies aa^pickets, the Colonel with 
 the others returned to camps — the latter to sleep, the former 
 to lament the sad fortune of his loved friend. 
 
 The attacking party was nothing more than a company 
 of " bushwhackers," who waylay the roads for the purpose 
 of killinc; and robbing. The Colonel inferring the direc- 
 tion of their camp from the noise which they made in 
 their retreat, determined to make an effort to dislodge 
 them, and recapture his friend. Here arose a serious ques- 
 tion of duty. He had received orders to be at the 
 
 Gap at such a time, in anticipation of an early attack. 
 "If I stop to hunt up these robbers, I may be behind 
 time ; but how can I lose so valuable a friend without an 
 effort to rescue him ?" were thoughts that troubled him. 
 
 Making a nice estimate of^ the distance to the Grap, and 
 finding that, by a " forced march," he could spare half a 
 day, he resolved to spend this time in searching for Virtus. 
 Accordingly he went to Capt. M — , who was on picket, 
 and laid his plans before him. The Captain, who was a 
 great friend and admirer of Virtus, was ready to lend any 
 assistance in his power to rescue him from the grasp of 
 such an ignoble foe. He, accordingly, proposed to take 
 his company and move silently to the mountain's top, to 
 see if he could make any discovery of the enemy, and 
 report as soon as possible. This was agreed to and Capt. 
 M— , with his gallant company, began to ascend the craggy 
 
24 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 heights of the mountain. On reaching the summit he 
 found that there was a deep ravine winding along between 
 the mountains on his right. No light, save the '' celestial 
 Stellas/^ was anjwhere visible. The " hooting ^' of the 
 owl, and the roaring of the small waterfall, were the only 
 sounds audible. 
 
 Moving forward, as quietly as possible for about a half a 
 mile, they again halted, to look and listen. No discovery 
 being made, they moved on still farther, nearly about the 
 same distance, when a light, reflected from a deep ravine 
 upon the opposite mountain, was clearly visible. Advanc- 
 ing nearer they could hear indistinct sounds of the human 
 voice. 
 
 " We have found their nest," said the Captain in a low 
 whisper. " Let us return as silently as we came, and re- 
 port our success." 
 
 Oft" they went, at a more rapid pace than they had ad- 
 vanced to the point of discovery ; and soon halted in the 
 presence of the Colonel. ''A complete success'' was re- 
 ported, and the Colonel ascertaining that the bushwhackers 
 did not number more than probably one hundred, quickly 
 called for four comjmnies, to go with him in order to make 
 " clean work of the whole establishment. '4 The companies 
 were divided into two parties of two companies each; one 
 taking the rout of the company that had located the enemy, 
 and the other ascending by a circuitous path the mountain 
 on the other side of the ravine — it being the purpose of 
 th« Colonel to surround and capture the whole party. 
 The Colonel commanded one party and Captain M — the 
 other. It was the agreement that they should surround the 
 tory camp before light, and be ready, at a signal, to dash 
 upon them at early light. The parties gained their respec- 
 tive positions just before the nightingale sent forth his 
 first melodious note. It soon became evident to both com- 
 manders that it was impossible to reach the enemy, owing 
 to the perpendicular mountain sides that lay between them. 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. ZO 
 
 What could they do ? cut off from each other, and sub- 
 ject, each, to be attacked very soon by they did not know 
 how many. Should they remain on the mountain tops 
 the enemy would find little trouble in escaping up the 
 ravine. And if there was any way of getting to the bot- 
 tom of the ravine so as to intercept their retreat, it had 
 not yet been discovered. 
 
 A courier was at once dispatched to camps with orders 
 to the Lieut. Colonel to take three companies and advance 
 up the ravine , having the courier as a guide. 
 
 This done, the Colonel passed up higher, in search of a 
 place to descend the precipice, and Capt. M — luckily did 
 the sani(i thing. They travelled probably half a mile 
 above the tory camp before t.lioy found the lea.«t prospect of 
 a descent. As they advanced they found that the moun- 
 tain sides began to recede gradually from a perpendicular, 
 which led to the hope that soon they wonld be able to 
 descend to the bottom. In this they were not disappointed ; 
 for soon they found that, by holding to the bushes, they 
 could make some headway to the bottom of the dark j»it 
 far below them. The " streaks of lijz-ht" were now bei^in- 
 ning to fall on the tree tops, which seemed but to intensify 
 the darkness into which they were plunging. 
 
 After much difficulty in falling over rocks and cliffs, the 
 Colonel with his band came near the bottom of the gulf, 
 when all of a sudden, he heard a low niutterin;]: on the 
 opposite side. "Can this be the enemy I'"' he inquired 
 easily. " If so, we may get into trouble. But these sup- 
 pressed voices that I hear, cannot come from the enemy, 
 unless he has discovered our movements and is making his 
 escape." 
 
 Silently he moved on to the waters edge and was halted 
 by a soldier in Capt. M — 's command. They stton recog- 
 nized, to their mutual grarilication, that they were friends. 
 Though it was now day on the mountain tops, it was night 
 where these heroes were standing. It was a serious qucs- 
 
26 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 tion with thera, how they should make their way down the 
 ravine. Slowly they began to feel their way over the pre- 
 cipitous rockvS, that would have effectually blocked up the 
 path of men less determined. But by climbing upon and 
 sliding down the high rocks, they made about a quarter of 
 a mile per hour. They were now within 400 yards of the 
 encampment, when several difficulties arose in the Colonel's 
 mind. If they should fire upon the encampment, they 
 might kill Virtus; if they should not fire, there was great 
 danger of losing more of hi^ own men than if they should 
 commence the attack vigorously. He determined, there- 
 fore, to wait until it became light enough to distinguish 
 friend from foe. This would give ample time for the Lieut. 
 Colonel to bring up his men below. It was about light 
 enough to distinguish a man, when a half a mile or more 
 below, two muskets were fired, and then a volley echoed 
 up the. deep ravine Presently nearer by, an alarm was 
 given, and a hasty retreat ordered. Soon it became appa- 
 rent that the tories were making up the ravine. 
 
 "Now," said the Colonel, '^ we've "got them — don't fire 
 without orders ; and be sure then, that you do not shoot a 
 friend." 
 
 On came the stampeders, pitching: hastily over the rocks, 
 until at last, to their great astonishment, they found that 
 they were completely hemmed in. The Colonel's four com- 
 panies all arising from their ambush, seemed to the tories 
 to be a legion. They were promptly ordered to surrender, 
 which they were quite willing to do. There were about 
 60 of these poor deluded wretches who surrendered. 
 
 The Colonel now advanced toward their camps, and 
 about the time he got in fall view of them, the force from 
 below came up. A friendly recognition soon took place 
 between the Colonel and Lieut. Colonel, and soon they con- 
 gratulated each other on their signal and bloodless triumph. 
 But only di part of their victory had been achieved, which 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 27 
 
 to the Colonel would have appeared almost fruitless without 
 the rpQcue of Virtus. 
 
 " W lere," inquired the Colonel of the tory Captain, " is 
 the prisoner you captured from us a few hours ago ?" 
 
 The Captain hesitated. 
 
 **' You must tell instantly, or your life will pay the for- 
 feit.'' 
 
 On seeing the determination of the Colonel, the misera- 
 ble tory turned his eyes towards the base of the mountain, 
 and said, " He is yonder, sir." 
 
 " Go with me, and let us see where he is." 
 
 On approaching, the mouth of a small cave appeared. 
 
 " He is in there, sir." 
 
 " Aiive or dead ?" 
 
 *•' Alive, sir; but he cannot speak." 
 
 " Why not ?" 
 
 '* He is gagged, sir, to prevent his making any noise." 
 
 " Is he bound ?" 
 
 " Yes, sir, to avoid the necessity of guarding him." 
 
 " Bring alight," cried the Colonel. 
 
 A light was quickly brought, and on looking in, they 
 saw several forms all bound. Looking about he soon dis- 
 covered Virtus, who was certainly willing that the O>lonel 
 should ''lighten his burden of war" for once. It is im- 
 possible to describe their jqy at this meeting. The Colonel 
 advanced to him and loosed his fetters and his tongue as 
 soon as possible. The warmeb.t gratitude of Virtus was 
 expressed to the Colonel for his recovery from this misera- 
 ble dungeon. 
 
 The other prisoners were also released. Some of them 
 were picked up as "stragglers " a few weeks before; others 
 had been cruelly seized at the dark hours of night, and 
 dragged from their homes because of their Southern senti- 
 ments. 
 
 Turning to the Captain of this robber band, the Colonel 
 inquired : " What do you do with your prisoners ?" 
 
^8 * OUR OWN HEROES, 
 
 ^^ We release them, sir, after keeping them a few days." 
 
 The manner of the robber led the Colonel to believe that 
 prisoners captured by this band were very probably killed. 
 But havint>- no positive proof of the fact, he sent the pris- 
 oners to the rail road under a strong guard. 
 
 At 9 o'clock A. M. he renewed his march towards the 
 Gap, which he reached the next day evening. 
 
 The regiments at the Gap had been expecting an attack 
 from a strong Abolition force, but as yet " the ball had not 
 opened." 
 
 " What shall I do ?" was the question of vital moment 
 with the Colonel at this time. " Shall I accept the posi- 
 tion of Brigadier General, or !<hall I resign even my 
 Colonelcj", and go, where the argument seems to lead me, 
 to the ranks ?'' 
 
 At this j uncture he sent for private Virtus. (For though 
 their stations were very different, yet he felt that if there 
 was any difference between himself and Virtus in an intel- 
 lectual and moral point of view, that difference was in favor 
 of the private.) 
 
 He knew that Virtus was a young man of great pu;'ity 
 of character and force of intellect ; and he naturally loved 
 to hear him talk. Besides, he was sure he could make a 
 strong point with him, as he had been offtired a Brigadier 
 Generalship and would gladly make Virtus his "A. ^. G." 
 
 Virtus makes his appearance in front of the Colonel's 
 tent. 
 
 " Good evening ! Come in ! How do you feel since 
 you got out of the clutches of the robbers. T' 
 
 " Very comfortable, as well as grateful, 1 assure you." 
 
 " In the pressure of business, I omitted to ask how you 
 came to be captured." 
 
 " I heard no order to retreat — and I could not afford to 
 leave without orders" 
 
 " But did you not see the others run ?" 
 
 " Yes, and rather too soon, as I thought. If all had 
 
(MJR OWN HEROES, 29 
 
 remained at their posts, 1 hare no doubt that the enemy 
 would have retired after a second volley. But when they 
 saw our pickets run so soon, they rushed forward and carae 
 upon me almost unawares." 
 
 " Well," said the Colonel, " this is all over now, and I 
 hope you will never be so unfortunarc aL^ain. I have re- 
 ceived a J3rign<licr's appointment, rcquirinf; me to take 
 charge of all the troops at this place. Now, should I 
 accept the appointment, I wish to know whether yon will 
 accept an Adjutant General's D;;sition, having- the rank of 
 Captain ?" 
 
 " My arguments, my much esteemed sir, are ju^t the 
 same in this case as they were in the former. The chanire 
 from a Lieutenancy to a Captaincy does, in nowise, chancre 
 great principles. I know that it would be very agreeable 
 to human nature to wear' three bars,' ride a fine horse, and 
 live in ' refined society / yet T regard my moral welfiire as 
 of fii*st importance to me." 
 
 " Suppose I should tell you that T will not accept the 
 position off"ered me, unless you will be my Adjutant ?" 
 
 " I will be sorry of it, but I cannot help it, Colonel. 
 My course is fixed. I have determined to serve my coun- 
 try as a private." . 
 
 " What, then, would you advise 'm<" to do?" 
 
 *' You must act for yourself, sir — the responsibility is 
 yours. It wil!, however, afford me much pleasure to have 
 you as my General." 
 
 "Your elevated decisions, I very much admire. Would 
 that I could have the same determined purpose that rules 
 your action. You, I feel assured, are even more compe- 
 tent than myself to fill any military office; and yet you 
 proudly spurn promotion." 
 
 *' Thank you for the compliment, Colonel. I hope I 
 shall always have your respect and confidence. 
 
 " We need men of integrity to lead our forces ; other- 
 wise we cannot hope for success. Moreover, if iramoral, 
 
30 OUR OWN HER0E5i. 
 
 drunken officers are to have our armies in their hands, we 
 cannot expect theiu to exert any but a bad influence on 
 our soldiers. You should consider this subject well before 
 you decide against holding office." 
 
 " But does not this argument do away with your own 
 position? It' good men are needed to fill offices — and I 
 grant that they are — may it not become the duty of such 
 men to accept office when it is tendered them? On this 
 plea, I know of no man more competent to fill the position 
 offered you than yourself Come, waive your scruples, and 
 accept." 
 
 " There is much truth. Colonel, in what 3''ou say ; yet 
 the arguments previously given you, are to my mind, per- 
 fectly conclusive. If they are, I do not feel at liberty to 
 set them aside. Moreover, I am a peculiar person. I 
 have to war constantly against pride. If I should become 
 an officer I know that my wicked heart would soon become 
 puffed up ) and once I recede from my position, especially 
 wlien my arguments are not answered, I would easily be 
 led off from that meekness and humility which I deem so 
 necessary to soul prosperity." 
 
 " I perceive, sir, that you are not to be moved from your 
 position, unless I first remove your arguments, and this, 1 
 confess, I am not able to do. 
 
 '' I will assume command here, because I think my duty 
 requires me to do so; and whenever your notions change, 
 I will try to make a place for you on my staff." 
 
 '• I hope, sir, that I am actuated by something higher 
 than a mere ^notion' — I have argiwieuts upon which to 
 stand, and if you or any one else will show them to be 
 false, I will abandon them." 
 
 <' I did not design, my dear sir, to wound your feelings 
 in the slightest. I very much admire both your arguinents 
 and your moral firmness." 
 
 '' By no means offended, Colonel, or, I beg your pardon, 
 ^ General* I should havo said. I only want to have the 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 31 
 
 credit of being actuated b}' pure motives and apparently 
 good reasons*. " 
 
 " I understand you, and now I suppose that I must 
 forego the pleasure of having you on my atafF?" 
 
 •' My purpose is unchangeable, «r j though I seriously 
 regret that you should be deprived of any pleasure on my 
 account. I will strive, however, to elevate those of my 
 rank, and hope to be the means of affording: you some 
 pleasure in this." 
 
 Every sentence Virtus addod but tended to impress the 
 General more and more with his high intellectual and 
 moral worth ; and hence his regret at the loss of such a 
 friend from his immediate counsels. 
 
 '* Well, then," said the General, " if you will not leave 
 the ranks, you need not think that I have the less regard 
 for you on this account. Nay, to tell you the truth, it even 
 heightens my admiration for you. Now, you must allow 
 me at least the pleasure of spending many social hours 
 with you, for my own benefit. And when I need your 
 counsel in any important military movement, I hope you 
 will give it to me without reserve." 
 
 " Thank you, General ; I will certainly cherish the 
 thought with pleasure, {hat f/ov are my friend ; and should 
 you ever need my advice in any matter, it will be cheer- 
 fully granted." 
 
 He then retired to his tent, leaving the General in silence 
 to admire the charactof of one whose " price is above 
 rubies." 
 
 The next day being Saturday, the regiments were all 
 required to wash their clothing, and be in readiness for 
 the Sabbath. It was about 10 o'clock, A. M.,when under 
 a shady bower of nature's own providing, one of Zion's 
 sweet songs was sung by many a pious soldier. To a trav- 
 eller ignorant of the fact that civil war had called many a 
 brave man from the comforts of home, the present bcene 
 would have been taken for a regular camp meeting. The 
 
32 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 order was perfect, each regiment seated by itself, the whole 
 forming a hollow square. At the root of a tree near the 
 centre of the square was seated a minister of God whose 
 face was radiant with Divine expression; and by his side 
 the General, with several of his stalF, was seated on the 
 ground. 
 
 At length the minister arose and read the following 
 hymn : 
 
 " Am I a soldier of the cross ? 
 A follower of the Lamb V <fec. 
 
 in a manner well calculated to induce one to volunteer in 
 the Divine cause. There was an unction and a pathos 
 about his manner that I never witnessed before nor since. 
 
 Then the whole congregation joined in singing. The 
 eflfect of the song was at once exhilerating and melting to 
 the hearts of men who, but a few weeks before, were per- 
 mitted to worship God with their dear friends at home. 
 
 The song over, a touching prayer ascended to the throne 
 on high. Many a soldier joined in this nrayer, and at its 
 close quietly breathed a hearty " Amen." 
 
 The preacher arose, opened his pocket Bible and read 
 the text : 
 
 " I have fciiglit the good fight." 
 
 I shall attempt to give nothing more than a brief sketcli 
 of his sermon, for the simple reason that it would be ira- 
 pcssible for ine to do more. He s&id : 
 
 " My friends, we are engaged in a two-fold warfare ; 
 one against the enemies of human liberty ; the other against 
 the enemy of our souls. The former involves our interests 
 for time — the latter, for eternity. 
 
 " We all know full well the causes which led to this 
 temporal struggle. Our enemies disregarding all constitu- 
 tional obligations, trampling under their feet onr dearest 
 rights, and in violation of all the principles of justice, 
 reason and enlightened conscience^ have forced us to leave 
 
OUR OWN HEROES, 88 
 
 our homes, with all their eiKlearments, and meet them on 
 these bleak mouDtain tops to interp(5se our lives berweeii 
 them and our nation'n libeities. And considerin;j^ the im- 
 portance of the principles involved in the present strugoje, 
 who docs not feel that no sacrifice of treasure or of blood 
 is too great for him to make 't There is not, I am per- 
 suaded, a man present, to whom tlie comforts and blessings 
 of home would not be irksome, while the enemy threatens 
 6ur borders. 
 
 '' Hut, however great the interests involved in the pres- 
 ent issue, they are extremely couteroptible when compared 
 with those involved in this warfare of which the inspired 
 Aoostle speaks in the text. 
 
 " TUe thing to be contended for in this great struggle, is 
 the soul — its eternal happiness or misfri/. Every man that 
 has a .sv>w/ should be engaged in this fparfare. Why should* 
 a man be so willing to secure rcdiess from his tomporal 
 enemies — why should he be so prompt to resent a cumpar- 
 atively slight injury — when a numerous host, viler even 
 than the Abolitionists have invaded the territory of the 
 so^il, and yet he does not impose the slightest resistance to 
 their soul-destroying aggressions ? Why so prompt to se- 
 cure a temporary good, and yet remain careless of your 
 eternal ii»terests? 
 
 '"l have said that in this great contest the eternal inter- 
 ests of the sotd are at stake. This involves your all. If 
 the battle goes against yon, injinite fojture^ the Joss of every 
 desirable liberty, and indescribable wTje, together with 
 eternal slavery will be your lot. If successful, the inde- 
 scribable biiss r)f heaven will be yours to enjoy for ever and 
 ever. In this eoviflict there is infinite ecit to be avoided, 
 and infinite 'jo',d to be secured. 
 
 " Let us now consider the forces engaged in this fearful 
 fitrugsrie. 
 
 ♦'Those who fight against the soul, are the Devil, fthe 
 commauder-in-ehief j ail the wicked spirits who are subject 
 
 3 
 
S4 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 to his control, the u-orld, anc^ the jleah. These, together, 
 form a most formidable host ! 
 
 " The Devil goeth about as a roaring lion, seeking whom 
 he may devour ; or, if it suits his purpose better, he trans- 
 forms himself into an angel of light. Ail the deiLon 
 hordes are engaged in his service and ready to do his bid- 
 ding. These evil spirits labor to ruin your souls. 
 
 '' They use the world — its pomp, wealth, and promise^ 
 pleasures, as a means to ensnare you. Many bright, though 
 fatally delusive pictures, are held up before the mind, for 
 the purpose of engrossing the affections, suborning- reason, 
 and bribing conscience. 
 
 '' Then, again, the flesh — your own wicked desires, feoi- 
 in^s, principles^ passions and lusts — these are, j^rhaps, 
 your greatest enen)ies. 
 
 "Now, imagine the devil using the world with all its 
 fiiscinations, to inflame these passions, and what a host 
 there is contending for your destruction ! 
 
 " On the other side, Christ appears as your prime leader. 
 The Holy Spirit is his ' Chief of Staff'.' Angels are his 
 faithful allies. All the faithful followers of the Lamb, 
 whenever we * take sweet counsel with them,* will embol- 
 den us for the conflict. Then, too, Keason and Conscience,' 
 Hope and Fear, are ready to lend their aid. 
 
 " The word of God, 'the sword of the Spirit,' informs 
 us ic7ien and icUtre wc may expect the enemy, iiow we should 
 make the attack, and points out the weapons wc must use. 
 This word also furnishes the key of the great Armory, 
 where we can get the ' whole armor of God.' viz : The 
 lielmet of salvation, the shield of /'at'th, t'ho brea.^tplate of 
 righteousness^ the girdle of truth and the preparation of 
 the Gospel as a protection for our ft;et. Thu.s armed, if we 
 will advance with full confidence in our leader, and with 
 humble prayer that he will protect us, the victory will 
 be ours— ^victory here, and victory luireafter. And when 
 the conflict is ended, we will be transplanted in the Para- 
 
OVR OWN HEROES. 35^ 
 
 disc of God, where, through eternal ages, we will bloom in 
 unspeakable glory I 
 
 " I as a commissioned officer, call for volunteers in this 
 glorious campaign. Who will respond? Conscripts can 
 never be admitted — you must volunfeer! I promise you a 
 large bounty of ' a conscience vuid of offence' — peace, 
 happiness. Come and enlist undert'nis noblest of all leaders, 
 who is at once omnipotent, omuicient, and infinitely merci- 
 ful, just and good." ' ■■ ' 
 
 Such were the prominent fetvtures of this remarkable 
 sermon ; yet to appreciate it Killy, it was necessary to hear 
 it, and .sv*? the speaker. 
 
 After the minister closcd,''fKe f^eneral arose, and made 
 a few well-timed remarks. He fully endorsed what the 
 preacher had said, and encouroged the men to enlist under 
 the banners of King luimanuei. He furthermore stated : 
 
 •' 1st- That he, while in command, would require the 
 proper observance of the Sabba'h. 
 
 " 2d. That there should be no drills of any character on 
 the Sabbath. 
 
 " od. That all would be expected to attend Divine ser- 
 Tice on Sabbath. 
 
 *'4th. That gambling-, drunkenness, profanity, stealing, 
 &c., &c., would not be tolerated." 
 
 The large congregatitn, at the instance of the General, 
 then arose and sang the following beautiful lines: 
 
 "On the mountain's top appearing, 
 
 liO tho sacred herald stiiuds ; 
 Welcome news to Zion bearing— 
 Zion long in hostile land?. >^ 
 Mourning captive, 
 God himself shall loose thy bands," <to. 
 
 The assembly had but just dispersed, when a courier 
 was seen advancing at full speed, from the direction of the 
 enemy. He was probably not less than a mile \n the dis- 
 tance when he was first scea. '' What can thia sijjnify 1'" 
 queried aiU Ii^JuAirax U ^^ (X^^MflOi^ ^ Mfi^^AOi ^ 
 
36 OUR OWN HEKors. 
 
 CHAPTEE IL 
 
 The courier found his way up the winding road to th^ 
 narrow pass in the Gap5~,jnquired for the General's head- 
 quarters, and hastened to deliver his message. The news 
 was highly exciting. The (;Oionels were at once summoned 
 to the General's tent, and they " went into secret session." 
 Having no " Aid," the General sent for Virtus. " If I 
 can only get the aid of this young nobleman,^' said the 
 General to himself, " I will not fear the face of the enemy." 
 
 The Colonels retired and Virtus entered. 
 
 *' Come, now, friend Virtus, will von not act as my Aid — 
 my Adjutant, rather, for a few days ? I nef.dyonv services." 
 
 '' I greatly regret the sacrifice of a great principle ; and 
 next to this, I would regret to disoblige you honored sir." 
 
 " It is only for the present emergency that 1 require youi". 
 services." 
 
 " ^wt principles do laot change with time," answered ill©, 
 other. 
 
