146 Xuuthern Historical Socit-fi/
bitter struggle that ensued in consequence thereof constitute a theme that will continue to evoke the admiration of mankind to the remo- test ages. From the time when Joshua led the mighty hosts of Israel down to the present time the pages of history tell of no mili- tary performances more brilliant, no fortitude more enduring, no cause more devotedly followed to the last extremity of possible suc- cess. Wherever the banner of the Confederacy floated, there fol- lowed a lion-hearted host of as gallant and intrepid souls as ever joined the ranks of war, and went forth to battle for what they knew to be right. Neither privation, disaster, sickness, nor death appalled them, and where their standard pointed they followed with a heroism unsurpassed, and so long as nations endure will the story of their exploits be told with admiration.
HISTORY OF THE COMPANY.
With this prelude it is proper to say that the object of the writer is to give a brief history of one company, concerning which he knows somewhat of its officers and its members, their names, and the battles in which they participated. As I look back now through the vista of years, from Harper's Ferry to Appomattox, and from Appomattox to 1896, I see more clearly the glories in the lustre of their deeds, feel more satisfied than ever of the righteousness of our cause, and wonder how it was possible that we should have failed. It was a beautiful day that Company D set out to go to Harper's Ferry and save the arsenal there. The trees had put on their love- liest robes, the fields were clothed in the choicest verdure and the Blue Ridge smiled majestically, while the sparkling Shenandoah reflected this fairyland back to its maker. Oh, sir, I doubtless exclaimed:
" Breathes there a man with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said, This is my own, my native land ? "
THE ROSTER.
This company was officered by Captain Joseph R. Hardesty; William Taylor, First Lieutenant; David Hume Allen, Second Lieu- tenant, and George Mason, Third Lieutenant. The private soldiers were :
Lewis Ashby, Buckner Ashby, George Ashby, Shirley C. Ashby, John H. Anderson, Milton B. Anderson, Jacqueline R. Ambler,
