Merited compliment.
The spirit and efficiency of an army is improved in proportion to the inducements held out to the rank and file for the performance of deeds of gallantry. ‘"Honor to whom honor is due"’ is not always accorded, and the private soldier has little to prompt him to a reckless exposure of life. The only thing which our Southern troops have heretofore had to stimulate them to deeds of daring, in the justices of the cause in which they are engaged; but we are happy to observe that our authorities are taking such steps as will enable the humblest private in the ranks to win distinction on the field of battle. A few days since we published the admirable order of General Beauregard for the bestowal of budges of merit upon such soldiers as shall hereafter distinguish themselves in battle, and to-day we present a letter from the Aid of Gov. Letcher, tendering a sword to P. Mays, of the 7th Virginia regiment, for intrepid gallantry in the battle of Williamsburg:
Executive Department, Va., May 12, 1862.
Sir:
--I am instructed by the Governor to inform you that with feelings of pride he has heard of the intrepid gallantry with which, in the battle of the 5th, you conducted yourself, defending the flag of the noble 7th Virginia volunteers, splicing its staff three times when shot away, and bringing it off victoriously from the field, pierced with twenty-three bullets.
Sir:
I am further directed by his Excellency to inform you that he has instructed his Chief of Ordnance to hold subject to your order a sword, which he desires you to wear as the gift of the State to her gallant son.
Taply P. Mays, Co., ‘"D,"’ 7th Serg't Va. Vols.
This action of the Governor is highly commendable, and we have no doubt that the bestowal of a sword upon a meritorious and gallant soldier will cause hundreds of others, brave and true men, to emulate the daring so deservedly rewarded. Let our soldiers know that they have something to fight for, and that a grateful country appreciates and is willing to reward their services, and the, will be invincible against the combined armies of the North.
