Death of Pvt. Levin Bryan Lane, Co. D, 4th Alabama Infantry

Hon. W. M, Brooks, of Perry county, pays a handsome tribute in the Marion Commonwealth to the memory of Levin B. Lane Jr., of Marengo, a member of the Fourth Alabama Regiment, who fell heroically at Manassas, receiving a wound in the leg, which had afterwards to be amputated, causing his death. It is related that when lying helpless upon the ground, a member of the New York 69th Regiment came up and offered to assist him. He replied, “you would not assist me if you knew who I was; I am a Southerner and a strong secessionist.” The man responded “that account is settled – you are wounded, what can I do for you?” The New Yorker furnished him with water, and after giving him his address, offering to send his valuables to his friends, and making him as comfortable as he could, departed. Late in the evening President Davis riding by, discovered Lane lying on the ground, and dismounted, took him by the hand and uttered words of deepest sympathy and kindness. As the President mounted and started off in the direction of the flying enemy, Lane raised himself up and enthusiastically cheered him on. When informed he must die, he received the announcement with calmness, and declared if it were to do over, he would pursue the same course though he knew he should be killed – that the only regret he felt was the pain his death would cause his father and sisters – that as for himself, he felt that he had fallen in a just and righteous cause. He sent affectionate messages to his absent friends and relatives, and on the 31st day of July, 1861, the pure, unselfish and brave young patriot, the only son of a fond and doating father, breathed his last on the soil of Virginia.

The (Jackson, MS) Weekly Mississippian, 9/18/1861

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Obituary – Lt. Col. Benjamin J. Johnson

Obituary.

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Lieut. Col. Benj. J. Johnson

Lieut. Col. Benjamin J. Johnson, the second in command of the Hampton Legion, is a native of the town of Beaufort, S. C., and was about forty-five years of age at the period of his death. His brothers reside in this State – two of whom are clergymen of the Episcopal Church – one, the Rev. Rich’d Johnson, being the Chaplain of Hampton’s Legion.

Col. Johnson was educated at Williamsburgh, Virginia, and commenced life as a planter; but afterwards studied law with Col. DeTreville, and came to the bar of Beaufort, where he practiced a few years. During his residence in Beaufort he commanded the 12th Regiment of Infantry, and was highly esteemed as an officer.

In 1838, when barely eligible in years, he was elected a member of the House of Representatives from St. Helena Parish, where he served many years, until he was transferred to the Senate by the same constituency. Col Johnson served in the Senate for two terms, and until his removal to Christ Church Parish, about three years ago. Immediately upon his removal he was elected a member of the House of Representatives from the election district of Christ Church, and continued a member to the time of his death.

Col. Johnson’s career in the Legislature was marked by attention and intelligence. He frequently filled the position of Chairman of important committees, and was known as a working member. He participated fully in the debates of both Houses, and was always distinguished by fairness and ability in his mode of conducting them. He filled a high position in the politics of the State, as evidenced by the prominence of his name in the late election for Governor of South Carolina. His heart was always true to the honor of his State, as evidenced by the prominence of his name in the late election for Governor of South Carolina. His heart was always true to the honor of his State, as exhibited throughout his life and illustrated by his death.

Col. Johnson’s influence was largely owing to his personal characteristics. A man of strong will, strong temper, bold, self-reliant, imperturbable, energetic, he at once impressed upon those with whom he was thrown in contact, his thorough manhood. He won friends in the closest ties of regard and affection, In his life he sustained the measure of a Carolina gentleman, and in his death he has added to it that of the patriot.

The Charleston (SC) Mercury, 7/23/1861

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Obituary – Col Francis S. Bartow

Obituary.

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Col. Francis S. Bartow

In the death of this distinguished gentleman, Georgia has lost one of her very most gifted sons, and the South a patriot who we can never cease to deplore.

Col. Bartow was a young man, we would suppose scarcely over forty years of age. Yet he has been for several years in the front rank in the politics and at the forum of his native State. His was one of the commanding minds of his section; and his great talents, and the weight of his irreproachable private character, doubtless contributed materially to the position so deliberately taken by his State on the Southern question – a position which her sons are now maintaining with a firmness and intrepidity worthy of her people and the great cause they have espoused.

