E 533 .5 9lh Copy 1 tC'-m^' I DISCOURSE COMMEMORATIVE OK MAJOR CHARLES JAR VIS, iiliutU \'cvmo«t lIolu«tccv.o. WHO V\'AS MORTALLY WOUNDED, DEC. 1, 1S63, IN AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE ENEMY, NEAR CEDAR POINT, N. C, DELIVERED AT HIS FUNERAL, IN THB Coucj-rcgationiil Cburclj, at ©teatljcrsficli) golij, 0t., DECEMBEB 13, 1863. By rev. M. KIMBALL. k NEAV YORK: EDWARD O. JEXKINS, PRINTER, 20 NORTH WILLIAM STREET. 18 04. ..(5=^^. \ DISCOURSE COMMEMORATIVE OF MAJOR CHARLES JARVIS, giMtU "H^Jcvmont ToIuntccr.5i. WUO WAS MORTALLY WOUNDED, DEC. 1, 1S63, IN AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE ENEMY, NEAR CEDAR POINT, N. C, DELIVERED AT HIS FUNERAL, IS THE Concjrcciattonal Cburrb, at Mciitljtrsfitltj goto, ,Dt., DECEMBER 13, 1863. By rev. M. KIMBALL. NEW YORK: EDWARD O. JEXKIXS, PRINTER, 20 NORTH WILLIAM STREET. 1864. .5 This Discourse is printed at the request of friends for private distri- bution. • M. K. DISCOURSE. '■ He loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue." — Luke vii. 5. This was said in commendation of an officer of the Koman army. It was presented as a reason for the Saviour to listen to the centurion's request, that he would restore his servant to 'health, who was dear tQ him, and ready to die. Christ went with the messen- gers ; and when not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying, " Lord, trouble not thyself, for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof; wherefore, neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee ; but say in a word, and my sei'vant shall be healed ; for I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers ; and I say unto one, go, and he goeth ; and to another, come, and he cometh ; and to my servant, do this, and he doeth it." He addressed the Saviour as one who had power to heal diseases, as himself had to command men. When Jesus heai'd these things, he marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed hiin, " I say luito you, I liave not found so great faitli, no, not in Israel." Circumstances sometimes exist, when public danger or calamity is, for the time, dismissed or forgotten, amid the intensity of private grief. The heart is moved by disaster, which aifects more directly a single com- munity. Thus, when a family or neighborhood is called to moui'n the loss of one of its members, though the loss may have occurred in the discharge of im- portant public duties, yet the danger, to prevent which life was periled, may be forgotten while private grief is indulged. So, too, circumstances may exist, when public danger or calamity may be so impending, that private feelings and interests will be merged in predominant anxiety and solicitude for the general good. It is right that private grief should be indulged. As social beings, united by the sympathies of a common humanity, it cannot be otherwise. The Universal Parent created us with such natures that, under proper regula- tions, these affections may be indulged, and these sym- pathies cherished. It is the law of well-disciplined human life, sanctioned by the highest authority, to " re- joice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." For wise and beneficent purposes the web of human life is so interwoven, that, destitute of kindly sympathies, it becomes a fiiilure. He does not live a true life who is a stran(2:er to them. The latter of the feelings, to which reference has been made — wlien private or local interests are merged in all-pervading anxiety for general prosperity or national welfare — is patriotism. It is manifested when important interests are depending; when constitutional liberty is in peril; when the foundations of govern- ment are in danger of subversion ; when treason and rebellion threaten. Patriotism prompts a person to serve his country, either in defending from invasion, or in protecting its institutions in vigor and purity. It is an essential element in the character of a Ofood citizen. Its clearest and most attractive manifestation is seen when religious principle is blended with love of country. When a man of such character dies in defending its in- stitutions, we feel they are of inestimable value. Patriotism may be regarded as sustaining a relation to civil government, in some respects similar to that which religion sustains to the Object of all homage and praise. It does not imply indifference or ill-will to other nations ; it is consistent with universal love of mankind. It is superior to all mere party interests or distinctions. Much that has been denominated patriotism in the history of our country, was merely selfish concern for party, manifested, not in efforts for the country's wel- fare, but for partisan success. History records illustrious examples of this spirit. It is by example that the most correct impressions are made. It has been said that "history is philosophy teaching by example." It is so pre-eminently in re- spect to this virtue. One siicli illustration as is presented in