Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1882-07-20

II was a hot day in June, 1862, when
we marched from Rienza to Hatchie,
way down on the Mississippi. About
noon Gen. A. and his staff. on which
| was serving as Aid-de-camp, stop
ped for dinner at one of those fine
old places whose owner evidently be-
longed to the wealthy class of that coun-
try.
The house stood some distance back
from the road in beautiful grove Of
fine old trees.
Our request for dinner was politely
complied with by the lady of the house,
Mrs. Williams, stately, quiet woman,
who performed the part of hostess with
out cOrdiality and yet with perfect ease
and dignity. She was dressed in mourn
ing, having lost husband and a son in
one of the battles in Virginia. When |
learned these facts ! regretted that we
had stopped at her house, even tempo
rarily.
DR.. Bingham and .strayed into the
parlor, and seeing piano | could not
resist playing an old tune. The music
reminded me of the home far away, the
dear mother who was waiting as the
poor mother in the next room had wait
ed, and who perhaps would have to bear
Il similar experience Of sorrow.
soon young lady came in who re-
turned our respectful salutation with
cold politeness and a hateur which was
amusing to me- The doctor engaged
her in conversation. She was bright
good-looking brunette, lacking in cul-
ture, out-spoken and impulsiye in her
views in regard to the righteousness of
the southern cause.
fancied she was a little disappointed
in the appearance and manners Of our
officers Stories of the cruelty and bru-
tality of the federal soldiers were rife in
that southern country. Many south
ern lady did not believe federal officer
could be gentleman. Miss Kate Will
liams bad an opportunity of making the
acquaintance of one of natures noble
men rs she chatted with my friend, DR..
Bingham. | sang and played America,
when the doctor insisted upon song
from Miss Kate. She gave MS Bonnie
Blue Flag with wonderful spirit. | re-
turned the compliment with Rally
Round the Flag. She sang Dixie, and
we joined in the chorus. This attracted
the attention OF the general and the rest
of his staff, when She suddenly ceased
playing.
The general, a gallant gentleman of
the old school, was particularly attract
ed by the bright, impulsive girl. She
told him She had brother in the con
fcderate service somewhere in the south
Il Il
ton bat was absent.
Her defiant manner showed that our
presence was distasteful and endured
because unavoidable
Unused to sclf-control She could not
conceal her annoyance, but her mother
performed her duties as hostess to her
nemieS, never forgetting her position
as a lady aud mistress of the house. It
was a hot day and the command halted
two hours in the woods near by. The
doctor and | were single men and young
enough to be attracted by a handsome
face, and here, surely, was beauty in
distress.
My admiration was rather cooled by
the girls manner put the doctor. an
easy, good naturcd fellow. was charmed
and evidently enjoyed the exhibition of
rebel spirit.
In the midst of our chat and laughing
Miss Kate looked out Of the window
Rising hastily She left the room and run
down the walk to the front gate.
Two of our boys were bringing a man
in under guard Miss Kate chung to
his arm in fright AS they brought the
prisoner in she appealed to Gen. A
in the most dcspairing manner not to
kill her brother. \ moment had pro-
duccd n wonderful change. The bitter,
defiant style had changed to humble sup
plcation which seemed to me quite IL
reSiStable.
Her mother entered the room at this
moment and became very much agitat-
ed Clasping her hands in great dis
tress She said. "Oh, is there no end to
my sorrow2 My son, must you, too, be
taken? How can | bear thisn'
The general replied, Madam, it is
quite likely there is some mistake. Our
men frequently capture citizens on sus-
picion.
The sergeant stated that this man was
found at neighboring house. He had
said he was citizen but the men could
not tell they were simply obeying their
orders
The Young man was fine specimen
of the southern aristocracy, and seemed
perfectly mt ease. He said nothing mt
first. but when the general told his
mother that they frequently arrested
citizens bl mistake | noticed y swift
glance Of intelligence pass between the
] Il
nj watched. He answered the questions
Of the general in a straightforward man
ncr. making good impression by his
Difference and respectful bearing. After
"a brief conversation the general was sat
i-licd and gave orders for his release.
He seemed very thankful The moth
or aud sister Joined in his thanks and the
reminder OF our stay we were treated
with great Kindness.
never met a young fellow who at
tra,ttd me 50 much in such \ short
Time told him that | wondered that
he was not in the confe lerate service.
He said his mother and Kate had to be
booked after; some one had to tend to
the plantation. fer the darkies We're all
running away since tie federal army
came. While his sympathieS We're with
the South the family had sent 4 father
and two sons and that was enough.
On leaving invited him to come and
see me at my fathers house in Ohio rs
soon as the war was ended. He laugh
ing.y replied that he hoped to see me
soon again: that he would never forget
the favor of his release.
fancied tho doctor regretted to leave
and as We rode away the General joked
him o good deal ON his case Of love at
sight and he; the doctor bottle Of
,utler Wine that | would see Miss Kate
tir>, again.
Soon other thoughts hlled our minds
rs we rode ON To the Hatchie. whore we
were 70 go into camp for the night.
Il was in the fall Of the same year we
had the big fight with Price in the
Hatchie bottoms. An army could pass
through them and not know Of an enc
mvs force which might be within one
hundred yards of the road.
How dense and dark they wele, fit
home for gucrillas and home guards,
who knew every foot-path and by-road.
Ii was my duty to locate the outposts-
This obliged me to traverse some OF the
cross roads near the camp.
The rebel army was not within lee
miles, yet We were in the enemy coun-
try and no duty was neglected | struck