Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-08-31
0rKR BRIDGr, BEDFORD, /
July S0!h, 1854. !
To IL. Editor of The WHO:

To the Editor Of the Wig:
On the l6:h OF jane, the Ysnkee army, under COM
mand Of Major General Hunter commenced passing by
my house. in Bedford county, xseen miles from Lynch
burg, tina. portion of the command being commanded
by Gen. AyerilL The advanced guard, composed Of
about twenty mounted men, dressed In the Confederate
uniform, rode up to my house, tartei their horses
loose in my yard came in the house, and the officers,
TWO In numb (Ospt Elliott and Lieut.. Braunt) by re.
qlsst Of my vile II being abseni) remained during the
evening and night. They placed sentnels q. the out
doois which prevented all prvaes from enterog-snd
assured my wife dsu hter shat the house AID con-
tents should be protected. They were also extremely
kind to every member Of my family, so much SO, that
nv wife was induced to send 70 the woods for me to
re- urn to the house. which did, and found on my srf'
val that they (he ocert) had retired for the night
When / aWoke LeIt morning walked out on the
porch introduced myself and found them, apparently,
to be perfect gentlemen IN every sense OF the word
They assur me, in the most positive manner, that
should not be moleee. Capt Elliott informed me that
be the chief Of the SCOUTS and asked favor
20 give him what information possessed In regard to
the number of our forces in Lynohburg
felt GG Is trus) grateful for his kindness to my fam-
iy and 30 expressed myself 10 him. and remarked ut
the ga ne time That knew oothDg of forces per-
sonay tut gentleman had stated In my presence, the
day previous that there would be in Lynchburg 20 900
soldiers BE replied, that II L,nchburg was terrified
and bad Ia her Notifications 10000 men, Gen. Hunter
would be def aed l eudeavOred TO impress it upon
him that ignorant OF The facts, because had not
bees 10 Lynohnurg Tor several months He then lett
me and rode beck to Ger. Hunters camp MILE cup.
DOS having been assured by Capt E =, remain.
I'd n the house and yard, and felt peril city secure
Two or three hours Ster his departure, Geo. Hunter
and taft came riding up tosne in III, yard; General
Hunter, in avery exoitnS manner, remarked to me,
that tad cl5 his soous damned lies, and betrayed
one of them that he might be shot, for which my h0ue
and furniture should be burned and taken prisoner"
l being innocent OF the charges, demonstrated aud
asked Tor investigation, protesting against such an
Outrage upon q private citizen, at the time
ing him Lat Was as innocent SIS an angel la heaven.
He made reply but gave the order 10 burn the house
and MAS not psrmitedto 90 TO the Lolse,
but hurried Cf with The army
Nv house was q large Two story house, painted
Hhts and covered with tin, and considered to be
beautiful resdeI 0ne of these scouts before men
toped attempted to cave the psnc, but prevented
by Hun. rs Provost MARSHAL My wife and aged end
nfrm mother in-law, grcEn diugher and other
smaller children, were thus thrown on the world
without protector and without a change Of clothing
Ny kitchen and contents, my blacksmith's shop and
to1s carriage house, ana fine cirrsge, all set
On hre and consumed. Ny horses, mules, sheep,
&c wsIe all driven of, Ny wites uunk was forced
OPEN snd her fee clothing mu Hated and iorn INTO
stiogs and then destroyed. Ny Little attsm pied to
ave few articles, but they refused that priveg.
and cast them 10 the FIRE fast be brought them cut
was forced 10 march ever 80 miles Of my home
on foot travelling night and day, without! food sui.
fcisnt to eppease hunger ard compelled to drink water
made almost intoleIable by the wagons and horses
passing over it, cut the Captain of the guard, A L
Corey Of Maryland, who bad charge of me- treated me
very Kindly and equentIy shared his ecany rstions
With me- shall sl~4ys remember him with feelings OF
kindness, because believe owe my release TO bis
intepOsition snd should he ever become prisoner
nope cur II GERS will remember his kindness 60 me.
Three Of my slaves wen! 1T with them. believe
have given correct statement and would he villino
20 ccrEify on oath 10 it. w. w. LHFrwIcH.