Lesson #3: Angels Amongst Us
By David Chaltas
January 30, 2005
“An Angel Amongst Us”
The following story of the Angel of Marye’s Heights is one of compassion for his fellowman, as demonstrated by a South Carolina boy of only nineteen years. It represents the best of us in the worst of times. There is no doubt in the mind of this fielder that this young man was a follower of Christ and that he was a product of daily devotionals through studying the bible by his family. Compassion for his fellow man as well as loving his enemy was evident in through his actions. We must ask ourselves what would we do if we were in such a situation? In reality thousands of our men and women are currently fighting for their cause and let us pray that they know a loving God that will show them kindness and protection while they fight on foreign soil. May they also represent the love of Christ and the compassion of a compassionate Savior in all things to those that are the innocent victims of war. They are the guardians of our freedoms and the freedom of others. Pray that they remember that we serve a gracious God of love and mercy. It is He that must move our hearts and conscious in the worst of things so that we can be models for others to emulate. . Christians who are persistent in the faith will overcome and be seen as those that stand upon the Rock.
On December 13, 1862 at the base of Marye’s Heights, located near Fredericksburg, a series of battles occurred. The aftermath of the fighting found over twelve thousand Union soldiers lying wounded, dying or dead of the field of battle. The wounded cried pitifully for water all that evening, night and into the next morning. One nineteen-year-old confederate soldier was deeply moved by the moans, pleadings and sufferings of the dying inflicted by the angels of sorrow. He could not stand and listen to the sounds of the sufferings of fellow human beings any longer. He went to his captain and asked if he could take water to those poor wretches and was told that they were the enemy and would not be relieved. Yet he persisted through the chain of command until he got to his commander. He asked his commander, General Kershaw, if he could take them water and at first was told no. But later, after determined persistence from the young boy of nineteen, the general gave him approval with the stipulation that there would be no white flag of truce. Understanding the gravity of the situation and the risk involved, Sergeant Richard Rowland Kirkland gathered up several canteens and went to the aid of his enemy, the wounded union soldiers. While under fire, he repeatedly refilled his canteens from Mrs. Stephens’ well. Soon realizing the mission of mercy that the young man had undertaken, the soldiers from both sides seized firing, in order to allow him the opportunity to administer this last act of kindness to the dying. One Union officer yelled for his men to cease-fire for that man was, “Too brave to die.” The unannounced truce lasted for over an hour and a half. The next day, an official truce was made in order to allow the litter bearers and surgeons to finish the job that young Richard had begun. Reasoning had prevailed that day all because of the courage demonstrated by the young sergeant. His action was out of the purity of heart that rings so true throughout the ages. No greater love hath he than he who is willing to lay down his life for another. Due to his act of unselfish valor, this young man became immortalized as the Angel of Marye’s Heights by both armies. One year later, on September 20, 1863, he was killed at Chickamauga. It is said that due to the heroic actions of young Sgt. Kirkland, Sherman spared his hometown after his road of destruction through Atlanta. In 1965, the great states of Virginia and South Carolina paid homage to the man and dedicated a monument to the memory of Sergeant Richard Rowland Kirkland, the Angel of Marye’s Heights.
The Angel of Marye’s Heights By David Chaltas 5/15/01 Sounds of Christmas bells ringing Were silenced by the war. The voice of death was singing As blue and gray deplored. Twelve thousand Union soldiers Lay dying on the field. But neither side grew bolder, Nor neither side would yield. While lying in the trenches We heard the dying yell, “God, water can only quench This suffering from hell!” The sighing of the dyin’ At Fredericksburg that day Left grown men lying cryin’ To help them in some way. A man of but nineteen years Had seen the elephant. And overcoming all his fears Over the wall he went. Blue soldiers held their fire; He lifted a canteen Offering their hearts desire, He went among the scene. Reb Sgt. Richard Kirkland, Compassion in the fight There is one thing for certain, Angel: at Marye’s Heights.