tlie life and labors of Washington — the unselfishness of true patriotism ; its far-reaching influences ; embrac- ing in its comprehensive view the welfare of genera- tions yet to live ; extending the contemplation with prophetic vision to the influence of the present upon the future — one such example affords clearer and more correct illustration of what patriotism is, than volumes of mere theoretical speculation could do. Through long years of gloominess ; amid adversity, coldness and, opposition, he steadily persevered till he saw the ac- complishment of his cherished desire in the independ- ence of his country. Nor is it in military life and labor alone that this spirit is manifested. It is seen often in civil life. Its true exponent is found in the modest, yet expressive suggestion, " He lovetli our nation" Wherever, or in whatever manner, labors are to be performed, or sacri- fices made for a nation's welfare, present or future, there and in that manner will this spirit be manifested. Sometimes it demands immediate action. An instance in the history of one of the countries of Europe affords an illustration. The commander of a military post, abroad at early dawn, was taken prisoner, and com- manded by his captors, on pain of instant death, not to utter a sound. In clarion tones, he shouted, " To arms ! to arms !" and fell in death. He saved his post, but sacrificed life in doing it. Again, it requires patiently protracted labors and 7 efforts, amid o'bstacles and discoura2:ements. Faith, then, is an essential element ; faith in the justness of the cause, and in its ultimate success. Another characteristic of the person introduced to our notice in the text, is his henevolent spirit. lie- hath huilt us a synagogue. The fact mentioned to the person's praise, may be regarded, not merely as related to the people of Caper- naum, nor as a single benevolent labor merely; but rather as a representative act, presenting an exponent of the man's general character. It might seem strange that peo2:)le of Jewish origin and worship, prejudiced as they usually were against other nations, and regard- ing themselves as favored of God above all others, should speak in such high commendation of an officer of the Roman government, whose presence would constant- ly remind them of their subjection to a foreign power — • a hated heathen nation. But they saw in him a friend. We suppose him to have been a man of sincere piety. The Saviour's commenda- tion justifies this opinion : " I have not found so great faith ; no, not in Israel." The centurion may be regarded, then, as a representative man ; a man of real goodness, whose benevolence proved him to have been in sym- pathy with the good of all the ages — the friend of God. In our conceptions of a good man we necessarily include the idea of benevolence. It is as truly the law of goodness to manifest itself in benevolent labors, as of light to shine. In our estimate of religious char- 8 acter, do we tliiiik enough of Christ's reply to the tempthig iuquiry of the lawyer? "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy niiud, and thy neighbor as thy- self." This comprehends the sum of religion. Love manifests itself in appropriate ways, according to the object loved. Religious aifections are placed upon God, the source of all blessedness. Their existence will be manifested in labors to promote the welfare of his king- dom and the best interests of man. If selfishness is subdued, as it will be, if religion exists in the heart, the feeling of universal ]>rotherhood will be cher- ished. We have an illustration of the traits of character briefly described, in the life of him whose body we to. day commit to the grave. Charles Jaevis, son of Hon. William Jarvis, was born in Weathersfield, Vermont, August 21, 182L He fitted for College principally at Phillips Acadeni}^, Exeter, N. H., and entered the University of Vermont at the ao;e of fourteen. He maintained a hio^h stand- ing for scholarship and deportment in college, and was graduated with honor in 1839. He was regarded by his teachers as a young man, whose character and at- tainments gave promise of usefulness and distinction. Under favorable circumstances he studied law : frradu- ating at the School in Cambridge in 1842. There are good reasons for believing that from tlie knowledge he acquired of the principles of jnrispru- 9 clence, a foundation was laid for eminence in the legal profession, bad lie devoted liimself to its pursuits. But he decided that duty directed to a different course. He was an only son, and he concluded to remain at home, affording assistance to his father in the cares and responsibilities of agricultural and pecuniary concerns. Here he found opportunity, by wise and economical arrangement of time, not only for the faithful and judi- cious performance of those duties, but also for intellec- tual culture and general improvement. He read the best authors of our own and of other times, and was interested in pursuits