For a time he had a fellow-prisoner named John B. Marsh, who had been forced into the Rebel army. Marsh made an attempt to join the Union forces, but was recaptured, and condemned to be shot. Just before his execution he managed to get the following note into Mr. Shipman’s hands:—
“Kind Friend,—If ever you reach our happy lines, have this put in the Northern papers, that my father, the Rev. Leonard Marsh, who lives in Maine, may know what has become of me, and what I was shot for. I am to be shot for defending my country. I love her, and am willing to die for her. Tell my parents that I am also happy in the Lord. My future is bright. I hope to speak to you as I pass out to die.”
One of the guards told Mr. Shipman afterward, that when young Marsh was placed in position ready to receive the fire of his executioners, he was told he could speak if he desired to do so. Looking calmly upon the crowd for a moment, he shouted out in strong, clear tones, “Three cheers for the old flag and the Union!” There was no response to his patriotic sentiment. He paused for a moment, and then shouted at the top of his voice, “Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!” A volley of musketry struck him in the breast, and stopped the beating of his brave, loyal heart.
HOW PRESIDENT LINCOLN RECEIVED THE NEWS OF SHERIDAN’S VICTORY.
I WAS personally acquainted with President Lincoln, and sat talking with him in his public office when the telegram was brought in announcing General Sheridan’s second victory in the Shenandoah Valley, which resulted in the defeat of General Early.
When the messenger came in, Mr. Lincoln was talking very earnestly; and although he laid down the telegram with the announcement, “An important telegram, Mr. President,” Mr. Lincoln took no notice of it.
The messenger went as far as the door of the room, and seeing that Mr. Lincoln had not taken up the telegram he returned, and laying it a little nearer to him on the desk, repeated,—
“An important telegram, Mr. President.”
But as the president kept on talking, and took no notice of it, the messenger retired.