The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-11-24
THE TORY WOMEN OF EAST TEN
NESSEE

Carolina Times, who is in East Tennessee with his
regiment, writes to that paper:
To give an idea of the social status of the ladies
of this section, well as the estimate they place
upon the protection afforded by troops, will
trouble the reader with an incident that occurred
yesterday:
Being at leisure, 1t. Col B., Maj. S., and 1,
went out chestnut hunting. After eanvassing the
immediate neighborhood of our camps for some
time, and having become tired, we entered grass
plat near large chestnut tree inside field. Dis
covering no chestnuts on the tree, we lay down on
the grass, thinking to rest few minutes and pro-
coed on our journey. We had not observed that
We within twenty PAGES of house, within
whose walls resided living people, mean, though
we had observed the house, We had not recogniz-
ed the fact that it was inhabited But we were
not long in being made cognizant of that fact, for
we had scarcely taken our seats than we were
greeted by sharp female voice, with the express
Fsion
ooh I'll be with you, you cowardly, sneaking
rebel sheep stealers."
We felt little confused for a moment, when
turning in the direction from whence the voice
came We observed huge female advancing with
masculine step, and plainly indicated something Of
an extraordinary character, though we were unable
I at first to know what it was. We kept quiet
though | must confess | felt an inclination to 'fall
back" for l have a natural and uncomfortable
horror ofbeing 10 the presence of an enraged vir
ago. But We had delayed retreating till it was
too late to do SO, and the lady opened on with
Utna that showed that she was not lacking 10
estness. .
+ "What you doing here-plundering my
property, you rebel thieves?"
We were astonished and shocked at the sudden
ness and vehemency of the attack. But at length
Maj. 5. took courage to reply:
in
'The hill you aint!-right here in my yard,
ready to steal my chickens-every thing I've GOT
retorted the woman
By this time she had arrived within a threaten
ing distance of US. | noticed that she was mad
with rage, while fire seemed to fash from her eyes.
ave were only looking at that chestnut tree, to
see if there were any chestnuts On II, replied the
Colonel.
"And you was going to steal my chestnuts, was
you?-get out o'here, or I'll thrash the yeth with
your carcases!"
At this juncture [ suggested that We should
Withdraw from the premises, but the other gentle
men thought proper to ascertain the ladys politi-
cal notions before doing so.
"Oh don't be alarmed, madam, we do not mean
to trouble any of your property said the Major,
good naturally.
" Alarmed!-do you suppose I'd be alarmed at
such triiing skulks as you 'uns are, you rebel
chicken stealels," quickly retorted the old woman
"Speaking of chickers-couldn't you sell US
few ehiekens-we will pay you any price you may
name" said the Major
ado you suppose I'd sell ID rebel chick
end see you in h-ll first. You've stole all
NY chickens"
The Major endeavored to convince the old wo-
man that we did not steal chickens, sheep and so
on-that We meant no harm by being on her pre-
misses But she persisted 10 her declaration that
we were the vilest of the vile. She announced
herself Jealous advocate of ''Linkum," and the
Union.
Her attitude being still more threatening, and
manfesting decided disposition to assume the
offensive, We suddenly became impressed with the
importance of retreating.
A day or two previous to the occurrence above
related, went into the country three or four
miles, to visit sick soldier who had been left at
a private house. On the way [ observed small
chestnut tree, quite full Of chesnuts. concluded
it would ''pay" to fell it, and sent private H.. who
was with me, to house that little distance
off, to borrow an axe. He rode off, but soon re-
turned with the statement: "The gal won't let me
have it." "Well," said l. let's both 20 down,
and think we can persuade her to let us have it."
We soon arrived opposite the house and alighted
went to the door and knocked. We repeated
it two or three times before were needed At
length in came sprightly looking lass.
What business have you got here, sir?"
took off my hat (still standing on the steps,
and bowling as politely as [ could, said: "Only to
borrow an axe an hour, to fell small chestnut
tree
Give him the axe over his head-he's chick
en- stealing REBEL" cried female voice in ad
joining room.
l felt abashed, and was considering what I
should say next, when H., thinking was getting
in 'close place, came to my assistance, and step
ping past into the house, remarked to the
young lady:
You're mistaken; the DR.. don't steal chick
"Pop him over the head with the poke stick,
Liz; you know that's the way Jimmie told you to
treat the rebels when they come about" cried the
female voice in the adjoining room. Just at this
moment observed Liz spring to the chimney
place aud gather up what H. called achopping
big poker stick, and raising it in striking posi-
ton, suddenly concluded [ did not want any
chestnuts, and skedaddled, double quick-ju jumped
over.the fence and into my saddle, and quickly
found my spurs touching my horses sides, while
he gently bore me away from the scene of action
Just as Isprang from the door, heard loud re-
port which HI. says was the result of the poker
stick, hitting the shutter, when thrown by Liz, at
his person!
These Lincolnite women, down on the river, are
fighting stock; and must say l would rather do
without chestnuts great while than to come in
contact with one of them again.
BISHOP HopKINs-The letter lately addressed