Tribute of Respect.
November 24, 1863
At a meeting of the officers of the 14th Regiment West Virginia Infantry, convened at the Quartermasters department of said regiment, on the 18th of Nov., 1863.
On motion, Captain Clinton Jeffers was called to the Chair and Lieut. James E. Hooton was appointed Secretary.
On motion the following officers were appointed a committee to prepare business for the meeting: S. S. Col. D. D. Johnson, Capt. E. C. Finnell, Rev. J. L. Irwin, Chaplain, Lieut. N. S. Beatty and Lieut. J. N. Holland.
The committee retired, and after a short absence returned, when Col. D. D. Johnson, chairman of the committee, announced the sad intelligence that First Lieutenant Geo. W. Hardman, 14th Regt. West Va. Infantry, had falled a victim to the fortunes of war, near Burlington, West Va., whilst gallantly leading his detachment against the enemy.
After paying a just tribute to the bravery, virtue and sterling integrity of the decreased in a few appropriate remarks, the Colonel, on behalf of the committee, presented the following preamble and resolutions which were unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, It hath pleased an overruling Providence to take from us our beloved brother in arms, First Lieutenant George W. Hardman, who fell in the faithful discharge of his duty at the head of his detachment on the 16th inst., therefore
Resolved, That whilst we deeply deplore the loss of our brother, we humbly submit to the Divine Will in taking from us one whom we knew only to respect and love; a Christian patriot, a faithful soldier and a devoted friend. We recognize in him a man of unimpeachable character, of firm integrity of purpose and virtuous principles, and will cherish his memory as worthy our emulation.
Resolved, That we tender to his afflicted father and sister our heartfelt sympathy 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. Erwin pronounced an eloquent eulogy upon the many virtues of the deceased, in which he spoke in glowing terms both of the private and religious character of our departed brother officer. And though we are deeply penetrated with the loss we have sustained, and our number is one less, yet God rejoiceth in an angel more.
Resolved That written copies of these proceedings be furnished the father and sister of the deceased, and published in the Wheeling Intelligencer, Parkersburg Gazette and Morgantown Monitor.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
Capt. Clinton Jeffers, President
Lieut J. E. Hooton, Sec'y.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: November 1863