The spontaneous tributes to the memory of this good man will best show how he was appreciated by those who knew him.
In a letter now before us from Rev. Charles K. Marshall, D. D., of Mississippi, to his bereaved family, that eminent minister says: "From my first acquaintance to this hour my affections took to and clung around him as one of the highest and noblest types of exalted manhood, as a true, steadfast, appreciating friend; and as a brother in Christ with whose inward spirit it was a joy to commune. Few men cherished so high and sacred views of the dignity and ends of life. Usefulness was the keynote of his being. Unselfish, wide-minded, spiritual, transparent, pure, he was a living epistle known and read of all. His life was hid in Christ, and the highest ambition of his soul was to live to and for Christ."
Rev. Dr. Deems, of New York, says: "His abilities and virtues rendered him one of the most useful men I have ever known. Every interview I have had with him since our acquaintance began has served to deepen my respect for the loftiness of his character."
Bishop McTyeire, who was a fellow-student with him at Randolph-Macon, says: "In church and state it seemed to me he was just such an one as we need now. With gratitude I remember his high Christian influence as a student. Our meeting and reunion at Montgomery, twenty-five years after, was one of the most pleasing events of my life. Who of us has not coveted his gifts?"
Such is the testimony, voluntarily given, by this eminent minister.
We are enabled to give a more detailed account of this sad event from a letter written by the proprietor of the hotel at Mattoon:
"When Mr. Johnson came out of the saloon of the sleeping car, the conductor told him to 'hurry up.' Thinking he would be left if he did not make haste, Mr. J. went quickly forward through the car, and was just in the act of stepping across to the forward car when the cars separated, and he fell on the track, and before he could recover himself he was struck by the rear car and fatally injured. His right leg was crushed in two places and his back broken. As soon as possible he was taken from under the car. His first words were, 'My friends, my name is Thomas C. Johnson, of Boydton, Va.; take your pencil and write it down.' A stretcher was then procured, and he was brought to my house. We did all we could for him. Doctors were at hand from the moment he was hurt until he died. The injured leg was amputated; and on further examination it was found that his back was broken. He was then told that he was fatally injured and could live but a short time, and that any directions he had to give must be given quickly. He then gave directions as to the disposal of his body, requesting it to be sent to his friends in Virginia. He was emphatic in saying that his death was caused by the mismanagement of the railroad officials. Before his death, at his request, a notary public was sent for, and his testimony as to the cause of his death was legally taken. He was sensible to the last moment, and spoke with deep feeling of the overwhelming effect the tidings of his terrible and sudden death would have upon his family. I sat by his side and heard every word he uttered. The general opinion of the public here is that the railroad company is responsible for Mr. Johnson's death."
[Illustration: JUDGE W. J. KILBY, Trustee of College.]
[Illustration: PROF. MANSFIELD T. PEED, A. M., 1877. Prof. Emory
College, Ga.]
Such was the end of a most useful and devoted Christian. In the midst of strangers, mangled, and bleeding, he died. By the grace of God he was sustained and comforted. Calmly he surrendered his life into the hands of his Creator. How wonderful are the ways of Providence! The workmen die, but the work goes on. Is the doctrine of premonition true? We often incline to the belief that it is. In many cases there appears to be a conviction that the work of life is finished, and the soul feels itself nearing the portals of eternity. Speaking of Colonel Johnson's experience, one who knew him well says, "I can but think that the last six months of his life was a period of preparation for eternity. I was deeply impressed with his growth in grace, the fervor and earnestness of his piety, and his forbearance and patience under severe trials."