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As he was apparently
present at the Lieutenant's fatal wounding
he presented a tribute to his fallen
comrade. It is especially noteworthy as it
specifically recalls the incident at
Marye's Heights. It stated:
"The circumstances of his
death were most heroic. He fought
literally until the last gasp, and even in
the very presence and moment of death
showed that the sublime self-sacrifice and
regard for others which he exhibited at
Fredericksburg, was a settled principle of
his nature. His command was hurled like a
thunderbolt against the enemy who held a
position that was nigh-impregnable. The
line suffered a temporary check. Kirkland
with two of his comrades, Ario Niles and
James W. Arrants, were in the front of the
line and reached an exposed knoll before
they discovered that they were alone. They
of course retired; but in doing so
Kirkland, against the warning of his
companions, persisted in turning and
firing upon the advancing enemy. While
thus engaged he was shot in the breast.
Niles and Arrants ran to him and sought to
bear him from the field. With blood
spurting from wound and mouth he gasped:
'No, I am done for. You can do me no good.
Save yourselves and tell my pa that I died
right.' In a few minutes the line returned
to the charge and drove the enemy from the
field. Richard Kirkland's pure soul was
with God."
Once again, we have a
magnificent tale that is certainly rooted
in fact, but written in a way that you
can't help but be inspired when reading.
Now Richard was only one of the tragic
losses in this particular battle. I
believe that half of the brigade was
either wounded or killed there.
Kirkland's body was
removed from the field, sent back to his
family in Kershaw County, and he was
buried in a secluded spot on the White Oak
Plantation. His grave marker was simple
and had the initials R.R.K. carved into
it. Fortunately his moment of courage and
compassion at Fredericksburg was recorded
for posterity and recognized by a handful
of officers and enlisted men.
Following his death, many
recalled the impact that this South
Carolinian farm boy had on their lives
during one of the darkest periods in
American history. One of Richard's friends
wrote:
"I knew this brave boy; he
was my friend and chum; we shared each
other's blankets. He was a noble boy...He
fought through all the Virginia battles in
Longstreet's Corps, and was killed on the
bloody field of Chickamauga...He did his
duty and always answered the roll call. No
nobler soul ever winged its flight from
the field of battle...than that of Richard
Kirkland...Sleep on, dear friend. Your old
comrades will soon join you in your home
of rest."
His Obituary that ran on
October 16, 1863 also included a multitude
of accolades such as:
"Many gallant heroes have
fallen, but not a more generous or gallant
spirit has been sacrificed on our
country's alter since the beginning of the
war, than that of the one for whom this is
intended as a feeble tribute. He was one
of those who, knowing his duty was willing
to discharge it, be the consequences what
they might. He shunned no hardships, he
shrunk from no danger. His was a steady
course, making the path of duty the road
which he was won't to travel…" And "…Young
and gallant soldier rest in peace; fate
has decreed that you should not reap the
reward of all your toils; but your name
stands recorded upon the long list of
victories already sacrificed upon the
altar of your country's liberty."
CONTINUE
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