Col. Bartow left Georgia in command of the Oglethorpe Light Infantry, a noble company of young men, composed of the flower of the State, having resigned from the Confederate Congress for the purpose of taking the field. He was soon promoted to the Colonelcy of one of the Georgia Regiments. He served under Gen. Johnston, and has served nobly, consecrating by his blood his devotion to the great cause of Southern Independence. Georgia will weep few nobler sons.

The Charleston (SC) Mercury, 7/23/1861

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Obituary – Brig. Gen. Barnard Bee

Obituary.

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Gen. Barnard E. Bee.

Upon the wings of shining Victory comes the dark shaft of Death. And with the first impulsive leapings of the heart in the glad shout of triumph for our arms and our cause, the breath of Carolinians is stilled in mourning for our gallant dead. In that they lived, they were ours – int that they are dead, it was for use they died. Upon each heart in Carolina they have levied a tribute. The bitter, bitter tears of those who loved them dearest in life, the little hands of pleading children, demand of us, even in the rush of life, and the fierce cry of victory, to pause in silence over their biers, and to mingle our sorrows with the unutterable grief of hearts that cannot be comforted. And to-day South Carolina, like a Spartan mother, mourns her lost sons.

Perhaps there was no man of his age in the Confederate service who had won for himself a fairer fame, both as an accomplished officer and high-toned gentleman, than the late Gen. Barnard E. Bee, of this State. Upon the desperate field of battle, where more than once his gallant blade had won him the applause of the army and of his native state, sword in hand, he perished – an untimely death.

Gen. Bee, descended from an old Carolina family of gentlemen, was about 35 years of age, and leaves a widow and an infant son.

He entered West Point a Cadet in 1841; was made Brevet Second Lieutenant, 3d Infantry, in 1845. Curing the Mexican war he served with marked distinction, winning two brevets before the close of the war – that of First Lieutenant, “for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battle of Cerro Gordo, on the 18th April, 1847,” in which he was wounded, and that of Captain, in the storming of Chepultepec, on the 13th of September, 1847, “for gallant and meritorious conduct.” Since 1848 he acted as Adjutant, and rose to a full First Lieutenancy in March, 1851.

His achievements, since that time, in wars amongst the Indians, were such as to attract towards him the attention of his State, and in his dying hand, on the field in which he fell, he grasped the sword which South Carolina had taken pride in presenting him.

Few men of his age had attracted more attention in his profession, and such was his reputation, that President Davis, at once raising him from the rank of Captain, appointed him a Brigadier-General in the Provisional Army.

It will not be easy to fill his place in the Confederate service; but South Carolina, more especially, mourns his loss, for he was a true representative of her race. Mild, modest, amiable of deportment, open, generous, bold and dashing in achievement, nice of honor and punctilious of fame, winning friends by sterling conduct, as fearless of foes as sensitive of regard, he was all that his State could ask of a Gentleman, a soldier and a patriot. South Carolina will ever bend in honor over the tomb of such a son.

The Charleston (SC) Mercury, 7/23/1861

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Obituary – Lt. Richard Palmer, Co. G, 2nd Mississippi Infantry

From the Pontotoc (Miss.) Examiner.

The Late Lieut. Richard A. Palmer.

The announcement of the untimely death of this worthy citizen and gallant officer, has filled our community with the deepest regret and profoundest sorrow.

Rarely in the history of our town, have tidings of grief cast a shadow of deeper gloom than has been visible for some days past upon the consciences of his numerous friends. He fell at the post of duty in the terrible and bloody conflict near Manassas, on the 21st of July, in the defense of all that is dear and sacred in the Southern heart.

The deceased was borne in Yorkville, S. C., on the 31st of September, 1833, and graduated with high distinction in 1852, at the “Citadel Academy” in Charleston.

