"Although he argued so wisely and so well, the heads of the Government were unfriendly to Maury, and would not adopt his suggestions. But by this time the whole South was burning with military ardour. Every man was buckling on his sword, and among the rest Maury's two eldest sons, Richard, aged twenty, and John, aged eighteen, volunteered. Richard joined the 24th Virginia Regiment, participated in the gallant charge on Hancock at Williamsburg,[1] was wounded at 'Seven Pines,' was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and was shot through the body at Drewry's Bluff, from the effects of which wound he has never recovered.
"John went from the University of Virginia with the students when Harper's Ferry was seized. He afterwards went to Vicksburg on General D. H. Maury's staff; and, while making a reconnaissance alone, is supposed to have met his death, for he was never heard of afterwards.[2]
"Of this sad loss, his father writes in the family Bible:—
'Our noble son, John Herndon, went out from Vicksburg Miss., alive, on the 27th day of January, 1863, to reconnoitre the enemy. A few hours afterwards his horse was seen without a rider, but nothing was ever heard of him. From the footprints and other signs and marks on the levee, it is supposed that he was surprised by a scouting-party of the enemy in ambush within our lines and done to death. Comely in person, lovely in disposition, generous and brave, he loved right and hated wrong. Precious in the eyes of his parents, he was very dear to our hearts.'"
In the fall of 1862, Maury was ordered to England by the Secretary of the Navy (Mr. Millory) to purchase torpedo material, &c. He accordingly left Richmond, accompanied by his youngest son Matthew, whom he called "Brave," a lad of some twelve or thirteen years, whom he intended to place
