toward me he said, "Tell mother I should rather have died fighting the battles of my country, but God's will be done." Very soon he drew his blanket over him and calmly sank into the arms of death, like one "who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams."
His last thoughts were of his mother and he died lamenting only his inability to do more for his country.
He was a mere boy in age and looks but he had the judgment of an older patriot.
There are many creeds which will tell you that your son has not gone to happiness or Heaven. He lived an honest life, but died according to those creeds "unconverted."
"The upright, honest-hearted man,
Who strives to do the best he can,
Need never fear the Church's ban
Or Hell's damnation;
For God will need no special plan.
For His salvation."
He died full of faith and hope, with a belief that he had done his whole duty to his country and his God. And I believe, in the language of the Mayor of our goodly city, "He was a soldier in a good cause, and at the command of the Supreme Governor, he has laid down his arms and gone up higher. Watchworn and weary, he has laid his armor off and rests in Heaven. The everlasting gates of fame have lifted up their heads and he has passed through to imperishable renown. The portals of history have been thrown wide open and he has marched in a hero."
