the _cause in which I die_.
Thank God the principles of the cause in which we were engaged
_will not die with me and my brave comrades_. They will spread
wider and wider, and gather strength with each hour that passes.

The voice of truth will echo through our land, bringing
conviction to the erring, and adding numbers to _that glorious
Army who will enlist under its banner_. The cause of everlasting
truth and justice will go on "conquering and to conquer," until
our broad and beautiful land shall rest beneath the banner of
freedom. I had hoped to live to see the dawn of that glorious
day. I had hoped to live to see the principles of the Declaration
of our Independence fully realized. I had hoped to see the dark
stain of slavery blotted from our land, and the _libel_ of our
boasted freedom erased; when we can say in truth that our beloved
country is "the land of the free, and the home of the
brave."--But this cannot be. I have heard my sentence passed, my
doom is sealed. But two brief days between me and eternity. At
the expiration of those two days, I shall stand upon the scaffold
to take my last look at earthly scenes. But that scaffold has but
little dread for me; for I honestly believe I am innocent of any
crime justifying such punishment.

But by the taking of my life, and the lives of my comrades,
Virginia is but hastening on that glorious day, when the slave
will rejoice in his freedom; when he can say that _I too am a
man_, and am groaning no more under the yoke of oppression. But I
must now close. Accept this short scrawl as a remembrance of me.
Remember me to my relatives and friends. And now Farewell.

From thy nephew,
EDWIN COPPOCK.

P. S. I will say for I know it will be a satisfaction to all of
you, that we are all kindly treated, and I hope the North will
not fail to give Sheriff Campbell and Captain Avis due
acknowledgment for their kind and noble actions.

E.

LETTER FROM EDWIN COPPOCK TO THOMAS WINN.

MY DEAR FRIEND THOMAS WINN: For thy love and sympathy, and for
thy unwearied exertion in my behalf, accept my warmest thanks. I
have no words to tell the gratitude and love I have for