Marshall, James Craig

DIED--Near Livermore, Indiana County, Pa., June 13th, 1863, Sergeant JAMES CRAIG MARSHALL, wounded at Fredericksburg, member of Co. E, 11th Reg't P. R. C., aged 27 years; eldest son of Samuel and Nancy Marshall.

No one who knew Mr. Marshall ever doubted the genuineness of his piety. He was a living epistle, known and read of all men. Whether at hom or abroad, he reflected the image of his Master, causing all to exclaim, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile. His modest and retiring disposition would naturally have prompted him to have remained amid the hallowed scenes of home, instead of going to the field of strife. He heard his country's call, and entered the army from a sense of duty. Nobly did he perform his duty, not only as a patriot, but as a Christian. The Chaplain testified that he was one on whom he could always depend.

He fell, severely wounded, at the battle of Fredericksburg. In the midst of his sufferings in the hospital, he wrote to his friend of the great comfort he had in reading the Scriptures, and adds, "What a blessed thing it is to have a hope in Christ in an hour like this!" After remaining in the hospital for a long time, he so far recovered his strength as to be able to be brought to die in the home of his childhood, surrounded by his friends. A short time before he died, he was asked by the writer if he still had clear and comforting views in regard to his future prospects. He replied: "I not only feel comfortable and happy, but I enjoy a peace that cannot be described; it must be felt to be realized." Thus he passed away in the triumphs of faith and in the hope of a blessed immortality.

"Jesus can make a dying bed
Fell soft as downy pillows are;
While on his breast I lean my head,
And breathe my life out sweetly there."

Presbyterian Banner, Pittsburgh, PA 11 May 1864