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June 26, 1862
[COMMUNICATED]
Among the gallant who have fallen victims to the tyrant of death, in defence of our glorious cause, it has been the will of the Almighty in accordance with his infinite wisdom and benevolence to cause JOHN T. COWAN, to be numbered.
His demise was on the 6th inst. at the residence of his father in Russell County, from a wound received on the 8th of last month, at the memorable battle at McDowell. He was in the 37th year of his age and was a private in Capt. T. Q. Smith's company 37th Virginia Regiment. he left home on the 21st of last March with the fire of patriotism burning in his bosom to join the army with his other brothers and to help battle for his country's rights.
It would be in vain to attempt a delineation of the many virtues and highly manly qualities, commendable principles which adorned his character. We would spurn the language of flattering in the performance of this melancholy duty, but in a word would say that he was a gentleman of irreproachable character, a dutiful son, good neighbor and possessed every qualification to render him a perfect model of moral and intrinsic exellance.
But he has gone from among us, in the bloom of youth, with a hear warm with bright anticipation and joy, he surveyed the landscape of the future, illumnied with the most brillant rays of hope, the gentle zephazs of prosperity moved sweetly wafting upon a smooth sea his floating bark to its destined haven, but his summons came and relying upon the strong arm of Omnipotence with his soul buoyant with the hopes of immortal triumph, he was enabled to lie down to pleasant slumbers.
His stern integrity of character unassuming manners and rare amiability endeared him to all his brother soldiers, and but few who knew him will fail to drop a tear to his memory, when they learn that the grave has so early claimed him as its victim.
He is not the only son that the deeply afflicted dispensation has overwhelmed his parents, two others have met the same fate gloriously defending their liberties.
H.
Lebanon, Va., June 12th 1862.
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