Impressive scene.
In an address on
Breckinridge,
General Echols said:
‘Earth has never witnessed a more impressive scene than presented by those boys as they moved unflinchingly forward under fire.
The most interesting recollections of that day centre around the part borne in the struggle by that battalion of boys, who so promptly responded to the call made on them for service, and who by their noble bearing contributed so greatly to the victory that was won. With a spirit of patriotism, bright and strong with youthful
[
182]
ardor nothing could quench, with matchless courage, they sprang forward at the call of their State and country in a time of need, anxious to show that the training they had received and the tender care which had been bestowed on them had not been in vain, but that they were willing and ready to repay all this with their blood and their lives.
They never doubted, never faltered, but insisted, when their prudent general suggested that they should not be exposed, that they should be allowed a place in the forefront of battle, that they too might participate in the glories of the victory which they were assured would be won.’
And with ambitious feet, secure and proud,
Ascend the ladder, leaning on the cloud.
It has been beautifully said of them, how could they have achieved in a long life a fame more noble and more pure, than that which now glorifies their names.
Proud as the laurel or bay around the head of the warrior or the poet, but amarinthine, like that of God's martyrs, is the crown that liberty places upon the brows, flushed with immortal youth, of these her boy defenders, who offered their virgin lives upon her altars.