 '• True, yet '■ time and occasions' may change one's duty," 
 
 "You can detail m(i as your Adjutant, if you like; hut 
 as to leaving my position voluntarily, that I will not do so, 
 long as I am in the service." 
 
 " Would you serve as faithfully under a detail as you 
 would voluntarily ?" 
 
 *' I would tr^ to do my duti/, though I might not be able 
 to do as well as if I should act ot my own accord." 
 
 " I will risk that, if you will not become offended 
 at the detail." 
 
 *' I shall not bfe offeadedj sir, if ycfu detail me btous^ 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 87 
 
 you think you can do no better, and if the detail is to last 
 but for 'A ftio <lui/i>-^ 
 
 " You are detailed, then." 
 
 " The enemy," continued the G-eneral, are crossinj^ over 
 the mountain below us, and from all accounts will soon be 
 in our rear, and cut off all cominunic ition with the Govern- 
 ment. It h diffijult to know what is best to be done. If 
 we remain here, the probabilities are that we will be forced, 
 for want of provisions. 1o surrender; if we evacuate the 
 Gap, we surrender the key to this whole country. What 
 think you ?" 
 
 " I do not know what the strength of the enemy is. 
 My action would be governed very much by this; if the 
 enemy arc not more than two or three to one, I should not 
 evacuate this strong position." 
 
 " The enemy are reported 10, 0^)0 strong." 
 
 "Their rent? number, then, will not exceed 6,000; for 
 numbers are usually much exaggerated. Our own stren<,^th, 
 I should juJge, is not fir Irom 3,000. I should not 
 retreat." 
 
 *' What would you do ?" 
 
 *' I would dispatch one or more couriers to the railroad, 
 and call for 5,000 men at once." 
 
 "But where can so many man be had ?" 
 
 "There is just about that number at , and they 
 
 can get here in 48 hours, by a forced march." 
 
 *' Much better quilifiai to be a General than I am," 
 thought the officer, as these words of wisdom fell from the 
 private's lips. 
 
 *' Would you order these rein forcemeats to come all the 
 way to the Gap." 
 
 "No, sir; they should stop about 20 miles from this 
 place, so as to close in upon the enemy if he turn.s upon us; 
 or fall upon him if he mike-j his way to the railroad." 
 
 " But suppose t*heae reinforcctueats should uot be abU 
 tbcome?'* . 
 
86 oiTR ayTN heroes. 
 
 *^ That is liardly probable as they were at -^ — - three 
 days ago : and bcj-ides, 1 do rot know where they could 
 be needed more ihtin in this military dopartmcnt." " 
 
 Ihe General had regqlved on pursuing very much the 
 course prescribed by A'^irlus, and now that his dearest 
 friend in the army had, by his own keen intellect, pointed 
 out the same course as that best to be adopted, he ielt 
 much confirmed in his plans. 
 
 " But," continued the General, •" I must at once send 
 some on to the railrot.d, to ibrward a dispatch lor the 
 troops; and this 1 rcgardas a nsost important service. Our 
 very »?xi&ten^*e depends on the success o.l' the courier !'' 
 
 *' Very important," said the other, " and 1. would send 
 not le«s than three." 
 
 " I will send ^ou the nearest rout, and two others by a 
 different rout." Pointing, to his fleet black steed, '* he will 
 carry you through safe — ^he can mtike the trip in six hours." 
 
 " Hand me your orders, and 1 will begone — there is no 
 time to b^ lost." 
 
 " The General snatched up a piece of paper and wrote 
 
 as follows : " Brig. Gen. , Bear feir : — The enemy 
 
 are crossing the mountain South ol" us, lor the purpose, 
 doubtless, of cutting us off, or causing us to evacuate the 
 
 Gap. Bring your troops to , on th^ first train, and 
 
 then march out to- ^ roads, 16 miles south of this 
 
 place. Stationed at this point, you will be ready to meet 
 the enemy, should he make ior the railroad; or ycu will 
 fall upon his rear, if he moves against us at the Gap. One 
 of my Aids will meet ycu at said ^x roads. ^Kvery thing 
 depends upon your prompt movement* 
 Yours with anxiety, 
 
 „ — Brig. Gen. Commanding. 
 
 Concealing this note carefully about his person, Virtus, 
 with two navy repeaters " in p(cket," mounted the black 
 charger, and put off ior the rail road. Other et)urifer's 
 ivirfe sfent by diffbrfent rbtitfea. 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 3^ 
 
 No one who has not himself boen a courier iu a torj 
 country, can appreciate fully the dangers to which they 
 are exposed. For the sake of savinj^ a coininind, they 
 often imperil their own lives. 
 
 Virtus was now to m ike a journey of 40 miles throuj^h 
 the midst of tories and bushwh.ickers, and possibly, too, 
 he mi^^ht come in contact with the enemy. Bu*: his heart 
 was brave enough to carry him wherever duty called him. 
 No coward fear made him loiter on the wiy ; and though 
 his style of travel pointed him out as the bearer of impor- 
 tant messages, and as a mark for every idle bushwhacker 
 to shoot at, his noble heart, nerved with the justice of his 
 cause, and supported by the arm of omnipotence, fluttered 
 ttot at the idea of his dan-jjerous adventure. 
 ^ The noble steed desceids the mount lin slope in a sweep- 
 ing ijallop, proud of the manly rider that filled the saddle. 
 On, on they went, unmolested, until they reached a narrow 
 pass through a mountain spur, where prctjipitous rocks 
 overhano^ the road. lie had not gone far in the dark pass, 
 before zip ! zip ! whistled the builets near him. The 
 report of the guns showed that the cowardly lohackcrs 
 were on the cliff of rock above him to the left. , A savage 
 yell from the barbarians had but pierced his ear. v:hen two 
 stalwart looking men appeared in the road befi)re him, 
 resolved, it seemed, to contest his passage with their lives ! 
 " What shall I do ?" queried our hero as he popped the 
 spurs deeper still into the fiides of the dashing charger. 
 ** My (lafi/ requires me to g(t^ and go I will, or my life shall 
 pay the forfeit," vas his stern resolve. Palling out one of 
 his repeaters and dashing forward at full speed, he deter- 
 mined to do them all the damage possible, even if he fell 
 ia the conflict. 
 
 When he approached within thirty paces of the enemy 
 they raised their guns to fire; and at this instant the fear- 
 less rider " pulled down " on one of the wretches, and he 
 fdU. The other frighteaed at the sad fate of hia comrade, 
 
40 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 dropped his gun and darted for the bushes "■ for dear life,'' 
 Unfortunately for him, he wns a little too late ; for a ball 
 from the faithful repeater, struck him in the leg, and he 
 fell, crjnng at the top of his voice, " help! help! I" 
 
 With no one to dispute hi^ passnge, the hero on his foam- 
 ing steed, measured space at the rate of about a mile ia 
 3 minutes. Nor was his heart devoid of gratitude to Him 
 who alone can save in the hour of danger. On he went 
 until he ascended a hill that furnished a view of the road 
 that lay before him. His keen eye soon scanned the road 
 as far as he could see it, and seeing no one to dispute his 
 passage, he drew in his reins, and resumed a more moderate 
 pace. Another hour brought him within view of a cav- 
 alry band of about, as best he could judge, one hundred 
 men, coming towards him. *' Who are these ?" queftioned 
 the hero. "Their uniforms are those of the enemy!" 
 Quick as thought he wheeled around, and went back a few 
 paces. Looking back he saw the enemy coming after him 
 at full tilt, their sabers, meantime, making a noise that 
 would have paralyzed the valor of one less brave. Kein- • 
 ing his horse out of the road he began to ascend the moun- 
 tain side. Had he been riding a horse less nimble and 
 fleet than Selim, of revolutionary fame, he never would 
 have reached the top ; but as fortune, or rather, Provi- 
 dence would have it, the snorting steed carried him safely 
 up the mountain height, which the enemy essaying to do, 
 found impracticable. They fired after him, but without 
 effect. 
 
 The mountain range ran very nearly parallel with the 
 road, though at too great a distance from it to endanger 
 him from the bullets of the enemy. Having gained the 
 top, he went on bis way more leisurely. From an opening 
 in the green woods, he could occasionally see the road, 
 though it was impossible for him to reach it, if hi? had 
 everj desired it. - 
 
 For several miles he travelled over rough ledges of rock 
 
OVR OWN HEROES. 4% 
 
 that to one on a less important errand, and less determined 
 to ** make the trip," would have appeared almost impossible. 
 
 The sun was just about hiding itself behind the western 
 mountains, when the hero discovered that he was uearing 
 the road only a few yards from the spot where he was pre- 
 viously captured by the bushwhackers. Ten miles more, 
 and he would be at the railroad. <' I fancy now," said he 
 to himself, " that I am out of the reach of bush.whack- 
 ers. I will have an easy time the rest of the way." 
 
 But this belief did not throw him ofi' his guard. His 
 dark ey^s took in not less than 100 degrees in his front; 
 so tlioroughly did he scan every lurking place suited for 
 the eueni}'. 
 
 It was growing dusk when he ho^e in sight of the de- 
 sired town. He soon reached the telegraph office, sent his 
 important message, and received as an answer: "'0. K.' 
 We will be up within four hours." 
 
 Bt\^. Gen. Com'd'p- 
 
 It is difficult for one to imagine the pleasure which Vir- 
 tus felt on receiving this reply. He felt that he had very 
 probably been the means of saving his whole brigade fnm 
 capture; and while he viewed the feat which he had jer- 
 formed, with complacency, he thanked God ibr that kind 
 Providence which had saved his life, brougiit him through 
 such dangers' unharmed, and enubled him to perform a 
 a work so beneficial to his command and to his country. 
 
 Riding up to a livery stable, he ordered his h(.rse fed 
 well, and rubbed for an hour. He th( n made his way to 
 a hotel, where he got supper. While at the supper table, 
 astern looking old gentleman, who sat on the opposite side 
 of the table, questioned our hero as follows : 
 
 " Do you belong to the army, sir ?" 
 
 '' I do, sir," was the reply. 
 
 " To whose command ?" 
 
 i^ToGeu. 's." 
 
 " Where is he stationed ?" 
 
42 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 '' At Gap." 
 
 '* How many troops are there ?" 
 
 "I cannot tell you, sir." 
 
 '' Are you ignorant of the number, or do you not wish 
 
 to tell r 
 
 '' I do not know precisely how many troops are there; 
 and if* I did, I would not be at liberty to tell." 
 
 " When did you leave the Gap r"' 
 
 *' Not a great while ago, sir " 
 
 " You are not very communicative, sir." 
 
 <' No sir." 
 
 ** You certainly might afford to tell when you left the 
 G^ip." 
 
 " Sir, I must inform you, once for all, that I am much 
 less communicative than you are inquisitive. I have no 
 desire to off-^nd you or any one else ; but I don't like fo»' a 
 stninijer to ask me so many questions." 
 
 ^' You are quite sensitive, youn<jf man; and doubtless 
 feel your own importance as most soldiers do." 
 
 "You, sir, would be more important in my estimation, 
 if i/ou were a soldier, ready to meet the invaders of our 
 country. As to my own opinion of myself, I have this to 
 say : 1 am a little too prudent to tell my bu.«iness to stran- 
 {lers, even if by refusing to do so, I gain their displeasure. 
 I think too much of myself to be made a goose of," and 
 with this, he gave the old man a glance that satisfied his 
 curiosity, or at least served to check his iynpertinence. 
 
 ' The truth is, this same old man was a staunch admirer 
 of Abe Lincoln ; and carried the mail, secretly, from the 
 tory families, and brought letters from the Northern army 
 to them. He was apprised of the fact that the Yankee 
 army was approaching, and he wished, if possible to find 
 out whether the army at the Gap knew anything of their 
 advance. Finding himself unable to succeed in gaining 
 any information from our hero by the means already adopted, 
 he changed his policy and beyan a different process. • 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 48 
 
 " I did not wiBh, my dear «ir, to offend you; nor to pry 
 into your busineFS. I ar: jilad to find a soldier that can 
 keep a secret. I tliiuk the more of yoii for this. Am 
 you going l;tick to the Gap gcon, .sir ? i live between this 
 place and the Gap, and would be glad to have you?* com- 
 pany/' 
 
 " 1 have not determined precisely uhoy I will return, 
 nor in what direction. 1 have stme matters of business to 
 attend to, and may not be able (o get back for several days. 
 You Fay you live on the road between this and the Gap?" 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 *' Immediately on the road ?" 
 
 " No : about half a mile from the road." 
 
 Supper now over, the convert?ation ceased; yet the old 
 man showed evident signs of uneasiness. He sought to 
 protract the coi.ver.^ratir.n ; but he liad no reason to hope 
 that he could extract any valuable information from our 
 well-guarded hero. This niisemble tory knew that the 
 yankees had passed over the mountain, and he feared that 
 news had been brought of that fact. He resorted to one 
 other trick, to ascertain, if possible, the object of the sol- 
 dier's visit to town ; and he accordingly inquired as follows : 
 
 " I)o you kniAv any thing of the whereabouts of the en- 
 emy that has threatened the t^ap" 
 
 " I perceive, sir," answered the other. '* that you arc re- 
 markably inquisitive. Allow me to ask you a iew questions. 
 Are you a Suuthern man ?" 
 
 ** 1 am j I was born and raised in the South. ?" 
 
 '* I don't mean that, sir; I mean, are you for the South 
 in the present war ?" 
 
 1 he old tory betrayed great confusion ; but at length re- 
 plied, " I am, sir.'' 
 
 There were several gentlemen sitting near, who heard his 
 answer, and turned towards him in utter astoni.shmcnt ; for 
 they all knew him to be opposed to the South, or, in other 
 wtjrdsi a tory. IbO Old feliowj wishitjg to aosXvor nO morti 
 
44 OtTR OWN HEROJES. 
 
 questions, began to cougli, and move towards the door. As 
 soon as be reached the door he stepped out, and began to 
 walk, and ttien to run, away as fast as possible. 
 
 Virtus, who had aheady suspected his loyalty, walked to 
 the door, and called to him to come back ; but finding that 
 he would not stop, and suspecting that he was a spy, he put 
 otf after him, and, being nimble of foot, soon overtook 
 him. 
 
 " Why are you running, sir?" 
 
 '' I find that I have overstayed my time already, and I 
 must hasten home." 
 
 " Not quite so fast, sir; you are my prisoner. Stop this 
 instant, or if you are not a dead man in a minute, you will 
 wish fbn had." 
 
 " Your prisoner ! ! What have I done, that I am to be 
 thus summarily arrested V 
 
 " We will inquire into that afterwards — ^come back with 
 me." 
 
 The torj turned to come back ; for he knew that if he 
 did not obey the order, he would receive a ball in him right 
 soon. When they Te-entered the house, the young man 
 delivered the prisoner over to some soldiers, to be well 
 guarded until an officer should take his case in hand. 
 
 Seeing the old man striving to shift some papers from his 
 pocket, he seized them, and, on examination, found that 
 he had several letters to tories in the yankee army. He 
 also found one letter giving very important information rel- 
 ative to the immediate movements of the enemy. He care- 
 fully pocketed the letter, and, privately, told the soldiers to 
 guard him as a spj/, until a superior officer should call for 
 him. This they pledged themselves to do at all hazards. 
 
 He then called for a private room, to which he immedi- 
 atel'y retired. Having procured pen, iiik, and paper, he 
 then addressed the following note to the Greuerai to whom 
 he had previously seut the dispatch: 
 
OtTR OWN HEROICS, 45 
 
 Brig. Gen. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Having been detailed on Brig. Gen. 
 
 • 's staff, I was at once dispatched to this place, to 
 
 telegraph you the iDformatioii which you received this even- 
 ing. On my way to this place I encountered the enemy's 
 cavalry. I think it certain that the enemy will move in 
 force against the G:ip to-morrow or next day. Ihis 1 judge 
 irom the fact that I met their cavalry 12 miics this side of 
 the Gap, proceeding in that direction. You will have to 
 make ail pof^sii»le speed, to prevent the force at the Gap 
 from being cut off. 
 
 I arrestt^ a suspicious character in this place this even- 
 ing, and found treasonable letters on his person. Ibeguard 
 will deliver him over to you. 
 
 1 will leave within a few minutes for the Gap, and will 
 
 do my utmost to have a messenger meet you at >^ 
 
 roads to-morrow by 12 m. 
 
 Your ob'dt serv't, 
 
 R VIRTUS, 
 A. A. G. (pro tea].) 
 
 He closed his letter and went to get his horse. AVhat an 
 undertaking to attempt to go back to the Gap that ni^ht ! 
 The eneu)y's cavalry were certainly on the only road that 
 he knew thai led to his command. Bushwhackers were in 
 jrnat abundance; and very probably the enemy's infantry 
 were encamped on the same road ! But all this did not 
 alurm our noble hero. He felt that he could face death 
 itself, if duty required him to do so. ]\Ioreover, he knew 
 that his life was in the liands of God, and that He could and 
 would protect him, if He saw best to do so And even if 
 he should die, he had a bright hope of a glorious immortal- 
 ity beyond the grave, and that death would but hasten his 
 perfect bliss. Why should one, " whose heart is stayed on 
 God/' fear danger? Why ahOuid One* whose happiuesa 
 
46 ^ OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 will but begin to d/ivrn at death, tremble to meet the dread 
 monster ? 
 
 Ibe heart of one less brave and religious, might well 
 have quailed before the danger that lay in the path of the 
 hero.<^ 
 
 The noble steed, faithfully fed and rubbed, came out of 
 his stall with head up. fully ready for the trip. One would 
 hardly suppose from his locks, that he had carried his rider 
 already forty miles that day, at the rate of eight miles per 
 hour ! 
 
 In the saddle, he lopes off '' as supple as aiawn." Every 
 ei^bt n^inutes carry him a mile. He passed some persons, 
 and met some^ yet he halted Lot, until he arrived at the top 
 of a high hill, near the place where the bushwhackers had 
 captured him. Looking in the direction of the Gap, he saw 
 the lights of the enenjy's camp-fires, reflected on the moun- 
 tain-side. 
 
 " What fhall I do now ?" queried the hero, as bethought 
 of the rough mountain-top over which he had escaped from 
 the enemy a few hours before. To attempt to travel the 
 road, would insure his capture. 
 
 It was a star-light night, and the moon would be up by 
 11 o'clock. " Possibly," thought he, " I may be able to 
 make the trip. There is nothing like trying." Upon this 
 he reigned his steed to the right, and began to ascend the 
 mountain. U he reader can bai dly appreciate the difficulties 
 in our hero's way, unless he is ycquainted, from personal 
 experience, with the rugged mountain-tops of the Camber- 
 Jand or Alleghany range. 
 
 Slowly he felt his way along, sometimes walking and 
 sometimes riding, until, after on hour's travel, he came 
 within full view of the enemy's camps. lie halted, and 
 surveyed the fires with great particularity, designing to as- 
 certain as nearly as p(ssible the number of troops. He 
 could distinguii-h the encampments of regiments. " There 
 are;'' tbovght be, ^' abuut d^OU). triDbps kiro. If tbiugs g<y 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 47 
 
 well, they will either fall into our hands, or i^turn over the 
 mountain more rapidly than they came." 
 
 He resumed his dangerous course on the mountain- 
 heit^lits, and soon he discovered that the enemy's encamp- 
 ment extended as far as to the place where the road crossed 
 the mountain-rani^e oa which he was travelin-r He halted, 
 calmly surveyed the prospect, and found that he must de- 
 scend the mountain on tlie ri<;ht, and, if possible, ascend the 
 next range. Accordingly, he dismount-id, and led his horse 
 down the precipice. At times he found it aliDost impo.^si- 
 ble to prevent tumbling headlong down the mjuntain ; but 
 winding along, he at length reached a deep ravine between 
 the two mountains. Cautiou-ly he felt his way alonj:, until 
 at length he found an old road running alona: between the 
 mountains. It would not do to follow this far, lest he should, 
 on gainin2: the main road, come in contact with the enemy. 
 He must begin, as soon as possible, to climb the mountain 
 on the right. How this could be done, did not at first ap- 
 pear; for it seemed to be very steep. Slowly he moved 
 along the roid, in search of a by-path ^hat would lead him 
 up tho declivity. Ho had not gone far when a dark form 
 presented itself in the road before him ! '* Is this one ot 
 the enemy's pickets?" queried he to himself. "I am too 
 close now to retreat," thought he; "so I will go on, and 
 see what it is." 
 
 Having gone a few paces farther, he saw that it was a 
 mm. a s:jldier ! " This cannot be one of our soldiers," 
 thought he, '• so I will prepare to defend myself." So 
 pulling out his faithful rope iter, he presented it on the 
 mm in front of him, and kepu advancing. *' Halt! halt! ! 
 halt!!! who come dar i'" cime from the excited Dutch 
 picket, and he raised his gun to shoot But before he had 
 time to take aim, a bull struck him, and dror/i>ing his gun, 
 he measured space very rapidly up the roa ! ti«ward the 
 camp fires. Other forms arose before him, but panic- 
 strickeo, they all fied iu wild confusion In the same dircc- 
 
48 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 tion. The yA\ raised by these retroating valiants, alarmed 
 the regiment that encajiiped some half mile distant, and 
 great confusion prevailed in their midst. It was not cer- 
 tain in the mind of our hero, whether the enemy were pre- 
 paring to retreat or advance ; but finding a place where it 
 seemed possible to ascend the mountain, he began the ardu- 
 ous work. Slowly belabored his way up, until finally he 
 reached the top, where he could plainly see the enemy's 
 fires. About this time the moon began to peep over 
 the eastern hills, and cast her pale mantle of light over the 
 tree tops. The scene would have been admired in times of 
 peace ; but the gloomy shadows of war have fallen upon 
 most of nature's beauties and eclipsed their glory ! 
 
 It now became important for the hero to consult his 
 course, and decide in what direction to move. From his 
 elevated position, he saw that the mountain made a con- 
 siderable curve, leaving the enemy fur to the left. To 
 ti;ke one direction or the other, was his only alternative ; so 
 he began to move on as fast as possible in the direction of 
 the curve, feeling assured that this would not lead him far 
 out of his way. Though the path was rough, he found 
 less difficulty in making his way, owing to the friendly in- 
 fluence of Luna. Grateful to him who holds in his own 
 hands the destiny of nations and of men, ho, hurried on 
 his way making about four miles an hour. Be passed 
 within sight of the enemy's pickets, or cavalry, near the 
 place he had met them before, though not from ihe same 
 range of mountains, along which he had esciiped early iu 
 the evening. Going several miles farihcr, he beean to de- 
 scend, and after much difficulty reached the bottom, aud 
 finally after going over another mountain, he reacbed the 
 road 1 " Thanks to Him who has been so kind as to guard 
 me safe thus far," soared to heaven (^n the win^zs of pure 
 gratitude. Who but God could have brought him through 
 60 many dangers and so great? 
 
 At a sweeping pace he completed the lestof his journey, 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 49 
 
 reachirg the General's head-quarters abcnt half-past two 
 o'clock, a. m., neither buslnvluicker nor yunkec annoying 
 hiui. He found the General up and wide uwukc, no sleep 
 having visited his eyelids during the night. 
 
 Virtus was met at the tent door, and greeted with as 
 much cordiality as if he had been the " Commander in 
 Chief." His noble headland generous heart were fully ap- 
 preciated by the General, and his adniiratitm for him was 
 augmented by the iact that his friend's virtue and intes:- 
 rity were proof against all temptation. The price of such 
 characters is far above rubies. 
 
 On entering the tent, Virtus handed the General tbo dis- 
 patches which he had received from General , which 
 
 were read with much eiigerness. Qhe position and proba- 
 ble number of the enemy were then given ; and the i»eces- 
 sity of sendingsome one to meet the re-inforeements at day- 
 light the next morning, was also laid beiore him. " It in 
 
 all-important," said he, '* that Gen. should have some 
 
 instructions early to-morrow; for he will be within six or 
 seven miles of the enemy by day-break." 
 
 " Is the enemy moving in this direction ?' inquired the 
 the General. 
 
 " There is no doubt of it," responded the other; "for 
 their advance is with n twelve miles of this place, and their 
 rear is this side the X roads." 
 