and investigations congenial to active, cultivated minds. A diligent student of history, he carefully treasured in his own mind the opinions and sentiments of great and good men. He acquired accu- rate knowledge of the fundamental principles of our government, and the nature of our republican institu- tions ; saw clearly the dangers which threatened them, and what was necessary for their ultimate success. Of these and other kindred subjects he had more correct views and opinions than most of his contemporaries. ^e was thus qualified for the duties and responsibilities of public life ; for a statesman, who could avail himself of the treasures of wisdom and experience, gathered from historical investigations, and from the instructions and counsels of a father of wonderful powers and resources ; yet he steadfiistly resisted all solicitations to enter upon public life. 10 The retirement of liome was more congenial with his feelings, and more in accordance with bis tastes and sympathies. x\nd here, amid the scenes of his early life, which he so much loved, and among neighbors and friends, who shared largely in his benevolent labors and kindly attentions, and who now testify with such earnest and universal sympathy to his worth and the loss they have experienced — here, he would probably have lived and died, had not duty called to sterner and more trying labors. From earliest childhood he had been taught, by precept and exam2)le, to revere the Constitution under which the nation had so greatly prospered ; taught, also, the imperious duty of obedi- ence to wholesome law. And when he saw the Gov- ernment assailed, the Constitution in danger of subver- sion, and the superstructure reared by the labors and sacrifices of the fathers threatened with destruction, his spirit was roused. He contributed freely to aid the cause. But he felt that he must do more ; that ])er- sonal sacrifices must be made. A feeling like that experienced by the great apostle when he said, " Woe is me, if I preach not the gospel," seemed to be in his heart. After carefully considering the subject in its various bearings and relations, he believed that duty called for devotion to his country's welfare in the army. Though friends might have thought he could be more useful at home in furnishinsr means for sus- taining the government and in caring for friends, he could not be changed from his purpose. " I had rather 11 be a martyr for my country than live in ease at home," was his significant utterance. " There are thino^s dearer than life." Naturally he had no taste for military pursuits. But he entered with charactei'istic energy upon the needed training and preparation. When the company of volunteers which he raised was organized, he was elected their Captain. He might have had a higher position, but he chose that. In the varied and trying experience of the first year he shared in the privations of his command, manifesting in all conditions the character and virtues of a good soldier, more solicitous for the wel- fare and comfort of those under his command than for himself The commander of the regiment, Colonel Rij)- ley, in a letter to his famil}^, says : " He died gloriously, as could all hope to do, battling in a stern, inflexible vindication of the riglit of man to liberty — proving in death that his devotion to his country was of no ordi- nary intensity, and his faith in the promises of his religion unbounded. He passed away as he had lived, a brave soldier and a simple-hearted, devoted Chris- tian, and left an example that has found its way to all our hearts, and whose impression will never fade away." That Major Jarvis was a patriot, none will dispute. His patriotism was of that elevated character in which stromr reliorious faith is blended with true love of country. Of this we have had many delightful illus- trations since the terrible uprising against the Govern- ment ; but none raoi-e pure, nctble and disinterested 12 than that presented in the life and labors, and death of onr brother. It would have been strange indeed, if one trained as he had been, under a parent of such devoted patriotism, taught profoundly to revere our institutions and laws, should have ignored his birth- right, and proved recreant to the eternal principles of right, which had been so earnestly inculcated. Stranger still, if he had been unmoved^ when attempts were made to prevent the introduction of the constitutionally elected President to office ; or when the flag, under w^hose protection the nation had so highly prospered, was traitorously assailed ! No such, record is made. His example wdll be presented in all coming periods of the nation's history for the imitation and encourage- ment of her citizens. The remembrance of his deeds and virtues will live in the hearts of a grateful people. The crowning excellence in the character of Major Jarvis was his religious faith. In the estimation of his most intimate friends, he had been influenced, for years, by decided Christian