The Death of J. S. Walker

One of my greatest discoveries during my research into my ancestor, John Stewart Walker, was a first-hand account of his death, written by J. Staunton Moore, one of the men of his command. Although this account was written forty-five years later, and likely coloured by those intervening years, the few particulars do match up with all of the other facts I’ve learned.

The account is part of a larger piece about the battle of Malvern Hill, which was published in the Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume XXXV. (Reprinted by Broadfoot Publishing Company, Morningside Bookshop, 1991). At the point where this excerpt picks up, the 15^th Virginia, along with the rest of its Brigade, has been called out of reserve and sent forward to take a Union position on top of a hill.  

‘…About one hundred and fifty of our regiment reached the base of the hill, in command of Major John Stewart Walker, formerly captain of the Virginia Life Guard, of Richmond (Company B), who assumed command as soon as Colonel August was placed hors de combat. Here we rested, under severe and continuous fire that did not admit of our raising our heads from the ground. As twilight was deepening into the shades of night, the word was passed down the line to prepare to charge the crest of the hill. Major Walker stood up with drawn sword and flashing eye and gave the command, “Forward, charge!” It was the last word this gallant officer ever uttered. He fell, and was dragged into a little branch which flowed at the foot of the hill and expired in the arms of his brother, Captain Norman Walker. Thus perished as brave a soldier as ever flashed his sword in any cause!’

A Description of J. S. Walker

The following description of John Stewart Walker was written by Josiah Staunton Moore, one of the men under his command, on May 22, 1861. I obtained a typed record of this short diary from the Virginia Historical Society.

“…Capt Jno. Stewart Walker, (These are my first impressions) is a perfect gentleman, a considerate Christian, I think he is a man of high temper (who ever saw a red-headed man who was not?) but its violence when arose is soon over, he is a man who requires, and expects everyone to do his duty, on duty he is the officer. When [off] duty he is the gentleman, kind and sociable. I believe him to be a man of undaunted bravery, he is well versed in military tactics, having in his young days attended a military school. He is now, judging from his appearance, about 36 years old, of a noble & commanding form.”

J. S. Walker Letter (22 June 1862)

Camp 15^th Regt.,

6 mi. below Ricmond,

22d June, 1862.

My very dear Wife:

            A few days more and it will be three months since McClellan began his triumphal march to Richmond. During that time I have been beset behind and before, subjected to great trials and inconveniences, not to say suffering. I have had great responsibility upon me, with no one to hold my hands. My time day and night has for the most part been absorbed in my duty to my country, and as I have to do with all my might whatever my hands find to do, I fear, yea I know, I have omitted the weightier matters of the law. I have not kept the Lord as my strength and counsellor before my eyes and in my heart. In fact, I have laid all on the altar of my country, even sacrificing the natural affection to my family, not taking time to write you. I have trusted too much in my own efforts and have had too much confidence placed in me by those in authority. While my whole soul has been thrown into my country’s cause as one of her defenders, my spiritual soul has grown less and as a soldier of the cross I have been unprofitable, and yet how good the Lord has been unto me thru it all. Not only has He given me health of body and mind and a will for any work, but above all He has in mercy shown me by His Spirit’s influence how I am neglecting to grow in grace, to have at all times the witness of His approval, to find Him a present help in every hour of trouble, and a refuge in every necessity, so that however surrounded, I may find Him a comforter. I have drawn myself away today, this His Sabbath, from the routine of camp duty to examine my own heart, to confess before Him my wandering from Him and to drink from the ever flowing fountain of Gospel grace, hope, comfort and consolation, for in myself there is nothing good but all unclean, but a free grace and full pardon is promised to all who truly repent. I find that it will be necessary for me to have system and regularity in my devotions at the expense of everything else, or Satan will come in and possess my soul. I fear that with natural impulsiveness and energy, with too much the spirit of Martha I have allowed myself to be unnecessarily taxed, yea, and unprofitably it may be, for my country, to the prejudice and injury of my eternal good. I see it, I think. I am sorry for it. I thank God I see it, and by His help I will improve my past experience, and depending less upon myself and more upon my Father, will seek for the future to lead a more holy life. Thus fortified, I will be superior to all temptations and find my heart continually refreshed by the Heavenly dew of peace and joy.

            Events seem to be tending to a culmination point. It is indeed the hour of our extremity, and tho I have so often proven in the past that I am no prophet, yet I am impressed that the present week is pregnant with great stirring events, which may prove the closing scenes of the war. I think not only the people but the armies of both the North and the South would welcome the hour of peace, and a decisive battle before Richmond may prove the dawn of that hour.

