Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-10-03
An Incident of the Last Engagement.

Gen. Gordon, who commanded the last
effort of the Confederates against Grant,
gives this incident of the advance:
The hour had come, and when every
thing was ready stood on the breastwork
of Colquitt's salient and ordered two
men to my side with rifles. who were to
fire the signal for attack. The noise of
moving our own distractions was gong
on and attracted the notice of Federal
picket. In the black darkness his voice
rang out:
''Hallo, there! Johnny Reb! what are
you making all that fuss about over
there?''
The men were just leaning forward for
the start. This sudden call disconnected
me somewhat; but the rifleman on my
right came to my assistance by calling out
in cheerful voice:
ooh! never mind us, Yank; lie down
and go to sleep; we are just gathering
little corn; you know rations are mighty
short over here"
There was patch Of corn between our
lines, some Of it still hanging on the
stalks. After few moments there came
back the kindly reply of the Yankee pick
ct, which quite treasured me. He said:
''All right. Johnny; 60 ahead and get
your corn, won't shoot at you.''
As gave the command to forward,
the man on my right seemed to have some
computations of conscience for having
stilled the suspicious of the Yankee pick
ct, who had answered him so kindly, and
who the next moment might be surprised
and killed. So he called out to him:
"Look out for yourself now, Yank; we're
going to shell the woods.''
This exhibition of chivalry and of kind
ly feeling on both sides and at such mo-
ment, touched me almost as deeply as any
minor incident of the war. I quickly Or
dered the two men to ''fre.''
Bang! Bangl The two shots broke the
stiffness, and forward men!" I COM
manded. The chosen hundred sprang for
ward, eagerly following the axemen. and
for the last time the Stars and Bars were
carried TO aggressive assault.
WASHINGTON ON PROFANITY.-Below
is an order of Gen. Washington, issued
one hundred years ago:
HEADQUARTERS, MooRE's HOUSE,
WEST POINT, July 20, 1779.-Many and
pointed orders have been issued against
that upmeaning and abominable custom
of swearing, Notwithstanding which, with
much regret, the General observes that it
prevails, if possible, more than ever; his
feelings are continually wounded by the
oaths and imprecations of the soldiers,
whenever he is within hearing of them.
The name of that Being from whose
bountiful goodness we are permitted to
exist and enjoy the comforts Of life is in
cessantly imprecated and profaned in a
manner as wanton as it is shocking. For
the sake, therefore, of religion, decency
and order, the General hopes and trusts
that officers of every rank will use their
influence and authority to check a vice
which Is as Improbable as it is wicked and
shameful.
If officers would make it an unavoid-
able rule to reprimand, and. if that doe =
not do, punish soldiers for offences Of this
kind, it could not fail of having the de-
sired effect,
GEO. WASHINGTON.
IMPOSSIBLE THINas.-To escape trou-
bles by running away from duty. Jonah
once made the experiment, but he did not
succeed. Therefore, manfully meet and
overcome the difficulties and trials to
which the post assigned you by Gods
Providence exposes you.
| To beco4Qea Christian of strength and
maturity without undergoing severe
trials. What fire is to gold, such is afaic-
ton to the believer. It burns up the dross
and makes the gold shine forth with I'M
alloyed lustre,