Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1877-08-23
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a. TALE. or THE LATE WAR.
CHAPTER I.
"Now no more the drum
BY +. j. D.

The late civil wor, terrible In its character
aud disastrous 10 its results, has ended, but
the many stirring scenes and painful trials
to which it gavo rise, and tho daring hero,
ism and fortitude that were displayed will
never be obliterated from the minds Of those
now living, and will furnish themes on
which future generations will dwell with
wondering and curious interest. The pen
of tho historian will fail to chronicle many
of the events and incidents Of those exciting
and trying doys, but story aud sung will
gather them up and hand them down, dec-
GRATED and cmbellishcd with tho garands of
romance and coIorings Of fancy.
It was about the midaIe Of May, 10 tho
year 1862, that the writer visited Virginia
for the FIRST time. He went on business
connected with South Carolina brigade,
then commanded by tho heroic and lumcnted
Maxcy Gregg. He found tho brigade en-
canped among tho hills of Sp,ttsyIvania,
some fvo or six mics from fredericksburg.
The Confederate forces had evacuated thut
town some weeks before and fallen bnck to
the strong position they then held, in cxpco.
tntion Of the advance of the Federal army,
whose numerous cantonments could be
seen spread over tho plains aud heights Of
Stafford, beyond the Rappahannock River.
A new picket line had been formed by the
Confederates along tho Northern side of the
Massaponix, small river that runs, ut this
point, almost parai> with the Rappahan
nook, into which it cmptios somo distance
below. This picket line was about three
miles from fredericksburg. Somo Federal
troops had occupied that place, and it was
thought tho main body would cross the
river as soon os their preparations were
completed, and advance in tho direction of
Richmond. Thus posted tho two armies
watched each other and for several weeks
nothing occurred except somo slight skir-
misbing on the outposts.
The Nlassaponix, which is nothing more
than pretty brookIet babbliug along it's
pebbly bed. runs through one of tho most
beautiful valleys that We ever bcheld. 1t
appeared to us then charming in tho ox.
trcme, extending for about mile on either
side of the stream and winding, recording
to its course, as far as the eye could SEQ,
covered with green fslds of wheat, oats and
clover. On the sides of tho valley, scattered
here and thcro on tho gentle slopes aud
slight p!ateaus formed by the shelving hills
wcro the residences of the farmers, each
with its cluster Of out buildings, surrounded
by shrubbery and flower gardens and half
hidden from view by magnificent shade
trees. Numerous sleek cattle luzily cropped
tho clover on the rich aud verdant pastures
III reoliued oontentedly in their favorto re-
treats. On every farm there we're well filled
granarcs, orchards that produced the finest
of apples, pears and cherries, and cool
dairies filled with the most delicious milk
and butter. Such were some of tho beauties
and comforts that surrounded tho happy
dwcllcrs in tho valley Of tho Nlassaponix.
1t was un enchanting scene, and, accustomed
as wo had been to the level and monotonous
plains of Carolina, it filled US with rapture
and delight.
But the demon Of war was about to in
vado that quiet and peaceful scene, mar its
beauty and destroy its happiness. What a
pity that so much rural beauty and so much
human comfort and bliss, should bo sacri-
ficed to the brutal passions and mad ambi-
tion Of man. Let no one boast of the pro
gress Of the ago again until civilization aud
religion shall have subdued the powers
of darkness and controlled the hearts Of
men to such degree, that States and na-
tions will adopt less cruel and barbarous
arbiter Of their disputes than the sword
All that delightful region was, doubtless
completely desolated, for it was in that i'm
mediate vicinity, and perhaps along that
identical valley, that some Of the fcrcest
and most sanguinary battles were subsequent
ly fought 1t witnessed brilliant displays of
military genius and lofty and heroic courage;
bur alas! who shall sum up the fearful cost at
at which they were exhibited?
o. the South sido of the Wiley, and
oh, ,>,xk h<lE IL e.. ~,
residence of John Early, one of tho wenthi
est and most intelligent farmers in that
part Of tho country. Tho house was II
handsome and substantial structure, with
large vine-clad piazzas or veranlas on two
sides, embowered 10 grove of magnificent
oaks, and surrounded by finely ornamented
grounds. Immediut'ly around tho dwelling
was neatly and tastcfully enclosed yard
covered with green grass, and sprnklcd
hero and there with rose bushes Of snowy
white and blushing red. A number of well
arranged and convenient out buildings
completed tho picture. Tho whole place
bespoke plenty, ease and comfort
Opposite the Early mansion, and some
two miles South of it, was tho camp OF
Gregg's Caroliua brigade. A plain coun.
try road led from the camp to tho farm,
end' passing on tho West side Of the house
ran on North, across the valley, in the di-
seotion OF fredericksburg. % that road
about mile from tho point where it crossed
tho orookiet, an infantry picket had beou
placed, where one company was generally on
duty. This company was relieved BY q
fresh ono from the comp, every day, and
these companies, 10 marching to and from
their post, passed directly by tho house aud