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6th Vermont Infantry
Kimball Collection
Letter to the Editor
From the Eighth Regiment.
_________
IN FRONT OF PORT HUDSON,
June 4, 1863,
In the frequent tributes to the memory of the brave who have fallen in our country's service, we too frequently overlook modest worth. This is not necessarily intentional, but rather one of the impossibilities, and however much we may mourn a departed brother in arms, we must content ourselves in silent feelings of grief. It is sweet to remember by friends at home that he whom they mourn died fighting nobly for his country's defence; this should mitigate their suffering, and mingled with this mourning there should be a gleam of happiness. When one who has willingly given up the luxuries of home and the pleasant intercourse of society, to fight for his native land, wins the name of the "faithful soldier," his friends should cherish it as the highest military encomium.
Among those who fell at the fierce attack on Port Hudson, on May 27th, was one whom I can truly call the faithful soldier. The charge had been successfully made and we occupied the strong position on the right of the line. A lull in the terrible fire had taken place, when by exposing himself too freely, a rebel sharpshooter sent the "missile of death," and private David M. George, Co. C, 8th Vt. Volunteers, fell to rise no more. He lived but a short time, when death released him from his sufferings. No man in Co. C was more faithful in the discharge of duty, more willing to obey his officers, or more ready to do those "little acts of kindness" which so characterise the kind and obliging. At roll call or drill he was ever among the first on the line. At the weekly inspections he generally received a complimentary word on account of his personal, cleanly appearance, and the always good order and condition of his gun and equipments. He seemed to take pride in his efforts to do his duty faithfully, and we may truly exclaim, "he acted well his part." Although not possessing that refinement which education and culture bestows, yet he had a warm heart, and many a time has he volunteered to relieve some sick one when detailed on some routine of duty.
To his friends I would say, he has left a good record, and while he had faults like all, still he has left a memory laden with "good deeds and noble actions done."
"You may break or ruin the vase if you will,
But the scent of the rose will hang around still."
Respectfully yours,
GEO. N. CARPENTER.