The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1868-08-08

befall her children of the desolated South
For days an incessant rain had been falling,
adding ten-fold to the gloom felt by every one.
ward the approach of Sherman. Twas said
said that the remnant of Hoods army had
turned their faces southward, and were slowly
returning to offer rcsistaiico 10 the victory
flushed troops Of the enemy. The struggle
was last effort of our dying nation to drive
back our oppressors.
On the morning of February 3D. as Mrs
Raymond and Kate were sitting in gloomy 81
lcncc, the quick gaiiop was heard Of horse
coming up the avenue. Kate walked to the
window, and i'll a moment uttcring scream Of
dclight-"Oh, mama, it is Douglass Kate
ran to meet the long-abscnt brother Mrs.
Raymond's heart beat fazt with Joy, song Of
gratitude was raised for the delivery and re-
turn Of her son. lie was OH Gen Cs staff
and fought through the campaigns of the un-
fortunate army under Bragg, johnson and
Hood 1t true, that They had turned
army from the coast of Georgia and the Caro-
inas, then to make one effort to crush Shcr-
man.
Douglas Raymond's command had marched
across the country from Augusta to Rocky
River, about seventeen miles from L. the
and the home of Mrs. Raymond. Capt Ray
mond had obtained leave Ut absence for four
days, and promised to return in thai Time
His visit was one of unexpected joy and
pleasure. lie did not hope to find his mother
and sister at home. So many persons had
refugced lie feared they too had gone to some
place of fancicd security. HIS heart beat with
joy, ms he kissed his mother and sister again
and again
After he had been at home few hours. and
all questions had been asked and answered by
both parties, he cnqurod who had gpno off,
who were at home, aud who intended to remain
when Sherman cancY
Kate gave him satisfactory answers to all
his questions, and said, "What do you think of
n,a.na's resolution in regard to staying here,
Douglass ="
"Wcll, sister, I, hA, cvyl been my wish to
keep you away from such sight, mean the
Yankee army; but, since mother desires to
stay Mt home. aud you have decided to remain
with her, shall not raise one objection
There is the dinner bell !; and now let US 90,
and comfort the inner man
The days seemed to glido by as rapidly as
before thoy dragged heavily along The
news came the morning of the fourth of
February. that the railroad was cut on the
Augusta Branch, aud that Sherman was ad-
vancing rapidly across the country to cut the
other branch.at l.. Troops were being coli
ccntrated there, and every hour the scream of
the pulling locomotive announced fresh ar
rival
Mrs. Raymond's plantation was situated on
little stream about mile from town, and i'm
mcdatcly on the line of road. Every train
that parsed was greeted by a crowd of darkcys,
who rushed to the side of the road, wavin"
ragged caps and rimlcss hats, and I,spIayinc
all manner OF uncouth :scc3s;tires The fourth
train had passed only n few moments, when u
boy Came in, pulling and painting, saying the
train had run off the track. Douglass hurried
off to SOC if it were true and before reaching
tho sconc Of tho disaster, he met two officers,
with whom he was well acquainted
"Why, halo, Captain, do zee you2' asked
the eldest
eyes, | am here, Colonel, and have Just
started out to hear if you needed assistance
| heard your train had run off,
"Ycs, Captain, it has run off; but nothing
serious has happened. We not fur from
l., Judge % said the Colonel
NO; you can sec tho depot and conlrissary
buildings from where you stand think it is
about n mile from here by rail But, Colonel,
| am here at ONE. Will you and Colonel
Willis walk up with me -
"Thank you, Captain / will go up What
say you, Willis 2" said Col Austen, addressing
the young man.
IL will avail myself {: the invitation, if
Captain Raymond will excuse my appearance y
The three men went home without further de-
lay.
Kate was standing in the door, and as she
snw them coming, she called to her mother,
who was busy getting box made up for her
son to carry away. Mother, Douglass is com
ing back, and two soldiers are with him Do