Obituary of Fernando O. Lacoste, Mobile, Alabama

http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/mobile/obits/folacoste.txt
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This file was contributed by: 
Charlene Moore
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August 2001

Obituary of Fernando O. Lacoste

     Died at Whistler, September 30th,1862 in his 26th year, of typhoid fever, 
Fernando O. Lacoste, Sergeant in Haynie's Battery.

     "Leaves have their time to fall,
      And flowers to wither at the North Wind's breath,
      And stars to set-- but all,
      Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death!"

     Not on the battle field-- not face to face with the hated foe--came the 
call that comes but once to all on earth: but in his home, surrounded by loving 
relatives and kind friends.  The keenest pang his young heart knew, as he felt 
Death approaching, was that he was not permitted to die battling for our rights, 
and thus seal his devotion to his country.  None the less was he a sacrifice to 
his patriotism, and a grateful country will not be oblivious of it: 
     "for each soldier's name
      Shall shine untarnished on the rolls of fame,
      And stand the example of each distant age,
      And add new lustre to the historic page."

      He eagerly enlisted at the beginning of the war, and his only regret was 
the he was not more actively engaged in the service: yet he

     "Who does the best his circumstances allow,
      Does well, acts nobly: angels could do nor more."

      For weeks his failing health admonished him to leave the "tented field," 
but a high sense of duty and his self sacrificing spirit would not yield until 
"the flat had gone forth," and he was beyond the aid of human love and zeal.

     He was a devoted son, an affectionate brother, and a faithful friend.  As a 
soldier, he was brave generous and zealous;  beloved by his comrads, respected 
by all.  His  last  moments were cheered by that 

     "Hope that maketh not ashamed- that peace that passeth all understanding."
     "He closed his eyes and stood in peace before a smiling God."

     He leaves a fond mother, loving sisters and brothers, and a large circle of 
friends to mourn his irreparable loss.- Though he left bright evidence behind 
him that he had been transplanted from  a world filled with cares and suffering
to regions of never-ending bliss, yet naught on earth can heal the wound his 
family have recieved, save 

     "Time the great consoler, and Religion, the divine comforter."
     "Soldier rest! thy warfare o'er:
      Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking:
      Dream of battle-fields no more
      Days of danger, nights of waking!"
                                                                       
                            A Friend