 " I have been studying who shall be sent. It will not do 
 to entrust this business to a common man; and to call on 
 you to do it, would be asking too much." 
 " Have the other couriers returned ?" 
 "I have seen nothing of thtin. Did you meet them at 
 the railroad ?" 
 
 " No, sir; they had not arrived there when I left." 
 " I fear they have been captured." 
 *' It is quite probable." 
 " >Vhat would you advise me to do ?" 
 **I have given you all the information at ciy command, 
 4 
 
50 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 and I suppose you are able, of coiWfe, to decide what is best 
 to be done." 
 
 " True; I have my plans; but tliese may he modified by 
 su<rgestiorj» from you. 1 bojie never to rejicli a point in 
 n)y military career, at which i cnnoteven change my plans 
 when better ones are offered." 
 
 '• But the world would think it quite strange, and even 
 presumptuous, in me to bs sul niifn'ng plans to a Gene- 
 ral I" 
 
 "^ I care very little what the ic<rrld thinks, unlt-ss it 
 thinks right; but this it cannot do, when it excludes rea- 
 son as properly exercising an influence over our plans. The 
 fact that you persist in calling yourself a pricatc. docs not 
 make your reason or judgment any less valuable to me. If 
 you were a M.ijor-generalv your views would be none the 
 more important. Military position neither adds to the value 
 cf a man's reasons, nur makes him a Dtan. He must have 
 worth, not of an acc/denfal, but of an iiuUvidiml character, 
 if be is worth an}^ thing." 
 
 '' This is ail very true ; and, allow me to say, I feel proud 
 to serve under a general whu takes this, the only sensible 
 view of the subject. But, pardon me, sir; there is no time 
 for discussion 7ioio. A courier should be sent at once to 
 
 meet Gen. by day-break to-morrow morning. But 
 
 as you have asked my views, 1 will give them in few 
 words." 
 
 "If you please," interrupted the General. 
 
 "Weil, then, a courier should be dispatched at once, to 
 
 meet i_>»en. , with orders from you to press on the 
 
 enemy's rear as closeiy as possible. By this means, there 
 will be no chance for him to escape; for he is /^6»k; ihjs 
 side of the road that takes him back the way he came over 
 the mountain ; yet the re-inforcements, alter they gain the 
 cross roads, should come on an rapidly as possible; not, 
 however, to press then), or discover their pursuit until the 
 enemy come near enough to attack your brigade. 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 51 
 
 ** Then, ajr^iin, I would send out one or more regiments 
 about two miles from this place, where ther.; is a remarka- 
 bly stron^j^ position. With a few pieces of artiilrry, and a 
 rciriment to support it, the enemy can never advance to this 
 place. Besides, that is a much better position for defence 
 than this. When the firing commences at this point, as it 
 
 probably will by 10 o'clock, a. m., Gen. s forces 
 
 can close upon the enemy's rear, arid thus we will probably 
 capture the whole force. This would be my pro;j:ramme." 
 
 " But what if the enemy should be advanein.,' on the 
 other side of the Gapy" 
 
 " Let them advance; one or two regiments, together with 
 our heavy iruns, will be ample to repel them." 
 
 *' I am delighted," said the General, ''with your pro- 
 gramme; I have already planted a battery at the place you 
 have mentioned, and a regiment is now in the vicinity of 
 the place. The enemy has appeared on the other side of 
 the Gap, but a few men will be ample to repel them. Your 
 plan is about identical with mine. The courier is what 
 troubles me I How is he to pass by the enemy 'r" 
 
 " Just as 1 did to-nigbt. lie can pass them before 
 light." 
 
 *' By what route ?" 
 
 " He can travel the regular road twelve miles, then take 
 the moujitain on the left, and thus paj^s them." 
 
 " Will you suggest the name of some one competent to 
 the task?'' 
 
 " I can go myself, or try it, if you wi.sh. The road is 
 full of danger, and there is no time to be lost. Should the 
 enemy start this way before day, as he probably will, there 
 is a great probability of my being captured." 
 
 " liut you are too much exhausted I My dear sir, you 
 should not attempt it." 
 
 '• I am rather fatigued ; but there is a great deal at sta're, 
 sud aow is the time for me to reader my services, if they 
 
52 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 are worth nny thing. I am willing to make the effort, if 
 you derive it." 
 
 '' I am convinced that no one could accomplish the diffi- 
 cult task so well : and it' you will not think me willing to 
 ride a free horse too hard, you may lay me under many ob- 
 ligations by going." 
 
 '• Let me have your orders and a fresh horse; for it is 
 liigh time I was going." 
 
 " You write the orders, and 1 will sign them." 
 
 Yirtus then wrote a brief note to Bri;;:- Gen. , 
 
 containing the points previously mentioned, and the Gren. 
 gave his signature. A fresh charger was brought up, a 
 few refreshments put in his saddle-bags, and off he went in 
 a sweeping gallop. 
 
 For a lew miles he followed the road leading directly 
 from the Gap ; then, seeing that the enemy had already 
 thrown out scouting parties, took to the mountain-paths. 
 
 He CMUtiously wended his way along the craggy peakg, 
 overlooking the road to the Gap, now beginning to be filled 
 with soldiers clad in " blue and gold." 
 
 He could see them indistinctly through the dim light of 
 night, and when torch-light cast around a fitful glare. Tak- 
 ing note of every thing, he rode as swiftly forward as pos- 
 sible. Just before daylight, he came opposite the cross 3 
 roads, where he discovered that the enemy had left some 
 forces. They were soon passed ; and as there was now no- 
 thing to fear, he quickly descended to the road, and pushed 
 forward as rapidly as possible. Soon after daylight, he met 
 the re-inforcements, and proceeded at once to deliver his 
 dispatches to Gen; . J 
 
 While Gen. was reading them, Virtus stood re- 
 spectfully by; and when he had finished, said: 
 
 '' The larger body of the enemy are on their way to the 
 Gap now. A force not very larije, I think, is at the '^ 
 yo'^da," 
 
 i 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 5S 
 
 " How did you pass them ? I thought that the only 
 way." 
 
 " So it is considered ; but I found that a horseman could 
 pass along the sides and top of the mountain, and came that 
 way." 
 
 Hasty orders were issued, and the band moved rapidly 
 
 forward. Gen. determined to cut off, and, possibly, 
 
 capture the <::uard at the cross roads. To effect this, he di- 
 vided his command into three parts. Two of th^jm, under 
 competent officers, he sent forward — one on either side of 
 the enemy. Thus he succeeded in completely surrounding 
 them. 
 
 About half-past nine o'clock, the boomins: sound of can- 
 non from the direction ot the Gap was heard. 
 
 Very nearly at the same time, Gen. clo.sed round 
 
 the force at the >< roads, who prepared to make a vigorous 
 resistance as the forcca from behind came upon them ; but 
 when they found themselves henjuied in on all sides, they 
 surrendered after a short struggle. Very few wore killed or 
 wounded on either side. 
 
 ISo soon as orders could be given, and a guard detached 
 for the prisonors, Gen. pushed on with his remain- 
 ing force. The loud report of connon, occasionally heard, 
 served but to increase his eagerness to be going forward. 
 
 " Quick, men, let us be moving. Now is the time to full 
 upon their rear. Providence favoring, we will make clean 
 work of the enemy this time ' 
 
 Thus encouraging his men, ^hcy moved off with nimble 
 step, forgetting that they had made a forced march, and had 
 enjoyed no sleep the night before. A word of cheer from 
 a superior officer, often tendrf to supply, temporarily, at 
 least, sleep, rest, and rations. 
 
 Full five miles an hour were measured by this noble bri- 
 gade, hurrying on to the rescue of their friends at the Gap. 
 
 The cannon had been booming for an hour or more, when 
 volleys of musketry were distiuctly heard ia the direotioa 
 
54 OUtl OWN HER0E8. 
 
 of the Gap. This tended to heighten their enthusiasm, 
 and accelerate their pace. No straggler fell out from thia 
 patriotic band; thouj^h many a yankee hireling was found 
 here and there on the road-side, anxious to be paroled. 
 
 Virtus all this time had been riding along with the Gen- 
 eral and staif, saying very little except when interrogated. 
 The General, finding that every thing was moving on as 
 well as he could desire, and having been favorably imprcs-sed 
 with his intelligent, dignified courier, summoned Virtus to 
 him, when the following conversation ensued : 
 
 " Do you know any thing of the country over which the 
 fight is now raging?" 
 
 *' Yes, sir; I have passed the place several times." 
 '''Describe it the best you can." 
 
 " The present battle-ground is two miles this side of the 
 Gap. Our forces hold a position there that cannot be 
 flanked. The mountain-sides on either hand are almost 
 perpendicular. The gap through which the road runs, is 
 not more than fifty yards wide. Our artillery rakes the 
 road for nearly half a mile. 
 
 " The mountains on both sides of the road cannot be as- 
 cended, except here and there, for a distance of two and a 
 half or three miles this side of our batteries." 
 
 "Good, exclaimed the General; and he sent his aids 
 along the lines to cheer the men, while he continued the 
 conversation with our hero. 
 
 " Are there any roads leading off from this, between us 
 and the enemy ?" 
 
 " But one, sir, and that leads to the right, though it is 
 traveled very little ; moreover, we will pass that road very 
 soon — say within half an hour. There are, however, two 
 or three ravines leading off from the road, through which 
 small parties of the enemy might make their escape. There 
 too the mountain-sides are nut so steep generally as to for- 
 bid the idea of a footman's escape over them." 
 
 The General, astonished at the amount and accuracy of 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 55 
 
 the Courier*s information, inquired of our ijero if he was 
 an officer. 
 
 *' No. sir; only detailed as such. My place will be in 
 the ranks, when this fight is over." 
 
 "You," said the (jeneral, " are competent to make a 
 good officer ; and as there is a vacancy in my staflF, I should 
 be pleased to have you as my Aid." 
 
 " Thank you, sir^ for the implied compliment. My own 
 General has oflfered me a position on his Staff, but, consid- 
 ering all things, I prefer the private's place." 
 
 " Wonderful I indeed I" exclaimed the General. "You 
 are the first man I ever knew to decline office 1 Pray what 
 are your reasons ?" 
 
 " There are many other men more competent for office 
 than myself, who neaJ it more; then, again, a private has 
 much less responsibility than an officer; moreover. I am 
 unwilling that any should pay a higher price for liberty 
 than myself; and, finally, the private's position is much 
 better calculated to produce tha'^. meek and humble spirit, 
 which, in my judgment, is of more value than all earthly 
 honors." 
 
 " Well ! well !" said the General, " I had never thought 
 of that before. I will consider your reasons when I have 
 more time." 
 
 It was now no time to di&cuss great moral questions. 
 There was one continuous rocir of musketry, the sound of 
 which was occasionally swallowed up in the deeper, louder 
 roar of cannon, 
 
 '• Double quick !" was the order. On, on they went, at 
 a rapid pace, until the smoke from the battle field became 
 visible; then " Halt," " halt," went along from regiment to 
 regiment. 
 
 They had now reached a place where it was comparatively 
 easy to ascend the mountain on either side of the road; so 
 the General sent two rey;iments to the right and two to the 
 left, designing to cut off the possibility of escape either 
 
56 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 way ; while two regiments were left to press the enemy's 
 rear. 
 
 Thus they advanced until they came upon the eneir^y's 
 reserve, who, anticipatinjr no danirer from that direction, 
 fled in wild confusion towards the front. To the fri<i;htened 
 yankee hosts, the mountains seemed to be alive with men ; 
 and, for the first time, they began to see their danger. 
 Coming within musket range, a deadly fire was poured into 
 the invaders from the rear and on both flanks; while there 
 seemed to be no chance for their escape. 
 
 The firing was very heavy beyond, on the direction of 
 the Gap, so that it was evident that two battles were furi- 
 ously raging. The enemy had appeared in considerable 
 force beyond the Gr-p, and were trying to force our posi- 
 tion, supposing that our principle force was engaged on 
 this side. Line after line of the eneujy was broken and 
 repulsed. Deadly volleys of grape and canister were 
 poured into their ranks ; and the force on this side, being 
 able neither to advance nor retreat, displayed the white 
 flag. Meantime they were doing all in their power to es- 
 ca]^ through a deep ravine on the left of the road. This 
 trick was soon discovered, and effectually frustrated by the 
 two regiments that had been sent to prevent such a move. 
 Probably not more than 1.000 of the whole force were so 
 fortunate as to make their escape; the remainder, about 
 5,000, fell into our hands— 400 killed, 2,100 wounded, and 
 3,500 prisoners. A large amount of arms and ammunition 
 were captured. The enemy, on the other side of the Gap, 
 unable to efi"ect anything biit the slaughter of their troops, 
 gave way, and fled in confusion. 
 
 Our loss did not exceed 10 killed and 50 wounded. 
 This was one of the most brilliant victories of the war. 
 
 Not content with leaving a Yankee Fouth of the moun- 
 tain, a few regiments were sent out to intercept those who 
 had escaped. Nor was the expedition wholly fruitless, for 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 57 
 
 towards night, several hundred of the heartless invaders 
 were marched into camps. 
 
 The hearts of the pious, anion^ the Confederates, were 
 filled with gratitude to Him who giveth the victory to 
 whom hfe will. Especially did the General and Virtus 
 offer devout thank>«giving to God for His great goodness- 
 When night came, Virtus was sent for, to visit his Gene- 
 ral's headquarters. (He had reported to the General be- 
 fore, but as there was another General present and a num- 
 ber of officials, he retired as soon as possible.) On enter- 
 ing the tent. Virtus saluted his General and the General 
 with wiiom he had travelled a good part of the day. 
 
 *' Allow me, Gen. to present you with my Adjutant, 
 
 Capt. Virtus." 
 
 Virtus bowed erracefully, touching his cap. "I had the 
 pleasure," said the other, "of traveling in company with 
 this gentleman to-day; and I assure you that he is entitled 
 to our praise and gratitude for the valuable services ren- 
 dered," 
 
 " Pardon me," said our hero in an earnest manner, " I 
 am not a Captain — am only a private as I told you to-day. 
 Nor am I ashamtd of the name." * 
 
 " We will adjust tluit matter hereafter," said his Gene- 
 ral ; " come now, and tell us of your adventures." 
 
 Virtus, averse to " blowing his own horn," said : " I 
 managed, through a kind Providence, to make my way 
 by the enemy, reached the General here as soon as I could, 
 delivered yout orders, or messages, and came back with his 
 forces. I am too sleepy and tired now, to enter into details. 
 Please excuse me unless you have some specific orders." 
 
 Saying this, he beijan to retire, when the General said, 
 " Tarry with us to-night — I will make room for you, if I 
 have to give you my bed. I sent for you, not for my own 
 or the interest of the crowd, but to make you as comforta- 
 ble as possible. So you will, I hope, spend the night with 
 us." 
 
58 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 "Thank you Gfinerai; but you have company which it 
 
 becomes you to entertain; and, besides, I iiave comfortable 
 lodging in my mess." 
 
 " 1 have no company, sir, whom it becomes me to enter- 
 tain more than yourself, however kindly I will entertain 
 the General and his stafif; for to no one more than to your- 
 self, is due this brilliant success which has crowned our 
 arms." 
 
 " I have done nothing more than my duty, v.hich I am 
 always ready to do," was the dignified reply. " Now, if 
 you will excuse me, I will go to my tent." 
 
 *' Certainly, if it is your wish; though I would decidedly 
 prefer that you would stay." 
 
 " Propriety as well as comfort suggests that I should go. 
 Good evening, gentlemen." Saying which, he gracefully 
 bowed himself out, and went to his tent «'here gentle sleep 
 Was waiting to bestow genial repose upon the wearied hero. 
 
 Virtus had but left the tent, when his General said to 
 his guest, " This is the most remarkable young man I ever 
 saw. All the virtues are beautifully blended in his charac- 
 ter ! I never had the pleasure of being acquainted with 
 so noble a character, or one more intelligent and refined. 
 Competent to be a General of the highest order, he persist- 
 ently refuses all promotion ; nor is it in my power to an- 
 swer the arguments with which he justifies his refusal." 
 
 *' I was much struck with the young man, as we rode on 
 togethar to-day," said the other; "and there being a va- 
 cancy on my staff, I politely tendered him the position of 
 Aid de Camp; but he as politely declined it, and, as you 
 say, bolstered his position with arguments which, at the 
 time, 1 was unable to answer. He is a religious youth, I 
 opine ?" 
 
 *' Yes, sir; one of the most pious I ever knew. His 
 religion is not a mere ahsfraciwn, which is too ol'ten the 
 case with professors; but it is a living, active principle 
 with him. All his words, principles, teelings and actions, 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 59 
 
 are adjusted in ac(^rdance with the word of God. In a 
 word, he lias the best rounded and the best developed cha- 
 racter I ever knew.'' 
 
 *' Suppose you send for him to-morrow morning, and we 
 will ar^ue the case farther with him ; for with me, as I per- 
 ceive it is with you, there "is no obstacle in the way because 
 of his inferior position." 
 
 ** iSo," said the other ; " it is u:ortk that makes the man— 
 pergonal wor/h, not circumstarjj^y honors. 1 will, at your 
 [request, send for him, to-morl^lBKiiorning ; but before dis- 
 missing this subject, permit ui^ro tell you the part he has 
 acted in the present campaign." 
 
 He then went on to relate all that he knew about the 
 matter, which was listened to with the deepest interest by 
 his distinguished guest. Amorg other things allusion was 
 made to the capture of the spy at the railroad, when the 
 letter which our hero had taken from the person of the 
 py was produced and read. From this it was ascertained 
 that the enemy would not have advanced against the Gap, 
 but returned over the mountain, if the spy had returned 
 to the Yankee G»n)eral ; for there was a clause in the let- 
 ter which the traitor had in possession, which read thus : 
 * If there is any prospect of reinforoements being sent to 
 the Gap, report the fact to me immediately ; but if there is 
 ao danger, as I presume there is none, you can report to 
 me at your leisure." 
 
 After expressing their high appreciation of our heroe's 
 labors, and admiration of his characier, the conversation 
 urned on other matters, and finally they retired for the 
 Qight. 
 
 Much refreshed with sleep, they arose early the next 
 
 Horning. Breakfast ready, Gen. B sent for Virtus, 
 
 ivho appeared in a moment, and after the usual salutations, ' 
 fee;, was invited to take a seat at the table. 
 
 ' ThaJik you, General," said he; *' my own breakfast 
 
60 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 will be ready soon, and ray mess will expect me. Excuse 
 me; I must return." 
 
 '' It can make no differenco with your mess if you cat 
 with us; besides, I will send them word where you are. 
 We wish you to be with us for the pleasure of your com-* 
 pany." ■^'^'>bv 
 
 ^' Thank you; T will grant the request, though in doing 
 so, I do not wish it to be understood that I think it an 
 honor to be called from my own messmates." 
 
 " We understand that perfectly," replied the General. 
 
 When all were seated at the table, the visiting General, 
 turning to Virtus, said, " I think I am able to convince 
 you that you are in error with regard to your objections to 
 becoming an officer." 
 
 "Very well, sr; if you can, I will readily yield my 
 position, and accept office when it is tendered; for who is 
 nfoolhMt him who acts contrary to reason T' 
 
 " I would hear your objections again," said the General, 
 " and we will consider them one at a time." (, 
 
 '* xMy first objection is, That privates make the greatest 
 sacrifice for liberty, and are, therefore, entitled to the 
 greatest honor." - 
 
 " But do they receive it ?" inquired the General. 
 
 "This question has nothing to do with my proposition.- 
 One proposition at a time, if you please." 
 
 The General perceiving the force of the objection, made 
 the following inquiry : " Was any private in General 
 Washington's army, deserving of more honor than the; 
 General himself." ,| 
 
 " As to that 1 cannot tell, sir, since I wos never fortu- 
 nate enough to see either the ' Father of his country/ or 
 any of the veterans whom he had the honor to lead." 
 
 " Vt'lio is to decide the amount of honor due a private or 
 an officer ? and who is to award it ? If the people are to 
 be the judges, then I am sure .that officers will be deemed 
 worthy of most honor ; and it you do not submit the mat- 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 61 
 
 ter to the judgment of the people, to whom will you sub- 
 mit it ?" 
 
 "To justice, the goddess of liberty, and to those whose 
 views are just," 
 
 '• Bu: 'justice and the goddess of liberty ' are mere ab- 
 stractions, and are cupable of giving no decisions and 
 awardin;:; no honors; and the 'just' to whom you refer arc 
 too far in the minority to be heard." 
 
 *' You do not maintain that there is no standard o\:' Justice 
 which tests tlie merits of every profession or occupation of 
 man ? And arc you prepared to say that there is no prin- 
 ciple of patriotism, which ascribes the greatest horjors to 
 him who sacrifices most for his country'/ Surely you will 
 not teach such doctrines. There would be such great prin- 
 ciples in existence even though the u-Jiolc human iamily 
 were so corrupt as not to sej them. And as to the fewness 
 of those who do do perceive them, and whose opinions are 
 so far just. 1 would merely say, the Ju<t hive ever .<ince the 
 fall of Adam, been in the ' minority.* According to your 
 principle, a man should always look to see where the ma- 
 jority stands, before he assume- his position ; and this, car- 
 ried to an extreme, would, I have no doubt, take him to 
 perdition." 
 
 " Much of what you say is true ; yet it remains to be 
 Fhown that a man should always shape his cour.-se in accord- 
 ance with mere abstractions." 
 
 " You will please state what part of what I have said, 
 is not true." 
 
 The General hesitated. 
 
 " Now, while you are making up your mind on this sub- 
 ject, I will state, as a universal axiom, that it is always 
 right to be governed by principles of right, whether many, 
 few, or none (besides the actor) perceive those principles." 
 
 '• You have your notions about this; but let us have an- 
 other reason." 
 
 *' I have given vou on€ rea-^on, and you have Dot be«n 
 
62 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 abl'3 to answer in ; yet, r\s you request it, T will give yoa 
 an ither. It is thi.s : T lie position of a private tench to hu- 
 miliation, while that of an ofjirxr tends to self-exaltation. 
 Here the ari^-uraent is two-fold, and both in favor of the 
 private's position." 
 
 " Does not an humble position tend to degrade a man, and 
 an exalted one elevate V 
 
 "The private's position, I said tends to humble a man ; 
 you will please contLie yourself to the arguiiiant." 
 
 The rieneral was evidently at a loss to answer his argu- 
 ment; and General B generously came up, at this 
 
 juncture, to reinforce him; hoping to defeat Virtus by a 
 " flank movenient/' So he introduced a new argument 
 altogetlier. 
 
 " I know," said he, " that you believe in the direction 
 of Providence. Now has not Providence clearly opened 
 up before you the way to office ? May you not be acting 
 sinfully in declining office thus providentially offered you V 
 
 " A masked battery 1" exclaimed Virtus ; " yet I don't 
 think it will cause me to 'change my base.' But seriously. 
 I don't think that Providence ever opens up the way before 
 a man, until all the solul objections to traveling that road, 
 have been removed. It might be in my power to appro- 
 priate millions of gold belonging to another; yet^while the 
 commandment, ' Thou shalt not«teal,' looks me in the face, 
 I will not be justified in stejiling it. While Providence 
 may, and I think does have some general superintendence 
 over every^thing — good and evil — that happens, I do not 
 understand tiiat He approves them all. The Captain of a 
 vessel dare not follow in the direction of every breeze." 
 
 Finding that there was no chance for them to di:*suade 
 him, the visiting general said, " Well, my dear sir, if you 
 wili not atttach yourself to my staff, I will be delighted to 
 see you at my head-(iuarrers at any time." 
 
 " Thank you, sir ; when it is compatable with my duty, 
 It will afford me pleasure to call on you , and ii you enter* 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 63 
 
 tairud the .sinie notion?; of merit that 1 do, T would invite 
 you ro wy quirffr^^ ; but I would not offend you "oy uiaking 
 any t»a<li invitation.*' 
 
 " No LiiF.'ncp, sir, I as.sure you." 
 
 "Then I invite you to oine.'' 
 
