3rd Wallajahbad Light Infantry
Letter sent to J.J.P., 2, Canterbury Road, West Worthing, concerning his death:—
To J. J. P. 22nd January, 1920.
Kandal, Ootacamund, S. India.
My Beloved Brother in Christ Jesus, Grace and peace be unto you. For we are members of His body. We being many are one body in Christ. Ye are all one in Christ Jesus. You do not know who I am. Praise God, I am a fellow believer and worker in His vineyard. I need not tell you much about myself. Now, brother, I am going to tell you about Brother Havildar R. G. Moses, 3rd Wallajahbad Light Infantry. Last year his Company transferred from Trichonopoly to Ootacamund, and he became my fellow-laborer in this for His glory. Praise God. He was witnessing out and out for Christ in this dark place. On the 25th of December, 1919 (Christmas Day), we had a special prayer-meeting and thanksgiving service, and Brother Moses told what the Lord had clone for him seventeen years ago. He invited C.M.S. Pastor, Baptist Pastor, some other Christians, and myself with his comrades, to a dinner he kindly provided, and he gave his testimony, how the Lord had brought him into the gospel light. We all enjoyed God’s blessing and spent nearly two hours together. On the night of the 31St of December (New Year’s Eve) we had a watch-night service in the Baptist Church, and he preached the gospel on New Year’s Day, January 1St. On the 6th of January he preached in the market to the heathen people. The next day (7th) he was speaking good counsel to a soldier comrade, a Sepoy, who was living in bad sin, but his good words were unheeded. On the 8th of January, at about 6.30 p.m., Brother Moses had to go to the guardroom to see the sentry on duty, and the man to whom he had spoken was there. As soon as Havildar Moses entered the guardroom this man shot at him. On Brother Moses asking him why he shot at him, the man took his bayonet and charged him in the stomach and legs. The bayonet entered his right leg, and he was unable to walk. Brother Moses then asked to be carried to the barracks, and as this was being done the man again fired at the havildar, and he fell forward dead, shot through the heart, the man afterward taking his own life.
On the 9th instant an inspection was held, and on the 10th, at 1.30 p.m., the funeral took place with military honors at the C.M.S. Cemetery. There he was laid to await the morning of the first resurrection. The coffin and hearse were covered with wreaths, and many were the expressions of grief and the testimonies as to his earnest Christian life and example. He was much beloved by all, and was also well thought of by his officers, as well as by the Sepoys under him. A large number of Christians, Hindus and Mahomedans, were present at the funeral.
Dear Brother, I have much good news I could write to you about him, but I am unable to do so now. When Havildar Moses was alive he gave me a little book, written by you, called “From Hinduism to Christ,” and the Holy Spirit told me to write and tell you about him. I believe you will be very sorry to hear of his martyr death. Praise God. If you want to hear anything more about him I shall be very glad to write to you. We must always be ready to meet our Saviour with joy. I send you my Christian love, and shall await any good news from You with gladness.
“Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His holy name together.”
I am, your Indian brother in His love and truth, JOHN MANOAH.