Part 42

In Major Engelhard's official report of this we find this account: "Late in the afternoon, during the attack of Longstreet and a part of Anderson's Division, General Pender having ridden to the extreme right to advance his division, did the opportunity occur, received a severe wound in the leg from a fragment of a shell."

A little later, on this same afternoon, at another part of the field where Colonel I. E. Avery (brother of Justice A. C. Avery of our Supreme Court), led the brigade of that distinguished soldier, General R. F. Hoke, who was absent on account of a wound received at Fredericksburg, could be seen the Sixth North Carolina (Pender's old regiment), under the command of Colonel Tate, now State Treasurer, climbing the east front of Cemetery Hill under a furious storm of shot and shell. The hill and its fortifications were taken, and the proud flag of the old regiment floated above the captured works, but the brave and gifted Avery yielded here his soul to God and his life to his country. In a plain plank box this hero was placed by old Elijah, his colored servant, and by him brought along with the army on its retreat from the place where he fell, in a wagon as plain as the coffin. The old man was seen every day on that long, weary march, enduring and suffering, but still devoted in his pious attentions; and his labors ended only when he had delivered his precious burden to the tender care of loved ones near the banks of the Potomac.

On the retreat of the Confederates from Gettysburg, General Pender took ambulance and set out for Staunton, the nearest railroad connection. Upon reaching that place a hemorrhage from his wound of an alarming character occurred. It was stayed, improvement followed, and the hopes of his friends were reassured; but in a few days, the hemorrhage recurring, the surgeons determined to amputate the limb. The operation was performed on the 18th of July. He survived it only a few hours. Just before the operation he said to his brother: "Tell my wife that I do not fear to die. I can confidently resign my soul to God, trusting in the atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ. My only regret is to leave her and our children. I have always tried to do my duty in every sphere of life in which Providence has placed me."

The body was taken to Tarboro, North Carolina, and buried in the beautiful grounds around Calvary church. He was a member of the Episcopal communion, having been received as a comunicant by confirmation at the hands of Bishop Johns, in St. John's Church, Richmond, Va., he having ridden quietly into the city at night for that purpose.

His death was a great public calamity. He combined every quality of the ideal soldier: courage, the power to control men, quickness of perception, readiness of decision, strong sense of justice, and modesty that excelled all. With the exception of his great commander he had no superior in the Army of Northern Virginia.

In the letter of General Lewis, heretofore referred to, occurs this sentence: "It was reported, and firmly believed throughout the Army of Northern Virginia, that General Lee had said that General Pender was the only officer in his army that could fill the place of Stonewall Jackson."

Whether General Lee ever expressed himself in this language may not be proved, yet it is superlative praise to have the Army of Northern Virginia believe it to be so, and to hand it down as a tradition. As some proof of this alleged declaration of General Lee, it will be appropriate to introduce some testimony from General G. C. Wharton. It is in the shape of an extract from a letter written from Radford, Va., on September 5, 1893, to James M. Norfleet, Esq., of Tarboro: "General Lee was preparing and about giving orders for the removal of the Army of Northern Virginia from the Valley of the Shenandoah (between Winchester and the Potomac) to the vicinity of Orange Court House. As my command was in good condition, not having been in the forced marches, nor in the battle of Gettysburg, General Lee decided to leave my command, with some cavalry, temporarily to protect his rear until his main force should cross the Blue Ridge at Manassas and other gaps and be well on the march to the Rapidan Valley. My orders were that after the army had crossed the Blue Ridge, unless too much pressed by the enemy, I was to retire slowly up the Shenandoah Valley, cross the Blue Ridge at Brown's or Williams' Gap, and rejoin the army (via Madison Court House) at or near Orange Court House. After explaining his wishes and giving the necessary orders, I was about leaving General Lee's headquarters, when General A. P. Hill, an old friend and schoolmate, rode up. After the usual salutations, we entered into a general conversation in regard to the movement of the troops and the result of the recent campaign in Maryland and Pennsylvania, specially in regard to the ill-fated battle of Gettysburg. In the course of conversation, General Lee said, with sadness: 'I ought not to have fought the battle at Gettysburg; it was a mistake.' Then, after a short hesitation, he added: 'But the stakes were so great I was compelled to play; for had we succeeded Harrisburg, Baltimore, and Washington were in our hands; and,' (with emphasis) 'we would have succeeded had Pender lived.'" In General Lee's first report, 30th of July, 1863, of the battle of Gettysburg, he refers at length to the services of General Pender and his death, and in terms of higher praise than can be found, after diligent search amongst his official reports of battles, than he used concerning any of his fallen subordinates except General Jackson. In this report he says: "General Pender has since died. This lamented officer has borne a distinguished part in every engagement of this army, and was wounded on several occasions while leading his command with conspicuous gallantry and ability. The confidence and admiration inspired by his courage and capacity as an officer were only equaled by the esteem and respect entertained by all with whom he was associated for the noble qualities of his modest and unassuming character."

