The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1868-05-08

but who now was willing to stand by the
/ old flag ? In North Carolina I met an
old man. who had served in the rebel
forces. He was quite old for one who
but SHORT time since had carried gun
and knapsaok The poor eli man during
the war had lost two sons and ason-iu-law
Ibis only support. 1t was eight miles
to the Catawba river, the bridge over
which had beon destroyed by Steedman,
1t had been rebuilt, hut was very high
and bad to cross This old soldier took
such interest in mel bad stopped over
night in the town where he lived-that
he Went with me to the bridge and led
me over for fear | might fall and hurt my
self Between Selma aud Montgomery,
Ala, | went to an elegant residence, oc-
cupied by gentleman named White, on
q plantation called Whitehall. Mr..
White himself came to the door. NY flag
was unfurled, but he did not know me,
nor had he heard of my singular journey.
He, however, warmly welcomed me, and
L explained to him how had come to seek
shelter under bis roof During the war
he told me Wilson had passed through
that country and destroyed all he had -
During talk of two hours there was hard
ly moment that his eyes were not mcis-
tened with tears. In the morning | found
my flag all decorated by his daughter with
wreaths and flowers. He went with me
on my way about mile, and finally said
he would have to leave me / took him
by the hand. A gentle breeze was blow
ing and the flag held in my left hand was
flying. The old man tried to bid me good
bye, but he broke down, and for several
minutes wept like child"
AT the request of the President the
Sergeant explained the circumstances un-
der which he had undertaken the long
journey which he has just concluded
Persons" said he, "made assertions
which believed to be both foolish and
untounded. | contrsdicted them saying
that did not care for their individual
opinions; but as perhaps thousands be.
lleved as they did would make PROPOSE.
ton that, it carried out, would disprove
their theory. thereupon made an offer
to do what | have done. [ did not think
my proposition would be accepted, nor did
the principal person of those to whom
refer think | would dare to carry out my
plan. He, however, at once accepted my
offer and dared me to fulfill its terms. =
He had declared, for instance, that if the
Government would withdraw the military
forces from the South and leave the flag
flying the Union soldiers could hardly be
out of sight before the colors would be
torn down and trampled in the dust. I
replied that was poor man, that / was
not in condition to undertake the Jour-
ney, but that if he would give me dol
lar day for my family while was gone
l would go to Vicksburg and would alone
unarmed and without money carry the
American flag from that place to Wash
ing,on. l was told that my life would not
be worth a cent that, indeed, 1 would
never be permitted to leave Vicksburg
alive. Articles of agreement we're drawn
up, aud | was dared to sign them. did
so, and thus bound myself to their perfor-
nance. | went home, thought over the
matter, saw that it was novel enterprise,
and would attract some attention, but did
not think it would receive the notice it
has. felt sure [ would be treated we'll,
and that the flag would be respected; but
! had no idea the people would take SO
much pains TO show their respect for the
flag or that | would receive suca an ova-
ton. There was not, sir, during the en-.
tire journey, breath uttered against the
flag or myself, whether In rich mans par
lor or the poor mans cabin; whether on
the road or in the city, the old flag rcceiv-
ed the respect and homage of all, and l
welcome and hospitality. I was detemin-
ed to carry out the plan. | have done so,
and when reached Washington | had
not penny in my pocket l did not
know where was to get meal or where
to find a resting place. I have had money
enough offered me on the route to make
me rich for life, but have not accepted
cent, nor have ] sold photograph, as some
have said. During my journey, Mr. Pres
ident, recaptured one of our flags with.
out expeudinga shot. 1t was flag that
had been taken from us at Chancellors.
vile, and it was handed to me by an ex.
Confederate soldier, who had preserved it
at his home. Before I leave I will call
on you to show you sash presented to
me by the ladies of Montgomery, Ala,
and which promised when l reached
Washington you should see. I hope on
Monday next to leave for my home near
Edgerton, Wis, where | have wife and
and two children. The last work did
before | left was the cutting of two cords
of wood. I left tree partially cut and 1
want to go home and finish TN y
Herald. ...-. H.rttl....
How Soon FoRGoTTEN.-So lately
dead ; SO soon forgotten. IT'S the way
Of the world. Men take as by the hand,
and are anxious about the health of our
bodies, and laugh at our jokes, and we
really think, like the fly on the wheel.