Return to Mississippi Soldiers in the Civil War
Saturday, June 1st, 1861.
I feel very much depressed in spirits, have just lost one of my warmest and best friends. Cousin George L. Moore departed this life at 4 _ A. M. His death was very unexpected to all in camp. The disease was bilious fever and diarrhea. There was some misunderstanding among the doctors as to whose patient he was. Cousin was a good boy, and was beloved by all that knew him. Friends he had many, enemies none. Corpse will be sent home at 8:00 P.M.
Sunday, June 2nd, 1861.
Arrived in Holly Springs about 12 o’clock with the corpse and stayed the night with Dr. Moseley. Arrived at home about ten o’clock, attended the burial of Cousin George. There was a large crowd and Parson Jackson held services. Both kindred, friends, and acquaintances seemed very much affected. It seemed hard that one so much beloved by all, one with such a generous heart should be cut off in the bloom of youth when every patriotic youth is needed to defend his own dear native land, the South. But we should be resigned to the will of Almighty God. George’s Pa said that he wished his son Jim was here from Texas to take the place of his son George who had fallen in the cause of the South. George’s Ma said she would much rather her son should die when he did than that he should have died at home. As he was so anxious to go; that she wished that Jim would come home tomorrow and she would be willing for him to take George’s place as soon as she could get his uniform finished. When such sentiments are felt and expressed by the matrons and men of our country, I should like to know how the Abolitionists of the North ever expect to conquer the South. I saw a great many of my friends and acquaintances, all of whom I was glad to meet again but the occasion was such that I could not enjoy myself with them as I have in bygone days, but I had to bid them adieu again. It did seem hard that we should part, but our country calls; he that would not respond, deserves not the name of man. Though we fall, we fall fighting for our rights and are determined to have them or die in the attempt.
Diary of Private Robert A. Moore, Co. G, 17th Mississippi, Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Jackson.