THE LAST WORDS OF COLONEL STONE.–

5. March 2009 by admin.

Much has been said–but not too much–in praise of Col. Newton Stone, late commander of the Vermont Second, who fell in the second day’s fight in the Wilderness. He was first wounded in the leg, and conveyed to the rear; and, after having his wound dressed, requested to be placed upon his horse, which was done; when he immediately rode to the front and took his position at the head of his regiment, amid the cheers of his men, whom he addressed briefly as follows,–

“Well, boys, this is rough work; but I have done as I told you I wished you to do, not to leave for a slight wound, but remain just as long as you could do any good; I am here to do as long as I can.” He then rode along the line, speaking a word of good cheer to every company, and, as he halted to address Company B, a rifle-ball pierced his head, and he fell from his horse a corpse. At that moment, the regiment was forced back and the body of their Colonel was captured, but was immediately re-taken.

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