General A. P. Hill, in his official report of the battle of the second day, says: "On this day, also, the Confederacy lost the invaluable services of Major-General W. D. Pender, wounded by a shell, and since dead. No man fell during this bloody battle of Gettysburg more regretted than he, nor around whose youthful brow were clustered brighter rays of glory."

General Pender undoubtedly made a great and lasting impression on General Lee. Six months after his first report of the battle of Gettysburg he made a full and complete one. Of course he thought well of what was to be his final report of this battle. In it he expressed himself in language concerning General Pender more complimentary, if possible, than that used in his first report. Here it is: "The loss of Major-General Pender is severely felt by the army and the country. He served with this army from the beginning of the war, and took a distinguished part in all its engagements. Wounded on several occasions, he never left his command in action until he received the injury that resulted in his death. His promise and usefulness as an officer were only equaled by the purity and excellence of his private life."

There is no need for further panegyric.

General Pender did not think his wound a mortal one when he received it, nor did his friends. His commissary, Major D. T. Carraway, saw him in the ambulance, and, though suffering from the wound, he particularly inquired about the quantity of commissary supplies on hand, and about the condition and comfort of his soldiers as minutely as when he was well. He knew, though, that his wound was a serious one, and would be long in healing; he therefore turned his face from the field of carnage and was driven towards the South.

Ah! we know where his thoughts were then. Though as brave as the lion, he was yet as gentle as the lamb. He had often heard the wild shouts of his fierce soldiery as he led them, with colors in his own hands, over fields red with slaughter, and he had also, in the beautiful summer days gone by, romped and played with his little children over field and meadow and in grassy lawn, while the wife and mother looked on with beaming face. But now, sorely wounded and helpless, his heart turned toward her, toward her who was more precious to him than fame, and battle, and glory.

"God bless all good women--to their soft hands and pitying hearts we must all come at last."

* * * * *

Judge Montgomery has portrayed the character of one of the ablest soldiers and most attractive men that the Civil War developed. It is well that this duty fell on him to whom it was a labor of love, who appreciated the value of Pender's life, and depended upon facts rather than rhetoric to fix his place in history and in the hearts of his grateful countrymen.

The remarks on the difficulties under which the South labored, appropriate in his Memorial Address, delivered May 10, 1894 (of which the foregoing sketch forms the main part), and well considered in themselves, are not essential to the sketch here presented, and are therefore omitted.

STEPHEN D. RAMSEUR.

BY WM. R. COX.

Stephen Dodson Ramseur, the second child of Jacob A. and Lucy M. Ramseur, had Revolutionary blood in his veins through John Wilfong, a hero who was wounded at King's Mountain and fought at Eutaw Springs. He was born in Lincolnton the 31st day of May, 1837. His surroundings were well calculated to promote a well developed character and a strong, self-relying manhood. His parents were members of the Presbyterian Church and did not neglect to see their son properly instructed in its religious tenets. They were possessed of ample means for their section, and gave to him the best advantages of social and intellectual improvement without his being exposed to the "devices and snares of the outer world." To the strong and beautiful character of his mother, Ramseur is said to have been indebted for the greater part of his success in life. In preparing the life of Dr. Thornwell, Rev. Dr. Palmer has asserted a truth which may be classed as a proverb: "The pages of history will be searched in vain for a great man who had a fool for his mother." In writing of her, the Hon. David Schenck, who married Sallie Wilfong, her second daughter, says: "As a young lady she was said to have been beautiful and attractive. I knew her intimately from 1849 to her death. She was a woman of great force of character. To a judgment clear and firm she united gentleness, tenderness and sympathy. Her manners were easy and courteous and fascinating. She was an active and devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, and brought up her children in the teachings of the shorter catechism from their early youth. It was to her that General Ramseur owed the mental and moral foundations of his character." He received his preparatory training in the schools of Lincolnton and Milton; thence he matriculated at Davidson College, entered the freshman class and passed eighteen months at this institution. He early displayed that decision of character and force of will which distinguished him in after life. He had an ardent longing for a military career, and though disappointed in his efforts to secure an appointment as a cadet at the United States Military Academy, he was not cast down. Through the aid of General D. H. Hill, then a professor at Davidson, his second application was successful. He was given his appointment to the Academy by that sturdy old Roman, Hon. Burton Craige, who before the days of rotation in office was long an able and distinguished member of Congress from our State. Ramseur spent the usual term of five years at the Academy and was graduated with distinction in the class of 1860. Among his classmates of national reputation were General James H. Wilson and General Merritt, Colonel Wilson, Commandant at United States Military Academy, and Colonel A. C. M. Pennington.