principle. In 1859 he made public profession of his faith in Christ as the atoning Saviour. It was the privilege of the waiter to admit him to the fellowship and privileges of the Christian Church. It was said in commendation of Abraham, in earlier time, that " he believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." It may be as truly said of our departed friend, that he believed God. The declara- tions of his word w\ere received with perfect confi- 13 clence. With the trustino- faith of a child lie rested on the promises of the Bible. lie believed, even when reason could not comprehend ; assured that wliat was revealed could not l)e contrary to reason, though it might be above its power. The mysteries of the God- head were received, because revealed b}'- the Infinite Mind. The atonement and mediation of Christ he joyfully accepted ; glorying, as did the apostle, in the cross of Christ, as the only hope of a lost race. In view of his own sinfulness, he declared that none but an Almighty Saviour could meet his necessities. From his first admission to the Church his life and influence afforded an illustration of what every profess- ing Christian should be, "a working power in the Church." He did not feel, when the moral change had been effected, that all was performed in the heart that was necessary. The Christian life with him was growth, advancement, manifested by the cultivation of graces and virtues in his own heart, by labors and efforts for the good of others, and the divine honor. His life corresponded with the beautiful description given in the insjiired word — " the path of the just is as the shin- ing light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." With all his devotion and earnestness he was modest, distrustful of himself; referring to his own religious experience but seldom, and never as an example for others. Accustomed to early rising, he employed the quiet 14 morning boiirs in reading the Scriptures and devo- tional exercises. The Bible was the book for his Sabbath reading, to the exclusion of nearly all else. He was constant in his attendance upon the public services of the Sabbath ; never absent but for necessary cause. He was always attentive and interested, seem- ing fully to enter into the feeling expressed by the Psalmist — " I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord." We are thankful for the concurring testimony of all classes, that amid the trying scenes of his brief military career, he uniformly maintained the character of a re- ligious man. It may be said of him in justice, that he was a Christian farmer, a Christian scholar, a Christian citizen, a Christian soldier. He strictly practiced, during his continuance in the Army, the principle, early embraced, of total abstin- ence from alcoholic liquors. He cultivated, as an essential element of religious YiiQ^ the spi I' it( >f benevolence. To one who knew his system of giving to o])jects of philanthropic and Chris- tian charity, he presented most clearly what is implied in being a •sieward of God. When his heart was con- verted, his propei-ty was converted along with it. In one of his letters, of recent date, enclosing one hundred dollars for the cause of missions, he wrote : — " It is pleasant, to devote the money earned in war to the cause of the Prince of Peace." There was pleasure in being the medium of conveying his charities to the 15 objects designated. He did not wait to be solicited, and his direction was to have the contribution sent in the name of the church, though his own charities were larger than the whole beside.* There are private griefs arising from this dispensa- tion, too deep and sacred for the public ear ; of these I forbear to speak. The loss of such a man to the country, at a time when there is need of men who are absolutely controlled by patriotic sentiments, and who will labor to strengthen and secure the institutions under which we have pros- pered so long, will be most severely felt. It is felt by his companions in arms. They have lost a friend whose example and patriotic spirit will long be revered. The church, of which he was an honored and most useful member, painfully feel his loss, while they bow sub- missively under the mysterious Providence. Good men, throughout the wide circle where he was known, deplore his loss. A great and good man has fallen. Great in goodness ; good in greatness. For him we do not mourn, but for ourselves. To the neighbors and acquaintances of our departed friend I would commend his example. The image of those we love and revere is more strongly impressed in our memories by common and familial* things, than by * Major Jarvis bequeathed $1,500 to Foreign Missions, $1,000 to the American Home Missionary Society, $2,000 to the Vermont Missionary Society, on certain conditions, $50U to tlie Bible Society, $500 to the American and Foreign Christian Union, $500 to the American Tract Society, and $500 to the American Colonization Society. 