Hillsborough Recorder
September 4, 1861
Page 2
A
TOUCHING INCIDENT OF THE BATTLEFIELD
A letter received
in New York from Atlanta, Georgia,
gives this incident of the battle at Stone Ridge:
A staff officer
from Charleston,
engaged in the battle of the 21st of July, says: I rode out the day after the battle to view
the ground, and passed piles of dead in various positions. Under a large tree I saw a body lying very
handsomely dressed, with a fancy sword and a handkerchief over the face. It attracted my curiosity. I stopped, removed the handkerchief, and saw
one of the handsomest faces I ever met with, of a boy not more than twelve or
fourteen years old. His appearance and
dress indicated high social position—probably he was a
temporary aid to some general officer.
To ascertain who he was, I examined his pockets and found a testament,
in which was written—“James Simmons, New
York. From his loving mother.
My son, remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth.”
I wished very much
to take the body away, but I was six miles from quarters, on horseback, and it
was impossible.
[Transcribed
by Sharon Strout]
