Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1881-08-02
CUPID UNDER FIRE.
Matrimonial Risks and Perifs as They
were in Virginia In War Times.
WEDDINGS AMID BATTLE SMOKE,
AN OFFICERS "REMINISCENCES OF THE
CUPID UNDER FIRE
Weekly PHILADELPHIA Times.

Weekly Philadelphia Times.
In January, 1865, the clouds were
gathering so thick about the Southern
Confederacy that it was evident to any
observant patriot, however enthusiastic
he might be, that the sun would soon
set in a storm. Appearances were kept
up wonderfully well at the seat of gov
ernment and in the army. Courtships
were abundant, marriages frequent
Those who did not wish to marry talk
ed wisely of its rashness, hut those who
did found good reason for it in the un-
certainty Of life and the precariousness
of its enjOyments. Carpe diem. Some
soldiers could not bear the idea of ap-
pearing in the other world as bachelors.
My division was on the right of Gen.
eral Lees line at Petersburg. About the
10th of January obtained ten days
leave to 60 to the Valley of Virginia as
groomslnan for a friend, intending to
get back to Richmond in time to witness
the marriage of the general command
ing the division, one of the most accom-
plished gentlemen of the army. I left
Richmond the morning of a dismal and
rainy day. In the cars ray attention
was attracted by party OF young ladies
eight or ten-some of whom had seen
at the "Spotswood" the night before, a
conspicuously attractive and comely
party. I was travelling alone and not
in very good spirits, but they In spite Of
the weather and the evil Oinsns which
I had observed about Richmond were
in the jo1liest mood, especially one
bright and black-eyed houri, who was
both petite and brunette. From stray
words of their conversation which float
ed within my reach, [ ascertained that
that they were also going to wedding
all of them as bridesmaids. My ma
tural interest in them Was very much
intensified when heard one of them
mention my name. mo, IdOn't know
Major Blank" said the black eyes, but
they say he is engaged to Fanny Orange,
of Baltimore. They have never seen
each other, but he was wounded and in
prison and they got up correspondence
and exchanged pictures and all that
romantic sort ofthing. There's the ad
vantage Southern girls in Baltimore
have over US. We can't get up fiirta-
tions with Yankee officers and get en-
gagged to them don't you see? But why
don't this stupid train &C on?" and her
orbs sent a flash over in my direction,
although she looked entirely unconsci-
GUS of any interest had in the con versa
ton. The train was delayed-trains al
ways were then-and did not move on
for some minutes. In this time heard
myself and my supposed fiance discuss
ed by these young ladies, who did not
know either of us
Now made it point in those days
never to be lonesome on train il there
was anybody on it TO become acquaint-
ed with. But such social temptation
as this rarely presented itself Here
was an opportunity not to be Disregard
ed. 1 hunted up the condu ctor to ascer-
tain the names of the party. He only
knew one of them, her with the black
beauty of Fauquier." When returned
to my seat the train was moving and the
young ladies had changed their subject
of conversation doubtless a dozen times
since I left. The train was very soon
stopped for wood and water and [ was
glad to hear my name casually mention
ed again. I arose quietly and stepping
across the aisle, cap in hand, said: II
beg pardon, Miss Queen, but 1 am the
Major Blank you have been discussing
1 am not engaged to Fanny Orange and
I wouldn't for the world have you think
So" 1t was an impudent thing to do
and say, but it was war times. There
was a mixture of blushing and dutter In
the party while drew from my pocket
several letters, and selecting an enve-
lope with my address, handed it to the
black eyes as my card, adding: II need
not ask for ryours-everybody in Virgin
ia knows Miss Minnie Queen" Her
discontinue was but for moment, and
then recovering herself with ringing
laugh, she presented me to her COM
panions and gave me seat beside her
self. It was done and I was establish
ed.
Immediately began to take more in
terest in life. The rain was still falling
heavily, but the weather was more toler-
able. I looked over the group; it was
charming one of great variety In looks,
manner and conversation. In striking
contrast with the impressible queen was
the sweet, fair and gentle-mannered Ell,
len Starr and the stately and graceful
Bena Grand, whose subsequent friend
ship made more endurable the remain
ing months of the Confederate death
struggle. She had her maid servant,
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