            The great, tho good, Jackson – the man of faith and prayer – whom the Lord delighted to honour, will in a few days be down to our help with his army. He will not only remain inactive, but will strike for his country, and that with success. The idols of the world, such as Floyd, Johnson and Beaureguard, have been by God’s providence withdrawn from the active field, while Gen. Jackson and Bethel Hill are our leaders. Floyd disgraced, Johnson wounded and Beaureguard’s health requiring that he be relieved of his command. There are other bright examples of Christians in our high officers, while there are many more who neither love nor fear the Lord. May they be brought by the example of the illustrious two above to see that the Lord is God and that with Him are not only the issues of life and death, but victory purchases on the banner that he smiles upon.

            I think it well that you did not come down at my instance, if my speculations prove correct. I hope Richmond will in a few days be relieved of the host that now besiege it and our large army, which now taxes the whole supply of food to be had here, be removed to another scene of action. Then Richmond may return to her accustomed quiet. In the meantime, everything is scarce and high, and I am sure that with muddy, hot water, no fruit or vegetables, the children would suffer very much with summer complaints. It is fortunate and providential, I think, that you went to Lynchburg when you did.

            Our house is being well employed in furnishing an asylum to the good who are refugees from their homes.

            I understand our sick and wounded are not only be well attended to but are rapidly recovering. There are still a great many stragglers and old soldiers about Richmond, much to the depletion and demoralization of our army. GenL. Lee is, however, at work upon them and will, I hope, soon have them with their regiments.

            I am getting to be quite anxious to see you all, and hope that a favourable opportunity may soon be given me, and yet we will be better able to appreciate the blessings of peace and liberty if they cost us present trials and afflictions.

            Kiss the dear children and let them unite their innocent little hearts with their mother’s in prayer for us and our cause, and leaving all in the hands of a good and merciful Heavenly Father, let come what may, be able to say “He doeth all things well”.

            Remember me kindly to your Mother and all friends and relatives. I hope you are all husbanding your supplies and living economically so as to make them go as far as possible, for it may be there will be an exhaustion of everything before an opportunity comes to replenish.

            Lucy Norvell no doubt keeps you posted as to everything going on in Richmond, both at home and among our friends. I am

                        Your very affectionate husband,

                       

                                                Jno. S. Walker

[This is the last letter I have written by John Stewart Walker. Eight days after writing this, he was killed during the Battle of Malvern Hill.]

J. S. Walker Letter (17th June 1862)

Dr. Burney’s,

17^th June, 1862

My dear Wife:

            I came up today to take a bath and put on some clean clothes. I received your letters of the 12^th and 13^th, declining for the present to come down. No doubt it is all for the best, tho I would like very much to see you. I think it is fortunate you have the children in Lynchburg, as fruit, vegetables, and chickens are at outrageous high prices here. Chickens $1, eggs $1 a dozen, butter $1.25 a pound, milk 25¢ a quart.

            If you had to keep the children on cheap living, they would all get sick. Just as I was leaving our house, Dr. and Mrs. Fairfax drove up. The city is crowded and I insisted upon them taking our house, and left them in charge of the servants. I am glad of an opportunity of giving shelter to such refugees. I will get Mary Burney to go and see they are made comfortable. Their delaying me necessitates my writing you a very short letter, as I must get back to camp this evening. We still have the enemy before us and know not when they will get to Richmond. My health was never better than at present, and the Lord alone is my keeper. I am suffering for quiet, and have but little opportunity for reading my Bible or praying in private, and want Christian communion.

            Kiss the dear children and give love to all friends.

                                    Yours most affectionately,

                                                Jno. S. Walker.

J. S. Walker Letter (4 June 1862)

Richmond – Dr. Burney’s

4^th June, 1862

My dear Wife:

I have not written for several days, only because my duties have prevented, and I can now only recount the continued goodness of the Lord in giving me health in the midst of great exposure and fatigue and protection in the midst of great danger. We were not in the fight of Saturday or Sunday, when so many of our noble men fell, or were wounded. A kind of Providence directed it, otherwise it may be, to keep us from an untimely death, it may be to give us more time to prepare for it. Whichever it may be, life or death, may I ever feel it in my heart to say “the will of the Lord be done”.

