August 21, 1861 – The Late Col. Cameron

Col. Hiestand, of the Lancaster (Pa.) Examiner, who was present at the recent battle at Bull Run, thus speaks of the late Col. Cameron:

“When we met him the tide of victory with us, and he spoke with confidence the result of the battle would be a glorious victory for our gallant army. We separated with the farewell hope that we meet again; he to the head of his regiment to lead them into the fight; we to dreamy wanderings among the living, the wounded, the dying, and the dead.—He to die at the head of his regiment calling upon his ‘brave Scots’ to follow— we to return humiliated at the disgraceful stampede of over thirty thousand men.

“It is not our purpose to give any elaborate sketch of his life. It is the same that marks most men of distinction under our republican form cf government, who work their own way up from orphanage and poverty. Industry, energy and enterprise carry them forward. That Col. Cameron had the courage and bravery of a true soldier is undoubted. He was also endowed with the full share of generosity and that goodness of heart which at all times will exhibit true manliness. An instance of this kind came to our knowledge few days ago. A few weeks before Col. Cameron’s regiment left Washington, he met on the streets an old political opponent who at one time came near taking Colonel Cameron’s life in this very city, which incident many of tho readers of the Examiner will recollect, and between whom the hand of friendship had not since passed. Forgetful of the great wrong done him, he extended his hand in friendship to one who had come nigh destroying his life, and the feud, in the mutual congratulations, was forgiven, as we know, to the great pleasure of him who expected not forgiveness from Col. Cameron.

“Col Cameron was a native of Lancaster county, being born in the village of Maytown, East Donegal township.”

Western Reserve Chronicle, Warren, OH