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

through the CurnlnaS. The deatht-hrOeS OF
the nation shook every heart to its core. Ma
ture seemed to weep over tho misery soon to
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.
All seemed to look with fverish anxiety to-
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 resistahce to the victory
flushed troops of the enemy. Tho struggle
wasia last effort of our5 dying nation to drive
back our oppressors.s {. e1s. s, s, !,.a5,t..tz3a
On the morning Of February Sd, as Mrs
Raymond and Kate were sitting in gloomy 81
lcnce, tho quick gallup WAS heard of a horse
coming up the avenue. Kate walked to the
window, and in moment uttering scream Of
dclight-"Oh, mama, it is Douglass" Kate
ran to meet tho long-absent brother. Mrs
Raymond's heart beat fast with Joy, song Of
gratitude was raised for the delivery and re-
turn of iicr son. IIe was OH Gen. .%'s staff,
and fought through the campaigns of the uN-
fortunate army under Bragg, johnson and
Hood. 1t was true, that thry had turned
Soath, and were going to unite with IIardee's
army from the coast of Georgia and the Caro-
linas, then to make ono effort to crush Sher-
man.
Douglas Raymonds command had marched
across the country from Augusta to Rocky
River, about seventeen miles from II, the
town that Sherman would take in his march,
and the home of Mrs. Raymond. Capt Ray
mond had obtained leave of absence for four
days, and promised to return in that time
His visit was Que Of unexpected joy and
pleasure. He 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. HIS heart beat with
| JOY, as he kissed his mother and sister again
and again,
After he had been at home a few hours, and
all questions had been asked and answered by
both parties, he enquirod who had gone of,
who were at home, and who intended TO remain
when Sherman camcY
| Kate gave him satisfactory answers to all
his questions, and said, ,'"What do you think of
a.aths's resolution in regard to staying here,
Doughss w a z'issa 'si
"Wcll, sister, tt his cSyr been my wish to
keep you away from such sight, mean the
Yankee army; but, since mother desires to
stay ut home, aud you have decided to remain
with her, shall not raise Que objection
There is the dinner bell and now let us so,
and comfort the inner man.
THU ,1,,,. x..o,,,nJ A., ,.l;.lo -,
before tloy dragged heavily along. The
news came on the morning of the fourth of
February, that the railroad was cut on the
Augusta Branch, and that Sherman was ad-
yanciag rapidly across the country to cut the
other branch..at L.. Troops were being con-
ccntrated there, and every hour the scream of
the pulling locomotive announced fresh ar
rival
| Mrs, Raymond's plantation was situated on
| a little stream about mile from town, and i'm
n,cdiatcly on the line of road. Every train
that pai sed was greeted by crowd of darkcys,
who rushed to the side Of the road, wavinr
ragged agggc caps and rimlcss hats, and displaying
all manner OF upcouth gestures. The fourth
train had passed only few moments, when a
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 scono OF the disaster, he met two officers,
with whom he was we'll acquainted
"why, halo, Captain, do ! sec you?" asked
the eldest.
eyes, am here, Colonel, and have just
started out to hear if sou needed assistance.
heard your train had run off,
eyes, Captain, it has run off; but nothing
serious has happened. Wc are not fur from
L., judge - said the Colonel
"No; you can see tho depot and comlnissary
buildings from where you stand. think it is
about mile from here by rail. But, Colonel,
| am here ut one Will you aud Colonel
Willis walk up with me 7"
"Thank you, Captain I will so up What
say you, Willis?" said Col. Austen, addressing
the young man.
~ will avail myself Of tic 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
| ..1,o I.