New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-02-06
A Strange story Of the War.

ter Erpress by Q correspondent who signs
himself 'Gilgal:"
What strange events happen; what won
derful condolences spring into being along
the pathway of lite OF some persons! have
just learned of an eventful meeting between
two soldiers of the rebellion, which l will
give the readers of the Express:
Among the various regiments recruited in
Central New York during the late war
was the One Hundred and Sixtletb,
which was sent to the Department
of the Gulf, and attached to the army
under the command of General Banks
This regiment took an active part in the
operations against Port Hudson, and was
one of the first to enter that place at the
time of it's surrender, July 9, 1868. 1t was
one of the regiments Of Wetzels Brigade,
and the following year took part in an e1-
petition to Sabine Pass, between Louisiana
and Texas, where large amount OF Con
federate stores were destroyed. One OF the
companies of the One Hundred and Sixtieth
was raised in Palmyra, New York, and
among it's members was Mr.. O.S. Stevens,
who served it's full time, was discharged ut
it's disbandment, and is now q merchant at
Palmyra.
A few days since Mr. Stevens had occa.
sion to 20 to Hartford, Connecticut, and
left home on the 5 P. NJ. train on the Cen
trail railroad. After becoming well settled
in one of the sleeping-cars he discovered
tall, sandy complexioned man in the oppo-
cite section, who. though q perfect stranger,
had q large Roman nose which Stevens
thought he had seen before, but failing to
recall any remembrance of such q face, he
gave no attention to It until the train reach
ed Syracuse, when q long arm reached
across the aisle. and brawny hand touch
ed him on the shoulder, the stranger at the
same time asking if they stopped there for
supper. To this Stevens answered in the
affirmative, telling him that it he would go
along, he would show him where to get
good lunch. At that they passed out to-
gether, and after supper the stranger offer
ed Stevens q cigar, and they went into thu
the smoking car, where the following con-
yersatiOn ensued:
"Well, stranger, reckon you live some
where in these parts!'
Yes, live in Palmyra" said Stevens.
"And live way down in Texas; was
what you used to call johnny reb' dur
ing the war"
"Ah, what part of the South did you serve
inf" asked Stevens.
Thrusting his long legs under the seat in
front and turning part way around, he said:
IL was at Port Hudson until our army
nearly starved US out and We had to sur
render. After 1 was exchanged l was q
Texas ranger, and finally got reconstruct
ed"
"And you were q prisoner at Port Hud
son! Do you remember seeing the One
Hundred and Sixtieth New York Volunteers
there7" said Stevens.
II think do" said the Texan; land, if
I'm not mistaken that was the very regi-
ment our boys first met"
and do you remember trading canteens
with one of them}"
"Yes, and l got q tin canteen with the
initials 0. S. s. on it."
"And got wooden one with j. T. P. on
it, said Stevens.
THAT was NINE" said the Texan; my
name is John T. Pond. By George! We
have drank from the same canteen, old
friend; give me your hand for life,' and he
hand, which fairly brought the tears to his
eyes.
If the conversation had been lively be-
fore it was doubly 40 then, Mr.. Pond going
into full detail of his history before and
after the war. He had left Connecticut
twenty two years ago, had settled at Sabine
Pase, and was part owner of large mill
which Stevens command had destroyed the
year following the surrender of Port Hud
son. He was now on his way to New
Haven to visit sister he bad not seen in
all these years. He said that he returned
to Sabine after the war, rebuilt the mill,
was successful, and now had secured COM
petence that enabled him once more to visit
his friends at the North. Stevens gave him
an accurate account Of the destruction of
his mill, the first he had ever obtained and
the two sat up and conversed throughout
the entire night. while the sleeping car con-
ductor wondered why they did not return
to occupy their berths. The next morning
they parted at Hartford, and though their
first meeting had been as enemies, they bid
each other good by with many regrets, such
as the best friends only know.