Through his courtesy, sincerity and conscientious discharge of his duties while at West Point he formed many valued friendships both among his fellow-students and in the corps. After graduating, Ramseur entered the light artillery service and was commissioned Second Lieutenant by brevet. He was in the United States army but a short time prior to the breaking out of hostilities, and during that time was assigned to duty at Fortress Monroe. In April, 1861, he resigned his commission in the old army and promptly tendered his sword to the Provisional Government of the Confederate States, then assembled at Montgomery. By this government he was commissioned First Lieutenant of Artillery and ordered to the department of Mississippi. About this time a battery of artillery was being formed at Raleigh, whose membership was composed of the flower of the patriotic youth of the State. It was called "the Ellis Artillery," in honor of our then very able and patriotic Governor, whose early death from phthisis was an irreparable loss to our State in the early days of the war. The officers were Manly, Saunders, Guion and Bridgers, who, owing to our long peace establishment, were not familiar with even the rudiments of the drill. Therefore, with more patriotism than selfish emulation, they promptly applied through Lieutenant Saunders to their friend the Governor for some suitable and reliable commander. With a pardonable pride in so fine a company, Governor Ellis had doubtless previously considered this subject in his own mind. At all events, so soon as the request was made known he promptly replied: "I have the very man. You couldn't get a better. It is Lieutenant Ramseur." Thereupon a dispatch was sent tendering him the command, which reached him on his way to his new field of duty. He accepted the unsolicited, but none the less coveted distinction of repelling the invasion of his native State in command of her own sons, and repaired at once to Raleigh. On arriving at the camp of instruction near this place, he found a first-class command of raw recruits without equipments or discipline or the remotest conception of the magnitude of the great contest before them. Many had joined the artillery because it was known to be one of the higher and more attractive branches of the service. They concurred with Secretary Seward, that the war was a matter of a few months, or else with Vice-President Stephens, that for the defense of their firesides gentlemen should not be kept in camps of instruction and discipline, but permitted to remain at their homes, for they were capable of judging when the enemy should be met, and by what methods most easily defeated. If they had read of war, it was in books which gave it such gloss and glamour as made every battle magnificent, if not positively delectable, for such, indeed, is the general current of popular history. Not so Ramseur, who had been taught in the school where the art of war is thoroughly explained, the discipline and drudgery of soldier life daily seen, and the distinctions and advantages of rank recognized and respected. His education and experience led him to concur with Viscount Woolsey, who, in speaking of war, declares that active service teaches us some painful lessons: "That all men are not heroes; that the quality as well as quantity of their courage differs largely; that some men are positively cowards; that there always is, always has been, and always will be, a good deal of skulking and malingering; it teaches us not to expect too much from any body of men; above all things to value the truly brave men as worth more than all the talkers and spouters who have ever squabbled for place in the arena of politics." Ramseur was well satisfied with the _esprit de corps_ of his command, and resolved to employ it to the best advantage. To do this his men must have a knowledge of tactics and discipline; and subordination was indispensable. He had considered all this, and determined what was right; and whether it consorted with the wishes and inclinations of those who belonged to the command or not was not material with him. Indeed, duty was his polar star. He did not willingly sever his connection from the old army, but when called on to elect whether he would fight for or against his people and his State, there was no hesitancy, no doubt as to where his duty lay; he threw his whole soul and energies into the cause of the South. This company was composed of twelve-months men. Ramseur wanted soldiers, and wanted them for the war. This being known, a few members of the company began to become discontented. They feared they were to be treated as regular soldiers, and insisted that, inasmuch as they had volunteered only for twelve months, should the company be reorganized for the war, they were entitled to withdraw. They were good men and did not desire