The Orangeburg democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1879-1881, 1880-08-27
Vidette's Reply to Picket.
Editors OyangeJury Democrat:

1t is just as l thought it would be.
just as soon as "Picket" finds ont
that there is somebody ahead OF
him-nearer to the enemy-he moves
up himself. He hears the ring Of q
rifle from the "outpost" and now we
have his random shots from the same
station. Well, Picket" you will
remember that I did not insinuate
that you were deficient in "tiger
blood, but that your iaesperiencc was
accountable for your indiscretion.
Your movement 10 the front is in
harmony with the diagnosis that I
made of your case. You are in the
ranks. 1Ttldt know, veteran or no
veteran, for if officers do picket
duty they are generally back with the
reserUe. and not have rifles 10 be fir
ing around rromiscuously. You de-
sire promotion and hence you move
further TO the front, hoping that you
may be rendered sword for gallant
conduct. You will see that / have
given your conduct the most favora-
Bile interpretation, for it admits of
another. For instance. We are on
the eve of general engagement in
which many must fall. A slight
wound brings fur!ough. The enemy
have sharp-shooters with globe-sights
on their rifles. A random shot is fir
ed by picket. The location Of that
point is marked and watched by the
sharpshooters, then slight exposure
Of the picket, and then--a furlough
Now the weight Of the evidence in The
way you are acting is in favor of the
furlough theory still I render the
verdict in favor ofpromotion.
Before this reaches your sight, the
battle will be over. Some officers
must fall in the struggle. If you
survive. then there is chance for
you. Ifyou fail now, why your only
course is to Keep to the front. Lead
the charge and after awhile virtue and.
valor will be suitably rewarded.
I am not going to "desert my post"
and an going to "stay in my place"
1t is good glace, -''don't you
forget iL"-nobody is fighting for it.
1t is full Of exposure and danger and
often the scene Of many heated con.
tests. Sometimes l am forced 10 re-
treat, ! admit, but always advance
again and contend for my former po-
sition. Fighting-always fighting
for promotion, but not to office, but to
high position in the hearts of my
fellow-soldicrs.
You are mistaken when you think
l turn my back on the enemy to
watch you. am watching the cnemy
and listening 10 your racket, and
wondering if that fellow will have
any ammunition left when the charge
comes on. You might have TO 90 to
The rear TO get amnnition at that very
time. Did yon ever think of that
And don't you know that that is the
time when commissions for gallantry
are falling around, and some one else
might pick nj yours? Fighting 70,
e commission !s mot !. fourth cf July
display of fireworks. 1t is active
close, energetic work.
"Vidette's" "pct idea" is not q
safe place, as ''Picket" seems 10 think
"Vidette's" "pet idea" is a fair shoay
lie does want it TO be safe so far as
his back is concerned. 1t is enough
for him to have to take care of hi:
front. Ifhe falls, lie wants the blow
to come from the enemy. That i.
his privilege and duty. Bnt his bacl
is exposed to the picket line. Til,
"grand army does not fire at random
and the pickcts feel safe, especial,
with Gus videttes" in front of them
But now "Picket" as you have com,
out on the line with me you can pol
away rs much as you like.
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