 " \S ifh i:re;;t pleasure, whenever I visit this briirndc." 
 
 " How ni'blei youth I" thought thegenenils Hi? moral 
 principles, they both felt, were purer than "gold seven 
 times refined."' 
 
 The conversation seemed likely to end at this point, 
 when Virtue, wishinu to '* drive a nail in a sure pliice," 
 said, " I h(»pe, gentlemen, ycu will parion me for alluding 
 to one other subject connected with official position in the 
 army " 
 
 '• Certainly," replied both the generals, " we will be glad 
 to hear from you." 
 
 '* Well, then," said he, " it is this : Officers speak much 
 of the houor attached to office, but rarely refer to the re- 
 spo/isioilities which it imposes, if indeed they ever think' of 
 them. 
 
 " As I do not wish to deal in abstractions, I will, with 
 your permission, allude t) some of g our respoimbilitie&. 
 Then — 
 
 1. You are rerponsible, largely, for the efficiency of your 
 men — their health, drei's, ilriU, &c. 
 
 2. You are responsible, to a great extent, for their moral 
 deportment, as avcU as their gentlemanly bearing. 
 
 8. Iheir religious interests, also, arc committed," in a 
 fearful sense, to your care. 
 
 In a word, their efficiency as soldiers, their intellectual, 
 moral, and religious interests — their interests for time and 
 eternity are given, in a great degree, \u^o your hands. 
 
 To be able to mee*. these rc^pom^ihilitics, officers should 
 be men — men of sterling moral worth, of great energy, of 
 decision, and intellect, and, above all, of eminent piety. 
 Looking to all these requisitions and grave responsibilities, 
 
64 OUR OWN heroes; 
 
 every officer should, in the language of Inspiration, inquire, 
 " Who is sujficient/or these things f' 
 
 *' I beij you, gentlemen, to think of your responsibilities 
 as well as your honors." 
 
 The generals both listened with the profoundest respect 
 to these solemn truths, and Gen. B — , especially, showed 
 signs of trouble within — he felt the force of the admoni- 
 tian. The thought flashed across his mind, " Through my 
 neglect of duty, some young man's morals, and yjossibiy 
 his soul, may be lost. In that event, all earthly honors that 
 I might win, would be infinitely contemptible, and worse 
 than nothing." 
 
 The other officer, while a man of moral character, was 
 not a professor of religion ; and, though he admitted the 
 truth of most that our hero had said, he objected to one 
 point, — Said he, " I am no professor of religion, and I don't 
 think that I am responsible for the religious welfare of my 
 men, as if I were a Christian." 
 
 >' Whose fault is it. General, that you are 7wt a Chris- 
 tian ?" 
 
 " My own, I suppose," (for his own conscience would not 
 let him give a difl'erent answer), 
 
 " If it is your fault, then, that you are not a Christian ; 
 and if, as you virtually admit, you ought to be a Christian, 
 it is very plain that you are to blame for not doing those 
 things which a Christian ought to do." 
 
 *< I see it," said he, " and will tri/ to meet the issue, by 
 becoming a Christian as soon as possible." 
 
 This he said, not so much from a feeling sense of his own 
 need of salvation, as that he might be able to discharge his 
 duty to others ; for he clearly saw that he could not meet 
 his'moral and religious obligations to his men without true 
 and undefiled religion. 
 
 " I hope," said our Christian hero,/' that you wili be suc- 
 cessful in your efforts. But do you, General, /ee^ the need 
 of personal salvation ?" 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 65 
 
 *' I feel, sir, that I cannot discharge my duty without 
 being a Christian." 
 
 " Voui- duty to whom /" 
 
 *' To the soldiers under my command." 
 
 "*' Your Jir&t duty ib to God. You must fee' your need 
 of personal salvation — forgiveness through the merits of 
 Christ, or you cannot become a true Christian. You must 
 be more cuncerued to propitiate the favor of Him Whose 
 authority you have, up to this tiiue, despised, than to do any 
 thing else "' 
 
 The General evidently did not fpcl that load of guilt 
 which all must feel, before they are willing to be saved by 
 Christ. " 1 will study the matter, and do the best I can," 
 was his reply to what Virtus had said. 
 
 The conversation was here interrupted, and Virtus re- 
 i/urned to his tent. Gen. B — f'ilt more like resigning his 
 position than ever before ; for a sense of his responsibility 
 was now sj much impressed upon him, that he could hardly 
 consent to remain lunger in his position. While musing 
 over the subject, the following thoughts lodged in his mind : 
 *' I am, in an important sense, responsible for the dreas^ 
 cleanliacss^ healtit, miUtari/ ejjicicurj/^ maiuicrs, morals, and 
 even the eternal welfare of my men ! If, through ncjli- 
 f/ence, tcil/'ull v/norance, had example^ or undue tokrationy 
 my men should suffer in their physical^ mental, moral, or 
 religious interests; the loss will be irreparable! To be 
 the means of ruining the morals, manners, and especially 
 the souls of those who are largely subject to my control, 
 would eclipse all my military glory, and would be a disaster 
 of such magnitude as that, were all the honors of the world 
 to be heaped upon my head, they would appear as naught 
 and vanity 
 
 '* I will do the best I can while I remain an officer," was 
 his firm resolve j " and I pray that God may give me grace 
 to perform my whole duty." 
 
 Would that every officer could feel just as he felU Then 
 5 
 
66 OUR OWN* HEKOES. 
 
 would we see less of hoUow^ swell-headechiess ; tlben would 
 we see officers competent to lead their men, not only 
 to victory, but into the paths of moral refinement; then 
 the army, instead of being a bedlam, (as is often the ease,) 
 would be a place of refinement, and the uneducated masses 
 would be elevated and immeasurably improved by their 
 connection with the army; while the wealthy, brought to 
 feel some of the hardships of life, would have more correct 
 notions of what a man ought to be, and an abiding, sym- 
 pathy for the poor. Then when peace shall spread her 
 balmy wings over our beloved Confederacy, our soldiers 
 who survive the bloody struggle Tor inc'ependence, would 
 return to their horae«, not vagabonds, blackguards, and 
 blasphemers, but gentlcmen\ 
 
OUR UWS HEROES. b^ 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The enemy bein^: overcome, there was no necessity for 
 
 Gen. and his brigade to remain longer at the Gap. 
 
 Therefore, after resting and enjoying tlie pure mountain 
 air a few days, they returned to their old station on the 
 railroad, that they might be ready to re-inforce where they 
 were most needed. Their late experience had made them 
 happy and hopeful. One success buoyed them up so they 
 would be desirous of others, and would fight for them. 
 
 " How much confidence those men at the Gap have in 
 
 their officers," remarked one of the Colonels to Gen. , 
 
 while on their way back to the railroad. 
 
 '' Yes; and how perfectly. do both men and officers con- 
 duet themselves. I was charmed with Gen. B — 's brigade, 
 and could but hope that mine, in which I have prided my- 
 self, would one day equal it," replied the General. 
 
 " Every thing," said the Colonel, " went on as steadily 
 and smoothly as clock-work. I do wonder how so many 
 steady men happen to get together." 
 
 " Quite likely, they were no better, as a whole, at first, 
 than many other brigades- Tliey have been made what 
 they afe. Gen. B — is no ordinary man. He understands 
 how to fill his position." 
 
 " I fully concur with you there. His very appearance 
 bears testimony to tkit," replied the Colonel. 
 
 And they were right in this Gen. B — had, from his first 
 accession to office, deported himself in such a way us to 
 gain the love and confidence of the good and wise, and to 
 
 -^ 
 
68 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 inspire with fear those who were not disposed to obey army 
 reguhitions. As a colonel, he had strictly enforced the 
 army regulations. Morality was enjoined on all, and reli- 
 gion, outwardly, at least, observed. Himself a devout 
 Christian, he set a good example to those who were con- 
 nected with him, and ever gave assistance to whatever 
 would tend to increase piety in his regiment. 
 
 When called to fill a higher and more responsible office, 
 he lost none of his rehgious zeal, but rather strove to be 
 more pious, that his increased influence might only be good. 
 
 The Sabbath he set apart as a day of prayer and wor- 
 ship. No reviews or drills Wiire permitted, that he could 
 possibly prevent. The Army Regulations sustained him 
 in this; and if they had not, he would have preferred fol- 
 lowing the laws of a living God tp those of men dead in 
 trespasses and sins. He conversed often and freely with 
 the Chaplain about the best means of spreading religion 
 amony: the men, and assisted him in his cood work. 
 
 Seeing his goodness, the men could but admire and love 
 him, and consequently were delighted to please him by their 
 obedient, and gentlemanly deportment. 
 
 The good Chaplain would be mistreated were we not to 
 stat€ that he faithl'ully attended to his duties. Like a min- 
 istering spirit, he went from tent to tent — even from man 
 to man — pressing upon all their religious duty. 
 
 In such a brigade, of course stealing, or '• pressing" with- 
 out proper authority, was not allowed. It' necessity de- 
 manded the impressment of a man's goods, full compensa- 
 tion was made him. A mere pittance was desirable to 
 stolen dainties. 
 
 Citizens gladly awarded the good general and his men 
 the meed of honesty ; nor were they slow to 'show their 
 - appreciation of such defenders. ^ 
 
 Both privates and the lover officers vied with each other 
 in paying that strict regard to the military rules, that ren- 
 dered the duty of those higher in office comparatively easy. 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 69 
 
 They were proud of their brigade, and strove to act in 
 such a way as that others might imitate them advanta- 
 geously. 
 
 Oar hero-private, Virtus, was not the only one who was 
 brave, hone.st, upright; but he, perhaps, was better than 
 the majority, in that his intellect and heart had be^n uni- 
 formly cultivated. Gen. 13 — acknowledged him his own 
 equal, and, as has been seen, was glad to introduce him to 
 his brother officers, llis arguments for remaining a pri- 
 vate could not be answered. Though averse to assuming 
 the responsibility of an officer himself, he delighted to see 
 good and worthy men promoted. 
 
 A few days after the departure of Gen. and his 
 
 brigade, Gen. 13 — summoned Virrus to him. After the 
 customary salutations, the general said : 
 
 " I sent for you, to ask if you knew any good man capa- 
 able of filling the position I have so urged upon you. Hav- 
 ing set my heart upon having you, I find it difficult to se- 
 lect another." 
 
 " I can but continue thanks for your kindness in my be- 
 half, for such, I am sure, you intend;' began Virtus. But 
 the general interrupted him, to say ; 
 
 ''I must confess, my friend, that I am somewhat selfish 
 too. Your good I certainly desire, but the greater benefit 
 would result to myself from your acceptance of this office." 
 
 " That is certainly flattering to my vanity ; but you will 
 not feel the loss of my services, if those of a competent man 
 he secured. Such a man, I think, I can name ;" was the 
 reply of Virtus. 
 
 " Who is he ? and where to be found ? I am ready to 
 confer the office on him from your rocommendation." 
 
 " I would not have you do so merely on account of my 
 recommendation. You ought to feel fully satisfied of his 
 competency to fill office, first," 
 
 "•Of that lam satisfied, if you judge him so. But who 
 is he ?" again, enquired the general. 
 
70 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 "It is Inman, of Company C; Col. H-;-'s Regiment." 
 
 " Inman ; I cannot recollect him. Why do you recom- 
 mend him ?" 
 
 " Because he is worthy ;" was the reply. 
 
 *' Particularize, if you please." 
 
 *' Then, 1st. He is a man of cultivated intellect; 2d. 
 His military genius is good; 3d, He is brave. He can 
 face the enemy, and has also great moral courage; 4th. 
 He is a poor man. His family is barley able to subsist on 
 what his wife can earn. Office would enable him to do 
 something for them ; 5th. He is a pious man — a man of 
 prayer." 
 
 Virtus would have given other reasons, but the above 
 "were considered quite sufficient by the General, who begged 
 that he would at once introduce his friend. To this Virtus 
 replied : 
 
 ** I can hardly consider him a friend yet; though I would 
 like to. I have only conversed with him a few times." 
 
 " How then do you know him to be fit for the office for 
 which you recommend him ?" inquired the general 
 
 ** I have had frequent opportunities of observing him, 
 and have confidence in what our mutual friends testify in 
 regard to him." 
 
 '' But why not take this opportunity of helping so me 
 one of your own friends to office ? You surely have friends 
 who would gladly accept," said the general, for the sake, it 
 would seem, of detaining our hero. 
 
 " True ; perhaps many of them would be glad of promo- 
 tion, but I know of none who would fill the position more 
 creditably than he of whom I spoke. Besides, I am not 
 one to have my friendship sought, because I may be able 
 to benefit in such ways. I hope my reasons for recommend- 
 ing Inman were good." 
 
 " Yes, and perfectly satisfactory ; and now you may bring 
 in my new Aid. I am anxious to form his acquaintance." 
 
 To the surprise and gratification of all, the new Aid hap- 
 
OUR OWxN HEROES. 71 
 
 pened to be one whoia Gen. B — had noticed and compli- 
 mented in the kite battle. Thus the office was at last satis- 
 factorily dispuscd of. 
 
 Tiie remainder of the short stay — for it proved short — 
 was very pleasantly spent. 
 
 The occasional capture of a bushwhacker was all of news 
 they had. Hence there was ample time to explore the 
 mountain caves, and notice the freaks of nature so bounti- 
 fully lavished around uKe spot. 
 
 But these quiet, pleasant occupations were rudely broken 
 in upon. Ever faithful to his military duties, General B — 
 soon discovered the determination of the enemy to make a 
 flank movement. A large body of yankces were making 
 their way through a more eastern gap, with the evident in- 
 tention of cutting off all supplies, and compelling the sur- 
 render of the Gap 
 
 Gen. B — communicated with bis superior officers, advis- 
 ing them of his dangerous position. The way to the rail- 
 road was now beset with many dangers, and more than once 
 Virtus was detailed on the yet untilled stafl", to perform this 
 hazfudous trip. 
 
 Though several times followed by the mountain robbers, 
 he managed to elude them. One visit to their encampment 
 had been sufficient to satisfy him, it would seem, from the 
 quick alertness which never forsook him, while away from 
 his command. 
 
 After much consulting and putting together *^ wise 
 heads," it was decided advisable for the Gap to be evacu- 
 ated. This our noble brigade were much averse to doing. 
 Yet, even this, was preferable to falling into the hands of 
 the enemy. 
 
 Every thing that could be removed was hastily put under 
 way ; while the remainder was as nearly as possible de- 
 stroyed. Some of the larger guns were nece-sarily left be- 
 hind, but in such a condition that they would require con- 
 siderable repairing before they would work. 
 
72 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 Less joyfully, because they were retreating, than when 
 they went' up to the Gap, did the men leave it. Their jests 
 and mirth were laid aside, for the time, and something 
 of sadness took their place. But once more aboard the 
 cars, something of the old spirit returned ; and hoping to 
 be the victors yet. they began to notice the country through 
 which they were parsing. 
 
 " This place looks very much like an old friend/' said 
 one to Virtus, as they neared a village. 
 
 Virtus blushed, stammered forth a reply, and was turn- 
 ing away when the other exclaimed : '• Oh, I remember 
 now. This is where that beautiful young lady gave us 
 such delicious cakes. Don't you remember, Virtus? I 
 am going to look out and see if she is here to-day ;" say- 
 ing which, he hastened away without noticing Virtus' 
 deepening blushes, or waiting for an answer to his query. 
 
 Our hero was glad to be relieved of his friend's compa- 
 ny just then. Truth is, he had recognized the station, and 
 was looking about him for a convenient place of observa- 
 tion. Just as he had secured a scat which commanded a 
 view of the station, he was summoned to the Greneral's car, 
 which was in the rear. Something akin to vexation 
 troubled him when he heard the summons, for he would 
 probj^bly lose the privilege of looking out. Yet he had 
 too high a regard for his General to delay obedience, so 
 arose and went at once to him. As he had anticipated, he 
 had little opportunity of outward observation ; but he got 
 one glance at the beautiful mansion, and thought he saw 
 a lady at one of the windows, but as the conversation was 
 directed to him at the time, he could not console himself 
 with another glance. After talking over some of his plans, 
 and hearing the suggestions of his Aids, and of Virtus, 
 Gen. B suddenly exclaimed : 
 
 " As I live, here is our stopping place. I did not know 
 tiuic was passing so rapidly." 
 
 At this announcement the heart of Virtus certainly beat 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 73 
 
 more rapidly than it was wont to. " Perhaps," thought 
 h6, '* I may see her — niciy know her yet. It cannot be 
 
 more than ten miles to . I am very glad we are to 
 
 stop here at any rate. Who knows what may happen." 
 
 Thus musing, he mingled with the busy throng who 
 were hunting blankets, knapsacks, &c., preparatory to leav- 
 ing the cars. 
 
 Their encampment was in a beautiful wood near the 
 rail road. A «niall river flowed sluggishly along on one 
 side, while on the other beautifully cultivated fields 
 stretched away. 
 
 They had been here only a few days, when it was dis- 
 covered that the enemy were making great efforts to reach 
 the railroad at that j.oint. Their object could,- of course, 
 only be conjectured. The burning of the bridge over the 
 river might have been their sole object — since that would 
 tend greatly to interrupt our movements. But some 
 thought that the devastation of all thcsurrounding country 
 would result, if once an entrance was effected. 
 
 Gen. B used every precaution in his power to make 
 
 his position secure. Pickets were kept out constantly and 
 urged to be very vigilant. Only a few days elapsed before 
 Virtus was sent out on the road leading northward. He 
 was sauntering leisurely along, about two miles from camp, 
 when he s-:w approaching, a lady accompanied by two ser- 
 vants. 
 
 As she came nearer, he perceived that it was she who, 
 though unknown, had awakened emotions which, if not 
 those of love, he could not account for. 
 
 "Now," thought he,," if I only had some excuse for 
 detaining her, how fortunate would be my lot. But unless 
 she stops of her own accord, I do not see any way in which 
 I could gallantly speak to her." Thus he mused as she 
 rode up and much to his gratification drew in her reins 
 near him. A rosy blush suffused her fair cheek when she 
 looked upon Virtus ; and be, seeing that she recognized 
 
1i. OtrR OWN HEKOES. 
 
 him had scarcely enough composure left to make her a 
 graceful bow. 
 
 ** Will you direct me to Gen. B -'s head-quurters ?" 
 
 was the request of the fair lady ; and never, at least so 
 thought Virtus, did mortal possess so sweet a voice. 
 
 " With pleasure, and moreover, I would gladly conduct 
 you hither, were I permitted to leave my post ;'' he replied 
 in a most courteous voice. 
 
 " Thank you. I see you are a picket, and know what is 
 required of you. If my horse will only remain quiet, I 
 shall get along well enough with directions." 
 
 *• He does look too gay for a lady. Allow me to fix this 
 rein," said he, unfastening two buckles while fastening one. 
 Then they had to be fastened, and he persisted in doing it, 
 though the poHte servant stood by ready to perform the 
 task. 
 
 " I have not often had the courage to mount him, but 
 father was anxious for us all to leave home to day, and the 
 carriage would not conveniently hold us all, so I ventured 
 to come on before," said she. 
 
 " Are yoii leaving on account of the expected invasion ?" 
 respectfully inquired our hero. 
 
 " Yes. Father could not safely remain himself, and will 
 not permit any of the family to be left behind. We expect 
 to have everything destroyed, but our greatest regret is in 
 leaving the home and grave of dear, dead mamma." A 
 tear flashed in the beautiful eye at these sad remembrances. 
 Virtus expressed his sympathy, and seeing tliat he could 
 no longer dally over the bridle, courteously asked one other 
 question, viz - '' How far do you intend going ?" 
 
 How his heart beat in the moment that he awaited the 
 answer. If she should be going any great distance, who 
 could tell if they wculd ever meet again ? 
 
 The blush deepened on her cheek as she rcDlied : " Only 
 a few miles south, to an uncle's. But you have not given 
 me directions to the General's head-quaaters yet/' 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 75 
 
 "With a glow of the cheek as deep as her own, he 
 directed her in a few words. Then while each crimsoned 
 dee{>er, they exchanged bows and '' iiood mornings," and 
 she passed on her way. The picket leaned upon his gun 
 very unlike a vigilant soldier, while the lady's form was 
 distinguishable among the trees. Nor need he be censured, 
 if for a time, he thought more of the scene through which 
 he had just pa.ssed, than or' his duty as a soldier. He con- 
 sidered it one point. gained to have heard her speak ; an- 
 other to know that ihe would not be many miles distant. 
 He hardly dared, yet could but hope that the way for a 
 more permanent acquaintance might soon be openened ; 
 but how, he would not even conjecture. 
 
 When, soon after, the sound of an approaching carriage 
 was heaird, he was not startled, or surprised, for he was ex- 
 pecting it. 
 
 " Now," said he, ^' I will see the family of that charm- 
 ing young lady, and it may be, learn her name." 
 
 The carriage soon came up, and the picket was not in 
 the least chagrined at seeing it stop. A glance showed the 
 occupants through the open window. They were an old 
 lady of perhaps eighty years, a saucy school girl, and two 
 sprightly children — a boy and girl — of the ages of seven 
 and five years, respectively. 
 
 "Her grannmother, sisters and brother," interpreted the 
 beholder to himself The old lady looked out, and after 
 bidding him " good morning," said : 
 
 " Has a young lady passed here this morning?" 
 
 " Be a little more definite, if you please. Several ladies 
 have passed, and were I to answer affirmatively, I might 
 not satisfy you;" said Virtus " catching at a straw," to 
 hear the name of the fair unknown. The youngest child 
 here used her privilege of being " pet," and answered before 
 her grandmother : 
 
 " It is Auntie . Don't you know her ? Sheisgood 
 
 and sweet and — " 
 
 i 
 
76 OUR. OWN HEROES. 
 
 " Hush, Grace ; don't you see Grandma is trying to 
 speak?" interposed the boy. 
 
 ^'.I should say the gentleman would be o-reatly enlight- 
 ened by your chatter,'' closed in the school girl, good 
 humoredly nudging the little ones. 
 
 '' Don't Aunt Lina," called out both children, while 
 Virtus was thinking, " I was wrong, these little ones are 
 not her brother and sister; but ' Lina,' as they call her, 
 must be a sister — the striking likeness shows that." 
 
 '' Th«re, there, children, hush," said the old lady, en- 
 joining silence. " You see," continued she, to Virtus, 
 "spoilt children. I cannot help petting and playing with 
 them, so they are ever ready to place themselves on an 
 equality with me. They are all motherless, and for the 
 sake of my lost daughter, the}i are tenderly loved. But 
 old woman like, I am telling you things that I liave no 
 business to. I hope you will not feel fretted." 
 
 " I am not in the least, let me assure you," was the 
 reply. 
 
 *' A good young man, I doubt not. The lady I asked 
 about is a grand-daughter also, a sister of this one," said 
 she, laying her hand on Lina. •' She was on horseback. 
 
 Her name is . Do you know whether or not she has 
 
 passed ?" 
 
 '' She has — at least, I think so." ''Was she accompanied 
 by two servants ?" 
 
 '• Yes, a man and woman." 
 
 "■ The man is mine. I call him my fortune," put in 
 little Jo, in an important manner. 
 
 " She has passed, madam," said Virtus to the old lady, 
 and then, to the boy . " Yes, he looks like a fine servant." 
 
 At this point little Kate drew out from her basket some 
 tempting little cakes and ofiFering them, said : 
 
 " Aunt Lina is ashamed to offer you any cakes because 
 you look so nice, and like you had plenty to eat ; but I 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 77 
 
 ain't 'cause Auntio says, the soldiers don't got any- 
 
 thinfJT veri/ good to eat. Wont you have these?" 
 
 " Yes, to please you, I will take them. They will make, 
 with ray bread and bacon, quite a dinner," smilingjy re- 
 plied he. 
 
 " There, I am proud. I know I have done right," joy- 
 fully exclaimed the little girl. 
 
 "Indeed, you have, Kate. And I wish we could give 
 the gentleman enough to last him a week j but we had to 
 leave so hurriedly that we brought none but a small lunch- 
 eon with us," said her grandmother. 
 