            Gradually the Lord is removing all earthly props, and one that the worldings in the army feels the worst is the removal from the scene of action by a wound of General Johnson. It was to him the Army looked for deliverance from their enemy. Oh, that they would look to the Lord and trust in him, then would he give us the victory. Every day brings the large armies closer together, and a very few more days must determine the fate of Richmond and seal for eternity the destiny of thousands. We await in breathless anxiety the issue and pray God to have mercy upon us and deliver us from our enemies who are stronger than we.

            The city is now filled with the wounded from the recent battle, which may be any day increased tenfold, and yet the Lord may yet make a way of escape from so much pain and bloodshed. The presence of so much suffering naturally casts a gloom over the city. I think till the great battle is over, you had better remain in Lynchburg. Should I be wounded, your presence can be had by telegraph. If wounded and fall into the enemies hands, under a flag of truce you could get to me. If slightly wounded so as not to allow me to attend to my duties and yet allow me to travel, I would much prefer to be away from the excitement of this place with you in Lynchburg. If killed, you can only be gratified in your grief by the sight of my body, which last sad office you can perform from Lynchburg in a day. These are my views, and I hope you will approve. I am very tired of this life of war, and pray for honorable peace, but otherwise let my sons bear my shield after death and devote their lives to their country as I now do, for I will never yield to the tyrants.

            I came up this morning after the hard rains of yesterday night and today, to get some clean clothes and dry out my others, and return to my regiment this afternoon. I have my washing now down at home and have daily communication with home. I shall make David Butler go to market for me every day and bring it down to our camp.

            I heard Dexter was in town yesterday. I have not been down town myself, and consequently have not seen him. Norman is in excellent health. For the incidents of the day, I refer you to the papers and to Mary and Georgie. Kiss the dear children, who father wants to see very much, but higher duties prevent. Love to your Mother and all the family.

            Again I say trust in the Lord, let your faith be strong, and He will give you grace for every hour of trial. May time restore us in peace to the enjoyment of our family ties. But if he should order it otherwise, then Glory be to His name. May we have comforting assurance of an eternal reunion beyond the grave, where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.

                                    Every ours affectionately,

                                                Jno. S. Walker,

My address

Care of Dr. Burnley will be the earliest received.

J. S. Walker Letter (29 May 1862)

Camp 15^th Va. Regt.,

Simms Brigade,

29^th May, 1862

My dear Wife:

            I have more frequent opportunities of sending you a letter than I have of writing. We are kept constantly day and night on outpost duty, and when I lay down at night with clothes, spurs, etc., on we are liable to be called at any and every hour and are constantly aroused. We sleep in a field or woods road or swamp, just as we happen to be and have a chance. In spite of all this, the Lord gives me health and tho the privations keep me feverish and nervous to a degree that prevents quiet reflection and but little opportunity of reading and reflecting on the Bible, and no stated time for prayer, yet, thank God, I can trust in Him and have peace in believing. I cannot hope to be able to physically endure what I have had to go through with for the past two months, much longer, tho ‘sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof’.

            I am now well, and trust the Lord may continue it to me. It cannot be many more days before the decisive battle comes off, and tho it will be a day of blood, since the cup may not pass from us, may the Lord be our support to shield and give us grace to drink it. The sooner now it comes off, the sooner we will be relieved of the handicaps of this campaign, but I am willing to leave it to the Lord and our Generals, asking Him to direct them. We have all confidence in our General and to moral eye everything works well four our victory.

            I am glad to see by your last that the children are improving, and hope the Lord will keep you all well. I hope Avis and family are safely in Mrs. Byrd’s home. We now get a plenty to eat through Mary Burney and sending the servants to Richmond for eating. Sorry to see Gaston was wounded but happy to know it is very slight. The loss of his gun I attribute to a panic in the infantry and stampede on their part, instead of their covering his reatreat. Tho the papers do not say so, privately I do not think much of his Brig. General.

            If you do not hear from me, attribute it to my being too much occupied. If I am sick so as not to be able to attend to duty, I will go to Richmond, where I can get proper attention and care, so make yourself easy on that subject. Kiss the dear children for father, and continue to pray the Lord to turn his anger from us and give peace to our distracted country and return us unto our families. I never set my heart on this world’s good if I know myself, but with my present experiences I would not give peace under my own vine and fig tree, with a crust of bread and my family around me, for all this world possesses. A log cabin, ash cake, and buttermilk, in peace with my dear ones, is all of this world I covet. Love to you and all friends, and pray for a great victory, and may the Lord have all the glory.

