Grayson County TXGenWeb

Confederate Veterans
Grayson County, Texas

Dallas Morning News
March 16, 1925

SOLDIER RECALLS WHEN PALS DIED
D.F. Fuller, Grand Prairie, Has Memories of the Boys in Gray
(Special to The News)

Grand Prairie, Dallas Co., Texas, March 15 - Apropos of the coming reunion in Dallas of those who wore the gray, D.F. Fuller of this city, sole surviving member of Company E, Fifty-Seventh Georgia (Colonel William Barkerloo), has interesting memories. Mr. Fuller is a superannuate of the North Texas Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, after fifty-one years' active service in the church.
In 1864 Mr. Fuller was transferred from Company E, Fifty-Seventh Georgia, to Company B. Fifth Georgia Reserves, surrendering at Greensboro, N.C., in Harrison's Grigade, Walthall's Division, Stewart Corps.
When Mr. Fuller was in Howe, Grayson County, in 1905, the Fort Valley (Georgia) Leader published the following contribution from him under the caption "Some Memories"

"MARCH ON I MUST."
"Some kind one sent me a copy of the Leader for the first of this month. A paragraph was marked, and that paragraph awakened memories too thoroughly formed to be destroyed. It mentioned old Company E. 'Fall in, Company E.' But, alas of the long roll of honorable names, sixteen only survive. And twelve of these have wandered until distance forbids them to 'rally onto the night."
"But march I will - must. Through Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, etc. Poor rations, hard marches, heavy fighting, but who complained? No one in old Company E. A song to cheer, a joke to enliven, a yell to awaken, and on went Company E. If she ever showed the 'white feather' or faltered at duty's command, let the hand be paralyzed that would write in eulogy of her. Her blood is on historic fields and her honor, without stain, is the priceless heritage of her mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and sons. Her fathers and brothers, like herself, were in the baptism of fire and blood.
"I recall so many strange things of those days! There was Adam English, killed May 10, 1863, at Bakers Creek. He used to sing the old-time chorus, 'Oh, Eden Is a Land of Rest,' sitting alone in front of his tent. I, a Godless boy, spoke lightly to him of his song. He handed me a two-verse poem entitled 'Heaven and Hell," saying "I wish you were religious.'
"No money can purchase that poem.

KNEW HE'D DIE THAT DAY
"Then there was Will Holley, killed the same day. He gave me a comb and said, "Take that to Mollie, and tell her it is all I have to send and will be my last fight.' He knew he was to die that day.
I had a discharge in my pocket and the same day John Walden also killed, said: 'Dave, tell the folks at home I have rheumatism, but forgot my pains to serve my county.'
"Frank Murray was killed the same day. I caught four pieces of shell and Billie Nelson (Little Billie of Company A) dragged me under a bush to die. I saw Billie - was his pastor for two years. Of course, 'A' and 'E' lived over the past; rejoiced in a happy experience in the present, and looked joyfully to that day when our Lord's hosts shall go from scenes of battle to realms of endless peace.
"How I should enjoy being present at the approaching barbecue. Turn a plate for me, boys, and I'll remember you on that day.
"How strange, indeed, the ways of Providence. Often my life seems a dream to me. But one thing I know:
"Through many dangers, tolls and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.'
"So again I say: 'Fall in, Company E.' Forget the the trials of the way and march to a reunion with good and faithfull comrades, in the land where the sun never goes down, and sorrows are no more. God be with you, Company E, until we meet again."

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