210 Southern Historical Society Papers.
ever knew him. It almost disposes me to quarrel with the decrees of heaven when he, the noblest of us all, in the flower of his youth, is thus untimely cut off. Why could not other men, who might be better spared, be taken in his stead ? But our country demands the noblest for her altars. Our grief is increased by the fact that our country cannot afford to lose such men."
The spirit of this letter exhibits in every line the unselfish patriot- ism of the Southern youth. Their sacrifices made glorious the history of the Confederate States. The proud record is so close to us that we should see it at every mental glance, feel it at every move, and touch it at every step. It is a fadeless essence, beautiful and brilliant. Its stars, like diamonds in the tomb of royalty, will rest undimmed by the dust and lapse of ages.
John Bowie Magruder, in the flower of his manhood, in the 241!! year of his age, fell for the glory of his country in the great battle which turned the destiny of the South. His name is enrolled amongst the heroes of his Alma Mater, the University of Virginia, and listed with the dead on the field of battle, whose courage and chivalry made the fame of the Army of Northern Virginia.
[From the Richmond, Va., Times, May 28, 1899.]
SHARPSBURG.
Graphic Description of the Battle and Its Results.
The Courage and Self-Sacrifice of the Confederates During the
Campaign.
Some months since an article on the battle of Sharpsburg, which appeared in the Confederate column of the Richmond Dispatch, stated that the writer for the first time had cause to be ashamed of the Confederate soldier. Ever since I have waited for some one to notice this criticism some one whose knowledge of the facts was greater than mine, and who could defend the reputation of men who never had cause to be ashamed of their actions their deeds then and forever will speak for themselves. From Bethel to Appomattox their grand leader and their country was proud of them, and they never had cause to blush with shame themselves.
