The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-07-08

US we luu USeu 10 Lie loVel ana mo-
notonons plains of Carolina, it filled
us with rapture and delight.
But the demon of war was about
to invade that quiet and peaceful
scene, mar its besnty and destroy its
happiness. What pity that so
much rural beauty, and SO much
Lcn.sn comfort and bliss, should be
sacrificed to the brutal passions and
mad ambition of man. Let no one
boast of the progress of the age
again until civilization and religion
shall have subdued the powers of
darkness and controlled the hearts of
men to such degree that States and
nations will adopt a less cruel and
barbarous arbiter of their disputes
than the sword. All that delightful
region was, doubtless, completely
desolated, for it was in that immedi-
ate vicinity and perhaps along that
identical valley that some of the
fiercest and most sanguinary battles
were subsequently fought. It wit
messed brilliant displays of military
genius and lofty and heroic courage;
but alas! who shall sum up the fear
full cost at which they were exhibited.
On the South side of the valley, and
about half mile from the brooklet,
was the residence Of John Early, one
of the wealthiest and most intelligent
farmers in that part of the country.
The house was d handsome and sub
stantial structure, with large vine
clad piazzas OF verandas on two sides,
embowered in grove Of magnificent
oaks, and surrounded by finely orna-
mented grounds. Immediately around
the dwelling was neatly and taste
fully enclosed yard, covered with
green grass, and sprinkled here and
there with rose bushes of snowy
white and blushing red. A number
of well arranged and convenient out
buildings, completed the picture.
The whole place bespoke plenty, ease
and comfort.
Opposite the Early mansion, and
some two miles South of it, was the
camp of Greggs Carolina brigade.
A plain country road led from the
camp to the farm, and, passing on the
West side of the house, ran on North,
across the valley, in the direction of
Fredericksburg. On that road, about
q mile from the point where it crossed
the brooklet, all infantry picket had
been placed, where one company was
generally on duty. This company
was relieved by fresh one from the
camp, every day, and these compa-
MES, in marching to and from their
post, passed directly by the house
and through the farm. 1t was not
known to the Carolinians whether
the owner of that splendid farm was
we'll or Unaffected toward the cause
Of the South; but, composed, us they
were, at that time, Of the elite and
flower of the State, and, rs yet, I'M
corrupted by the demoralizing intu-
ences of camp-life, they would have
scorned to commit the slightest lepre-
dation on private property, whether
it belonged to friend or foe
old school, frank, high-toned and
hospitable. He possessed cultivated
and well-balanced mind, and had a
fair share of hereditary pride of cha
racter. Though fifty winters and up
wards had passed over his head.
slightly silvering his locks with grey,
he was still hale and strong, the lus-
tre of his eye was undimmed, and
his step was firm and elastic. In his
youth, he had been handsome, and
was still prepossessing and noble in
appearance. Having an ardent aud
impulsive nature, he was warm and
vehement in his likes and dislikes.
and was an intense lover of the Old
Dominion. Virginia was nh the world
to him, and he believed there was no
country under Heaven her equal.
He revered the memory of Washing
ton, was firmly attached to the Union
of the States, and did not believe in
the secession doctrines of South
Carolina. Though conscious that his
section had been wronged and OPP
pressed, he thought it best to seek
redress by methods that wero clearly
within the pale of the Constitution,
and would not be attended with the
perilous risk of war. But the issue
had been joined, his State had made
common cause with her Southern sis
ters, and, though he did not love the
Union less, he loved Virginia more,
and he found his fortunes inevitably
cast with those of the South.
But, though fortune had smiled on
John Early, and he was blessed with
every material comfort and enjoy
ment Of life. he had been very upfor-
tunate in his domestic relations.
Death had visited his household, and
he had drained the cup of sorrow TO