For the Richmond Daily Dispatch.
the late disaster on James River.
The occurrence of a painful disaster, which was mentioned in your paper of yesterday, brought indeed painful intelligence to many friends bereft of their fond association with these estimable young men, who have thus sacrificed their lives upon the alter of their country's freedom. It seems that while crossing the river opposite to Mulberry Island, the sail-boat in which they started out from Stone Wharf ran against an embankment projecting out in the stream, and the boisterous wind and waves capsized the frail vessel, while they were endeavoring to preserve their lives, about 8 o'clock in the night.
Thus, white the chilling waves were sweeping over them, and they had succeeded in retaining their hold upon the inverted boat for a greater part of the night, they were encouraging each other to hold on and be of good cheer. The three unfortunate young men, however, said to each other that they were not able to continue holding on, that they must perish there, away from the cheerful fireside, in the chilly water, surrounded by every gloomy idea of experiencing a wretched death, with no eye of pity to look upon them in their hour of need. One by one the three were carried away, and their spirits took their fight from this life, leaving the friendship of their companions and all the busy world.
The names of these worthy men were connected with the Southern Guards of Charles City, and were as follows:
‘ Robert Allen Pearce, Edward E. Haines, and Thompson F. Waddill, who was Lieutenant and acting quartermaster, a brother of Major George Waddill of the same body. The two saved providentially were Fleming Binns and Thos. J. Guy. These held on to the wrecked boat until Monday morning, being very much benumbed and unable to speak.
’ Lieut. Waddill was dear associate of mine at an institution of learning in Lynchburg last year, and we have spent many pleasant hours together as college chubs. At the last commencement we parted, but little expected we that it was a separation forever in this life. With a merry heart he took leave of his fond associates and friends. And deeply do we deplore thy sad fate, our loved friend! It teaches us to prepare.
"For the tempest of life when the wave and the gale.
Are around and above, when our footing may fail." But it is consoling to believe that before you were called into another being before your Creator that you were prepared to answer for the "deeds done in the body."
Mr. Guy relates, that while he and Mr. Blans were retaining their hold, Waddill, in that critical moment, realizing his perilous situation, cried for Divine aid, and sought mercy from his Father in Heaven. His prevailing cries could be heard for some distance, and were heart- piercing. There, while life was about to depart, and he knew his wretched condition, spiritually, he repented of his sins; and after thus offering a most agonizing prayer, (and how earnest must have been that prayer) he felt the forgiveness of God, and was satisfied of his acceptance of Divine favor. In a few moments he was swept away. He associated with his companions in life, and were united with them in death. Such scenes are the result of this cruel war.
The most intimate friend the one we cherish nearest our heart, as well as the distant stranger, are the victims of this inhuman strife, propagated by the tyrants of the North. What indignation should not be aroused against such beings? Would all the united wrath of every honest and righteous man be sufficient to crush the united despotism of these monsters, who are waging a war of bloodshed upon a soil destined, by God, to be the home of the true and the faithful? Our cause calls for immediate action.
Richmond, Nov. 19, 1861.
