My dear sir and comrade: * * * * I well remember and can not forget how on the 19th day of July, 1864, at Peach Tree creek, when I was anxious to know whether the 85th Illinois was still in our front beyond, and I called for a volunteer to go forward, ascertain and report, that you very promptly offered to go, and did go, until you were captured almost in my sight. I remember that you were detained for a long time a prisoner and that when you returned to the regiment you were very much emaciated. That I believed then and still believe you had suffered during your incarceration, all the torments of Andersonville. I also remember how grateful I was for the services you so bravely rendered to the whole regiment, and possibly the brigade, for your capture showed me that the rebels were occupying the very ground I had reason to suppose was covered by the 85th Illinois, and enabled me to adjust my line for greater security until ordered to retire by the brigade commander. I could say very much more, if necessary, as reasons satisfactory to me, why your case should be regarded with great favor by the government you aided so much to defend and save.
Very truly,
J. W. LANGLEY.
The above letter was written in support of an application for a pension, because of disability incurred while Finley was a prisoner at Andersonville.
HARVEY S. TRYON.
Another instance of true courage and manhood was exemplified in the military life and character of Harvey S. Tryon, for a long time a private of company H, but when mustered out, a sergeant. We do not remember this man as specially brilliant in feats of arms, or in the performance of some peculiarly delicate or dangerous military duty, but still a hero in the highest sense, and his memory will be respected as such by all christian men and women who knew him, or shall read this estimate of his christian character. It may be said of him, as probably of very few, if any, others, that during his entire three years service, performing at all times every military duty required of him, amid the levity, and too often vulgar profanity of the camp, he never omitted his higher duty to the God of his salvation, whom he had vowed to serve. His faith was simple, pure, and firmly grounded. His religious convictions were never compromised or suffered to lie in abeyance, but without ostentation, or self-righteous display, he moved in the midst of his comrades their best friend and safe counsellor, and a daily example of a true life. He had the respect of all who knew him, and his pious influence was reflected upon all who came in contact with him. Since the war he has been continuously preaching the gospel truths he so happily illustrated in his life and character while a soldier. Heroism in this line being so rare in army life, we cannot refrain from saying this much of one who so fully exemplified it in our regiment.
SERGEANT WM. L. THRALLS.
Another brave boy was Sergeant William L. Thralls, of company B. We say boy, for he was only that in years, yet he was endowed with all the qualities of a grand manhood. In camp, and at all times, a gentleman in his deportment; in action, brave, cool, and intelligent. He had attracted the attention of his superior officers, and was to have been recommended for a lieutenancy. In the first onset at the battle of Jonesboro, he was wounded in the leg, and in endeavoring to leave the field, was offered assistance by his comrades, but this he refused, telling them to stick to their guns, as he would not let them leave the field on his account. This circumstance happened under the eye of Colonel Langley, who there and then commended him for his bravery, and offered to send one of the musicians with him, but no he would not accept, refusing with the inborn politeness of a natural gentleman. The colonel pointed him where our hospital was, and the brave young sergeant dragged himself off the field. When nearly at the hospital he received a mortal wound through the body, of which he shortly died. We will give, in the colonel's own language, his last sad interview with our brave young comrade. He says:
"After night, and when I had reported my position to General Morgan, I went to look up Thralls, for his coolness impressed me all through the fight. On finding him I learned that after nearly reaching the hospital, he had received another wound through the body, of which he must shortly die. I was shocked to hear it for I greatly wanted that boy to recover, so that I could give him the promotion I intended for him, and he so well deserved. I bent over his dying form, gently touching him, and spoke his name. Upon recognizing me he roused a little and expressed much delight that I had come to see him. He first asked me how the battle had gone, and upon being told, he seemed greatly gratified. He begged to be assured that I was entirely satisfied with his conduct, and upon being told that he was the first man that I had ever seen who refused help from the field, and that such denial evinced a discipline so unusual, and a spirit so unselfish, as to make his conduct specially commendable, and that as a true soldier he had done his whole duty. He seemed content, was willing to die for his country, and be at rest, for he was suffering most intense pain. With a sad heart I bade that boy farewell."
Yes, poor fellow, he was loved by us all, and we deeply mourned his death. It is such men as these whose company is an honor to the living, and over whose memory we meditate with saddened thoughts. But to that galaxy of bright names on high, to which so many names were added during our terrible war, we feel assured that the name of William L. Thralls, is also there, shining with the effulgence of glory. Brave soldier, true comrade, faithful friend, farewell. The pines of Georgia wail a mournful requiem over your last resting place, but your better part has gone to God who gave it; this is the assurance that the bible gives, and we believe it. Suffice it to say, that no braver name appears on the muster roll of company B, than Sergeant William L. Thralls, and what more glorious epitaph than that which comes after: "Died of wounds received at Jonesboro, Ga., September 2, 1864."