Suffolk Christian Sun

February 14, 1862

Page 3

The Knoxville “Register” tells the following touching little story:

THE MISSISISPPIAN’S LITTLE SWEETHEART

On the day after we heard of the battle at Fishing Creek, when the whole country was startled by exaggerated rumors and by the marvellous stories of the fugitives from the scene of conflict; while families were anxiously awaiting tidings from the battle field on which a brother or son may have fallen, we heard a little girl, Effie ____, bright and beautiful as a May morning, with ruddy cheeks and sparkling eyes, inquire tremulously for a Mississippian, of Walthall’s regiment. She blushingly asked a returned volunteer whether he had seen John ____, a youth belonging to Captain ____’s company. The answer was, “I have not seen him about town.” “Oh!” said the little girl. “I KNEW HE WAS NOT HERE—Mississippians don’t run! HE TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT!”

The Mississippians, who lost half their number in the recent battle, deserve the unbought tribute of praise which came so justly and eloquently from the lips of little Effie.

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]