 "Then I will not deprive the little girl of these — " be- 
 gan he, but she inrerrupted him to say : 
 
 " yes, you must keep them. I would not take them 
 for any thing." 
 
 " yes, keep them and take some more, then we will 
 have enough. We are not going far. You must come 
 to see us right soon, and we will try to make you enjoy 
 yourself." 
 
 " Come next Thursday, it is my birthday, and I always 
 have lots of candy, then ;" said Kate. 
 
 Virtus thanked '-licr, and they all laughed. After 
 inquiring his name and apologizing for the familiarity of 
 the children, by saying that they knew whom to like, 
 the old lady ordered the driver to proceed. 
 
 Virtus congratulated himself not a little on his signal 
 success. 
 
 The form of the fair maiden now found a permanent 
 lodgment in his mind; .so that, if he had been disposed 
 to do anything not in accordance with strict morality 
 and propriety, the presence of so pure a model of the 
 gentle sex would have restrained him. But our hero 
 needed no such aid to virtue; his principles, moral and 
 religious, were so correct as to make it, with the assist- 
 ance of his Heavenly Father, quite easy fcr him to tread 
 the path of duty. It is onlp such minds as this that 
 
78 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 can fully appreciate perfect specimens of grace, elegance 
 and virtue ; for where low, vulgar passions infest the 
 mind, they blunt the perception of the* pure, or, in other 
 words, these degraded passions are to the mind what 
 smoke is to glass — they destroy its transparency, and, 
 to that extent, shut out the beauty of objects without. 
 While awlne have no appreciation of the value of pearls, 
 ^' worth appreciates worth/' 
 
 The hours fled swiftly while our hero, feasted his mind 
 on the beauty and loveliness o£ the peerless dam.^el ; 
 yet, as is always the ease with those whose hearts have 
 been pierced by the arrows of Cupid, he was not wholly 
 free from anxiety. The suspense, not to say uncertainty, 
 which envelopes the new lover, especially, is often very 
 painful. Still, in the present case, the unhapp/.ness natu- 
 rally consequent on suspense, was very much modified 
 by the sacred influences of religion. " All things work 
 together for good to those that love the Lord," thought 
 our hero ; '' and He has said, ' A good wife is of the 
 Lord.' I will entrust this important matter to Him, 
 and abide His decision. I will make my will bend to 
 His. Thus, I feel assured, 'all will be for the best;' 
 if the fair stranger is one day to be my bride, I trust 
 it will be for the mutual good of both, and for the decla- 
 rative honor of God; but if it would be better for us 
 never to see each other again, 'so mote it be.'" -^ 
 
 It is natural for one thus impressed with a sense of 
 the Divine goodness, and whose heart is imbued with a 
 sense of obligation to God, to bear suspense, persecution, 
 adversity and kardships, without a murmur. 
 
 His picket hours being numbered for the present. 
 Virtus, with his comrades, returns to camps. He had 
 
 not been there a great while when Gen. B sent for 
 
 him, to appear at his head-quarters. Obedient to the 
 summons he appeared in front of the General's tent. 
 
 " Good evening I Come m !" heartily exclaimed the 
 
OtR OWN flEROES. 79 
 
 General. Yirtns saluted the General, and, like a true sol- 
 dier, entered the tent, and took a seat, the superior oflieef 
 handing him a cyn)p stool. While the General had none 
 but gentlemen on his rtaff, not one of thcni held so high 
 a place in his confidence, respect, and afiections, as Virtus. 
 When any nice point, whether of" strategy or morals, came 
 up. Virtus roust be consulted; and his statf officers present, 
 knowing the GeneraTs fondness for being alone with Virtus, 
 gracefully retired. 
 
 After they were out of hearing, the General began : 
 " Well, sir, did you see that beautiful young lady that 
 passed through our lines to-day V 
 
 '* I paw several ladies; you must be more specific," said 
 Virtus, with a crimson blush. " I refer to a young lady 
 riding a gay black horse, accompanied by two servants." 
 
 "Yes, sir; I saw her — and a fine looking lady she is." 
 
 " Did you ever see her before ?" 
 
 " My impression is that I have." 
 
 All this time the General had been looking quisically 
 into our heroe's eyes, as if to read the feeling of his soul. 
 
 " Will you pardon «ne for asking you, where you think 
 you saw her ?" 
 
 " At station, sir, if I am not mistaken." 
 
 " When ?" 
 
 " When we passed through that place en route to 
 
 city, to form your regiment." 
 
 " Precisely; and unless I am mistaken, the boys had a 
 laugh on you about her." 
 
 " 1 believe they did, sir." 
 
 '* It is not my purpose to pry into your secrets; yet, 
 my friendship for you, my admiration for her, and the 
 rather remarkable circumstance which gave rise to the 
 innocent sport at your expense, which the boys indulged 
 in on the occasion just alluded to — all this, I say, has 
 awakened in me an interest i" our behalf."' 
 
80 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 " Thank 3'ou, sir; but how did your ^ admiration of the 
 lady' become so soon excited ?" 
 
 " I happened to meet her in the road today, and had a 
 long conversation witli her. She is at once the most beau- 
 tiful, intelligent, and accomplished young lady, i think, I 
 ever saw. They are escaping from the yankces, and going 
 a few miles below, to a relation's house. If I can assist you 
 in any way, I am at your service.'' 
 
 " Thank you, General; I may call on you soon. I wish, 
 at least, to form her acquaintance ; and 1 would be glad, if 
 duty should not conflict, to have the privilege of visiting 
 the family next Thursday." 
 
 '^ You shall, certainly, unless something serious should 
 transpire, have the privilege of visiting them ; and, as the 
 old lady invited me down on the same day, I hope to be 
 able to accompany you." 
 
 " Every thing seems to work well," thought Virtus, as 
 he expressed his thanks to the General for his kindness. 
 
 '* But this is not all I wish to speak to you about. I 
 have received an order from .Major General M — to appear 
 with my brigade to-morrow, at 10 o'clock, a. m. [Sunday], 
 for the purp.ose of brigade review. Now, I am at a loss to 
 know what to do. Shall I obey the order, or not ?" 
 
 '• The Army Kegulations do not require such exercises 
 on the Sabbath ; and there is no pressing 7? ecessiY^ for such 
 review. Besides, it would tend to destroy the services of 
 the Sabbath, cause the irreligious to disregard the day, and 
 the army gradually to become a pandemonium. For my 
 part, I will say that, if I ever have to do such a thing on 
 the Sabbath, it will be done under jjrotcst ; so that the sin 
 of desecrating the Lord's day will be chargeable, not to me, 
 but to him who extorts obedience to his unrighteous de- 
 mands. 
 
 I am fully aware, also, that there is an oath adn-inistered 
 to us all to obey our superior officers; yet it was, of course, 
 understood that their orders would not be such as to cou- 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 81 
 
 fiiot witli our obligations to Gcd. Should an officer com- 
 mand me to pl;isj)he!ne the name of Grod. ur to take my own 
 lite, it would be sinful in me to obey him. And, if I am 
 ordored to violate any of the laws oi' God, I shall prefer to 
 *■ obey God rather than man.' 
 
 '' But you ask me whether you shall obey the order. 
 Thi.s you must decide for yourself. I should first write a 
 ^lile note, informing the Major General that there are no 
 army rfes^ulations requiring such an exercise on the iSab- 
 bath, that you and many of your brigade are religiously 
 opposed to such desecration of the Sabbath, and that, there" 
 fore, you hope he will revoke the order." 
 
 ''This is just what I have written, only that I have 
 dressed the ntatter/up in a little milder language. I am 
 anxiously awaiting a reply. Here comes the messenger 
 now." 
 
 The note was handed to Gen. B — , and he read as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 '' j^rig. Gon. B— : .My order is unrevoked — appear on 
 the field at the hour appointed. 
 
 Major General M — ." 
 
 Now came the '' tug of war," more disagreeable by tar 
 than fighting the yankees. 
 
 He took up a piece of paper, and wrote thus : 
 
 " Major Gen. M — : Sir, I regret that you have not re- 
 voked your order ; for I cannot, without doing violence to 
 my conscience, obey it ; and it would be pleasant to die, in 
 preference to doing this. If you choose, I will consider 
 myself under arrest, and will gladly appear before a court- 
 martial, to answer for my conduct. Very respectfully, &c., 
 
 "Brig. Gen. B." 
 
 When the Major General read this note he felt very 
 angry, and determined to arrest the man that was so pre- 
 sumptuous as to disre^'irJ his or lers ; but after reflection 
 led him to pursue a different course. He felt convinced 
 the offender would be acquitted before a court-martial, or, 
 
 6 
 
82 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 if not, that the matter would be refen*ed to the govern- 
 Tiient authorities, where, he felt sure, the decision would 
 ^0 against hiui. Not, therefore, through any regard for 
 the Sabbath, or kind feelings towards the ofiender, but for 
 fear of losini^ his case, and subjecting himself to the criti- 
 cism of the pious, general!}', he sent back the following 
 note : 
 
 Brig. Gen. B — , Not wishing to have an open eruptioo 
 with you, I suppose, in this instance, I shall have to respect 
 your weakness. You need not appear for drill at 10, a. m., 
 to-morrow. 
 
 Maj. Gen. M." 
 
 The messenger returned, and Gen. B— and Virtus were 
 left alone together. 
 
 '^ I am glad the matter has resulted thus," said Vir- 
 tus; "yet it might hcive been better for our armies, gener- 
 ally, if it had been referred to Conirress; for, had the 
 question been pressed upon that body for a decision, there 
 is little ground to doubt that tliey would have placed their 
 veto upon such wanton desecration of the Sabbath. But, 
 for your sake, I am glad it is settled." 
 
 "^ It is," said the general, " very strange that our author- 
 ities did not regulate this matter at first. How it could 
 have been left arbitrary with generals to desecrate the 
 Sabbath, and cause, at will, thousands of pious soldiers 
 to spend the day in drills, reviews, inspections, &c., is be- 
 yond my comprehension. '^ 
 
 After the conversation on this subject closed. Gen. B — 
 asked Virtus this question : 
 
 " How can I exert the best influence over the men under 
 my charge — officers and privates ?" 
 
 "In the first place, being a Christian yourself, you should 
 •let your light shine' conspicuously before all. More than 
 this, you should use your position so as to promote the in- 
 fluence of your teachings Then, secondly. Encourage 
 Chaplains to persevere iu their labor; urge Chrietians to 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 83 
 
 do their whole duty; warn sinners to forsake their sins. 
 Encourage your men to bear, like good soldiers, the bur- 
 dens, hardships, and dangers of war, tempering firmness 
 with kindness. Thirdly. — Teach every officer and private 
 his duty to his country,. to himself, and to his God. Sup- 
 pr(s.>^ all gross immoralities, such as profanity, intoxication, 
 card-playing, stealing, &c. Finally. — See to it that every 
 man treats every other in a proper way. Let no officer 
 abuse a private, or private insult an officer, with impu- 
 nity. 
 
 ''Do all this, and you will have the happiness of know- 
 ing that yours is one of the most efficient brigades in the 
 service ; do this, and you will be the means of saving the 
 morals of many a soldier, if not his soul ; do this, and 
 you vill have a conscience void of oflence towards God 
 and man ; do this, and you will deserve thefflffmind grati- 
 tude of all the good in your brigade, of many wives, moth- 
 ers, and sisters, and oi posterity ; do tiiis, and when you 
 gain admittance through the pearly gates of the New 
 Jerusalem, many a star will glisten in your crown of re- 
 joicing." 
 
 With profound interest did the general listen to all that; 
 our hero said ; and his serious look showed how deeply he 
 felt a sense of his responsibility. Thanking his adviser for 
 his counsel, he said : 
 
 '"1 must adopt system in my labors, else little will be 
 done." 
 
 " Yes,"' said the other, " system is the key to success. 
 Without it, we have little time for any thing; with it, we 
 can do a gieut deal, and have much time to spare. 
 
 '' I would advise you to ashemblo your whole brigade, at 
 least once a week, lor the purpose of impressing upon all 
 the importunce of adopting system, and give them such 
 other advice as will en.ible them to see their responsibility, 
 and make the best of their time possible." ^ 
 " 1 will do it," responded the generaL 
 
84 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 " By doing so you will add much to the pleasure, as well 
 as to the good, of the brigade. The men will, I think, be 
 delighted to know thai their leader is so deeply interested 
 in their behalf. Nothing helps one so much as to know 
 that his superiors are interested in and desire his good.'^ 
 
 " Very true/' replied the general; *'and I am surprised 
 that this idea had not occurred to me before. Why did 
 you not., mention it to me V 
 
 "1 have thought of doing so a number of times, bat 
 have been waiting for a suitable oppo^^tunity. I do not 
 wish to make myself too officious, because you are disposed 
 to regard me kindly.'' 
 
 " Do not allow such ideas to enter your head. I esteem 
 your friendship too highly, not to regard properly your ac- 
 tions. But what time in the week would it be most likely 
 io please the'^njen to meet 'i I -rant to consult their conve- 
 nience ; for on that, to a considerable extent, at least, de- 
 pends their appreciation of this." 
 
 '•That, of course, will depend on circumstances. When 
 we are stationed — as we are now — almost any evenings could 
 be chosen." 
 
 ^' This, I believe, is Saturday.'* 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Then to-morrow I will announce a meeting for next 
 Friday evening, If nothing more th-in I know of should 
 occur." 
 
 " I shall be very glad to hear your lectures on the pro- 
 posed subjects, and can only hope that duty will not de- 
 prive me of the pleasure of hearing the first/' replied 
 Virtus. 
 
 " If you would only consent to receive a position, my 
 dear friend, that would place you more at liberty, I would 
 be most happy." 
 
 To this our hero merely replied : 
 
 '' We have sufficiently discussed that matter before." 
 
 As it was growing late, the private retired to his own 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 85 
 
 tent, there to seek that repose which is so sweet to the 
 weary when a consciousness of having performed faithfully 
 the duties of the day, abides with him. This night, how- 
 ever, though at rest in conscience, and w^ary of body, Vir- 
 tus could not easily compose himself to »leep. And when 
 at last the drowsy god asserted his power, dreams of a certain 
 lovely face and form visited and flitted through the mind 
 of tiiB sleeper. 
 
 The Sabbath was beautifully mild and calm. Anxious 
 listeners gathered together under the bra'iftches of the 
 spreading forest to hear the word of God expounded. 
 Oificcrs and men knelt under nature's ten)ple, to return 
 grateful thanks to the " Giver of all Good." 
 
 It was a noteworthy fact that, though no man was com- 
 pelled to attend Divine service, there were few of the gen- 
 eral's old regiment absent from the assembly of anxious 
 worshipers. It will never be known in this world how 
 Bauch influence for good a pious, consistent general may 
 exert over the men whom he commands; nor how much 
 influence for evil an ungodly, tyrannical general may exert 
 over his men. Their responsibility is fearful ! 
 
 But let us return to the service. 
 
 Our noble Chaplain, after singing and prayer, announced 
 the following as his text : 
 
 " I am not ai^hamed of the Gospel of Christ ; for it is the 
 power of God unto sahaiion to everf, one that believeth." 
 
 ""Well," said the distinguished speaker, ''might the 
 Apostle make the declaration, ' I am not ash.Vmed of the 
 Gospel of Christ,' while he had so good a reason to sup- 
 port his position. Men ought to be ashamed of many 
 pbsitions which they assume, because they have no r/ood 
 reason to sustain them; but while '■salvation is the legiti- 
 mate reason for any position assumed, no one need be 
 ashamed of that position. }Mii/ ? Because it is the best 
 and, therefore, the strongcf^t reason that man can assign for 
 his conduct or opinions. 
 
86 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 " Salvation ! What does it implj^ ? It iuiplies that, 
 without the Gospel man is lost — lost forever — banished 
 from the presence of God and angels — left to endure the 
 penal consequences due to his multiplied transgressions. 
 To the lost soul^no ray of joy, peace, or hope can ever pen- 
 etrate ! Eternal misery, ' the gnawings of the worm that 
 never dies,' must be the portioii of the poor, lost soul! 
 
 '' But ' salvation' implies release from thisawful state. 
 Nor is this all : It implies a well-grounded hope oi admit- 
 tance into t#e blessed city. It furnishes 'unspeakable joy' 
 here, and eternal blessedness hereafter. 
 
 " ' The spirits of just men made perfect,' the angels of 
 God, and Christ himself, will be the associates of the saved 
 soul 
 
 '* Release from infinite torture^ and the enjoyment of in- 
 finite hlias, are the results of ' salvation.' Now, what can 
 be more desirable than to escape the one, and obtain the 
 other? The Apostle's reason, therefore, is two-fold: \^t. 
 to escape eternal punishment; and, 2d. To obtain eternal 
 blessedness 
 
 " Who, then, would be ashamed of that which brings 
 such important results? Who would be ashamed of the 
 Gospel of Christ? Who would be ashamed of Him Who, 
 by His incarnation,^obedience, sufiering, death, and resurrec- 
 tion, made it possible for man to obtain a seat in the New 
 Jerusalem, 
 
 " But hoic is man to avail himself of the benefits of 
 Christ's atenement? By hdicviny. The Gospel of Christ 
 is the power of God to every one that ' believeih.' Believ- 
 eth whfit? Believeth the Gospel of Christ. Will ^ow 
 not all believe this precious Gospel ? Why not ?" 
 
 I hav':! given nothing more than the general outlies of 
 the sermon : to appreciate, fully, it was necessary to hear 
 it, and see the speaker. 
 
 At the close of the sermon, the general arose, made a 
 touching appeal to the men to seek salvation, and announc- 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 87 
 
 ed liis purpose of deliverinfz; a series of lectures on certain 
 subjects, beginning next Friday evening. 
 
 After prayer and singing, the congregation was dis- 
 missed. 
 
 It is proper to state, that the other troops encamped near 
 this brigade were, while Gen. B — 's n>en were enjoying 
 religious service, engaged in making a great *' military dis- 
 play." 
 
 What a contrast ! Here praises ascended to Him Who 
 giveth the victory to A\ hnni He will; there the holy Sab- 
 bath was openly, and without reason, desecrated I 
 
 Why Gen. \i — '& brigade was not present at the " grand 
 review," his own men, except a very few, did not know ; but 
 they thouu:ht they knew enongh of the general to know that 
 he would resign any military position before he would wan- 
 tonly violate the Sabbath. And in this they had judged 
 him correctly ; for he had resolved that, rather than disre- 
 gard the Sabbath, he would throw up his commission, and 
 fight as a private. 
 
 His men, in view of their belief that their general had 
 resolved not to desecrate the Lord's d.iy, had their appreci- 
 ation of him much heightened. Proud they were to serve 
 under such a noble and devotedly pious man. 
 
 Every thing went on smoothly till Thursday morning, 
 the day agreed upon to visit the family, important members 
 of which the general and our hero had already seen. So 
 meeting Virtus early jifter breakfast, the general said to 
 him, '' Will you be ready after morning drill, to pay these 
 ladies our contemplated visit V 
 
 '' Yes, sir; at least I know of nothing to prevent. I 
 will be at your service early after drill." 
 
 ** We will leave at half-past ten o'clock, a. m.," said the 
 general. "Come up to my head-quarters," continued he, 
 " and you shall ride our noble black, that has carried you 
 safely through a more dangerous expedition." 
 
88 OUE OWN HEROES. 
 
 " Thack you, general, was the modest reply of the noble 
 youth. 
 
 According to promise, Virtus appeared at the general^;? 
 head-quarters, dressed in his best suit, which was made of 
 gray (Confederate jeans, with the necessary sprinkling of 
 brass buttons. It is not my design to describe his manly 
 appearance on the occasion ; suffice it, that he had no cause 
 to blush, and the truly refined could but admire him. 
 
 They were soon on their way. The general was unusu- 
 ally mirthful, while his comp inion was almost silent. 
 
 Our hero could only command sufficient control over 
 himsell to pay that regard to his officer's mood which was 
 required of him. He would gladly have riden in silence, 
 but he knew such a course would not only be disrespectful 
 to Gen. B — , but would also bring upon himself raillery j 
 for no one enjoyed jesting more than Gen. B — 
 
 After a few miles' ride they entered the beautiful grounds 
 
 of . All the surroundings showed that abundant 
 
 wealth was possessed by the owners. 
 
 " This is a splendid place," remarked the general ; *' and 
 we may safely promise ourselves a pleasant evening, if the 
 family is as well cultivated as the grounds." 
 
 '' That they are, those who have seen and conversed 
 with them cannot doubt," was the gallant reply. 
 
 '' On the defensive alread^'^, are you ? 1 shall have to 
 use caution in your presence. One who can learn so much 
 from one or two chance meetings, and^consider it his duty 
 to play the defender, may prove dangerous." 
 
 " Not at all. General : but you must yourself admit that 
 
 Miss is a lady of refinement," was the blushing 
 
 reply. 
 
 " Well, yes ; I was rather impressed with that fact. — 
 But yonder comes that little rogue, whose birthday we are 
 to celebrate." 
 
 Little Kate, in her joy and eagerness, ran and opened 
 the gate before a servant could be summoned. 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 89 
 
 " I am so glad to see you," she esclaitiied, while they 
 were dismounting, '' Just think of havinir a ceneral at 
 my catidy-puiling ! It makes me quite proud. And I am 
 jast as glad to have you, too," said she, turning to Virtus. 
 Then, as naturally as if they had been old friends, she held 
 up her rosy mouth fur a kiss from each. Entering into a 
 playful conversation with the merry child, they walked up 
 the broid graveled w;ilk to the piaza, where they were met 
 and most cordially welcomed by the gentlemen and old Mrs. 
 Morton. 
 
 They were ushered immediately into the spacious par- 
 lor, where Virtus was formally introduced to the one who 
 had been seen in many u dream. He could not keep down 
 n flashing color ; nor did he faii to notice the " rosy bluches" 
 that bloomed in .Miss Lula iiOve's cheeks. The presenta- 
 tion of thesancy school-girl, Lina, was quite a relief. 
 
 Taking in all, it was quite a happy gathering. The 
 merry Kate was allowed to do as she pleaccd,and it pleased 
 her to have all attention. No one must refuse to join in 
 her amusement. Even (xen. 13 — had to consent to engage 
 in a game of " club fist." 
 
 Mixing in this child's play, any restraint that might have 
 been felt at first, soon passed away. Not many hours elapsed 
 before strangeness wore off, and each I'elt the feeling of 
 friend to friend, except, perhaps. Virtus and Miss J>ula. 
 'vV'hile each seemed to look upon the other indifferently, a 
 close observer could not fail to detect the interest they felt. 
 They spoke to each other unrestrainedl}- on many subjects, 
 and every thing caused them to look more intently within, 
 at the feelings springing into existence. 
 
 Long before the visit was over, A' irtus had resolved to 
 Reek, and, if possible, win the hand and heart of the charm- 
 ing lady, provided further acquaintance did not lessen his 
 admiration ; and there was little doubt in his mind in re- 
 gard to this subject. 
 
 During the day, General B took occasion, when old 
 
90 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 Mrs. Morton had made some complimentary remark about 
 his friend, to relate in detail much of his gallant conduct; 
 and also to speak in the highest terms of his family con- 
 nection. Thi.s very much gratified the old lady, who com- 
 placently remarked : 
 
 *• I knew he was ^gentleman, when I first saw him. No 
 mean man can look as he does." 
 
 It is but proper to state that the young people had 
 strayed out into the beautiful grounds, before this conver- 
 sation commenced. Oar hero would never have allowed 
 himself to be made conspicuous, had he been present. 
 
 Meantime Virtus is delighted with the sensible and 
 beautiful remarks made by Miss Lula. He very gradually 
 led the. conversation to the discussion, of what is requisite 
 to constitute a happy married life. 
 
 " In the first place," said Miss Lula, *' the parties enter- 
 ing upon this state ought to assure themselves that their 
 dispositions are congenial." 
 
 " Certainly," said Virtus, " for without congeniality, 
 love cannot exist; and without that mutual love which 
 enables each to bear and forbear, nothing but misery can 
 be expected. A thorough knwledge of the character, 
 hence, should be obtained by all who enter this state. 
 Hay this be considered another requisite ?" 
 