Soon after graduation, he was chosen professor in the “St. John’s Military and Classical Institute,” at Spartanburg, in his native State, and subsequently was engaged as instructor in an Institution in Marietta, Ga. Late in the autumn of 1858, he settled in the town of Pontotoc, Miss., where he soon took charge of the Mathematical Department of the Male Academy, and had for some time under his tuition and faithful training many of those gallant youth, who in the recent day of battle ever rallied at his voice and sustained him in his last and fatal struggle. In the year 1860, he became associated with the “Presbyterial Female Institute” of this place, and in this connection, by the gentleness of his manners, the kindness of his discipline, and the purity of his heart, he won for himself the lasting affection of all with whom he was associated. At his country’s call he abandoned the class room of his choice for the sterner duties of the tented field. At the organization or the “Pontotoc Minute Men,” 2d Mississippi Regiment, Colonel Faulkner’s, he was chosen 1st Lieutenant, and in due time, by his high attainments, untiring efforts and superior drill, he raised his company to a degree of military discipline second to none under Gen. Johnson’s command. Near the close of that desperate struggle, where personal valor and heroic effort triumphed over fearful odds, and almost at the very moment, that the shout of victory proclaimed the routing of the foe, a comrade fell at his side. – True to the purer and holier instincts of his nature, our lamented friend and christian hero, while bending over and breathing words of comfort and consolation into the ear of the bleeding soldier, was pierced by a minnie ball, entering below his arm, ranging upward and lodging in his neck. He was borne at once from that scene of carnage, by kind and devoted friends, to a place of safety – and, at his request, was soon conveyed to Manassas Junction.

As he was borne along he spoke composedly of the fatal nature of his wound, the unerring certainty of his death, and of the blessed hope of immortal life, which cheered his heart in that hour of bitter trial. Sending messages of love to those he held most dear, he requested to be raised from his reclining posture, that he might once more look out upon the verdant grove and smiling fields, in contrast with the recent scenes of gore – and thus while resting his aching head upon the bosom of his friend his ransomed spirit rook its flight. His remains were becomingly interred in a retired, quiet spot, south of the Junction, near a kind and generous woman’s cottage. Around his grave were gathered his brave associates in arms, a devoted brother, and many of his faithful Yorkville friends, who shed the tear of sorrow over his earthly but honored tomb.

He had been for many years a member of the Episcopal Commission, but some months before he left this place, he attached himself to the Presbyterian Church by a renewed profession of his faith in Christ.

In that faith he constantly lived, and triumphantly died. Long will his memory be cherished by his numerous friends, who were won by the lustre of his manly virtues and sterling worth.

Brie as was his life, it was full of usefulness and promise. He died a martyr in a glorious cause. Around his honored name will ever circle a halo of unfading glory. For,
“To the Hero, when his sword
Has won the battle for the free,
Death’s voice sounds like a prophet’s wounds;
And in its hollow tones are heard
The thanks of millions yet to be.”
“We tell they doom without a sigh,
For thou art Freedom’s now, and Fame’s –
Out of the few immortal names
That were not born to die.”

A. H. C.

Yorkville (SC) Enquirer, 8/29/1861

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Richard A. Palmer short bio

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Obituary – Sgt. James S. George, Co. F, 8th Georgia Infantry

For the Southern Confederacy.

James. S. George, 4th Sergeant Atlanta Grays.

The unnatural and unnecessary war which is entailing sorrow, and suffering, and bereavement throughout the Southern Confederacy, is marked by many revolting facts. Among these, and by no means the least revolting, it the difference in social position, family influence and moral and intellectual worth of those composing the two armies arrayed against each other. As a general fact, the Black Republican army consists of mercenary hirelings, unprincipled blackguards, whose high ambition is plunder and the destruction of domestic happiness, and whose most animating watchword is “Booty and Beauty.” In the army of the Confederate States are to be found in large proportion, men of property, education, talent, private worth and commanding influence. Hundreds of these men occupied positions of usefulness and honorable distinction. All of them, with but little exception, comparatively, are beloved and cherished at home, as sons, brothers, relatives and friends, of the best families in the land. Among them are no hirelings – not even a drafted soldier answers his name when the roll is called. – Prompted by no sordid considerations, and unaffected by unworthy motives of any sort, they constitute an army of self-sacrificing and devoted men, presenting a bulwark of defense against the vile invaders of their common country – a noble band of volunteers, whose highest ambition is their country’s independence, and whose most inspiring watchword is “Liberty or Death.”

An illustration of the truth of these remarks is to be found in the subject of this article – Serg’t James S. George, who left his native state, Georgia, on the 22d of May, as a member of the Atlanta Grays.

