Greensborough Patriot

February 12, 1863

Page 1

DEATHS

THE BRIGHTEST STAR FALLS FIRST

With much regret we announce the death of our esteemed friend, Lieutenant J. C. Stafford, who departed this life in Winston, North Carolina, January the 21^st, 1863, from a wound received in the battle of Fredericksburg. He left his home and kindred forsaking everything that was dear to him to rush to the defense of his beloved country. In his death the country loses a good and brave soldier.

Lieutenant Stafford has left behind him many warm and devoted friends, who know well how to revere and appreciate his memory. In life we always found him courteous, honorable and kind; and with friendship’s pure sensibility of feeling for his loss, our humble pen inscribes to his memory the following lines:

O sweet be thy slumber—the long and the last,

May glory celestial encircle thy brow;

The dawn of the future to which thou hast past,

Beam bright and resplendently down on the now;

Full many deplore thee and tenderly weep,

While friendship now lingers and points out the spot.

Around where thy form is now silent in sleep,

A memory blossoms that ne’r’ll be forgot.

The green turf now hides thee away from the view

Of those who once knew thee in life’s brightest day.

May summer’s sweet flowers in beautiful hue,

Shed fragrance around thy frail casket’s decay.

In the bloom of thy manhood we laid thee to rest,

And took the last look at thy image so dear;

We saw the turf cover thy motionless breast,

And turned from thee sadly with many a tear.

MISSES W. L & M. W.

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]