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 21^st 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]