Washington Telegraph (Arkansas), October 8, 1862
At the residence of Mr. B. McDonald, in Washington, Ark., on the 26th ult., Lieut. James F. Walker, in the 30th year of his age. He was the son of Dr. W. S. Walker, of Tyler, Texas. – a member of Col. Speight’s regiment and first lieutenant of Capt. Mayse’s company. Commanding in person and deportment, firm and energetic as a drill officer, united with great urbanity of manners, which endeared him to the entire company, he may justly claim the title of their idol. The tears that bedewed the cheeks of the weather-beaten soldiers as they stood around his dying bed, gave ample proof of their love for their favorite officer. But alas! tears and prayers were alike unavailing. The stern mandate had gone, and despite the unremitting watchfulness of his physicians and the tender care of friends endeared to him by long association, he went down to an early grave in the flower of his manhood, and at a time when his brave and manly services were most needed.
“But the night dew that falls, tough in silence it weeps,
Shall brighten with verdure the grave where he sleeps,
And the tear that we shed though in Secret it rolls,
Shall long keep his memory green in our souls.”
M.S.D.