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Obituary of Lloyd Powell
Powell Family Papers – 65 P875, Box II, Folder 6
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No one of the heroic dead who fell at Manassas on the glorious 21st, rendered a purer offering of patriotic devotion than did Lloyd Powell, of the 2d Regiment of Virginia Volunteers. About ten years since, at the early age of sixteen, he emigrated to Illinois, to enter upon active business pursuits under the care and direction of his maternal relatives. His ready, intelligent, and conscientious discharge of every trust, soon won the esteem and entire confidence of all connected with him. By diligently availing himself of intervals of leisure and opportunities of improvement, he practiced a judicious system of self-culture, which happily combining energy in business with intellectual improvement, developed and matured his character into the high and firm, conscientiousness, the intellectual vigor and activity, the generous fidelity in the relations of life, which eminently won for him the esteem and respect of all who knew him, and the proud affection of his nearest relatives. In the political conflicts of the times, he stood by the side of those who struggled for the rights of the South. Although living beyond her limits, he cherished a filial regard for Virginia and readily obeyed her summons when she called for her sons to resist the invader. He declined the suggestion that he should ask a place in the Commissary Department, for which his experience had eminently fitted him, because as he alleged in such a juncture he would not even seem to seek his pecuniary interest. Indulging himself in only a week’s enjoyment of those delights of home which he so highly appreciated, he joined the ranks of the Winchester Rifles, and cheerfully shared in the privations and fatigues of the forced march to Manassas. After the unfortunate order to fall back had been given, he was among the first to respond to his Captain’s command to rally, resuming his original position, summoning others to his side, and encouraging them to “show what Virginia can do.”? Scarcely had he uttered the words when he fell under a murderous volley of musketry from the treacherous foe.
His brief career at arms entitles him to the grateful remembrance of his country. His bereaved relatives find some consolation in the thought that he died in the full discharge of his duty.
P.
