_Sometimes it is one’s duty to sacrifice his life rather than
abandon his promised word._
You must know that in war it is necessary to have scouts who go
into the enemy’s territory and get valuable information which they
bring back to their own commanders. These scouts are called “spies”
by the enemy, and if they are caught they are put to death. This
penalty makes a scout’s life full of danger and adventure.
Sam Davis was a young Southern soldier, and was detailed as a
scout. He was only seventeen years of age when he was sent by
General Bragg to find out the strength of the Federal forts in
Middle Tennessee.
General Bragg said: “Davis, be very careful, for if you are caught
you will be hanged as a spy.”
Davis replied: “I know my duty, General, and its dangers. I am not
afraid.”
Davis went into the enemy’s lines and procured the information and
was returning with important papers in his possession. But as he
was riding along the road he was seized by some Federal soldiers,
and the papers were found upon him. Poor Davis was carried before
the Northern General, was tried as a spy and, according to the
rules of war, was condemned to be hanged.
The Northern General said:
“My boy, you are very young, and I hate to take a life like yours.
Tell me who gave you those papers and I will let you go free.”
Davis replied:
“I received these papers from a friend, and I shall never tell his
name.” The General said:
“My boy, if you will not tell me the name of your friend, I shall
be obliged to order you to be hanged to-morrow morning,” and there
were tears in the eyes of the General as he looked into the face of
the young lad. Davis answered:
“Sir, do you suppose I would betray a friend to save my life? No, I
will die a thousand times first.”
To the very last he was firm in his refusal to give any information
as to when and where he received the papers. To the entreaties
of those who were willing to spare his life if he would tell,
he answered, “No, I shall not betray my friend. I have given my
word.” The next morning he was made to mount a scaffold and was
hanged until he was dead. He died with a serene smile on his lips,
conscious of his devotion to duty as a man and as a soldier.
On the grounds of the Capitol building in Nashville, there is a
beautiful monument erected to the memory of Sam Davis by the State
of Tennessee.