Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-05-23

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battles have been fought very near but hun
dreds of soldiers have been around US at differ
ent times. For weeks we would not see one
then we would have dozens quartered on US
We, have been left without mouthful of food
horse, COW, dog or cat, and we have had
more provisions than we could use, whole
wagon loads having been abandoned almost
at our door. We have been threatened and
cursed, protected and blessed, by both sides
We have had southern men to secrete and
help to a place Of safety; and northern ones
to send off in hot haste.
Two skirmishes took place 80 near that
bullets struck the house, and we had the
wounded on both sides to nurse. We have
thought annoyances intolerable while they
lasted, and been thankful they we're no worse
when over. In fsct, our experiences have
been so varied and exciting, they would make
quite an interesting book"
II could not have staid there. I should
have fed to some safer, pleasanter region," said
Mrs. Elliott.
"There are 80 many different things to in
fuence people, it is almost impossible to tell
beforehand what they will do. In our case
the first events which befell, happened so un'
expectedly there was no chance to escape
the next were so soon over we did not mind
them and after that, we found we were not
only protection to our house-a very fine
old ancestral mansion, but were where we
could hear from our children much oftener
than if we were on less debatable ground.
Our two youngest daughters were at school in
Maryland, and the others have ell their moth
er's GOODNESS and courage; so don't know
but we have done as well by remaining in oul
own home, as We should in a new, undisturbed
place. The conclusion of the whole matter is
we are tired and sick of the war, and are glad
it is nearly ended"
"Do you really think the war is nearly
over" asked Mr.. Elliott.
eyes, am sure of it; but it will not end as
we desire"
"Don't say that You can't think it," said
Mr.. Elliott earnestly. 1T will never do to
dream of any but a favorable termination"
"I wish I could believe there was any
ground for hope, but I am too well informed
of the situation and resources on both Sides
to be blind to what is inevitable"
Here followed a long and exciting CONVEX
sation, each giving his views and reasons, and
combating those of the other, but ending al
last with, "Well, time will show which of us il
right"
"You must come back then and rejoice with
me for having looked on the bright side, and
been justified in doing it," said Mr.. Elliott.
"And you," said Mr.. Henry, must go Oh
with your family in about year, and join us
in celebrating my silver wedding. We will
enjoy ourselves as best we can, and try and
forget the humiliation of being conquered"
"This State will never be conquered. II
will be stepped in blood from the sea to the
mountains, before that day shall come. When
all our men are dead, we may be overpower
ed but conquered, NEvERp
"South Carolina can do no better than Vir
ginia."
20, yes! We have the experience of Vir
ginia to teach US and the discipline Of years
has perfected the skill of our men till they
are surpassed by none in the world. On theil
native soil they will be invincible. The Pal
metto State will show herself unshorn of hel
strength and prominence, unless the war ends
before our foes dare bring the seat Of war be-
yond its threshold"
Mr.. Henry sighed. He did not share the
enthusiasm of his friend nor did he see how
soldiers could fight better than Lees had, no
matter what State they were in, or from.
Sherman's army was advancing steadily
and surely; and he had seen enough while he
was visiting his nephews in Hoods army, to
know that, outnumbered as that general was,
be could do but little. He had sacrificed men
to satisfy the cry of civilians for battle, and
had lost much for doubtful gain.
"Unless your defenses are better than those
I passed, it would take an immense host to
keep Sherman from crossing the Savannah
river, either at Augusta or Savannah"
But we pass over the discussion on this
point-the talk of the fall of Atlanta, and
the effect it had on the country, and the other
matters which kept the two men interested
until the "wee sma' hours ayant the twal.'
They argued and differed, neither convincing
the other, till if Mr.. Henry had been less
cool, they might have had "pitched battle
of controversy.
Mr.. Elliott became quite heated, but his
habitual courtesy restrained him from any
thing offensive; and Mr.. Henry, with quiet
tact, led the subject into less exciting chan
nel
The man who could let son differ from
him on vital questions, did not find it difficult
to allow a friend to do the same on minor
points
CHAPTER II.
Mr.. ELLIOTT BEGINS TO BE ACQUAINTED
WITH A NEIGHBoR, WHOM HIS WIFE AND
DAUGHTER HAD FOUND OUT LONG BE-
FORE.
"His life was gentle; and the elements
So mixed in him, that nature might stand up,
And say to all the world, This is a man ~
SHAKSPEARE:
"It is not mrth, for nlirth she is too still;
It is not w.t. which leaves the heart more chill,
. But that continuous sweetness, which with ease
Blesses all round it, from the wish to please"
Mr.. Wright came over the next day, and
after few remarks, "the situation" had a