| From the Fayetteville (N. C.) Observer |
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| April 14, 1862 |
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| Railroad Collisions |
| It seems to s that there is a terrible
frequency of railroad collisions lately. The last one we have noticed
was on the Virginia Central road, at 2 o'clock on Sunday morning last.
The 6th Alabama regiment as in one train, and one of the cars was
completely wrecked by which a soldier, a boy, and a fireman were killed,
and 38 soldiers more or less hurt. Only three escaped uninjured. The
engineers of both trains took to the woods to escape the vengeance of
the soldiers. |
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A pleasant incident grew out of this ad disaster.
"President Davis visited the wounded soldiers and expressed warm
sympathy for the unfortunate sufferers. Addressing the other
soldiers he said he intended to share their fate on the next battle
field -- come weal or woe, he would be with them -- and whatever
might betide, whether victory or defeat ensured, of one thing he
assured them -- "the cause is safe; we will conquer in the end." The
address was very brief, but the effect was magical; putting the
soldiers, who were somewhat depressed by the accident, in glorious
spirits. |
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We chronicle this incident, says the Whig, with
inexpressible pleasure. Heretofore the President has not exhibited
that warm human sympathy which so becomes the leader of a great
cause in a dark hour; and which wins the heart and inspires the
courage of the soldier as nothing else does. One touch of nature
makes the whole word kin. Let the President show himself a man of
feeling, let him visit the hospitals, let him, on all proper
occasions, encourage the men who are fighting our battles, and he
will quickly become what he ought all along to have been, the loved
and honored chief of a glorious cause and a great people." |
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