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

bcfail her children OF the dcSOated South.
For days an inccssant rain had been falling,
adding tcnfod to the gloom felt by every onc
All seemed to look with feverish anxiety to-
ward the approach of Sherman. Twas said
said that the remnant of Hoods army had
turned their faces southwark, and were slowly
returning TO offer Tesibiahce to the victory
flushed troops of the enemy. The struggle
was last effort of our dying nation TO drive
back our oppressors. m 81,
On the morning of February Sd, as Mrs
Raymond and Kate were sitting in gloomy 81
lcnce, tho quick gaiiop was heard of horse
coming up the avenue. Kate walked to the
window, ard i'll moment uttcring scream of
dclight-"Oh, mama, it is Douglass Kate
ran to meet the long-abscnt brother Mrs
Raymond's heart beat fast with Joy, song of
gratitude was raised for the delivery and re-
turn Of l6r son. IIo was OH Gen. C.'s staff
and fought through the campaigns of the un-
fortunate army under Bragg, johnson and
Hood 1t was true that They had turned
South, and were going to unite with IIardce's
army from the coast Of Georgia and the Caro-
lnas, then to make ono effort to crush Shcr-
man.
Douglas Raymonds command had marched
across the country from Augusta to Rocky
River, about seventeen miles from l., the
town that Sherman would take in his march,
and the home of Mrs. Raymond. Capt Ray
mond had obtained a leave ct absence for four
days, and promised to return in that time.
Ills visit was one Of unexpected JOY and
pleasure. lie did not hope to find his mother
and sister at home So many persons had
refugeed, he feared they too had gone to some
place of fancicd security. dis heart beat with
and again.
After he had been at home few hours, and
all questions had been asked and answered by
both parties, he enquirea who had g,nc off,
who We're at home, and who intended to remain
when Sherman camcY
Kate gave him satisfactory answers to all
his questions, and said, sWhat do you think of
n,a,Na's resolution in regard to staying here,
Douglass W
"Wcll, sister, It has cver been my wish to
keep you away from such sight II mean the
Yankee army; but, since mother desires to
stay ut home, aud you have decided to remain
with her, shall not raise one objection
There is the dinner bell and now let US 80,
and comfort the inner man"
The days seemed to glide by as rapidly ms
before thoy dragged heavily along The
news came on the morning of the fourth of
E-L. .l
Augusta Branch, and that Sherman was ad-
vancing rapidly across the country to cut the
other branchnt L. Tscops we're being con-
centrated there, and every hour the scream of
the putting locomotive announced fresh ar
rival.
Mrs. Raymonds plantation was situated on
little stream about mile from town, and i'm
mcdiatoly on the line of road Every train
that pai scd was greeted by crowd of dnrkcys,
who rushed to the side of the road, wavinr
ragged caps aud rimlcss hats, and displaying
all manner ot uncouth gcss;;urcs The fourth
train had passed only few moments when
boy Came in, putting and painting, saying the
train had run off the track. Douglass hurried
off to 500 if it were true and before reaching
tho scone Of tho disaster, he met tSo officers,
with whom he was well acquainted.
"Why, halo, Captain, do see you" asked
the eldest
eyes, am here, Colonel, and have just
started out to hear if you needed assistance
| heard your train had run off,"
eyes, Captain, it has run off; but nothing
serious has happened. Wo are not fur from
l., judgcY' said the Colonel
"No; you can sec tho depot and comluissary
buildings from where you stand think it is
about mile from here by rail But, Colonel
am here at ONE. Will you aud Colonel
Willis walk up with me %
"Thank you, Captain, will go up What
say you, Willis?" said Col Austen, addressing
the young man.
81 will avail myself Of The invitation, if
Captain Raymond will excuse my appearance
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. '.Mothcr, Douglass is com
inc back and two sollcrs oro ,,;, h hin, n,