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, 27^th 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 17^th 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.