Tribute of Respect.
September 22, 1864
At a meeting of the officers of the 14th Regiment West Va. Infantry, convened at the Regimental Headquarters on the 13th of September, 1864. On motion, Lieut. Col. George W. Taggart was called on the chair and Lieut Wm. S. Morrison was appointed Secretary.
On motion the following officers were appointed a committee to prepare business for the meeting: Capt. E. C. Finnell, Capt. W. M. Powell, Rev. J. L. Irwin, chaplain, Lieut. W. P. Green and Lieut. R. Taylor .
The committee retired and after a brief absence returned, when their chairman submitted the following report, which was unanimously adopted.
WHEREAS, It hath pleased an all wise, and overruling Providence, by the fortunes of war, to take from as our highly esteemed brethren and companion in arms, lst Lieut. Uriah Griffith, who fell mortally wounded in the bloody affray at Cloyd Mountain on the 9th of May, 1864, and expired on the 16th of the same month, full of faith in God and his country's cause. Capt. Andrew Mather, who fell and expired instantly on the victorious field of Carter's Farm, July 20th, '64, while gallantly leading his comrades in a fearful charge against a terrific fire of artillery and musketry. 1st Lt. Jno. W. Buck, and amiable young officer, who fell in the same charge and at nearly the same moment with the captain, receiving the patriot's baptism of blood; also, it gives us the most poignant pain to learn that 1st Lieut. Wm. W. Lewis, though absent from the command, has fallen a victim to the shaft of the Almighty destroyer, the circumstances surrounding him at the time being unknown to us as officers. Peace to the ashes of the gallant and glorious dead. Therefore,
Resolved, That whilst we deeply deplore the loss of our fellow soldiers, we devoutly submit to the Divine will in taking from us our associates, whom we know only to respect and love as Christian patriots, faithful soldiers, and devoted friends. We recognize in them men of unimpeachable character, of exalted integrity of purpose and virtuous principles, and we will cherish their memory as worthy of our highest emulation.
Resolved, That we tender to the afflicted families of the deceased our heartfelt sympathies and condolence.
Resolved, That we wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.
Pending the adoption of the foregoing resolutions, the Rev. J. L. Irwin made some appropriate remarks, in which he pronounced a very touching and beautiful eulogy on the character of each as he passed them in review before the meeting, while each heart present responded to their truth and justness.
Col. D. D. Johnson also reviewed our loss in the deceased, in a manner worthy the man and the character of those whose loss we so deeply lament, who in the prime and bloom of life have so nobly shed their blood to enrich the soil over which our flag shall ultimately float in triumph.
Resolved, That written copies of these proceedings be furnished each of the families of the deceased, and published in the Wheeling Intelligencer, Parkersburg Gazette, Fairmont National and Morgantown Post.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
G. W. Taggart, Lieut. Col, Pres't.
Wm. S. Morrison, Lieut, Sec'y.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: September 1864