Greensborough (NC) Patriot
January 15, 1863
Page 3
For
the Patriot
Tribute of Respect
In Camp Near Fredericksburg,
Va., December 19, 1862
It
becomes the painful duty of the members of the “Guilford Grays” Co. B, 27th
Regt. N. C. Infantry, to offer a tribute of respect to the memory of their late
companions in arms, W. D. Archer and Wm. L Bryan. They were both among the very first to answer
the call of their country, at the outbreak of the war. The “Grays” were ordered to report at Fort Macon,
and on the roll could be seen the names of these young patriots. They considered the call of their country as
imperative, and regarded as of minor importance those sacrifices which they
must make, and those deprivations which must be undergone. Well and faithfully were their duties as
soldiers performed. As companions and
friends there were none more social and true.
Whenever, the “long roll” beat to arms, these two were among the first
in ranks. Nobly, heroically they served
their country, as can bear witness the fields of Newbern, the hills around Richmond, the plains of Sharpsburg, and as
regards the former of our departed comrades W. D. Archer, the heights
commanding Fredericksburg, where alas! he fell in the very act of firing his
trusty rifle. He was borne from the
sanguine field, but soon expired in the arms of friends. On the morrow his remains were deposited in a
quiet glen, through which there had now ceased to vibrate the thunders and the
echoes of battle. The grave of the hero
is marked by a single slab, all that the hands of friendship could give to mark
the spot of his last resting place. When
the battle of Fredericksburg
was fought, the latter, Wm. L. Bryan, was lying on the painful couch of
death. The alarum drum, the strife of
battle were heard afar, but alas his feeble arm could not be raised, and the
prayers of his patriotic heart could only accompany us. He lived to witness and welcome our return;
but soon after, on the night of the 17th inst., sank calmly and
peacefully into that eternal sleep, from which there is no awaking. Mournfully, many an eye moist with the tear
of affection, we buried our departed Brother, uniting the rites of war, with
the teaching ceremonial of the Christian burial.
Sergt. WILL U STEINER, Com.
Corpl. C. W. WESTBROOK, Com.
H G
KELLOGG, Com.