Serg’t George was quite young, being only twenty years old on the 22d of December preceding the memorable battle in which, as a soldier and a patriot, he offered his life a willing sacrifice upon the alter of his county – He had just entered upon the arena of public life a competitor for distinction in the profession of his choice. Having received a respectable elementary education, he commenced the study of law under Col. Printup, of Rome, and concluded his legal course at the Law School in Athens. During the few months of his residence and practice in the city of Atlanta, he had many valuable friends, and had given flattering indications of his future success. In the bloom of youth, surrounded by relatives and friends who loved him, the cherished son of an aged father, with talents above the ordinary standard, and professional prospects growing brighter every day, he heard the call of his country for her young men to repair to her borders and repel the invasion of an insolent and disappointed despot. Prompt and cheerful to respond with others like himself to our noble State, he obeyed the call, and was among the first who went forth to meet the dangers and liabilities of the camp and battle-field on the soil of Virginia. At Harper’s Ferry, and Winchester, and Darkesville, he was always at his post; and in the hour of threatened attack, was ever found ready to act his part in the expected struggle. He contributed his full share, bravely and nobly, in giving enviable distinction to the gallant 8th Georgia Regiment, and side by side with the dauntless Bartow, on the plains of Manassas, poured out his heart’s blood in defense of his country’s rights. As a messmate he was beloved by his comrades for his mild, generous and manly bearing. As a private, and afterwards a subaltern, he enjoyed the confidence and respect of his superior officers, and the friendship and esteem of his companions in arms. He was one of those who made the almost unparalleled forced march from Winchester to Piedmont – who waded the Shenandoah in the night – who hastened with the noble, generous impulses to the scene of strife, and who, weary and faint from hunger and the continuous exertion, boldly dashed into the thickest of the fight, and gloriously “illustrated their native State,” by a stern, unflinching courage that claimed and received from the magnanimous Beauregard the high compliment – ”8th Georgia, I salute you.” – Poor George! he heard not the proud recognition of his valor and self-devotion, for he lay upon the battle-field, stricken to the earth by the death wounds he had received. The battle of Manassas Plains will occupy its page in the record of great and triumphant achievements, and when the names of its heroes are registered, let not the name of James S. George be forgotten.

A. T. Holmes.

(Atlanta, GA) Southern Confederacy, 9/15/1861

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James S. George at Ancestry

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Obituary – Capt. Columbus W. Howard, Co. D, 8th Georgia Infantry

[Communicated.]

Our Worthy Dead.

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IN MEMORY OF CAPT. C. W. HOWARD.

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The remains of the late Capt. Columbus W. Howard, of Meriwether county, Georgia, who fell upon the battlefield Sunday, July 21st, now rest at Manassas Junction. It was a solemn, quiet and melancholy burial. There was no pomp, brilliant display nor glitter of vain glory; not a drum was heard, nor a funeral not, as the last sad tribute of respect was paid to the lamented dead. He died one of Georgia’s heroes, and his corpse was followed to the grave by a large concourse of weeping friends and kind associates, away from his own dear native State, with a simple stone, and the words “Columbus W. Howard, Captain Echols Guards, 8th Georgia Regiment,” rudely carved thereon, to mark his lonely resting place.

The death of one so young, whose future bid so fair to be one of much usefulness to his country, brings with it a train of melancholy, and a host of very sad reflections. Stretched out in the distance before him lay fields of promise; the glittering star of glory and renown was lighting a pathway to honor, distinction and illustrious fame – so early in the onset of the troubles of our country, and just achieving perhaps the greatest victory the world ever knew, with laurels waiting to deck his noble brow, he was felled to the earth by a leaden messenger of death. We are more than ever convinced that “all is vanity and vexation of spirit,” and the “paths of glory lead but to the grave.”

Capt. Howard was of one of the first families of Georgia. Endowed with a superior intellect, splendid military talents, familiar with all the arts of war, possessing a resistless and firey spirit, added to which was a temperament so becoming to a soldier and a fondness for the profession, he thought it his duty to offer his services to his country.

