Greensborough Patriot

November 6, 1862

Page 1

Tribute of Respect

At a meeting of members of the Bar, held at October Term of the Superior court of Stokes County in the year 1862, the Hon. John A. Gilmer was called to the chair, and Joseph Masten, Esq., was requested to act as Secretary.

Mr. Gilmer upon taking the chair, explained the object of the meeting to be for the purpose of giving expression to the feelings of the bar in regard to the death of one of its members—the lamented Lieut. Col. Rufus K. Pepper, who was mortally wounded in the battle of Winchester.

On motion of A. H. Joyce, Esq., a committee of three were ordered to be appointed by the Chairman to draft resolutions for the meeting.

Whereupon the Chairman appointed A. H. Joyce, Esq., Gen. John F. Poindexter and John W. Alspaugh, Esq., who after a short absence returned and reported as follows:
Whereas, our highly esteemed brother Lieut. Col. Pepper received a wound in May last, in the hard-fought battle at Winchester, Va., of which, after fifteen days of inexpressible severe suffering, he died. Therefore be it:

Resolved, That we cherish a lively recollection of his many noble and professional qualities as a civilian and professional gentleman.

Resolved, That we hold in high esteem the ardent patriotism which led him to volunteer among the first in behalf of Southern freedom and independence, and the lofty and chivalric courage and valor which he displayed on the bloody battlefield where he fell mortally wounded.

Resolved, That we sincerely lament the loss of so gallant an officer to our army and cause, and that we feelingly condole with his aged father and brothers in their sad and irreparable bereavement.

Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings of this meeting be presented to His Honor the Judge for his signature, and that the same be spread upon the minute docket of this Court, and also a copy be sent to the father of the deceased and to the Greensboro’ Patriot, N. C. Standard and Western Sentinel for publication.

Messrs. Joyce, Scott and Morehead now proceeded to speak in eulogy of the character of the deceased in the most eloquent and pathetic manner after which on motion of J. M. Morehead the resolutions were unanimously adopted.

On motion Col. Wm. L. Scott was appointed to present the proceedings of this meeting to His Honor for his signature to the same.

On further motion the meeting adjourned.

JOHN A. GILMER, Chm’n.

JOS. MASTIN, Sec’y

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]