On the 19th day of September, 1863, the Confederate Army, under General Bragg, and the Federal forces, under Gen. Rosecrans, were drawn up in line of battle on Chickamauga creek. Brig. Gen. Preston Smith, whose scars testified to his gallantry in the past, and whose life-blood upon the battle-field closed his heroic service of his country that very day, it was well known was about to enter upon the responsibilities of a momentous conflict with an inadequate staff. All hearts and eyes are now addressed to the front. A mounted stranger, in military dress, is seen beside the General; he may be a casual acquaintance who will presently retire.--He accompanies the commanding General from one point to another; still he may only seek friendly conference until the battle commences. The cannon is booming, the musketry is rattling; but the stranger has not disappeared. See! he rides rapidly here and there, bearing the General's orders to his colonels, along the line. The secret is revealed. He has come to share the perils of the day, and to serve the General and his brigade through all the vicissitudes of the deadly conflict. But how different the moral position of the parties! On the one hand, the General and his brigade are under the most solemn legal obligation, every man of them, to brave all the dangers of the impending battle: an obligation the violation of which would perpetrate a crime of crimson hue, and incur a penalty severe unto blood. On the other, the unknown soldier sustains no such obligation, and risks nothing by declining to take part in the conflict. Why then should he peril his very life, and hazard all he holds dear on earth, by throwing himself between the enemy and his every shot and shell aimed at the brigade? Ah! how impressively, if silently, he exclaims, "I love my country! Her cause is just! Invaded by a powerful and malignant foe, my fortune, strength and life, all, all are hers, cheerfully hers!" Amidst the roar of cannon, whistle of shells, fall of men, and all the stunning din of battle, all day long, with a buoyant heart, bright countenance, animated tone and martial port, he bears commands, leads regiments and encourages troops. Thus, all day long, with admirable eloquence he expounds the loud calls of patriotism when our country is invaded, and the radiant nobility of courage when adverse power presses fearfully. Through all the varying issues of that memorable day, the ever gallant conduct of the volunteer soldier, how it must have inspired the patriotic devotion of the combatants!--infixing upon taste many a vivid impression of the exquisite beauty of patriot heroism--inscribing upon many a conscience that only harbinger of national independence, the moral conviction, "Every man should be a hero when his country's liberty is imperilled." Study all its influence, present and ultimate, and who can tell what a valuable work, even towards national deliverance, may be wrought by one day's gallant volunteer fighting by an unknown soldier on the common battle ground of our country's liberty, especially if sealed with his blood?
