The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-09-04
1rrrERsoSToN. Sentember |

JEFFERSoNT0N, September L, 1903.
Your correspondent had very pleasant
trip to this point via the Orange and Alex
andria railroad to Warrenton, and thence
in carriage over good road.
Warrenton presented very different ap-
pearance from its hustle and confusion the
last time we saw it, when the Army of
Northern Virginia passed through on its
" Bristow campaign" 1t has done much
to remove the marks Of the war, and is
now one Of the prettiest, thriftiest little
towns in the State. \ number of new
buildings have gone up, conspicuous among
which is the Baptist church, which strikes
US as a model of architectural beauty, COM
fort, and convenience. There are num-
Der of handsome residences and fine farms
in the vicinity of Warrenton, among which
your correspondent particularly noticed
that of General William Smith, Governor
(by right of Virginia. When his place
was usurped by Pierpoint, the Governor
went to work with that energy and perse-
verance which have always charac-
terized him, and which age does not
quench, and has succeeded admirably in
his farming operations. Whatever opin-
ions the bitterness Of party strife may have
once held, all true southern men now honor
and respect General Smith for the heroism
and indomitable pluck which he showed du
ring the war while leading the old Forty
NINTH" or the old Fourth Brigade" near
enough to the enemy to give the character
istic order, "Stick them boys stick them"
The bare walls of the Warrenton White
Sulphur Springs" still stand as evidence of
Yankee vandalism, and recall to the Con-
federate soldier many "reminiscences of the
war. Your correspondent was wildly
reminded of "the fix" which Early's
brigade got into here during the memo
rable second Manassas campaign. Thrown
across the river in the afternoon in
the expectation of being joined by the
whole army, and moving on Pope's rear at
Warrenton, a heavy rain rendered the river
past fording, and left "old Jubal" and
his gallant boys at the mercy Of Popes
whole army until bridge could be con-
structed. The men of the command fully
appreciated /" the situation," but imbibed
the spirit of their sturdy leader, who re-
piled to an order of General Jackson to hold
his position at al hazards, "That is i'm
poSsible-Pope outnumbers us forty to one !;
but we can be cut to pieces, if need be, as
well as anybody else" But this was not 10
be the fate Of that glorious old brigade.
Pope failed to attack vigorously, the
bridge was completed, and at early
dawn on the next day (after extra
Billy's" boys had responded to Yankee
cheer with "three groans for Pope"), we
recr ossed to the south side Of the river. 1t
being Sabbath, one Of the chaplains Of the
-, IL nd hol
just announced his text to an immense
crowd Sitting closely packed on the
ground(, when q shell, thrown by the
enemy from across the river, fell right in
the centre Of the congregation. By g good
Providence it did not burst, and did not
strike any one, but only buried itself in the
ground and scattered dirt over all around.
The command was moved back under the
hill, and the service resumed, and on going
back that evening the chaplain found the
ground which had been occupied by the con-
gregation literally torn up by shot and shell.
In going through the village to the plea
SAINT quarters assigned him, your CORE
spondent passed along the road by which
Stonewall Jackson moved to the rear of the
braggart who "never looked to lines Of re-
treat" All! those were bright, glorious
days, when our ragged boys followed their
great leader in full confidence that victory
would perch upon their banners. But
enough, lest these "reminiscences lead US of
to write treason 80 called.
If our friend DR.. Bagby, of the Natiue
Vrginian, will not take it amiss, We will
send you as news item that the Shiloh
Baptist Association assembled here to-day
in its seventy-fourth annual session. The
Introductory sermon was preached by Rev.
Silas Bruce from the text, "The Love of
Christ Constraineth U.s." The sermon was
preached at q stand in the woods to large
and appreciative congregation; after which
all were invited to the abundant provision
made for the inner man. The Association
was called TO order by the moderator of last
year, Rev. J. d. Taylor, Jr., and organized
by the election of Rev. W.. S. Briggs mode
rator, Rev. John N. Fox clerk, and L.
Nj. Latham, Esq, treasurer.
Visiting brethren were invited to seats,
and the following reported Rev. DR.. Jones
and Professor Harris, of Richmond College