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

bcfall her children of the dcsuacl South
For days an nccssant rain had been falling,
adding tcn-fold to the gloom felt by every one.
ward the approach of Sherman. Twas said
said that the remnant of lIond's army had
turned their faces southward, and were slowly
returning to offer resistance to the victory
flushed troops Of the enemy. The struggle
was last effort of our dying nation to drive
back our opprcssors.
On the morning Of February 3D., as Mrs.
Raymond and Kate were sitting in gloomy 81
lcncc, the quick gaiiop WIS heard of horse
coming up the avenue. Kate walked to the
window, and in moment uttcring a scream of
dclight-"Oh mama, it is Douglass Kate
ran to meet the long absent brother Mrs.
Raymond's heart beat tazt with Joy Il song Of
gratitude was raised for the delivery and re-
turn Of her son. He was on Gen. Cs staff,
and fought through the campaigns of the ull-
fortunate army under Bragg, johnson and
Ilo"d 1t was true that They haL turned
South, and were going to unite with lIar,lcc's
army from the co.st of Georgia and the Caro-
linas, then to make one 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
monl had obtained leave Ut absence for four
H. i ii
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
rciugced, he feared they too had gone to some
place of fancicd security }ifs heart beat with
joy as 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
beth parties, he cnquiroa who had g,nc off,
who were at home, and who intended to remain
when Sherman camcg
Kate gave him satisfactory answers to all
his questions, and said "What do you think of
a,a.nas resolution in regard to staying here,
Douglass W
"Wcl, sister, & has cvHr been my wish Ia
keep you away from such sight, mean the
Yankee army; but, since i,u:or desires .o
stay Mt home. aud you have decided to remain
with her. shall not raise cnc objection
There is the dinner bell and now let Us 60
and comfort the inner man
The days seemed to glide by AS rapidly as
before thoy dragged heavily along The
news came on the morning OF the fourth Of
February, chat the railroad was cut on tho
Augusta Branch, and that Sherman was ad
vancing rapidly across the country to cut the
other branchat L. Troops were being con
ccntraed there, and every hour the scream o!
the pulling locomotive announced fresh ar.
rival
Mrs. Raymonl's plantation was situated on
4 little stream about mile from town and i'm,
mcdiatcly on ;hc line of road. Every train
that par sc'l was greeted by crowd Of darkcys
who rushed to the side of the road, wayin"
ragged caps and rimlcss hats. and displaying
all manner OF uncouth gcas;,,res. The fourth
train had rassc'! only few moments, when 4
boy Came III, pulling and painting, saying tn,
train had run off the track Douglass hurried
off to sec if it were true; and before reaching
the sconc of tho disaster he met tTo officers
with whom he was well acquainted
"Why, halo, Captain, do scc you?" asked
the eldest
"Ycs, am hero, Colonel, and have ius,
started out to hear if you needed assistance
! heard your train had run off"
Yes, Captain, it has run off; but nothing
serious has happened. We are not far from
Il, judge said the Colonel
No; you can see tho depot and comlliissar,
buildings from whore you stand l think it i,
about mile from here Ivy rail But Colonel
am here at ONE Will you aud Colonc
Willis walk up with me Z"
"lhank you, Captain will 90 up What
say you, Willis 2" said Col Austen, addressing
the young man.
IL will avail myself D! Tie invitation, il
Captain Raymond will excuse my appearance
The three men went home without further dc
lay
Kate was standing in tie door, and as ,l,
snw them coming, she called to her mother
who was busy getting box made up for he,
son to carry away. Mother, Douglass is com
np hack and t,yo snlJi,re ,r., with L;,, ~