To the Memory of Capt. Peoples
Thou art not here, oh! thou lost loved one,
We hear not thy voice when the day is done;
We meet not the glance of thy beaming eye,
When the morn is deep up in the eastern sky,
There stands by our hearth a vacant chair,
And we weep when we see not the loved one there.
We remember the hour when the death-pang came,
With an icy chill o’er thy shuddering frame;
We forget not the look that was blightening then,
When the darting pain was too fierce to bear,
And we treasure the last low words of thine,
As a priceless gem in our heart’s pure shrine.
But though we weep, we will not complain—
We would not recall thee to earth again;
Thou hast borne the past in many woes,
And now thou hast gone to thy last repose,
We leave thee to rest in thy quiet tomb,
For we know that for thee there’s a better home.
A FRIEND
Source: The Greensborough Patriot, September 11, 1862 as found in Confederate Newspaper Project
Peoples’ death notice in the Greensborough Patriot, August 28, 1862:
Died—In Richmond, Va., August the 13th, Capt. P. A. Peoples, of Mississippi, son of Col. Allen Peoples, deceased, formerly of Guilford county, N. C. Capt. Peoples was a young man of fine promise for usefulness to society, and high position in his profession. He had but recently finished his studies, and entered upon the practice of law. The call of his country for his services to assist in driving the invading foe from her soil was obeyed promptly, and he entered the army amongst the first volunteers from his state. He received two severe wounds while leading his command in the battle of Malvern Hill, June 27th. After suffering about six weeks from his wounds he died. During his affliction he was kindly cared for by his friends, among whom was his cousin, Mrs. ____ of Greensborough, N. C.
Of the manner in which this young officer met death, his friends will be glad to learn that he died in hope of heaven. The following extract from a letter written by Rev. D. Marshall, who frequently visited him, will be both appropriate and satisfactory. “I have visited him repeatedly and am happy to say, I think he has given all his heart to Christ—He enjoys nothing but the theme of religion. He seems as much in earnest and as truly penitent as any man I ever saw closing life. He is hopeful and calm, and I feel that for him to die is gain—through the abounding grace of Christ.”
N. H. D.W.
