“They would not believe me, my dear Surry; not one would give me credit for a good sentiment or a pure principle! Am I not a drunkard, because my face is burned red by the sun and the wind? And yet I never touched spirit in all my life! I do not know the taste of it![1] Am I not given to women? And yet, God knows I am innocent,--that I recoil in disgust from the very thought! Am I not frivolous, trifling,--laughing at all things, reverencing nothing? And yet my laughter is only from high health and animal spirits. I am young and robust; it is natural to me to laugh, as it is to be pleased with bright faces and happy voices, with colors, and music, and approbation. I am not as religious as I ought to be, and wish, with all my heart, I had the deep and devout piety of that good man and great military genius,[2] Stonewall Jackson. I can lay no claim to it, you see, Surry; I am only a rough soldier, at my hard work. I am terribly busy, and my command takes every energy I possess; but I find time to read my Bible and to pray. I pray for pardon and forgiveness, and try to do my duty, and leave the rest to God. If God calls me--and He may call me very soon--I hope I will be ready, and be able to say, ‘Thy will be done.’ I expect to be killed in this war;[3]--Heaven knows, I would have my right hand chopped off at the wrist to stop it![4]--but I do not shrink from the ordeal before me, and I am ready to lay down my life for my country.”[5] [Footnote 1: His words.] [Footnote 2: His words.] [Footnote 3: His words.] [Footnote 4: His words.] [Footnote 5: His words.] Stuart paused, and leaned his arm upon the rude shelf above the fireplace, passing his hand over his forehead, as was habitual with him. “A hard campaign is coming, Surry,” he said, at length, more cheerfully; “I intend to do my duty in it, and deserve the good opinion of the world, if I do not secure it. I have perilled my life many times, and shall not shrink from it in future. I am a Virginian, and I intend to live or die for Old Virginia! The tug is coming; the enemy are about to come over and ‘try again!’ But we will meet them, and fight them like men, Surry! Our army is small, but with strong hands and brave hearts much can be done. We must be up and doing, and do our duty to the handle.[1] For myself, I am going to fight whatever is before me,--to win victory, with God’s blessing, or die trying! Once more, Surry, remember that we are fighting for our old mother, and that Virginia expects every man to do his duty!” [Footnote 1: His words.] His face glowed as he spoke; in his dazzling blue eyes burned the fire of an unconquerable resolution, a courage that nothing seemed able to crush. Years have passed since then, a thousand scenes have swept before me; but still I see the stalwart cavalier, with his proud forehead raised, and hear his sonorous voice exclaim:-- “Virginia expects every man to do his duty!”[1] [Footnote 1: His words.] XXII. WHAT OCCURRED AT WARRENTON.