Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-06-20
CHAPTER XII.

CHAfIER Al.
THE END OF THE STRUGGLE WITH GUN AND
CANNoN-THE BEGINNING OF THE sTRUG-
GLE WITH THE PLOUGH-sHARE.
Furl that Banner, softly, slowly;
Treat it gently-it is holy,
For L droops above the dead.
FATHER RYAN.
Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie,
Which we ascribe to Heaven.
SHAKESPEARE.
The war of carnage and bloodshed was
over. The boys no longer marched with
flying banners to the roll of drums and the
shrill sound of flies; but we're going in scat
tering squads from the scenes of war to peace
full but impoverished homes. Many, who
had sent sons and husbands with hopes and
prayers, lifted thankful hearts that one, at
least, had been spared and sighed for those,
who, sleeping far away, had shed their blood
in vain. The Conquered Banner has been
celebrated in song and story, and words can
not enhance the bravery and intrepidity Of
those who followed it. 1t is furled; but some
of the brave hearts who followed it in battle,
are now marching as willingly under the less
renowned one of hard work and home duties.
Mr. Ellison had gone as chaplain to Claude
Elliott's regiment, and was still in it when
the war closed; though by Claude's death
another colonel was in command. He always
kept near Jack Singleton, and the two, dis
similar as they were in many respects, cher
ished warm and strong attachment. Rus
sell and Arthur had joined the two prepara-
tory to starting home; and coming across
Tom Wright, Mr. Ellison asked him to join
the party. Tom had gone as a private in
Elliott's regiment; but by his bravery and
the death of officers, had risen to the rank of
6rst-lieutenant. Knowing his family, Mr..
Ellison had taken an interest in Tom, and
found him one of the finest young men who
fell under his notice. Jack and Tom had
considerable acquaintance in camp; but Rus
sell and Arthur having staff appointments,
cared nothing for the common sort of officers,
even if they were from home neighborhoods.
On the way home, they all became Familiarity
friendly with Tom, and none regretted having
the good-hearted fellow with them. While
passing down the track left by Sherman's
army, Toms social, winning ways could often
bring plate of hot biscuit from families who
would deny having "a dust of -four" to Rus
sells authoritative, and Arthur's bullying
demands. Mr.. Ellison could not ask of peo-
pie who seemed so destitute, and Jack could
back Toms requests, or plead for their horses,
better than he could go ahead and ask food
for himself and comrades.
The tiresome journey was at last ended,
and they were all welcomed with tears and
kisses. Little did the ladies at Mr.. Elliott's
think what an increase of care and work was
to follow the arrival of the four who made
their home with them.
Russell, the son and brother, was hero to
his sisters, and all united in petting and
almost idolizing him. Jack had been one of
the family from little child, and was the
favorite of every one, except Mr.. Elliott, who
bestowed great affection on Arthur the only
child of his sister that lived to manhood. He
had been Arthur's guardian, and when his
sister died, had taken him and treated him
like one of his own sons. Mr.. Ellison became
member of the family before the death of
his wife, and he, like the others, regarded Mr..
Elliott's house as home.
1t was the middle of the week when they
arrived and the first thing to be done, was
to go through repeated bathings till they
were like new creatures. 1t was an exquisite
pleasure to be thoroughly clean, with chance
to remain 80.
It was surprising how many clothes it took
to keep them clean at home, when they had
been so used to being careless and dirty in
camp. Shirts, vests, socks and handkercbiefs,
we're thrown aside daily for clean ones, till
it was found the working force in the estab-