The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1864-04-06
The Amenities Of War

Now and then little human smile brighte
ans wars grim visage, like fash of sun
shine in an angry day, remember one that
| wish could deguerrotype. The amenities
o battle are so few, how precious they be-
come! Let me give you that little touch o
nature that makes the whole world kin -.
A few months ago the Third Ohio, belong.
ing to Stralght's command, entered town
en-rout for Richmond, prisoners Of war;
Worn down, famished, hearts heavy and
haversacks light, they were herded like
dumb, driven cattle, to wear out the night.
A rebel regiment the Fifty fourth Vir.
ginia, being camped near by, many of its
men came strolling about to see the sorry
show Of poor supperless Yankees. They did
not stay long, but hastened away to camp
and came streaming back with coffee KETTLE
corn bread and bacon, the best they had and
all they had, aud straightway little fires be .
gan to twinkle; bacon was suffering the mar
tyrdom of the saint of the gridiron, and the
aroma of coffee rose like the ir agrant cloud
OF thankful offering. Loyal guests and re-
bel hosts were mingled; our hungry boys ate
and were satisfied; and for that night our
common humanity stood acquitted Of the
heavy charge of total depravity with which
it is blackened. Night and our boys depart
ed together. The prisoners in due time
were exchanged, and are, now encamped
within rihe>shot of Kelly's Ferry, on the
bank o the Tennessee. Z - TFD "a
But often around the, camp;fres have
heard them talk OF the 54th Virginia, that
proved themselvs so immeasurably better
"than brother afar off'-heard them won
der where they were, and discuss the chance
that they might even meet. When they de-
nouncs the 'damnabie Johnny Reb," the
name of one regiment you may be sure, was
tucked away in a snug place, quite out o
range Of hard words. r,.. Lao
And now comes the sequel that makes q
beautiful poem of,the whole OF it. On the
day of the storming of Mission RIDGE among
the prisoners was the 54th Virginia, and on
Friday it trailed away across the pontoon
bridge. and along the mountain road, nine
miles to Kelly's Ferry, Arrived there, il
settled upon the bank like wasps awaiting
the boat. 1Alweek elapsed, and your CORES,
pondent followed suit. .sa. --..s,. I'D
The Major Of the Sd Ohio welcomed me to
tho warm hespitalities oil his quarters, and
almost the first thing be said was, "You
should have been here last Friday; you mis-
sed the announcement of ths beautiful little
drama OF ours, whose first act / have told
you Will you believe the 54th' Virginia
has been here? Soma OF our boys were on
duty atgthe landing when, it arrived. What
regiment is this? they asked; aud when tn /.
reply was given they started from camp like
quartes horses, and shouted as they rushed
in and out among the smoky cones Of the
sibleys: The 54lh Virginia regiment is at
the ferry!" '3gE Eh7ai -,l at olP.eFe&oga J.as =
The camp swarmed in three minutes. -
Treasures OF coffee, bacon, sugar, beef, pre-
served peaches, everything was turned out
in force and you may believe they went la
dened with plenty, at the double quick to
the ferry. The same old scene. and yet how
strangly changed. The twlnkling fires, the
grateful incense, the hungry captivss; but
guests and hosts had changed places; the
starlet folds f1ated aloft Tor the bonney blue
flag. A debt of honor was paid to the ut4
termost farthing. If they hal triumph Of
arms at Chattanooga, hearts were truinps at
Kelly's Ford. % aN,f 3.
p And there IL was The horrid war smiled
human smile, and gratefal, gentle light
fickered for IN ,inent an the bayonet. And
yet, should the Fifty fourth, Virginia to NOR
row, with arms in their hands, come to the
Tennessee the Third Ohio owould meet them
on the bank, fight them foot to foot, and
beat them back with rain so pitiless the river
would run red. 7aylor's Chattanooga lie T.
FAR Ha . . o. q 4rlwH D.. Pa