 " It may ; and to obtain this knowledge an acquaintance 
 of time is required," was the reply. . 
 
 " True. But may not the time be short?" 
 
 ^' Under some circumstances it might. But such cases 
 do' not, I think, occur often. Time will show faults, and 
 if all lovers would w'ait for blindness to pass away, there 
 would be fewer unhappy marriages." 
 
 '• I agree with you, in thinking that the blindness should 
 pass away; or rather, I do not think the purest and best 
 love blinds us. Where judgment and reason cati perceive 
 those qualities which, wo know, are necessary to happiness, 
 an appreciation arises which is far above what is commonly 
 
OUR OWN nEROES. 91 
 
 regarded as love. If judgment and reason do not recommend 
 a union, it seems to rae to bo iblly in any one tft marry.'* 
 
 '' Yes, but yoMT judges — judgment and reason — are often 
 very stern." 
 
 " J^it not the loss just." 
 
 ''True, but who would choose a wife or a husband, 
 merely regarding them 'i While their decisions ought 
 never to be violated, I am far /Vom believing that nothing 
 else is necessary. Affection should be taken into the 
 account too, else matrimony becomes a mere business trans- 
 action, and every one with nice ieelings objects to barter- 
 ing away himself" 
 
 " I see," .said Virtus, " we will be quibbling about terms. 
 You use ^ feelings,^ ' love,' in the sense I do appreciation. 
 Well then, when love, reason and judgment coincide, all 
 may be considered right." 
 
 '• Provided the acquninfanre is sufficient to furnish the 
 real traits'in the characters of each." 
 
 "That reminds me," said Virtus, " that we may often 
 know the character of persons, without having any, or a 
 very limited personal acquaintance with them. Might not 
 love spring up under such circumstances ?' 
 
 •' Pos.sibly. But it is more usually admiration in such 
 eases. We may admire, where love would be impossible." 
 
 " Suppose two persons should be mutually attracted to- 
 ward each other upon their first meeting, may the resulting 
 feeling be rey:arded a good basis for matrimony V inquired 
 our hero, while a blush suffused the cbeek of either. 
 
 After a moment's hesitation Miss Lula replied : 
 
 ^' That, I suppose, more properly comes under the head 
 
 of admiration, which may deepen into love in time. To 
 
 love, without having some ground wherein to exercise 
 
 judgment and reason^ must a])pear very silly to you," she 
 
 replied laughingly. 
 
 Virtus laughed too, and blushed as he thought of the 
 admiration his lovely companion called forth the first time 
 
92 
 
 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 he ever saw her. He seemed to have forgotten what they 
 were conversing about, for he abruptly asked: *' What do 
 you think of love at first sight ? Is it not, after all about 
 as reliable a t"cst as persons could be governed. by ?" 
 
 "I thought," said ]^Jiss Lula, "that we had ''lilready 
 agreed that reason, should be allowed to act her part in the 
 matter. And if this be so, then it is certain that time 
 would be necessry in order for reason to collect facts, aiid 
 make up her judgment." 
 
 "This is all very well; yet it does not reach the princi- 
 ple after ivhich I was inquiring. Love, I take it, is noth- 
 ing more than that agreeable feeling which springs up in 
 the minds of congenial spirits, when they are brought 
 within the sphere of attraction. Where this feeling 
 sprin^is up mutually between a couple, reason, unless the 
 parties belong to the stoics, has little power or disposition 
 to search after blemishes, while it serves as a magnifying 
 glass through which all the virtues of the loved owe. are 
 favorably exaggerated. Moreover, would nature allow 
 mutual love to spring up, wliere the parties are ill suited 
 to each other?" 
 
 Too much under the influence of the sacred Same, to 
 deny its power, or to speak lii^htly of it, the maiden, with 
 crimson cheeks, replied : " Granting that all you say is 
 true, it would certainly tend but to heighten love, if, as 
 you say is usually the case, reason adds the force of her 
 decision to the noble feeling of love. Besides, it seems to 
 be an axiom withtfie, that before one is wedded to another 
 for life, the parties should both hnoio what they are doing." 
 
 While this conversation was jroing on, they were both 
 unconsciously plucking flowers, and each, by this time, had 
 quite a handful. Their conversation was interrupted by 
 the rinjxinii; of the dinner bell. 
 
 " Let us walk in to dinner," said the lovely Lula, gazing 
 modestly into the soldier's face. While on the way to the 
 house, such thoughts as these fluttered through her mind : 
 
OUR OWX HEROES. 93 
 
 " W% is it that this soldier has stolea my affections — why 
 should those tender enioti<)ns of which 1 hitherto supposed 
 my^seif incapable, sprinir into existence at the sight of a 
 stranger? Nobleman that he is ! How brilliant his in- 
 tellect, how refined his feelings, how ncble his heart, and 
 how acute his sense of honor and Dropricty I k^uch a man 
 is worthy the affections of a better woman than I am I" 
 
 Thus it is that love views only the virtues of the one 
 around whom the affections are entwined ; while the lover, 
 magnifying the excellencies of the loved one, imagines 
 himself or herself unworthy of the affections of the one 
 enshrined in the heart. But though this, in many cases, 
 is true ; 1 presume it has never yet happejied that a lover 
 was willing to take the logical consequences of this sense 
 of unwortliiness — viz; reject the hand of the one deemed 
 so much superior. 
 
 Seated at the dinner table, the General, partly to tease 
 Yirtus, and partly to amuse the dinner party, turning to 
 our hero, said : '' A soldier's life would be comparatively 
 happy, if lie could have the pleasure of enjoying; the society 
 of Jadies, would it not ?" 
 
 '* It is quite a treat, General, for the soldier, accustomed 
 I to naught but soldiers' society, to be allowed the pleasure of 
 I mingling with ladies." 
 
 Upon this, Miss Lula's face caught a sublime crimson 
 glow, while Virtus, with all his self-possession, could not 
 dure for a moment to turn his eyes from his plate. 
 
 The conversation was carried on very plersantly during 
 the feast ^ and immediately on retiring fiom the table, the 
 General looking at his watch, exclaimed, '' It is now i'ull 
 time we were in camps I'! 
 
 These words were anything but pleasant to all the party, 
 young and old, especially to Miss Lula and Virtus. 
 
 " 1 regret," said Mrs. Morton, '' that you cannot spend 
 the evening with us." 
 
 *' Under other circunistaoces, it would afford us (mean- 
 
94 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 inoj Virtus and himself) much pleasure to do so; but ' duty 
 before pleasure,' you know, - should be a governing princi- 
 ple with us." 
 
 "■ Certainly; but you must both call again soon — we will 
 be happy to see you," said the kind lady of the house; and 
 in this sentinent all the family were agreed. 
 
 *' Thank you, madam," replied the general ; " it will af- 
 ford us much pleasure to call again soon, if duty will al- 
 low;" and with this, they bade the kind people adieu, not, 
 however, until Virtus had received a kind of side invita- 
 tion from Miss Lula, to call again, which, of course, he un- 
 reluctantly agreed to do. 
 
 They had scarcely cleared the gate, when the general be- 
 gan : " Well, Virtus, I hope you have had a fine time of 
 it; you and that young Miss seemed to enjoy yourselves 
 admirably." 
 
 '' A very fine time, sir ; it is quite a green spot in a sol- 
 dier's life, to be permitted to while away an hour with such 
 a family." 
 
 " And with such o, young lady, especially," added the 
 general. 
 
 '* I accept the emphasis, General ; and confess that Miss 
 Lula is quite a nice young lady." 
 
 " Not quite so cold and self-possessed," exclaimed the 
 general, with a broad smile on his face. ''You had as well 
 own up at once; for that you and Miss Lula are both tre 
 mondously involved in love, is too plain for a man with one 
 eye not to see. Come, now, make me your confident, andi' 
 I will help you through, if you should need any assist-,;| 
 ance." 
 
 " Well, General, I must say fhat I have a very greats' 
 admiration for Miss Lula; so much so, that I have a desir 
 to see her agjiiu ; and, of course, I am very much oblige 
 to you for your profibred aid." 
 
 " VVhenever duty will allow, you can have leave of ab 
 uence," said the general, laughingly. 
 
OUR OWN HEROES, 95 
 
 "I thank you. sir; I will, if duty will allow, avail my- 
 self of your kind permission." 
 
 Thus they talked till they came within the lines of the 
 encampment, when other matter* attracted the officer's at- 
 tention, ; and though the private had other thirgs to em- 
 ploy his body, lie found it difficult to disengage his mind 
 from her who, to tell plain truth, had stolen his heart. 
 
 But let us listen to what was said by the i'amily with 
 whom they had dined: 
 
 *' Very pleasant gentlemen.'' said old Mrs. Morton to her 
 daughter. 
 
 " Yes," replied the other, " I have rarely seen two more 
 interesting gentlemen. And what is remarkable, their 
 difi'erent ranks seem to form not the least barrier in their 
 way — the general seems to think as much of the private, 
 as if both were of the sa;i:e grade in office." 
 
 '* Yes, and well he may, in thi3 case," exclaimed Mrs. 
 Morton ; " for, from the general's own account, that private 
 is quite his equal intellectually; his superior, morally; and 
 not inferior to any one, in true bravery." 
 
 " Did the general tell you much about him ?" 
 
 " Yes ; he spent at least an hour in telling of what the 
 private has done, and of the noble character he possesses; 
 as ajio of his family. More than this, he says that the 
 young n)an persistently declines any office, and that his 
 reasons for doing so are so strong, that the general himself 
 cannot answe* them. ' The general thinks he has no equal, 
 if he is a private." 
 
 "Give us his history, if it is so interesting." 
 
 The old lady theu,.in a conversation of about two hours, 
 detailed the incidents in the character of our hero, which 
 the General had related to her. Nor was Miss Lula, lhou<rh 
 all the time silent,, an inattentive listener. Sbe eagerly, 
 though apparently in a listless mood, drank down every 
 word — storing up carefully every feat performed, and treas- 
 uring up every virtue that was displayed in the conduct 
 
96 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 of our noble hero. Now it was that the decisions of rea* 
 sou blende! most happily witli the strong emotions of love 
 which had, from tlie first sii;ht^ so strongly sprung up in 
 her heart, and which, desfite herself, so often painted her 
 cheelvs with the hues of the scarlet rose. It may be 
 enough, for the present, to say, that they both loved with 
 their first afi"ections, and that their reason sanctioned this 
 noble exercise of the soul. 
 
 Little of note transpired in camp, till the time arrived 
 for the (general's fiist lecture. It will be impoasible for 
 me to lay before the reader anythinir more than a brief out- 
 line of these admirable diecoarses. Would that every 
 (jreneral had the capacity and will to deliver such lectures 
 to his men ; then would the tented field appear as a Bethel, 
 and the term of service would be one of great advantage 
 to the large majority of our brave soldiers. 
 
 But to the lectures. 
 
 The first was delivered on the subject : " Jiy duti/ to 
 mi/seJf." 
 
 After a touching introduction, the dignified speaker 
 elaborated the following propositions : 
 
 '' 1. I owe it to myself to preserve my health. To do 
 this, it is necessary for me to keep my person clean, to 
 observe regular habits in eviting, sleeping, and exewgise. 
 Every needless violation of the laws of health, forfeits 
 one's right to health, if not to life. Cleanliness and taste 
 in dress we owe boiih to ourselves and- to our associates'. 
 
 " 2. We owe it to ourselves to improve our manners. 
 If we are disposed, we can, as easily as not, be polite and 
 agreeable. The dignity of the human species requires us 
 all to make ourselves as aflable and agreeable as possible, 
 without acquiring a disgusting affectation. 
 
 '' 3. We owe it to ourselves to improve our intellects. 
 Knowledge is very much to the intellect vrhat food is to 
 the body : It imparts vigor, strength and polish to it. 
 
 " Situated as we are, without books, we cannot acquire 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 97 
 
 knowlc'igeas rapidly as we mii^ht do if at home ; yet we 
 have aiiijjle opp triunitics to study ' nature, priucipies and 
 tilings.' And if we WiU but improve our tiiiie properly, 
 We u.ay add dally to our stock of knowledge, and thereoy 
 polish our intellects more and more. 
 
 ''4. We owe It to ourselve.s to cultivate our niDral prin- 
 ciples, and refine ail our teelui^s. 
 
 "To be succtsstui in thi.-^, we iiuisjt never gratify any of 
 the mean desirts and ai»peLnes in our naiuie. \v e must 
 never chtrisli an impure thought or desire, speak an uu- 
 ciiaste word, or commit a mean, base -or tlouotial ac>iun. 
 For if we do either of these, we degrade the Sj.)UiLUai mm, 
 — we inipV>sea foui s;aiu upon our suuls, w.uu.i riveis of 
 tears will never be aL>le to wash uul ; ii>.i can an aUei Kie 
 of virtue atone tor the int'umy tnas ind.o.cd lie liiole 
 says, '"As a uiau tliinketli, no U iu\ Jinparny ot li.e be- 
 gins in mijiuro thougiirs; iiu.mre ihju^ii.s yji.an cxj..e 
 iiiipure desires, and impure de.-<ires oileu icsuit hj oasc, uc- 
 •ria img actions lle;iee, we snouid aiac.id all iujjiUic 
 taou^ncs, and clierisii u.u^nt uuc aucii inuaj.iits as wiii 
 elevate and utinu us. i^et us ca.tivate (.nre i.u.i^-.n.iUo.is 
 — establish a loiry laeal of nonor, iiiL»y.iiiy, a.iU Vii'.ue; 
 nur let us ever be onient Utiui we h.iVe madj the uij4,iieoC 
 possible attainments m all ttu-se excellences. 
 
 '' Finally. W e owe it to ource.ves to secure, pure and 
 undeii.ed relii^^ion. 
 
 '• WiihiMjt this, every other possible attainment wiK fciil 
 to make us happy. i he ^ulf between the sinners soul 
 and happiness, is impas»aL»ie by any virtue of his own. 
 ]\ian by nature is lo6t — lost to holiness, happiness and to 
 the favor of G-Jd These can be secured omy by ' repent- 
 ance towards God, and fattli in the juord Jesus Uhrist. It 
 is the uuty of each sinner to repent, of nis s.us, and accept 
 ot Chri-t as his Savior. You cannot aiford to pos.pone 
 this matter. ' Now is the. c/au of saloatLun.' ' 
 
 There is no means of estimatinii; theamoUQt of good that 
 
 7 
 
98 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 resulted from this lecture. It made a lasting impression on 
 t'le minds of many. 
 
 Before the time for the next lecture, the General in com- 
 mand ordered a reconnoisance to be made in the direction 
 of the eneiiij ; and a requisition was made upon Gen. B — • 
 for some men, of unquestioned valor and ability, as they 
 would be required to go far within the supposed lines of 
 the enemy. It is needless to say that Virtus was one of 
 the number selected for this hazardous mission. 
 
 Mounted on fleet charger:?, those appointed to make the 
 reconnoisance, started in the direction of the enemy. They 
 had proceeded but a few miles, when crowds of refugees — 
 old men, women and children — met them. They all seemed 
 delighted at seeing Conl'ederate Soldiers j and gave uni- 
 form t'-^stimony of the brutal treatment the Federals were 
 giving our citizens. Robbery and incendiarism marked 
 the advance of the enemy ! Modern warfare furnishes no 
 example of a people, so heartless and unprincipled, as the 
 hypociitical, puritanical Yankees I 
 
 The scouting party now reached the town near which 
 Misg Lula Love once resided. The stately mansion which 
 she once called home, was now lonely and desolate. A lew 
 old servants, tried and true, were left to take care, as best 
 they could, of the noble residence. No earthly house 
 presented such attractions to Virtus. Even the birds that 
 Bang so sadly in the richly decorated bower. in front of the 
 house, seemed to touch, with their plaintive melodies, ail 
 the solemn chords in his heart. An ardent love, tempered 
 with sadness by the calamities brought upun the family, 
 and indignation at the miserable, heartless robbers who oc- 
 casioned all this sadness — these, with a firm resolve to 
 avenue the wrong, were his prominent feelings while pass- 
 ing the once happy abode of the loved Lula. Fain would 
 he have stopped to gaze upon the flower-yard, made beauti- 
 ful by the hands of the fair maiden^ but dutt/ allowed no 
 delay. 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 99 
 
 They had not gone more than six miles farther, when 
 the Yankee vanguard appeared in the distance. The party, 
 unobserved, fell back a few hundred yards, left the road, 
 and ascended a high hill, from which point they could easily 
 see all the forces of the enemy as they passed From this 
 stand point, our hero counted thirty two regiments of in- 
 fantry, four batteries of 8 guns each, and two regiments of 
 cavalry. They al^^o counted the number of men, as accu- 
 rately as they could, in several of the regiments ; and de- 
 cided that the regiments would avernge about 525 men, 
 each. So that the whole force numbered between 18.000 
 and 19,000 men. After the enemy had all passed except 
 a few stragglers, the party descended to the road and cap- 
 tured a fow prisoners, from whom they learned that the 
 entire Yankee corps had passed. 
 
 All the desired information ha<l now been acquired, 
 touching the number and moveni'.nts of the enemy, but 
 " how shall we convey this to head-fjunrters ?" was a ques- 
 tion of great moment. Our hero knfw of but one road 
 that would lead him back to his command ; and it would 
 not do to think of travelling this. To make their way 
 through the woods and fields was their only jd'ernative. and 
 thus they began their rough journey, tnvelifig much of 
 the time within sight of the road, which was filled with 
 Y^ankees. As they drew near the town through whicti 
 they had pa.-^sed in the morning, Virtus had tha unspeaka- 
 ble mortification of seeing the princely residence of Miss 
 Lula wrapt in flames! "There is a dav of retribution 
 ahead !" lowly muttered the hero. " I will never ask for a 
 furlough, while a Yankee foot presses Southern soil !" 
 
 The enemy had thrown out pickets all around the village, 
 which they were now plundering; and lucky would he be, 
 who could pass within sight of the town without being 
 aeon. Such good fortune did not fall to the lot of our gallant 
 party; for, not far before them, wore clearly visible not 
 less than a dozea pickets ! These, however, were easily 
 
100 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 avoided b}^ a hasty and remote " flank movement." One 
 hill Wiis descended, anuflior a&cendcd, and our biave boys 
 were out of darker tor the present at hast. 
 
 l\Jovin_u on in a direction parallel with the read, our little 
 party h;id -ioneanout ibur miles ^^Len they caii.e to a road 
 that evidently led into the one that would guide ihtm to 
 C{:mps ; but pickets, our mtdei eoldier rij:hiiy thou<iht, 
 were posted at tlie junction of the two roads. Hence ihe 
 former road was cro.^sed. and the forest, dense though it 
 was. must be explored. 
 
 Ihe}' had but passed through this skirt of woods, when 
 they came within full view of a Yankee regiment of cavalry, 
 encamped in a grove near a large ccni. field, into which they 
 had turned their horses. Wheeling to run, the enemy saT^ 
 our scouts, and began to make every effort to pursue thcm^ 
 Q hough most of the ei.tmy's l-oifes weie loose in the 
 field, yet seme of them were tadoled, and ready lor the 
 chase. Probably about 100 were eent in pursuit, 6( me im- 
 nu diately towards our little band, and others on ahead, so 
 as to cut tluui eff. Ihe | ros] i ct for their escape \\as 
 indeed glo( m\ ! Yet it they wcie to le eajituied, the 
 prize would be Chtimated. if lor no other reaeon, because it 
 would le no costly lo the cuptors. 
 
 Not many minutes liad elapsed before it became 
 evident that the rui£i^<-d must win el and fight. Gaining 
 a iavorable posiiit-n, they halted, tui not lo surrender as 
 the ]Uii!,ue)s supposed; lor, of the ten lankees who were 
 nearest at hand, eight v. e5e seen to lall luu] their saddles, 
 on the recepiicn of the fiist volley. jI he ofher two 
 'changed tlieir base." ly letrtaiing as rapidly as yossille. 
 The firing attracted tbe (/thei i uisuers, but wlen lh(^ cane 
 near enough to hear the screaujs ot their wounded cm races, 
 our hirces were several l.unciied yt-rds Item ihem, to that 
 ctcaje now seeujed } ossibie. 
 
 As ihey turned ti» go down a long sloping hill, they dis- 
 coveieda se>uad of "Yankees on Leiore them to the right, 
 
Otm OWN HEROES, 101 
 
 a number about equal to their own. On seeing the Confed- 
 erates the vandals halted, and began to look around, as if 
 to count their own strength. Seeing which, our gallants 
 da.shed towards them, and they fled in wild confusion to- 
 ward their encampment; but not everyone by several, were 
 fortunate enough to escape. 
 
 Virtus with his little band now galloped on in the direc- 
 tion of their camps, and saw nothing more of the enemy 
 that evening. An hour more, and our noble hero reported 
 to Gen. B — . The general was very much delighted at the 
 success of the reconnoisance, and went to report immedi- 
 ately to the General in command; who, on learning that 
 the reconnoitcring party was commanded by a private, was 
 very mu;;h displeased ; but when Gen. B — told him of the 
 character of Virtus, asscniiig that the private was the 
 most reliable mm, for such service, in l:is brigade, the old 
 Geneaal gave way, and expressed himself as satisfied. Yet 
 the glowing discription given of our hero, caused even this 
 austere old General, who was wont to estimate a soldier 
 merely on the basis of ranky to express a desire to see this 
 *' remarkable private." 
 
 " I would be pleased," said Gen. B — , " to introduce him 
 to you. I am sure you would admire him. lie is one of 
 the most intellectual, pure, incorruptible and gentieminly 
 men I ever knew. Most men would consider him eccen- 
 tric, but when y<m probe his eccentrity to the bottom, you 
 find it to be yn extraordir)ary attachment to principle — 
 principle of the right kind." 
 
 "Send for him to come here," said the other; '• I wish 
 to ttst him." 
 
 Virtus was sent for, and quifkly made his appearance. 
 
 " Allow me," euid Gen. B — '• to present you with my 
 
 friend, Private Virtus, General . ' Our hero 
 
 bowed gracefully, while the officer was far m-.< .'olie than 
 was his custom to privates. The General liicu - L^^ him 
 to narrate the particuiurs of his reconnoisance. This the 
 
102 Omi OTTN HEEOES. 
 
 hero did in a concise, intelligent and unembarrassed man- 
 ner. The old General was much delighted with the young 
 man, and. wishirjj; to make our hero's talent available, said, 
 " I would be pleased to attach you to my staff," at the same 
 time tendering- him a position with the rank of Lieutenant, 
 
 " T am much "obliged to you, Sir; but it is my resolve 
 to serve my country as best I can, as a private." 
 
 The old General raised his head in astonishment! 
 " What ' refuse to be an officer ! 1 never heard of such 
 a thing ! Have you any reason for this ?" 
 
 '' I think I have, sir." 
 
 Our hero then preceded to state all his reasons in order, 
 and invited the General to answer them. But this he 
 was not able to do. Near the close of the conversation, 
 the General, in a very complimentary way, told Virtus that 
 he might consider himself the chief of all important recon- 
 noitering parties; to which he replied: '' I am always 
 ready to do all I can to serve my country." 
 
 Excitement and expectation prevailed throuahout the 
 encampment, when it become generally known that double 
 their number of the enemy were so near. The over brave 
 were desirous of making an immediate attack on the ene- 
 my, but the General in command considered "discretion 
 the better part of valor," and the failure of the expected 
 reinforcements to arrive determined him to "retreat." Ere 
 the morning light broke, the tents had been "struck," and the 
 encampment deserted. Much to the honor of the com- 
 manding officer, but little was left for the vandals to glory 
 over. Every bridge was burned in the rear, and many ob- 
 structions placed in the enemy's way, should they continue 
 to advance. * 
 
 Upon inquiry. Virtus found that the main body of troops 
 would not pass the residence of Lula's uncle, as it was 
 about two miles from the most direct road. Thought he : 
 " What plan can I devise to inform this interesting family 
 of our retreat ? It is possible for them not to know soon 
 
OUB OWN HEROES. 103 
 
 enough to make their escape. The lovely Lula must be 
 warned. I must make the effort to see her once more too." 
 
