In at least two instances proof was given by the slave of heroic devotion to his master. Lieutenant Thurman was shot at Atlanta, and his body servant, Young, taking charge of him, through all sorts of hardships and deprivations, faithfully nursed him until he died. Young then dug a grave with his own hands, buried his young master, and, making his way across two States, came back to Shelby county, where the stricken father and mother heard the pitiful story from his lips of how their boy had passed away. They told Young that they wanted their boy buried at their old home; so the negro, with a wagon and team, made his way back to the unmarked grave he had dug and brought the body all the way through a thousand difficulties and dangers to the old master and mistress. I do not know that this negro is now living, but I mention his deed that those of this generation may know something of a faithfulness strong enough and great enough to command the admiration of all the world.
Another: At Belmont one of the negroes, whose name I deeply regret having lost, while the battle was yet raging, seeing his young master fall, went into the storm of shot and shell and brought the body safely back into our lines. In Edwards' beautiful story of "The Valley of the Shadder" a similar episode is told—so eloquently, so tenderly told—that it is difficult to read it without tears. The Thirteenth Regiment saw the actual occurrence at Belmont, so can bear witness for the negro to those who might think Mr. Edwards was speaking from his fancy rather than from actual facts.
Now my task is done. If this humble compilation will save from obscurity some of my old comrades—if it will add anything to the record of the fame which others have won—I have received all the reward I ask.
APPENDIX.
Some Incidents of the War.
Some incidents and happenings took place during the war which, I think, would interest or amuse, and which do not strictly form a part of this brief compilation. I add some of them here in the hope that they may not be found dull reading to those who have followed thus far my little contribution.