Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
letter from a Georgia Volunteer.
Camp Hollingsworth, Winchester, July 12, 1861.
Will you allow me a brief space in your valuable paper for the performance of a task, prompted alike by gratitude and duty?
It has been said that the highest meed of praise which the soldier should claim, is the consciousness of duty faithfully performed; but when, with this conviction is mingled the many little kindnesses dispensed by stouthearted men — the sustaining prayers and cheering smiles of fair women, and the more substantial comforts, so delicately, yet appropriately provided by both, how doubly sustained is he in camp or battle field!--Amidst the almost universal kindness extended to the soldier by the citizens of Winchester, and, indeed, by Virginians everywhere, individual instances may be considered Ill-timed and unnecessary; but I must crave indulgence for the expression of a Georgia soldier's gratitude to the families of two of your own noble citizens for the special kindness of which he has been the recipient.
To the lady and family of Oliver Brown, Esq., so cheerfully seconded by himself, he is specially indebted for those unremitting attentions and delicate favors so cheering and grateful to the sick soldier; and, as the best return which he can now make, and perhaps the most acceptable, he would invoke Heaven's richest blessings upon them and their's, with the assurance that, should life be spared him to reach once more his Georgia home, he will carry with him a lively remembrance of it all, refreshened and sweetened by the recollection of the rich, ringing laugh, and musical prattle of their ‘"Little Nell."’
To John Keen, Esq., and his hospitable, patriotic lady, who is always ready with a smile and favor, to greet or cheer the sick soldier, he is also under special obligations for his share of those kindnesses by them so constantly and so freely dispensed.
In his best wishes and most fervent prayers they shall be remembered; and when victory shall perch upon our banner, as eventually it must; when the invader shall be driven from our Southern soil, as eventually he will; when peace shall restore its wonted quiet and prosperity to your lovely Valley of the Shenandoah; when the soldier's grateful task shall be to repose once more in peace and security beneath the protection of that Government which we now love and defend — then will I, and thousands of others, whose stern and rugged path of duty all of your citizens have sought to strew with flowers, in our own loved Georgia homes, think of and bless you all. A Georgia Volunteer.