During his connection with the Mexican war, he was in several desperate engagements with the enemy, and acted upon every occasion with all that coolness and bravery so characteristic of a true Southerner. Linking his fortunes with that of our infant Republic, and by his self sacrificing devotion to a cause in which was enlisted his all, by his eagerness and determination upon the battlefield, and by his dauntless daring and gallantry, he lost his life. Willingly did he lay it upon the altar of his county in defence of Southern Rights and Southern liberty. It was in the most desperate and dangerous hours of the day, and when the battle was raging, he won his death. And to die thus at his post, is to die like a hero, and die the death of the brave. He made his country’s cause his cause, and pouted out his life’s blood in defence of her liberty.

The subject of this feeble tribute was greatly possessed with those social qualities of head and heart that always attack a large circle of admiring friends. He at once became popular as an officer of the first rank, and respected by his brother soldiers. Columbus, as such he was more familiarly known, was cut down in the flower of his manhood.

He was married to one of Georgia’s most estimable and accomplished young ladies, and by his untimely death he leaves a fond and an affectionate wife to mourn her melancholy loss; society is deprived of a brilliant ornament and out army sustains the loss of an efficient and gallant soldier.

He was a pure christian, an humble advocate of the cause of God, and a shining light to his fellow-man. This consolation survives. He fought bravely, and died becoming a soldier. He is one of our heroes, and his memory will be enshrined and live forever in the hearts of all true Georgians.

D. C. J.

(Atlanta, GA) Southern Confederacy, 8/20/1861

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Columbus W. Howard at Ancestry

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Obituary – Pvt. John Stacker Brooks, Co. H, 7th Louisiana Infantry

John Stacker Brooks, son of Capt. Brooks, of this city, was a volunteer in the Seventh Louisiana Regiment. Before leaving the city he was in the employ of Messrs. W. M. Perkins & Co; who had for him the highest esteem and respect which they evinced by paying him a handsome salary (though less than 18 years of age) during his term of service with them, and also continuing that salary during his absence in the public service. Prompt in the discharge of every duty, modest, courteous and unassuming in his manners, he won the confidence and love of all who knew him. He was, indeed, a youth of rare promise, in whom centered many bright hopes.

When asked by his now bereaved parents if he thought he could endure the privations and toils incident to a soldier’s life, he replied firmly, but calmly, “yes,” and obtained their consent to join his brothers in arms, to defend his invaded country and avenge her insulted honor.

On the memorable 18th of July, the day that inaugurated and insured the grater victory of the 21st, while gallantly rushing to charge the advancing foe, he was shot first of all in the fight and fell mortally wounded; but though faint and feeble, the valor of the soldier flashed in his eye and beat warm in his youthful breast, he said, “Boys, raise me up and let me shoot once more before I die.” He was borne bleeding from the field and survived near eighteen hours. He asked his attending physician if he could live. Was told it was doubtful. Then he said, his only regret was that he could not do more in his country’s cause. He fortunately did not suffer severely. His mind was calm. Trained in the Sabbath school, taught the lessons of the gospel, he knew the way to God,. We are told his last end was calm and peaceful.

The pastor of the church he attended gave him a letter on the eve of his departure, exhorting him to duty, to purity and to prayer. In his last letter he said, “Tell Brother Walker I often read his letter.”

He sleeps on a lonely bed on the vast field of battle. Loved ones deplore his loss but sorrow not as those who have no hope. With the virtuous and the brave, who have fallen martyrs in the battle for constitutional liberty, he will be embalmed in undying and honored remembrance.

The subjoined is the action of the Sabbath School Methodist Church, Carondelet Street, of which our lamented young friend was a member.

Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God to remove from our midst, and from the number of our Sabbath School, John Stacker Brooks, who fell while bravely defending his country’s rights and honor.

Resolved. That we deeply deplore the loss of so valuable member of our Sabbath School.

Resolved. That we deeply sympathize with his heart-stricken parents, and pray that God may support them in their affliction.

Resolved. That a copy of these resolutions be presented to his afflicted parents and also be published

G. W. W. Goodwin
William Sherry
H. W. Speer

A. Friend.

The Daily Delta, 8/6/1861.
Jackson Barracks – Historical Military Data on Louisiana Militia, Vol. 113, pp. 48 – 50.