to leave the service; they were allowed to withdraw, and in other fields made valiant soldiers. The reorganization of the battery was soon completed, all elements of discord eliminated, and, under the skillful management and discipline of its new captain it made admirable progress. The great thing now was to secure its guns and equipments, and in this the company was aided by its name and the patriotic ardor of the citizens of Raleigh. At this time there was only one field battery available, and for it another company was applying. The name and _personnel_ of the Ellis Artillery won the prize, while the voluntary subscriptions of our citizens supplied it with horses. Being without tents or suitable parade grounds, Mr. William Boylan tendered it his residence and out-buildings for shelter and ample grounds as a camp for instruction. The offer was accepted, and here the company received that impress which, when called to Virginia and brought in comparison with others, carried off the palm for their soldierly bearing, their splendid drill and handsome equipment. In the latter part of the summer of 1861 the company was ordered to Smithfield, Va., where the fall and winter months were spent without graver duties than occasional reconnoissances to and from Norfolk. McClellan's army was now near Washington, confronted by that of General Joe Johnston, while the public mind of the North was becoming very impatient at its inaction, and began to renew the cry "On to Richmond!" which had been so popular before the inglorious defeat of the Federal army at Manassas. McClellan, unable to resist this clamor, determined to endeavor to reach the Confederate capital by way of the lower Chesapeake, transferred his army on transports to the Peninsula and sat down before Yorktown. It is estimated that McClellan at this time had an army of not less than one hundred and twenty thousand men fit for duty. This force was to be confronted and delayed--until Johnston could arrive--by thirteen thousand Confederates under J. B. Magruder, who, in order to accomplish this purpose, was compelled to cover a front of thirteen miles with his small force. The work was done with consummate ability, and it is no disparagement to others to say there was no officer in either army better qualified to play such a game of bluff than the genial, whole-souled Magruder. Ramseur was ordered to report with his battery at Yorktown. When he arrived Magruder, who had known him in the old army, detached him from his battery and placed him in command of all the artillery on his right. Here Ramseur saw his first active service in the field, and received the promotion of major. On the arrival of the forces of McClellan a campaign of maneuvering commenced which delayed advance for over a month. In the meantime Ramseur had been elected Lieutenant-Colonel of the Third Regiment of Volunteers, but declined to leave his battery. Subsequently, and before serious demonstrations had begun, he was elected Colonel of the Forty-ninth Regiment of Infantry. He was still reluctant to leave his battery, but appreciating the fact that Manly and its other officers were then well qualified for any duties that might be required of them, through the persuasion of friends he was induced to accept the promotion. Subsequent events soon justified his confidence in this artillery company. At the battle of Williamsburg, where it received its first baptism of fire, it gathered fadeless laurels which it was destined to wear throughout the war with a fame still augmenting.

The Forty-ninth Regiment was composed of raw recruits who were gathered together in the camp of instruction at Raleigh, organized into companies and regiments and instructed as to its duties in the field. With his accustomed energy and ability Ramseur immediately addressed himself to the labor of making soldiers out of these new recruits. By constant drill he soon had his regiment in fair condition; and, as the emergency was pressing, he moved with it to the point of danger. The regiment was assigned to the brigade of an old army officer, General Robert Ransom, who was soon to become a distinguished major-general of cavalry in the Army of Northern Virginia, and thence to be assigned to the command of all the cavalry under Longstreet in his operations in the West. In the series of battles around Richmond, known as the "Seven Days' Fight," Ramseur, while gallantly leading his regiment in the battle of Malvern Hill, received a severe and disabling wound through the right arm, but declined to leave the field until the action was over. This wound necessitated his removal to Richmond, where he was detained for over a month before his injury permitted him to enjoy the much-coveted pleasure of a visit to his home. Indeed, the arm was broken, and he was ever afterwards compelled to wear it in a sling.