           

                                    Affectionately yours,

                                                Jno. S. Walker.

J. S. Walker Letter (20 May 1862)

Camp 6 miles from Richmond,

20^th May 1862.

My dear Wife:

            I have only time to drop you a line to say I am very well. I was glad to hear you had left for Lynchburg. I am writing in a field and have nothing to communicate of interest. Kiss the dear children. Give love to all friends. Have not seen Kirk, as he is in another division of the Army in another locality. I hope to be in Richmond soon for a few hours at any rate. As soon as the great battle is over, I hope I may have an opportunity of seeing you all. The Lord keep you and our little ones.

                                                Yours affectionately,

                                                            Jno S. Walker

J. S. Walker Letter (14 May 1862)

May 14^th, 1862

My dear Wife:

            I understand there is painful anxiety in Richmond that the gun boats will shell the city. Capt. Atkinson has just come down and reports the state of feeling. In your unprotected condition, it probably would be better for you to go to Lynchburg at once to be out of its influence. I would myself feel better content if the gun boats did come up to have you all away. Take all your groceries except such as you leave with the servants. Consult David whether to take all the servants or not. Take as many as you can which you need, at any rate. I am in a field, it is pouring down raining, can write no more. Norman and self are well. Col. August goes up sick.

            Write me what you determine direct to 15^th Va. Regt. I think a few days will settle the condition at Richmond, tho everything looks glowing at present. I have every confidence that the Lord will direct and his glory acknowledged. Kiss the dear children for me, and the Lord have you in his keeping and grant that we meet again soon in person.

                                    Your husband,

                                                Jno. S. Walker

J. S. Walker Letter (13 May 1862)

New Kent, 18 miles from Richmond,

13^th May, 1862

My dear Wife:

            I am just in receipt of yours of 12^th by Morris. Am sorry to hear from him that Bro. David has been sick. I am glad you have concluded to take a little trip with the children on your own account and that of the health of the children. I still believe the enemy will not get to Richmond, and if so, not for some time. I think our chastisement is nearly completed and that the Lord will soon unveil his mercy and give us peace. I think 60 days will give us peace, tho everyone else expects a long war and subjugation. As regards your going to Lynchburg, I still say do what is most agreeable to yourself, and it will be well. I think ten days or a fortnight more will determine the issue at this point and we are determined to conquer or die. My trust in God strengthens as my earthly props fail, and I have a sweet peace in the very teeth of war. The providences of the Lord as an index show me very plainly that He will save us if we will allow Him, but being a jealous God must have all the honor and glory, and demanding it, if not fully given, will exact it from us even through great trials and sufferings.

            Norman is complaining a little this morning, nothing serious. My own health (is?) most excellent in spite of all the drawbacks of sleeping out and short rations, though we are now getting enough to eat.

            I have every confidence of a glorious victory if the enemy attack us here and have as a Brig. Gen’l. a very devout Christian, who is very confident of victory.

            I received Bro Wheelwright’s letter. Hope he will receive some position where he can be useful to his Master and country.

            Kiss the dear children and remember me kindly to all friends. Pray earnestly and confidently and victory is ours.

                       

                                                Yours ever affectionately,

           

                                                            Jno. S. Walker

It may be that your leaving Richmond may have a bad effect upon us, thinking you are running from the Yankees. If so, and you think it your duty to remain, remain. Let the Lord guide you, and act as you think best.

J. S. Walker Letter (11 May 1862) II

Camp 15^th Va. Regt., near Chickahominy,

11th May, 1862

My dear Wife:

            Since writing you this morning, another opportunity occurs, so I will avail myself of it. It occurs to me that as you have not seen your Mother for some time it would be pleasant for you and gratifying to her to visit her for a short time. I wish you would take the children and do so at once, as it will do you all good. I hear through Georgie of little Mary’s illness. The Lord preserve her to us. Into His hands I submit her. I think a trip at this time is the more desirable owning to the (illegible) of idle rumors afloat in Richmond, and I would prefer you being with your Mother in the event of a battle here, which will come off certainly this week, I think. If the result should be against us, I would feel better satisfied if you were near those who would sympathize with you, and be out of the excitement consequent upon the panic which would be in Richmond. You could in a moment return to Richmond if desirable. Do as you please, and it will have my approval. This other letter you may not get till after this. Norman is very well, so am I, and our troops are in the best of spirits.

            Kiss the dear children and tell my pet, Mary, Papa was sorry to hear she was sick. The Lord have us in his keeping.

