Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-05-30
The Storw Teller.
SHOT IN THE BACK.
A STORY OF THE WAR.
BY JOHN EsTEN COOKE.

ASAA%>' SO>~"-
knew a very remarkable man in the late
war-a commander of partisans who had in
flcted immense losses on the Federal forces
operating north of the Rappahannock, in Vir
ginia. His name was Monteagle. He was
or seemed to be, about twenty eight, his frame
was slender, but powerful, and his expression
extremely calm and mild. The face under
the broad hat, with its golden cord, was a
very handsome and attractive one. The lips
habitually smiled. 1t was hard to believe
that this quiet parsonage was one Of the most
reckless fighters of a period remarkable for
the courage of its actors in its bloody scenes
In the fall of 1864, / vent on tour of in'
spection to the Valley of Virginia, passing
the region east of the Blue Ridge, and north
of the Rappahanuock, called "Mosby's Con
federacy," and came, just at sunset, in Sep
tember evening, to bivouac of partisans-
Monteagle's, as I speedily ascertained. He
came out in person, to know who was as
every precaution was at that time necessary
exhibited great pleasure at seeing me, for
chance had made US quite intimate from asso.
citation in many cavalry operations-and we
were soon seated by the bivouack tire, little
apart from the wild looking figures of the
men who were busily getting ready for raid
or march, apparently.
After exchanging those greetings, questions
and answers habitual with friends, Monteagle
informed me that he was going through Ash
ley's Gap, that night, to attack Federal con-
voy, on its way to General Sheridan. in
formed him that I was going in the same d.
rection, and not to detain the reader, was
riding beside Monteagle half an hour after
ward in the direction Of the mountains.
But one incident took place before reach
ing the Gap. l smiled at the moment, but
afterward thought of it with an aching heart.
The band of partisans, about twenty IN
number, was halted in little wood near a
fine old country house, and informing me that
was certain to secure an excellent supper,
Monteagle invited me to ride with him to the
house. | did so, and we we're most hospita-
bly, received by an old gentleman, bis wife
and daughter. Between the latter and Mont
eagle there was evidently a perfect under
standing. Their eyes were fixed on each 9TH
er with an expression that could not be mis-.
understood. She was tall and beautiful
girl, with deep blue eyes, chestnut hair, and
the sweetest smile I have ever seen. After
supper they retired to the porch, where they
remained for half an hour, and when, hear.
ing my friend rise from his seat, l came out
to reioin him, saw that he was holding the
young girl closely to his heart, and that his
lips were pressed to her own.
We resumed the march, rode nearly all
night, and went into bivouack at near dawn,
Monteagle having sent forward scouts to OBJ.
tain information.
The nook in which we had halted was wild
and secluded, and Monteagle and myself,
wrapping our cloaks around us, for the Sep.
tember night was far from warm, lay down
under a great oak whose boughs almost
reached the ground. By the moonlight l
could see that his face was gloomy and sor.
rowful, and using the privilege of an old
friend, 1 asked him why be was so much out
of spirits.
"Ah you see that from my face, do you
friend3 he said, in his mild voice. "Well
you are right. 1 am little downhearted
You will laugh, perhaps, but something tells
me that | am near my death"
Nonsense. Monteagle" | replied. "Whai
puts Sucn IOlly Ill yout heau
81 have presentiment, friend, have not
long to live-something whispers to me thai
this is my last night on earth"
demonstrated with him at such folly, as
called it, but it had no effect upon him.
"I shall die to-day" he said, quietly. "and
by the hand of a man VINO has private ven
geance to wreak on me-"
ga norsonal anemv 2"
"Yes-vould you like to hear who anc
what this enemy is? We have an hour te
wait, and am oppressed tonight. | long te
unburden my heart to friend, and if you
wish, will tell you my story"
II will listen with deep interest"
"Well, am a native Of Louisiana, and or
nv return from college, at the age of twenty
found myself an orphan and the owner of ont
of the finest cotton plantations on the Missls
sippi-of thousands of acres, and hundreds
Of servants, over all of which I was undis
puted lord and master. An idle and useless
period of my life then began. [ left every
thing to my manager, man named wilkes
and spent my time chiefly in New Orleans
induIging in all the pleasures Of its brlllan
society. Well, this went on for year or two
when I suddenly found myself without money
and returning to my estate, discovered tina
the man, Wilkes, had been systematically de
frauding me. Once convinced of this, mad
short work of him. I charged him with hi
offense. He made me an insolent reply, aut
striking him with my bamboo cane, endet
by kicking him ort of the room, and ordering
him to instantly leave the plantation. H
did so, mutterng vengeance, and so that mat
ter ended.
"Well, in due time, the war broke out
ioined company in my neighborhood, ant
among the men found Wilkes He avoided