 With such thoughts aa these, he sought Gen. 1> — , 
 whom he found just ready to leave. After hearing Virtus 
 he said : 
 
 '• You are more thoughtful th:in I am. Amid so many 
 duties, I had forgotten those friends. Yes, they must have 
 warning in time. They have done too much for our cause 
 not to escape the brutality of the Federals. liut whom will 
 we send round to tell them ?" 
 
 "^f y*^^ do not object, that would be a pleasant duty for 
 me to perform," was the modest reply. 
 
 Though weightier matters weighed on his mind, Gen. 
 B — could not restrain a smile at this reply, 
 
 " I can imagine your anxiety, considering the fair Lula." 
 said he; "and suppose you must have the privilege of see- 
 ing her again, though I would much like to have you with 
 me. Good scouting leaders will be much needed." 
 
 '• With your permission, General, I will not think of the 
 last part of your speech, but interpret ihe former in my 
 favor. As for scouting leaders, you can find enough." 
 
 " you must go, 1 see. Well, present my kindsst re- 
 gards to the family, but do not allow stronger than Yankee 
 chains to bind you." 
 
 " Thank you I I will be up with the command before 
 noon." 
 
 " You ride, of course : to undertake such a trip on foot 
 must not be thought of" 
 
 " I am an iiiTantry private ; and only ride when on cer- 
 tain important duty," was the reply. 
 
 " But is there no horse you can get? I am sorry I have 
 none to offer you. To go so tar out of the way, and then 
 overtake the troops, will be very fatiguing," said the Gen- 
 eral, uneasily. 
 
 " I could gladly ' double-quick' the whole distance, rath- 
 er than to miss conveying such important informatiou. The 
 
104 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 wpgons are, I believe, all gone, and the horses with them. 
 I shall get along vt>ry weh on foot, never tear." 
 
 ''Ihe atiraciioiisi ot Miss Lula must indeed be highly 
 appreciated, to tempt you to do this." 
 
 ♦' It would be unkind, general, to leave that warm-heart- 
 ed Southeru family to tali into the enemy's hand.</' said 
 Virtus." 
 
 ** Yes; and I leave you to warn them of the imjr.ending 
 danger; but do not linger too long. You may be needed 
 elsewhere;" saying which, Gen. B — rode ott, and Virtus 
 joyluiiy J-et out to pertbira his self-imposed task. 
 
 " I must," said he, '' make ail possible speed; so that 
 thei/ can leave before the troops pass." 
 
 lie pressed eagerly lorwara, and soon after daylight en- 
 tered the grounds of Vir. — . 
 
 He met old ^irs. Morton on the piazza. The busy old 
 lady was delighted and surprised to see him at that early 
 hour. A few liasty iiiquines were indulged in, and she 
 hastened to arouse the gentlemen, who were addicted to 
 taking morning naps, teuon the entire f:>niily were up, and 
 hasiy prepaiations commtnced for their flight. Our hero 
 enjoyed halt an hour s tctc-a-tcte with Mi&s Lula, despite 
 the geneial excittment. 
 
 Immediately after breakfast, Virtus arose, and commenc- 
 ed bidding the fiimiiy adieu, when Mr. Morton said : 
 
 '• Can you not wait until we a're ready to go? Your 
 company will be very acceptable." 
 
 *''lhuuk you, i would be much pleased to do as you 
 suggest, but u.Uat overtake the command as soon as possi- 
 biC. 1 fear 1 have already tarried longer than is consistent 
 W.th duty." 
 
 •' You must not, of course, neglect duty, in order to 
 gratily us. Kun, Katy, and call a servant to bring th'" gen- 
 tleman s horse round. ' 
 
 •' JUo not trouble yourtelf/' said VirtuS; " I belong to the 
 infuutry." 
 
OUR pWPI HEROES. 105 
 
 ** Yes, but you certainly did not uome so far ou* of your 
 way on foot to serve us V 
 
 "■ i could not get a horse, but was too willing to warn 
 you, to allow such a trifle to be a hindrance." 
 
 " You must leave a-lbot, then. Our Ciiuse of gratitude 
 was sufficient before this was known, but it is heightened 
 now," said old Mrs. Morton ; and bhe was warnjly second- 
 ed by the other ujerubers of the I'amily, Mits Lula cot ex- 
 cepted. 
 
 Virtus felt somewhat embarrassed by the commendations, 
 and thanks showered upon him, but retained enough of 
 composure to reply : 
 
 " i do not deserve any thanks for this simple, humane 
 act. To have served you is a sufficient reward. A few 
 miles walk is of but little importance to one accustomed 
 to marching. I hope you will ail be able to got away from 
 the federals. And now, 1 really must be going." 
 
 " Wait a moment," taid Mrs. Love, " the bug^y will 
 soon be around; and I will ask you to take one of the girls 
 
 to the hotel at . Thus, 3'ou will oblige me, and save 
 
 yourself so long a walk." 
 
 If such an arrangomeut will favor you in tlie slightest, 
 I will be happy to oblige you," said Virtus, devoutly hop- 
 ing that Miss Lula's company would be his just a little 
 longer. 
 
 " It will oblige me, for Lina cannot drive. Lula has a 
 sore hand, and one of them must go iu the buggy. Come, 
 girls, which one of you can get ready suonest J' Mr. Vir- 
 tus is anxious to be off; so don't keep him waiting." 
 
 *' 0, Pa, I cannot be ready the.^ie two hours, for my 
 worsted work is all unpacked, and I must not lo.se that," 
 said Lina, as lier lather s eye rested on her. 
 
 " And you would almost as soon lose yourself as your 
 worsted work I Then, Lula, can you -be ready soon r"" 
 
 " in a very few minutes," said she, while a crimson 
 blush grew laco her cheeka. 
 
108 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 Virtas, it is needless to say, was highly gratified at this 
 happy arraii^ement. The hocel referred to, was a short 
 distance b^jyond the position the army woald occupy, but 
 he agre.jd tint he c juld take Miss Lula there, and get back 
 to his command by noon. 
 
 Very soon. Miss Lula, looking very lovely in her dark 
 riding dress, reported herself ready to go. Though every 
 thing on their way was in confusion, the ride was not with- 
 out its pleasures. In fact, the blind god had already put 
 it into the heart of Virtus to exercise unlimited belief in 
 Lula's perfections ; and he felt that to be near her, to see 
 her gentle smile, to hear her sweet words, was sufficient 
 cause of happiness. Still his reason forbade his speaking 
 a word of hve, yet the eye, as is often the case, performed 
 the office of the reluctant tongue. 
 
 Both knew that they loved and were loved — that was suf- 
 ficient. Time would bring the lip confession. 
 
 Our hero succeedad in placing the lovely maiden in the 
 hotel, and engaging rooms for the family (for here they 
 intended remiining, temporarily, at least), and just bad 
 time to report to Oqh. B — before noon. 
 
 The general in command had chosen a strong position, 
 about ten miles sputh of the previous one; and hoped, by 
 strongly fortifiing himself, to be able to repel the enemy, 
 and effectually check their advance. Tne erection of for- 
 tifications was vigorously commenced at once. 
 
 Though every hour in the day was fully occupied, Gen. 
 B — found his brigade anxious enough to hear his second 
 lecture, to assemble in the evening. They accordingly met, 
 and heard a lecture, of which the following is a brief and 
 imperfect synopsis. 
 
 The Second Lecture. — Our Duty to our FeJlow-man. 
 
 '' No one can be too well taught in relation to his duty 
 to his fellow-man. If duty to self be perfectly understood, 
 and acted out; one may be^ perhaps^ tolerably happy; for duty 
 
OXTR OWN HEKOES. 107 
 
 to self, in part, at least, aflfects our fellow- man. He "who 
 would be truly good and bappj must look beyond self in 
 tbe performance of duty. "V\"e should consider wbat tboae 
 around us — tbose in daily communion witb us, require at 
 our bands. Certainly sometbing must be done lor tbeir 
 improvement, pleasure, or bappmcssj and escb sbould ask 
 himself, "Wbat must I do?" And then, baving learned 
 bis duty, press forward to its performance. Tbcn : 
 
 1. Duty demands kindness toward tbose witb wbom we 
 are connected. Tbis is a proposition almost too plain for 
 illustration or argument. 
 
 "VVe bave our companions around us — tbey eat, sleep, and 
 live witb us ; and whatever of happiness we may be able to 
 bring them, is required at our hands by dvfi/. It is no in- 
 difierent matter to produce suffering, either mental or phy- 
 sical. 6V<7i?V<f7ness does produce mental sufferinp;. Slights, 
 jeers, and the like, though apparently little things, wound 
 the sensitive heart. Then, if the one acting unkindly re- 
 flects upon his course, the stings of a wounded conscience 
 continually prick him. Thus one unkind act may make 
 two, or even more, unhappy. For tbe sake of sf//', then, as 
 well as for others, kindness should characterise our inter- 
 course with our fellow-beings. 
 
 2. Duty requires us to be 2'^Ute to our companions, 
 neighbors, and Iriends. . Without politeness — that \^hich is 
 suggested by common sense, guided by a well-meaning 
 heart — not senseless etiquette — man renders himself ditcjust- 
 in(/, rather ihixn pleasant, to tbose around him. Impolite- 
 ness does not enter into pure hearts. Kot to be consist- 
 ently polite is, to a certain extent, to be unkind. It is 
 miore easy to treat those around us politely, than otherwise ; 
 for impoliteness often require^ thought lor its peilecticn, 
 while its opposite arises naturally in tbe tnind of the gen- 
 tleman. 
 
 Again, to be knowingly impolite, we must overccme 
 the reasoning of good senbe, good nature, and a good heart. 
 
108 OXTR OWN HEBOES. 
 
 True, a deadened state nmy be reached, in which the 
 actors feels little or no compunction ', but such cease to be 
 gentlemen — they are very near the brute creation, who can 
 be habitually and intentionally impolite. They are below 
 the level of sensibble men, and deserve only that treatment 
 which is due to all enemeis of mankind at our hands. By 
 being polite, we make others pleasant, remove some of the 
 rough corners in our rugged life-path, and obtain for our- 
 selves the regard of mankind. 
 
 3. Duty demands that we labor for the good and improve- 
 ment of our companions. 
 
 Every man has something to do in life, and should seek 
 his vocation, not only with leference to his own selfish pre- 
 ferences, but he should take into account the benefits to be 
 conferred on others. If this rule were more nearly carried 
 into efiect, lewer clashes and jars would occur, and greater 
 good result We should labor — 
 
 I. For the moral improvement of all — make every efi"ort 
 in our power to lift our Jeliow-men Irom the sinks o+ sin, 
 and point them to the strait and nairow road that leads to 
 the New Jerusalem. 
 
 that al! felt the importance of this ! Then would 
 the gates of hell open less fiequcntly to recei\e the eter- 
 nally dying, while shouts of glad music would v^elctme the 
 returned prodigals to a father's mansion. Haj.py he \vho 
 is instrumental in saving one soul. 
 
 II. The mental improvoment of those with whom we 
 come in contact, should receive due consideration. jMight 
 we not, by a uord, lead siuje one who now grovds in if:no- 
 rance, to search the fields of wisdoiii ? and thus render 
 himself fit to enjoj more of the blessings so prolusely 
 lavished upon us? The unlettered child of ignorance 
 knows I'Ut little of real enjoyment. His is rathtra neyu' 
 ttve hsppinets (so to speak), ciampcd in narrow limits, he 
 cannot soar into tbe fields oi delight. 
 
 III. Ihat we should attend to the physical comforts, or 
 
OUR OWN HEROES> 109 
 
 gcod, of cur companions, needs only to be hinted. Everj^ 
 one perceives' I he uecesfcity of relieving pliysical suffering. 
 
 V. e come then : 
 
 4. To ihe consideration of duty towards our enemies, 
 (for v.e all have enemies, even smoni: our every-day associ- 
 ates). I'ianv can point out those whom they know to be at 
 enmity with them. Toward such, how shall we act ? 
 
 Human nature says, " iio/e forhate." Eut the more we 
 hate iiH enemy, the wider thpt rupture becomes. Hatred 
 never cures hatred; but, since "like produces like," new 
 animosities sprir)g up, new ruptures break forth, and, car- 
 ried to an extreme, every man is at war with his brother. 
 
 Duty never su-jgcsted this mode of treatment ; no, never. 
 Our v-bole duty to our enemies i« comprehended in the 
 words, " Love yovr intmirs." it is love that soitens 
 the heart, cleanses it, makes it pure, and draws brother to 
 brother in sweet coniuiunion ! Ko cntmy can long with- 
 stand the tender pleadings of this feeling. 
 
 Would we benefit our emmics, dinw hatred from their 
 he.irts, and implunt a holy feeling ? 'J hen let us love them, 
 work lor their good, break the chains that bind them, and 
 make them worthy to be our friends, our companions, our 
 own hved brothers. Ibis is our duty to this class of UiCn, 
 as taught by God. 
 
 Ihen let us look to our hearts, aud see that we cherish 
 love. We need not love the sins of our enemies, but a 
 desire lor their spiritual welfare should be ever cherished 
 fur them. 
 
 Finallj^: We should do unto others an we would that they 
 should do unto us. Ihis includes our who.e duty to 
 U;an. We do not desire otheis to treat ua badly, then we 
 shLuld not mifetreat thtm. We want nothing but kindness, 
 love, or honor Irora others; then we Uiust »:ive nothing 
 elte to fhim. How diiierent would be the sctnes of earth 
 were eveiy one to do as he would be done by. Quarreling, 
 Warring, and the like, would be at an end. 
 
110 6VR OWN HEROES. 
 
 It is inotirabent on every individual to do wliat he can 
 toward bringing about this happy end. Duty calls every 
 one to his post. Your own happiness, as well as that or' 
 others, depends, in a great measure, upon the strict per- 
 formance of duty to your fellow- man. Then, when so 
 much is at stake, it is but reasonable that every sensible 
 man should see to it, that the requirements of duty at his 
 hands, remain not unanswered." 
 
 The efifect of this lecture could but result in good. Those 
 of the men who were engaged in petty quarrels and wrang- 
 lings, felt it as a direct rebuke to thems3lves; and many of 
 them resolved to do better in the future— to endeaver to 
 help their companions, instead of hindering them on every 
 occasion. 
 
 Gen. B — was much gratified during the next few days, 
 to notice the general feeling of friendship pervading his 
 men. Though there was hard work to do, and every one 
 had his allotted share, there was yet time to show kindness 
 to comrades. 
 
 Every day scouting parties were out, playing about the 
 lines of the enemy. Sometimes these parties were unfor- 
 tunate enough to lose a man or two, either captured, killed, 
 or wounded ; but in the aggregate we took more prisoners 
 than we lost. 
 
 The known ability of Virtus as a leader of scouting par- 
 ties, often placed him ia command. He found such labor, 
 though often beset with many dangers, preferable to work- 
 ing on the fortifications. It it needless to speak of his al-j 
 most unparallelled success. One endowed with intellect and 
 caution, is not apt to be foiled or led astray by the wiles of 
 mere vassals. 
 
 A few days after the lecture last civen, as the enemy 
 ' were still several miles away, and no immediate attack an 
 ticipated, Gen. B — determined to continue his course ol 
 lectures. So, after the day's labor was finished^ he called 
 
OVn 0W5 HEROES. Ill 
 
 his men together, and delivered a lecture^ of which the fol- 
 lowing is a brief sketch : 
 
 " Our Duty to our Cowiiry." 
 
 '•' I need offer no apology for again addressing jcu on the 
 8ul)ject of (Jut I/, when it is reuienjbered that he who knows, 
 and performs every duty perfectly, is happy. An omission, 
 or negleat of duty, causes unbappiness, so surely as the 
 actor has not deadened his conscience, There is a state to 
 which wickedness may lead man, wheie conscience loses the 
 power to periorm her cffice i.t' approval or reprovul. Those 
 who arrive at this state feel no unhappinoss at the commis- 
 eion of error or crime. They are dead to good works, and 
 hence lose all appreciation for them j and so love wicked- 
 ness that it appears loveable to them. 
 
 This may seem paradoxical to some; yet he who ob- 
 serves mankind cannot fail to admit its truthfulness. 
 
 Every relation in liie calls iorth its parlicuJar duties. 
 There are duties peculiai to the family circle, to the church, 
 to the comniunity in which one lives, to mankind in gene- 
 ral; but those duties of which I piopose to speak, on the 
 present occasion, hnve relerence to one's country. 
 
 Then: 
 
 1. We must obey the laws of our country. We are all 
 instrumental in making our laws; but few think much of 
 the necessity of living in strict accordance with them. Our 
 jails and penitentiaries teem with the violators of law. 
 Look at the " motley crew," and decide whether their life 
 is profitable to them. Lost to virtue, honor, integrity, they 
 can but drift on through life, 'mid its vile filth and pollu- 
 tion. But not all violators enter prison walls. Many, 
 whose hearts are 'rotten to the core,' evade the just deci- 
 sions of the law. The land is full if such. Our jails are 
 not large enough to hold them. And to this class belong 
 the blackest villains I This state of things is reached by 
 refusing to comply with the behests of a righteous law. 
 
112 OUR OWN iiehoes. 
 
 Should all men become eqa illy neglii^jent, our laws raiglit 
 as well be abolished, and uurcouiiLrj given up to irretriev- 
 able ruin. 
 
 When such is the case, what sensible man can say that 
 dat^ requires nuthiiig of hiui '{ 
 
 Would a people bo united and happy? then let them 
 obey the laws ot* their coaniry. This they must do, it' 
 nacional prosperity is their ooject. A country divided 
 against itself cannot stand; and where law is neglected, 
 seisms and factions arise, opposed to each other. 
 
 Had those composing the old United States, observed 
 simple dutj/ in regard to their published laws, I nave no 
 hesitancy in suying that this bloody war would never have 
 been instituted. See what desolation, then, neglect of 
 duty to the iavvs pf our country may bring about I 
 
 2. We mast Jijht for our country. Every nation has 
 its time of troujie — times when its citizens must gird 
 themselves for the battle-field, or calmly rest wiiile vandals 
 torge chains for tlieuj, and then allow themselv s to be led 
 away captive. Shall another man rule me, the free-burn 'i 
 N). Tiia io^'3 of frjed ) n blis ma ciit oJ* ciij ciiains, and 
 meet the enemy face to face. 
 
 We can conceive of nothing that would jusiiPy one peo- 
 ple in destroying another. As individuals, we are ever 
 ready to defend ourselves against thuie who desire to injure 
 us; and, bound together as a nation, the same feeling of 
 self-defence prompts us to fight for the maintenance ot our 
 rights. Our country demands, and expects us to rescue 
 her from the thraiUom of the heartless invaders. Our 
 mothers, sisters, wives, children — all expect us to save oar- 
 selves and them from the most disgraceful bondige. Hard- 
 ships, privations, satfcring, and danger, we must endure, 
 for our ^ouacry s gjoi. He is not a patriot, who will mur- 
 mur at any of the necessary hardships which his country's 
 freedom requires liim to make: 
 
 " Alore yet. The good gf' our country requires us to 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 113 
 
 keep ourselves free from all those evil habits which tarnish 
 character, depraciate one's virtue, and make him unfit for 
 the duties aud responsibilities of dignified and useful cit- 
 izenship. 
 
 " If all the liars, blackguards, whoremongers, gamblers, 
 thieves, extortioners, blasphemers, demagogues — if all the 
 base and corrupt characters in any country^ were forced to 
 leave it, that country would be much better, happier, and 
 stronger, bee luse of their removal. 
 
 " Virtue in the people is necessa'ry to the well-being and 
 prosperity of govern men t, provided that government rests 
 on virtue aj its foundation. As, tharefore, the vicious ore 
 a curse to the country, if we would be true patriots, we 
 must be virtuous. To be virtuous, we must thun vice in 
 whatever garb it presents itself." 
 
 Shortly after tiie beginning of the fortifications, the ex- 
 pected re-inlbrcements came up; making the entire com- 
 mand something u\ore than lialf as great as the still advanc- 
 ing foe. But a few days elapsed before it became evident 
 that the enemy intended attackijig our men, so soon as ihey 
 could prepare themselves. 
 
 Every precaution was taken to prevent surprises. Scout- 
 ing parties were ever on the alert, uud Virtus aimust always 
 out with them. 
 
 At times some of the brave scouters were captured; but 
 they took more pri.--oners on an average than tijey f)st. 
 
 \V4iun but a few miles lay becween the opposing hosts, 
 Gen. li — was commanded to njuke a ''flank movement" 
 with h'.s brigade. This, his accurate knowledge of tho 
 country eminently fitted him to perform. While perfect- 
 ing bis hasty arrangements, he sent for Virtus, and said : 
 
 " This order is rather unexpected to me, and will cause 
 me to disappoint my friend, Mr Love, whom I had prom- 
 ised to visit this evening on important business. iSow, if 
 you will oblige me by meetin - him in my stead, you may 
 
 $ 
 
114 OtTR OWN HEROES. 
 
 perhaps do so to your own interest, should you happen to 
 see Miss Lula. 
 
 " If I am competent to transact your business, it will 
 afford uie much pleasure. to do so. My rej^ard for yourself 
 would be a sufficient reason for my wiilingness, if there 
 were no possibility of seeing an acconjplished lady. But 
 when the two are united, I can only say, General, 1 will bo 
 mos<' luippy to serve you," was the reply. 
 
 '• Then 1 will unfold the businestj matters to you." 
 
 Duly instructed as to the matter of business, Virtus 
 
 gladly set out for the hoie^ at . True, he might not, 
 
 after ail, see Miss Lul;. , but while there was a possibility 
 of such a thing, his tiiougbts and feelings were kept buoy- 
 ant. 
 
 He found Mr. Love awaiting the general, and after mak- 
 ing known the reasons ol his absence, the two proceeded 
 at once to business. This was soon arranged to their 
 mutual satislaction. A very cordial invitation was extend- 
 ed to Virtus to remain to supper, which was loudly second- 
 ed by little Kate, who, seeking grandpa, happened to coma 
 in just then. 
 
 " yes, Mr. Virtus, you must stay. Grandma and aunt 
 Lula will both want to see you. Come on to the parlor 
 now ; we have just been wondering if you would ever 
 come to see us again ;'' said she, in her merry, prattling 
 way. 
 
 The opportunity was too good to be lost — so thought our 
 hero, and consented to stay long enough at least to see into 
 the parlor. So, lifting his cap, he gracefully entered the 
 parlor, where he met a cordial welcome from Mrs. Morton 
 ar.d Miss Lula, who, grateful to him for his numerous acts 
 of kindness, admired a soldier of such noble bearing, and 
 a character in which were blended &;o many excellencies. 
 
 In this feeling both the ladies were agreed; but the 
 whole truth, by a great deal, would not be told, to say that 
 
Om OWN HEROES. 115 
 
 Miss Lula did not entertain for hira a different feeling, and 
 O'je, too, of mucfi hi^^her order. 
 
 . When, therefore, the nobie Virtu3 entered the room, a 
 thrill or' bve, and of" almost sacred admiration sent the led 
 lite-fluid quick to her beautiful cheeks ; while her black 
 cjes were coruscant with tne h)ly inQnonce of unidulter- 
 ateJ love. Nor would our hero have showu less sij^ns of a 
 kindred feelin^^ within, had not a summer's sun and a sol- 
 dier's hardships darkened and rouj:hened the skin oF the 
 most cleanly warrior. It is not extravagant to say, :hat 
 those you i^ people loue^l to love each other. 
 
 The hero had been seated but a moment, when Mrs. 
 Morton inquired if a battle was not imminent. 
 
 '• les, Maiam; before to-m jrrove's 3u;i ^03s down, many 
 a soilior will have jj one to his long homo !" 
 
 " How do you feel, sir, in view of the possibility of your 
 being among that number'/'' inquired the motherly old" 
 woman. 
 
 " I hope, madam, that I am prepared for the loorst, or 
 rather, I would say, for the bsi'. ; since I ha7e committei 
 myself into the hmds of Him who assures me that 'all 
 things work toi^ether for gooi to them that love the Lord.' 
 Believing this precious pronise, X know that every thing 
 will be ordered for the best.'' 
 
