Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 21.djvu/375

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Monument to Major J. W. Thomson. 367

brigade associates. Treasurer of Ashby camp, James W. Barr, of Winchester, is selected as custodian of this fund. All subscriptions should be sent to him.

JOHN J. WILLIAMS, DR. W. P. McGuiRE, CHAS. W. McViCAR,

Committee. June 19, 1893.

Colonel McVicar has written over one hundred letters for the object, and among them this one, written on monument circulars, in July.

Comrade Charles Rouss :

I only write to let you know that the Camp is doing some good things, and besides helping the needy, gave an order for three or four dollars worth of groceries yesterday. The Camp is appreciated by our people.

I am not writing for anything, as you have shown yourself a whole man towards our people. Hope the sunshine of life is your fate, and that the clouds may all go by.

I am yours,

CHAS. W. MCVICAR.

The result was a return of the letter, a hundred dollar check and the following characteristic letter :

In reply to your favor, I enclose U my chek. For dear Jim Thomson, I knu him wel. He was kilt the last day of the war. A braver boy never stood in Shoe Lether.

With my best wishes. R.

Charles Rouss is an active member of Ashby camp, of Baylor's Company, Twelfth Virginia cavalry, Rosser's Laurel brigade. Col- onel McVicar states openly that people may comment on Charles Rouss, his ways and his ideas are his own. His whole-souled array of good deeds surrounded him as a wall, and who among us but dwarf and dwindle into insignificance alongside of his many acts of kindness showered on this community. Some envious people may wag their little tongues out, they do not hurt him with their paltry small talk. The monument fund stands as follows :