June 24.—I have just witnessed the death of John Patterson, a member of the Third Florida Regiment. He had been in the hospital for some time, and not being very sick, I paid him little attention. A few days ago he was taken very ill, and all that could be done for him was of no avail. Mr. Moore, who is very attentive, had spoken to him on the subject of religion, and he had then made up his mind to live for God. This morning he begged me not to leave him, and I did not unless when compelled. Mr. Moore prayed and talked with him a good portion of the day. Colonel Mashburn and Lieutenant Sutton, of his regiment, were with him. He did not feel assured that he would be accepted at the last hour, as he had been so long in seeking the Lord. I read some hymns to him, two of which seemed to give him great consolation; they were “Just as I am without one plea,” and “Jesus, savior of my soul.” Mrs. W. and I were with him when he breathed his last, at nine o’clock to-night. The last words he uttered were, “Take me, Lord, ’tis all I have to give.” He is one of five brothers who have died in the service. What a record and a tale is in these few words! Five of one circle offered up a sacrifice for freedom; they are
“Martyrs in heroic story,
Worth a hundred Agincourts!”
He requested me to write to his sister, who lives in Madison County, Florida. His colonel tried to get a detail to carry his body home, but was unsuccessful.