 "Tlien you do not fear to meet the invaders?" 
 
 " N ), maiam. God will take care of me." 
 
 '' Woull to (iod," sighed the old lady, " that all our sol- 
 diers were willing to trust Him. Would. that they all had 
 tin abiding sense or' God's favor 1" 
 
 "itwoald be a great oiiolation." moiestly responded 
 the hero, -'if they were all Ciiriatians; for then though 
 the missile? of death should visit them, their souls would 
 but enter the sooner up )n che joys of Heaven. But," 
 looking at his watch, and rising at the same time to his 
 feic, '' £ mast go — my brigade will be gone, or ready to 
 move by the tim^ I hasten back to camp." 
 
115 Otni OWN HEROES. 
 
 '^ Can't you stay till supper ? We would be delighted 
 to have you do so if you can." 
 
 »• Thank you, ladies j duty suggests that I hasten back 
 to my conaiiaiid. 1 hop»i 1 vriil see you both again, if such 
 be the will of Heaven." 
 
 " 1 hope so," responded each of the ladies j while tears 
 collected in their eyes. 
 
 " If you are wounded; we will nurse you you," said 
 IVJiss Luia, while love and sudnebs were beautifully bleuded 
 in her countenance. 
 
 *' Yes," interrupted the old lady, "you must order your- 
 self directly to us — it will honor ua to nurse so noble a sol- 
 dier." 
 
 " I certainly feel very grateful for such friends," said 
 Virtu.>^; "ard if 1 i^hou.d be wcunded i would deem it a 
 gr^at 'honor' to be nursed by }'ou," glancing at both the 
 ladits. 
 
 lie then thook (heir hands and departed ; the prayers, 
 as well as ihe admiration of the ladies accompanying him. 
 
 Wiss Lula's heart tiutiered with anxietv tor ti.e wellare 
 of hiui upim \\h(.ni her aiiections were ail centred. " 0, 
 that 1 may be £0 fortunate as to see him aj^uin 1" she sighed 
 as his manly form passed out of sigiit. 
 
 " I will cli- mypcif tie justice," i« m Ived ( ur hno, ''to 
 disclose my lei-iiiigs to this lady, if we ever meet again." 
 
 He soon anived at canijs and iound his reuimenT ready 
 touii've. Snatching up his uiUhket he hastily "fell in," 
 an thr' biigade began to move. 
 
 *] he cetrign uf this m(ive was to tiank the enemy, and, if 
 possible, de.->tr'y his wagon trains. lo effect this, the 
 brigade marched abcut tour ujiies, through the woods, stop- 
 png but a short distance fr;)m the enemy's rear, iricre 
 they slept on the ground without biankets or fiie. 
 
 About sunrise the next morning a lieavy fire — artillery 
 and then mu.-ketry — was heard in the diiecnon of our lor- 
 titicaiiuns. 'ihe engagement became general about 9 
 
OtTR OWN HEROES. 117 
 
 o'clock, a. m. But long before this Gen. B — , with his 
 gallant band, had fallen upon the Yankee rains, destroying 
 theui in great nuiubors. and capturing many teamsters and 
 stragglers. The enemy, hearing of the damage that he 
 was doing them, sent a regiment of infantry and one bat- 
 tery, supposing that the movoiuent in their rear 'vas only 
 a cawlry raid. 
 
 Apprised of their advance, he placed two of his regi- 
 ments in ambush, near the road, to make complete work of 
 the enemy. When the Yankee roar had passed ihe van of 
 the par:y in ambush, a deliberate volley was poured into 
 their ranks, causing ui my a vandal to bite the dust. Im- 
 mediately after tuis a cliarge was made, and nearly every 
 man, battery and all, was captured. 
 
 The work of destroying wagons was again resumed with 
 great vigor; audanottur half hour found most of them in 
 ruins. 
 
 Meantime the firing had been incessant in the front, 
 indicating that the fiercest of battles 'was raging. 
 
 Learning the fate of the regiment and battery that had 
 been sent to protect the wagoi^s, the enemy now sent bai-k 
 a brigade ot four regimonts. Like tlieir predecessors, 
 these met a very similar fate. A deady volley was re- 
 ceived from the hill on the road^^ide, while the battery 
 wiiich had been captured, cat long lanes through their 
 frantic columns ! Tlie enemy made no stand. Some fled 
 to ttie woods on the other aide of the road ; others made 
 their way, v. ith great speed, back to the front; while many 
 wore captured. 
 
 It is proper to state that all that were captured were 
 sent otF into the woods, to prevent their recap. arc, .--hould 
 the enemy come back in great force. 
 
 Up to cnis tinii, (J-en. B — had not lost o*ie m m. 
 
 Having destroyed the wagons the General .iscMded the 
 ridge along which he had advanced the night oer'ore. and 
 started iu the directioa of the frout. He had not gone 
 
118 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 more, perhaps, than three fourths of a mile, when ho saw 
 that the enemy were retreating. Choosing a very strong 
 position which could not be flanked on but one side (on 
 the right), he resolved to meet the enemy,' and do him all 
 the harm possible. Accordingly, his battery, which had 
 been sent along, was placed in position, and the troops were 
 Strang all along the hill sides, protected by dense, heavy 
 timber. 
 
 When the Yankees approached within six hundred yards 
 of the barteay, it opened on them, while a most terrific fire 
 greeted them from the hili-top. 
 
 Pressed in front and rear, they became panic stricken, 
 and sought safety by retreating in v/ildest confu-sion, on the 
 side of the road where we had no forces. 
 
 Yet mmy— very many of them — were mowed down, 
 before they could reach the forest. The road was strewn 
 with their dead and wounded. 31uskets and knapsacks 
 were scattered promiscuously wherever the flying foe had 
 passed. 
 
 It now became evident to Gen. B — that the enemy were 
 effecting their escape through the woods on the side of the 
 road opposite to the position occupiea by his troops. He 
 accordingly moved his force, or two regiments of it to his 
 right, so as to iBten-ept them, leaving the remainder of his 
 force to block up the road. This was indeed a dangerous 
 move, as there was a prospect of being run over by the stam- 
 peding Yankets ; and should ihey "pluck up" courage 
 enough to fight, they might easily over-power him. But 
 he made the venture, throwing the two regiments right 
 into the path of the enemy. The enemy seeing hi.s infe- 
 rior force; prepared to charge over them ; but this they 
 could not efl'eet. The result was Gen. B — lost about 20 
 men ; while the enemy had perhaps 100 killed and many 
 wounded. Now that our forces in the enemy's rear, were 
 pressing hard upon them, and they could not make their 
 
OVR OWN ETCROIW. 119 
 
 escape in front, one division of the Yankee army surren- 
 dered 
 
 Still farther to Gen. B — '& right the vandals ^'erc making 
 their e?cape ; as soon, therefore as the pr soners were prop- 
 erly cared for, he oidered his bri^uade up the road, at 
 '• double quick," with the vie.w of obstructint: the enemy's 
 path. Nor was his effort in vain. He gained their tront, 
 causing another division, (or nearly so,) of the enemy to 
 surrender. 
 
 Having as many prisoners as he could guard, it pained . 
 him that he was denied the pleasure of oapturing more of 
 the robbers. Able to do no mere for the present, he uiarched 
 the prisoners back to meet the commanding general, who, 
 when they met him, was astonished to see the vast number 
 of prisoners captured by one brigade. 
 
 Oan. li — reported to his superior officer the direction 
 which the enemy had taken, and begged the privilege of 
 pursuing them. 
 
 " We have done well enough for to-day," said the com- 
 mander ; " let us make secure what we now have." 
 
 It was ascertained that our entire loss was 146 killed, 
 and 372 wounded; while that of the enemy was 1,200 
 killed, 2,500 wounded, and about 8,000 prisoners. 
 
 This was one of the most brilliant uflairs of the war. 
 
 Ihe yankeos, by rapid mvrches, managed to eficct their 
 escape thrgugh the netjrest gap in the mnuntain ; and Gen. 
 B-^ marched back to the gap which he had foimerly guard- 
 ed. His gallant conduct made him a Major General. 
 
 It would be needless to say that Vinus did his whole 
 duty in the great battle which resulted so disastrously to 
 the yankees. The truth is, two of the most important 
 movements made by Gen. B — in that memorable bai-tle, 
 were first suggested by our hero. 
 
 In Gen. B — 's account of the battle, the following lan- 
 guage occurs : 
 
 " It affords me much pleasure to testify to the gallantry 
 
l20 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 of all the troops under rn}' coDitnand. Evcri/ ove did his 
 duty. Great uijuhtice, however, would be core, shouid I 
 fail to mention the important service rendered me by pri- 
 vate Virtus. The most important movements — those which 
 resulted in the capture of the greater part oi' two divisions 
 of the enemj' — were made at his instance. Besides this, 
 no soldier could have displayed p-eater daring and coolness 
 than he exhibited during the entire engagement. Ihis pri- 
 vate is competent to be a major general. * '^ ^~" 
 
 When this report found its way into the papers, the 
 praises of Virtus were on almost every tongue; and "the 
 Authorities/' through a friend, intimated that it would 
 afford them p easure to promote our hero, should his claims 
 be formally presented. 
 
 When Gen. B— received the above information, he sent 
 for Virtus to visit his hccid-quariers, and communicated to 
 him the fact that he could receive an honorable appoint- 
 ment for his galiantry. When the hero heard this, he re- 
 plied : 
 
 "I am gratified that I have been able to do my duiy. 
 The pleasure which arises irom a censciousness of doing 
 the best I could, is all the reward I claim. My jjj/-m(?j^><es, 
 touching office, have not changed." 
 
 '■' It is needlesa," said the general, *' for me to attempt to 
 persuade you against your will ; so I suppose 1 shail have 
 to inform my correspondent that it is useless to confer .of- 
 fice on you." ' 
 
 "I would prefer/' said Virtus, "that you would use a 
 little difi'eu'nt phraseology, and say that you are unable to 
 ansicer wij argu'mcrits ; for my position is bated upon argu- 
 ments wliuh you have never answered." 
 
 " I accept the correction," said the general. 
 
 Mure of the present c(nversation cannot be narrated 
 here. Gen. B — , however, wrote the following letter to his 
 friend, in answer to his intimation that Virtus could receive? 
 au appoiutment : 
 
OUR OWN HEROES. 121 
 
 Gap, Aug. 1st, 1861. 
 
 Hon. : Dear Sir, your favor of date has been 
 
 received, and I hasten to reply. 
 
 " Pnvate Virtus, whose intellect and attainments are not 
 surpassed in the Southern States, whose moral principles, 
 habits, and tastes, are more refined than those of any young 
 man of my whole aequaiutance, and whose military ;^enms, 
 coolness, and valor are, in my judgment, unsurpassed, if 
 equalled, by those of any youtu of his aj^e — tnis young 
 man, so well ({Ualitied to be a distinguished leader, utterly 
 refuses all ] r'nKw.iui]. lie sustains his refasal by numerous 
 arguments, which no man in this division of the army can 
 retute. 
 
 " Yet his services, though a private, cannot be easily 
 estimated He is the model for every noble minded sol- 
 dier in my brigade ; and already his influence is marked 
 in my whole command. Besides, when we wish to find out 
 the number and movements of the enemy — when any very 
 dangerous or importuUt expedition Las to le made — Iri- 
 vute Virtus is the man to whom is entrusted such business. 
 We feel proud of him. The truth is, we could dO better 
 without the services of any other man in the division thun 
 without his; and 1 am not sure that the divLiion would not 
 suffer more by losing his services, than those of any ttfficer 
 connected with it. His influence extends to all grades — 
 from the private to the general commanding. In a word, 
 he is the aalt of this division. His price is far above rubies. 
 
 ^ jf; ^ ^ >!< 
 
 Signed, B-. 
 
 3Iaj. Gen. Concm'g. 
 The enemy, it is needless to s:iy, gnined nothing by this 
 invasion, save the loss of nearly iwo-tliirds of their troops, 
 all their wagons, &c., and the privilege ol burning houses, 
 stealing every thiug they could carry with them, and insult- 
 ing women. 
 
 When our brave soldiers settled down permanently at the 
 
12% OUR OWN HEUOES, 
 
 Gap, and had had time to rest themselves a little, our model 
 chaplain, in the presence of a large audience, delivered a 
 most thrilling sermon from the following text: ^' The bat- 
 tle is not to the strong." 
 He said : 
 
 " It is in accordance with human philosophy that the 
 heavier body should, w^hon it meets a lighter one, repel it ; 
 but, in the administration of human affairs, this is not al- 
 ways the case. ' The battle [i. e., the victory] is not to the 
 strong,' as such, nor indeed to the weak : God decides the 
 fate of every battle. To His interposition, we owe tbe re- 
 cent great victory with which our armies have been crown- 
 ed. Truly, ' He hath done great things for us, whereof we 
 are (or should be) glad.' 
 
 " The present great war was brought upon us, not with- 
 out a cause. God never punishes without a reason. Our 
 people have sinned grievously against Him, and incurred 
 His displeasure ; hence the present desolating war. 
 
 " It is clcur to my mind that, if our people would remove 
 the cause or causes of the war, God would bring the war to 
 a speedy close. What are these causes '/ and how can they 
 be removed? are questions of vital importance to our na- 
 tion. 
 
 " The causes of the war are — 
 
 " 1. Political corruption — demagogues, base party lead- 
 er.«. an abuse of the elective franchise, rottenness in politi- 
 cal parties. The people, generally, in giving their support 
 to party rather than principle, sanctioned the corruption of 
 their leaders, and thus virtue was. driven from the govern- 
 ment. 
 
 "2. The individual wickedness of the people, in that 
 they have refused to bow to the authority of Jesus, and 
 have neglected His claims upon them- — this has had much 
 to do in bringing on the present war. 
 
 " '6. Religious corruptions and hypocricy — perverting the 
 word of God, and making it subservent to worldly ends, 
 
OtJR OWN HEROES. 123 
 
 assuming the garb of religion in which raore successfully 
 to serve &elf and the devil — tiirtsa cause-s have had much 
 influence in spreading the mamle of moarning over the 
 country. 
 
 '• If wc would remove the present evils, wo should first 
 remove their causes. Will we do this ? ]jot the people 
 repent '• in dust and ashes," of all their sins, and forsake 
 them ; then will God remove his chastening rod." 
 
 The discourse was well elaborated, the above being a 
 mere synopsis. The sermon made a fine impression upon 
 the minds of those who heard it ; and many resolved that, 
 so far as they were concerned, the causes of our troubles 
 should be removed. 
 
 The next evening Gen. B — delivered a lecture on the 
 following subject: 
 
 *' Our Duty to Godr 
 Below are given the principal points of the discourse: . 
 
 1. Wo ought to obey His laws. But yince the whole 
 human family has fallen from His love and favor, and God 
 has provided a wa}' lor our escape from hell, we should — 
 
 2. Believe in Christ Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. We 
 should yield the most implicit obedience to every demand 
 which He makes upon us. We should ' glorify Him in our 
 bodies and spirits, which are His.' 
 
 3. We should ' walk in the Spirit.' He should be in- 
 vited to take up his permanent abode in our hearts 
 
 4. We should love every body — enemies as well as 
 friends — and do all in our power to benefit them. 
 
 5. The great objects of li^e should be to become as much 
 like Christ as possible, and make as many good impres- 
 sions as we can upon the minds of those with whom we 
 associate." 
 
 This lecture, like all the others the general had deliver- 
 ed, made a fine impression. His men readily listened to 
 eyery thing that fell from his lips, 
 
124 Otm OWN HEROES. 
 
 It must not be supposed that Miss Lula failed to see the 
 notice, in the papers, of our hero's conduct: yet, unlike 
 too many women who would murrv a man simply because 
 he is an officer, she placed a light value on these newspaper 
 puffs, except so fnv as the facts narrated in them tended 
 to demonstrate the true nobility of him who, without appa- 
 rent effort, had won her undivided affection. She, like the 
 noble Virtus, thought little of " bars," " stars/' and 
 '^ wreaths" — intellectual and moral worth, in her estimation, 
 were things of highest value. 
 
 She was greatly delighted to know that he passed through 
 the battle unhurt; and secretly, yet modestly, sighed that 
 she might see him once more. 
 
 Nor did the noble Virtus fail to think of the lovely Lula. 
 *' But where will she be ? When shall I see her again ?" 
 were questions which, to a mind less disposed to confide 
 every thing to the .Vll-Wise, would have been productive 
 of much anxiety. But Virtus had committed his interests 
 — for time and eternity — into the hands of Him Who hath 
 said, " All things wcjrk together for good to them that love 
 Lord." In return for the confidence thus reposed, God 
 gave him that comfort and composure of mind, which the 
 world can neither give nor takeaway. 
 
 Those that honor God, God will honor. And so it 
 proved in the present case. No man was ever more esteem- 
 ed by his associates. All the good loved him -, while the 
 wicked seemed to stand in awe of him ; though it was ap- 
 parent that even they showed him great respect, at least 
 outwardly. Then, again, Providence had brought him 
 through many dangers, and had conterred more honor upon 
 him in this way, than falls to the lot of many. 
 
 No hero of this or any other revolution ever exercised a 
 more decided influence for good, or shared more liberally 
 in their admiration and praises. 
 
 Geu B — was considered worthy of great respect, and 
 this was every where awarded him ; but Virtus' iaflu- 
 
OrR OWN' HEROES. 125 
 
 encf>, though he was a mere private, was fullv as extensive, 
 and much more appreciated by the truly religious. 
 
 Honesty, strict integrity, and, above all, a liviug religion 
 shone pre-eminently forth in the character of our brave 
 hero. The mere mention of his nam^ among those who 
 knew him, was a most potent argument in favor of virtue, 
 morality, patriotism, and religion. Whenever, therefore, 
 any one in his regiment or brigade wir^hod r.n elevated 
 model of valor or piety, he wonld refer unhesitatingly to 
 private Vinus. 
 
 Furthermore, it was evident that the Boble character and 
 bearing of our hero, and e.-<peciaUy his elevation above of- 
 fice oij reasons that the sm;vrie>t generals had been unable 
 to pulldown, tended to make tlic privates content with and 
 even proud of their position ; whiie the distinction between 
 privates ynd officers, in his di\ision, at hast, was through 
 his infiucnce, ])laccd on its proper fonndation, viz : o^ciol^ 
 not intdlcdnal Qv mortil. "A man's worth," said lie, in 
 conversation with an officer one day, '' depends not upon 
 the accidental circumstance of his being an officer ; but if 
 you would know wliat real worth is, you must look to a 
 man's moral principles, his intellect; or if you desire to 
 see the highest order of worth, you may find it in him who, 
 bCvsides having a polished intellect anl correct moral prin- 
 ciples, walks constantly with God. The importance of a 
 man's existence may be estimated by the amoui't of pure 
 ujoral and religious light reflected in his life. Regard man 
 as a mirror, and God as the source of all pure and holy 
 li-ht ; then is his life of most importance, \v ho reflects most 
 of this Heaven-born light. This is the correct principle 
 on v>diich to estimate a mnn's happiness, and. also, his use- 
 fulness. That man who reflects, in his life, nought but 
 influences Irom the evil spirit, is a curse to himself, to his 
 ftdlow-man, and to the world." Noble sentiments! worthy 
 to be embalmed in everv mind I 
 
 As soon as the general had a little leisure from his nume- 
 
126 OUR OWN HEROES. 
 
 rous and pressing enp-agements, he invited Yirtus to his 
 tent, where the following conversation took place : 
 
 " Did jou see Mr. Love the evening before the battle ?" 
 inquired the general. 
 
 " Yes, sir; and attended to the business you wished nie 
 fo." 
 
 " I am certainly much obliged to you. Did you see the 
 fair Lula?" 
 
 *' Yes, sir ; I bad the pleasure of a few mements* conver- 
 sation with her?" 
 
 '' Don't you want a furlough," laughingly inquired the 
 general, " to go down the road V 
 
 '' Thank you, general ; while it would affords me pleasure 
 to go under other circumstances ; it would be time ill spent 
 so long as ray services are needed here. When it becomes 
 certain that we will have a few weeks' leisure, I will not be 
 averse to being absent one or two days, though I have vow- 
 ed never to ask for a furlough while the enemy desolate our 
 soil, and while I am able to do any thinsr towards driving 
 them back. But I don't know where your friend, Mr. Love, 
 or his family, will be, since their palatial residenoo has been 
 destroyed." 
 
 " I will find out, and let you know. I will write to him 
 by the next mail." 
 
 "I am of opinion that the enemy will make no further 
 demonstrations in this part of the State, for several weeks j 
 hence a few days leave of absence for the purpose of recre- 
 ation, would be of advantage to you, and could do th» 
 country no harm." 
 
 " Thank you, General, for all your kindness to me; but 
 I would rather, when I go, go under orders." 
 
 "That reminds mo. 1 wish to send some one to the 
 battle-field and vicinity to attend to some important busi- 
 ness. You are the very man ! Glad you mentioned it ! 
 If you wish it I will detail you to start to-morrow." 
 
Oim OTTN HEROES. 12T 
 
 " What is the character of the Lusiness ? Pardon me 
 for askinp^." 
 
 " I wish the effects of all nij old regiriient, who fell in 
 the late battle, sent to their homes ; and I must know how 
 our wounded are getting on,. (for you know thej were left 
 at hospitals near the battlefield )" 
 
 " Had you determined to send some one down there be- 
 fore the present conversati )n began ?" 
 
 " I had not so determined, but I had thought of it as a 
 thing desirable." 
 
 " I have a decided objection to going, unless you deem 
 the business important. To have a plan fixed up for U)y 
 accommodation merely, is what, in the name of patriotism, 
 rirtue and religion, I would most earnestly protej-t against." 
 
 " I intend, not for your accommodation merely, but espe- 
 cially because it is humane to do so, to look after the effects 
 of our dead friends, and see how the wounded are doing.". 
 
 " All I wished was that if 1 went en business it might 
 be importaiit business. ^Vhile it would afford me much 
 pleasure, ordinarily, to visit my friends, and enjoy .erne 
 relaxation from haidships, I know I should be much dis- 
 aatisfied, even in the presence of those whom I esteem 
 most highly, should I be absent from the post of duty; 
 yet if duty calls me where those friends are. I would most 
 gladly call to see them." 
 
 After Virtus closed the above remarks there was a pause 
 for a few memenis, during which time some such thoughts 
 as shes*i passed through the General's mind : 
 
 "Noblest of the noble! Here is a Southern youth in 
 whom there is not the least shadow of guile I I would 
 rather possess his intelligence, his moral principles, and his 
 living faith — in fine, I would rather be private Virfvi than 
 to be King of earth. He is one whom God delights to 
 honor. A better rounded character I have, never seen. If 
 the walii of the New Jerusalem are built up with the 
 most precious stones, his character is made of the most ex- 
 
\2S OTTR OWN HEROES. 
 
 cellent principles, graces and propricticB. If ' An hone ft 
 man is the noblest .work of God,' then should this \outh 
 be esreemed among the noblc'^t, if not the noblest of the 
 nob^e.*' 
 
 At length the General broke the silence by saying: " I 
 fully appreciate your principles. You would bo glad for 
 (7w/y to lead you to the place where Mhs Lula rs , yet, 
 much as you would be delighted to see her, you are unwil- 
 ling to absent yourself from the army on a flimsy pretext. 
 This reveals to me the importunt fact, viz : that dvfi/ in 
 your case, is stronger even than hve ; while the reverse 
 is true as a general rule. 
 
 " Now, my dear sir, the disclosure of this fact elevates 
 you more in my estimation thyn if you had performed one of 
 the grandest feats known to chivahy. let 1 must send 
 some one to attend to thciO matters, previously Uieritioned, 
 and to attend to other busines of importance; and I know 
 of no one to whom I could entrust them so well as to your- 
 self. }i' you object to going on this basis, there is only 
 one other way in which it is possible for you to go." 
 
 '•What 'way' is that?" inquired Virtus. 
 
 '' I shall 'have to detail you, with your consent Of 
 course, I will not send you icithout your consent." 
 
 "Then make the detail, and I am ready to be gone." 
 
^