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.