16 great actions of life. You have been conversant with Mr. Jarvis ; you know his manner of life among you ; how elevated and pure his aims and purposes ; how in- tegrity and uprightness mai'ked his conduct. His early virtuous life ; his unselfish spirit ; his pure patriotism ; his benevolence ; his simple-hearted piety ; his entire life, consecrated to the glory of God and the good of his fellow-men — all was known to you. May his ex- ample be imitated. " Being dead, he yet speaketh." APPENDIX. I. RESOLUTIONS OF THE 9rn VERMONT. WiiEEEAS, It having pleased an all-wise Providence to remove from us our esteemed friend and brother in arms, Major Ciiaeles Jarvis, who fell mortally wounded in an encounter with the enemy, near Cedar Point, N. C, December 1st, 1863 : Therefore, He-solved^ That in the loss of Major Jar vis the regiment has lost a valu- able officer; the State one of her most honored and worthy sons ; the country a man of eminent zeal and patriotism ; and the world a consistent Christian. Resolved^ That the deceased was distinguished alike for gallantry as a soldier, his affability as a companion, and his kindness as a friend; that he Avas faithful in the discharge of every duty, and ever watchful of the interests and happiness of both officers and men. Resolved^ That we tender our sympathies and con- dolence to the friends and relatives of the deceased; commending and pointing them to the God of battles for consolation and support ; while with them we mourn his loss, we recognize the hand of divine Providence in this dispensation, and bow in humiliation to his will. Resolved, That the officers of this regiment, as a 2 18 token of respect to his memoiy, wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Resolved^ That copies of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased, and to the Yeriyiont Journal for publication, with request that State papers copy. V. G. Baeney, Lieut.-CoL, 9th Vt. Keg. J. O. Livingston, Sec'y. Newport Barracks, N. C, Dec. 3, 1863. 11. RESOLUTIONS OF THE CITIZENS OF WEATIIERSFIELD, December 12, 1863. • He-solved., That in the death of Major Charles Jar- vis, who fell in the service of his country, in the State of North Carolina, the town has lost a valuable and much esteemed citizen, the community a public spirited and benevolent member, and the nation a brave and patriotic soldier. He-solved^ That we tender to the afflicted family of the deceased our warmest sympathies in this their time of bereavement and mourning. III. PROCEEDINGS IN WINDSOR COUNTY COURT, WOODSTOCK, December 12, 1863. Whereas, It hath pleased Almighty God to remove, by death, a most worthy member of the bar of this court, in the person of Charles Jarvis, while engaged 19 in the luilitary service of his country, and while in the active discharge of his duties in her defence; and whei'eaa, it is ever becoming to pay suitable tribute to departed worth ; Thei*efore, Resolved^ That we have heard, with feelings of pro- found res^ret and unfei^-ned sorrow, of the death of Major Charles Jar vis, of Weathersfield, a member of this bar, while in discharge of his duties as Major of the 9th Regiment of Vermont Volunteers, near New- bern, in North Carolina, on the 1st day of December, instant. Resolved^ That we will ever cherish, with sincere respect, the memory of our departed friend and brother; that in him we recognized all the nobler qualities that adorn the man; public spirited and charitable in every good work ; to the unfortunate and poor, kind and generous; that as a neighbor and townsman, he was beloved and respected; and as a citizen, he was universally honored and esteemed ; as a volunteer soldier in the army of his country, he was ever at the post of duty, never shirking his full share of responsibility, nor avoiding the necessary dangers incident to his duties as a soldier. With a heart that ever beat with affectionate warmth for friends and kindred, its pulsations were no loss warm for his country and his country's just cause in this, the day of her trial. We mourn his untimely death with most sincere sorrow, and bow with humble resignation to the sad dispensation of divine Providence. 20 He-solved^ That we tender to the mother of the de- ceased, and to his surviving sisters and kindred, our sincere sympathies, in this day of their great grief and calamity. And while they monrn the loss of a warm and tender-hearted son and brother, we also mourn the loss of a friend and professional brother, and all loyal citizens may well mourn the departure of a brave and sincere patriot. He-solved^ That the clerk of the court communicate to Mrs. Jarvis, the mother of the deceased, the proceed- ings of this bar at this time, and that she be furnished by him with a copy of these resolutions. Norman Williams, Clerk. Woodstock, December 12, 1863. IV. 258 Lexington Avenue, New York, Jan. IS, 1864. Mrs. H. B. J. Richards : Dear Madam^ — You desire me to send you my recollections of your lamented brother, as I knew him in his college course, and