                       

                                                Yours ever affectionately,

                                                            Jno. S. Walker

J. S. Walker Letter (11 May 1862)

Camp near Chickohominy, 11^th May, 1862.

My very dear Wife:

            I am just in receipt of yours by Bates dated 3d of May. I have sent you several messages lately by persons going up. I have had no opportunity of writing and nothing to write about, except my trials, troubles, etc. which are not worthy to be named when compared with the cause for which we suffer. I am in excellent health and spirits, confident of victory, tho it may cost us many brave men. I think it will not be many days before the battle must come off, nor very many before peace will come, say within two months. I hope the humbling of the people will be the Lord’s time to deliver them.

            I received the box with the drawers and things, which were very acceptable. We are having a hard time to get anything to eat at all, and if you have anything you have to divide it or have it stolen. This is Sunday, very little like it indeed to us, but we can in secret look to God and earnestly ask Him to defend and protect us against our enemies. I have lived so long in my clothes without a change, and sleeping in all sorts of places, that vermin has taken possession of me, but I will submit cheerfully to any and every thing four our Cause. I enclose a letter to Oscar W___. Give it to him and ask him to attend to it for me. I am in a great hurry this morning as we may be ordered to march at any moment. Kiss the dear children for father, and sustain me by your prayers. Everything is very high. Will you now practice the most rigid economy and suffer, if need by, for the Cause? Consult with Dr. Barney about the propriety of selling out and going to your Mother’s. I wish it if it is deemed by him advisable. I am so uncertain now in my movements, that I cannot tell where a letter will find me, so you and the Doctor must determine. If you sell out, remember the servants are to be provided for by being hired out, and take what groceries you have to Lynchburg with you. Love to all,

                                   

                                    Yours affectionately  

                                                in haste,

                                                            Jno. S. Walker

Read the letter to Weisinger.

See that Sam’l D. Paul

Gest the enclosed. They can

Tell you at Mrs. Pegram’s,

Or Georgie may know.

J. S. Walker Letter (9 May 1862)

Camp Deas, Sunday, 9^th May, 1862

My very dear Wife:

            I have merely time to scribble you a line to say I am well, very well indeed, thank the Lord. Allen Lyon has not yet reached camp with the good things for us, hope to see him tomorrow. Lieut. Bates takes this up. He will be down in ten days. If I can then get off, I will come and see you for a few days, tho there may be duty to keep me here. I do not now anticipate but let each day take care of itself. We have distressing rumors from Tennessee, also North Carolina, about defeats. God grant that they may not prove true, but if they should, may they stimulate us to redouble our energies and trust more in our God. The chastisement will then be good for us. I have such unbounded confidence in God’s help if we will own Him and respect his precepts, that I fear not evil and believe that He will yet bring us off conquerors, that it may be through great and sour trials, and not only conquerors, but better as a nation.

            Bates is about to start. I must close. Commending you and all that are dear to me on earth to the keeping of my Heavenly Father, with a kiss for the children and love to all friends,

                                    Ever yours affectionately,

                                                Jno. S. Walker.

J.S. Walker Letter (27 April 1862) II

27^th April. I am in receipt of yours enclosing Johnnie’s letter. I am glad to see he recognizes God’s protection and pray he may have the light of the Spirit to show him that it is the prayer of sinners that the Lord hears and that for them the Saviour died.

            As regards the panic in Richmond, I cannot see that there is anything to be gained by fleeing before the enemy or that one place is any more secure from their invasion than another, and it is best to remain where Providence has paced us and our duty keeps us, rather than run before them. When the military authorities give up the protection of Richmond will be time enough to look out for a place of refuge. Trust in the Lord, be mighty in prayer and faith. While I feel that this is probably our darkest hour in every respect, I have a confidence and peace which alone can be given by my Father. All earthly props fail, and the disorganised state of the army from necessity leaves us the Lord alone to look to. Our extremity is great, the Lord will, I pray, improve the opportunity.

            I have been re-elected Capt. Unanimously by my Company. As soon as things look more favourable and the panic-stricken citizens return to their homes, I will make arrangements to sell out furniture and rent out house and let you go to Lynchburg. May the Lord bless and sustain you a bright shining light in this hour of trial of Faith, that others seeing your good works may be constrained to glorify Our Father in Heaven. Again kiss the dear children, train them for Heaven,

                                    Most affectionately yours,

                                                Jno. S. Walker