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

DcIall ncr cnllurcn oil the ucSO!atcd South.
For days an inccssant rain had been falling,
adding tcn-fold to the gloom felt by every one.
All seemed to look with E,vcrish anxiety to-
ward the approach of Sherman. Twas said
turned their faces southward, and were slowly
returning 10 offer resistance to the victory
flushed troops Of the enemy. The struggle
was last effort of our dying nation to drive
back our opprcssurs.
On the morning of February 3D., as Mrs.
Raymond and Kate were sitting in gloomy III
lcncc, the quick gailop was heard of horse
coming up the avenue. Kate walked to the
window, and i'll a moment uttcrng scream of
dclight-"Oh, mama, it is Douglas" kate
ran to meet the long absent brother. Mrs
Raymond's heart beat ta.t with Joy a song of
gratitude was raised for the delivery and re-
turn Of her son lie was on ssecn C's staff,
and fought through the campaigns of thaI,l.
fortunate army under Bragg, johnson and
Hood. 1t was true, that They had turned
South and were going to unite with lar,lecs
army from the coast of Georgia and the Caro-
linas, 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
town that Sherman would take in his march,
and the home Of Mrs. Raymond Capt Ray
mond had obtained leave vt absence for four
days, and promised to return in that lime
His visit was one Of unexpected joy and
pleasure. He did not hope to find his mother
and sister ut home. So many persons had
rclugccd, he feared they too had gone to some
place of fancicd security I1is 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
both parties he cnqurod who had g,nc off,
who were at home, and who intended to remain
when Sherman came
Kate gave him satisfactory answers to nll
his questions, and said, "What do you think of
masna's resolution in regard to staying here,
Douglass ;"
"Wcll, sister, Il hnz cvYr been my wish to
keep you away from such sight, mean the
Yankee army; but, since mother desires to
stay at home aud you lave 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 glide by as rapidly as
before thoy 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-
vancing rapidly across the country to cut the
other branch..at L. Trcors were being cen
tho putting locomotive announced fresh ar
rival.
Mrs. Raymonl's plantation was situated on
little stream about mile from town and inn
mcdiatcly on the line Of road. Every train
that pa' sc,l was greeted by crowd of darkcys,
who rushed to the side Of the road, wavin"
ragged caps and rimlcss hats, and .,ispIayinc
all manner of uncouth gc;;;;urcs The fourth
tram had passed only few moments, when Il
BOY Came in, pulling and painting, saying the
train had run off the track. Douglass hurried
off to sec if it were true and before reaching
the sconc of the disaster, he met txo officers,
with whom he was we'll acquainted
"Why, hallo, Captain, do scc you 2" asked
the eldest
eyes, I am here, Colonel, and have Just
started out to hear if you needed assistance
heard your train had run eff
Yes, Captain, it has run off; but nothing
serious has happened. We are not fur from
Il, judge" said the Colonel
No; you can see tho depot and comlssary
buildings from where you stand think it is
about mile from here by rail But, Colonel.
am here at One. Will you and Colonel
Willis walk up with me -
THANK you, Captain. | will 90 up What
say you, Wllis?" said Col Austen, addressing
the young man
81 will avail myself Of Tie invitation, if
Captain Raymond will excuse my appearance
The three men went home without further de-
lay.
Kate was standing in skc door, and ts She
saw them coming she called to her mother
who was busy getting Il box made up for her
son to carry away Mother, Douglass is com
inr hack aud twn snll;ors ,ro MI, i b;,, ~