in subsequent life, and I take a sad pleasure in so doing. My first acquaintance with him was made when we entered the University of Vermont together in the autumn of 1835. He was the youngest member of the class in years, but remarkably self-poised. This used to strike me as a noticeable characteristic in him ; and it was one that all observed — so much so, that notwith- 21 standing Lis extreme youth, his unusual moderation and streno;th of understandiuo: secured for liira tlie title of the " old Koman." And the title was well main- tained through all his college course. Though not, as afterwards, under the influence of strictly religious principles and experiences, his bearing and demeanor were marked by gravity and sobriety in what is usually the most erratic and dangerous period in life. He was far less than most of us, the creature of youthful im- pulses ; and as I look back upon him after the lapse of thirty years, I see that there was in him a more solid basis for a strong and firm character than is commonly found in youth. His scholarship corresponded with his natural traits. I do not remember that he showed decided predilections for any one branch of study, or remarkable superiority in any one ; but he was a sound and faithful student in the whole curriculum. There was great evenness and symmetry in his intellectual development, and he left college without any of those one-sided views and exorbitant tendencies which so often mar collegiate education. His social character was of a piece with his intellectual. A true honest friend, he made no enemies, and never became embroiled with others. And yet he jwssessed high spirit, and great independence of feeling. Had he been less manly and noble in his temper, he would have been likely to have fallen into collision with others ; but his evident transparency, and freedom from 22 jealousy and all sinister motives, carried him through college with as much popularity as ever falls to the lot of a student, and with more respect than falls to the lot of most. After graduating together in 1839, we separated, and saw little of each other. Letters occasionally passed between us, but like such cori'espondence generally they were few and far between. We met again in 1842 or 1843 — he then studying the professi(3n of law at Cambridge, and I that of theology at Andovei-, After this we did not see each other, I think, until the spring of 1862, During the long interval of twenty years, I had heard from him occasionally, and of liini still more through mutual acquaintances and friends, and could rejoice especially in the knowledge that his religious views and experience, like my own, had radically changed from what they were when ^' In the slippery paths of youth, With heedless steps w^ ran." I saw him last in the spring of 1862, upon his return from a visit to Washington and the army. Our conver- sation was rapid and earnest, as we had much to say, I was impressed with the high moral view which he was evidently taking of the war that was desolating the nation, and although he said nothing that indicated such a purpose, I thought it highly probable that his convictions would ultimately carry him into the field. When I heard that he had devoted his life to the 23 support of tlie Uniou and the Constitution, I was not surprised. And when I heard of his death, I felt that no more valuable sacrifice of individual life had been made during the whole contest. lie had no mercenary motives to urge him onward. All his worldly interests were against the decision. But he laid down his life, not from patriotism merely, but from religion. It was a whole burnt-ofifering. He died in the prime of manhood, with a Christian liope, leaving a high example behind him, and tender, tearful memories in the hearts of all who knew him. As I look back over the thirty years of our acquaint- ance, and bring out into clearer lines the features of his character and life, I am impressed with its sub- stantial and solid excellence. Everything about him was true and real. God had given him these traits by nature, and grace only strengthened and perfected them. To us short-sighted mortals, it seems mysterious that a world so full of pretence, and so greatly needing men of positive and sincere native qualities, and Chris- tian men whose religion is a sober and deep convic- tion of the whole mind and heart, should be so often and so prematurely deprived of them. But it seems good to God, and this is reason enough. I have thus, my dear Madam, briefly sketched my recollections and impressions of your brother, and my old and early friend. What I have written falls short of my real judgment and feelings. Eulogies are apt to 24 outrun the character eulogized ; but as I lay down my pen, it is with the dissatisfied feeling that there was a merit in my friend to which I have not done full justice. With sincere regard, I am, yours very truly, W. G. T. Shedd. LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 013 703 576 5