Columbia, South Carolina, sent me, with the request that I would wear it upon my horse in a battle and return it to her. Send it to her."
And again:
"My spurs, which I have always worn in battle, I promised to give to Mrs. Lilly Lee, of Shepherdstown, Va."
I was at loss how to interpret the directions concerning the flag; for I had never seen any such decoration upon his hat. But upon examining it the flag was found within its lining, stained with the sweat of his brow; and among his papers I found the letter which had conveyed the request. Probably from the time of its reception the matter had passed from his attention, and yet upon his death-bed he could remember and provide for the granting of this request.
Noble heart! pure knight! Many are the tears which I have seen do honor to thy memory from those whose hearts were won by little acts of courtesy such as this.
I may venture in this presence, surrounded by many who knew and loved him, to draw the veil which covers his domestic life and repeat to you some of the sacred words of husband to his wife.
While occupied in the active movements which succeeded the first Maryland campaign he received intelligence of the serious illness of his darling child Flora, and thus he writes:
"November 2, 1862.—Dr. Brewer's first dispatch was received yesterday, and I answered it at once. The second came to-day, saying our darling's case was doubtful, and urges me in your name to come. I received it on the field of battle. I was at no loss to decide that it was my duty to you and to Flora to remain here. I am entrusted with the conduct of affairs, the issue of which will affect you, her, and the mothers and children of our whole country much more seriously than we can believe. If my darling's case is hopeless there are ten chances to one that I will get to Lynchburg too late; if she is convalescent why should my presence be necessary? She was sick nine days before I knew it. Let us trust in the good God, who has blessed us so much, that he will spare our child to us, but if it should please Him to take her from us let us bear it with Christian fortitude and resignation."
Again:
"November 6, 1862.—The affliction fell at last; the intelligence reached me this morning. I was somewhat expecting it, and yet it grieves me more the more I think of it. When I remember her sweet voice, her gentle ways, and affection for "Papa," and then think that she is gone, my heart is ready to burst. I want to see you so much. I
