The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1884-07-31
OUR WOMEN IN TIE WAR.
STIRRING DAYS IN CHESTER.
DRIVEN FROM COLUMBIA by THE
FEDERALS.
Ifr.. +. G. DeF6ntaine, NeW York City in
ChdrlestOn Weekly Ne,ps.

The 18th of February, 1864! What a
train of memorable events, sad recolec.
tions and buried hopes this date recalls.
The day opened bright and beautiful,
and with the cheering news that the
enemy had been repulsed and Columbia
was safe. At four o'clock the situation
changed. Cannon aud musketry were
distinctly heard across the river, and
troops were burrying hither and thither
in state of excitement. Baggage wag-
ons, quartermaster's and commissary's
stores were being sent to the rear in the
most expeditions manner, and every one
who could leave the city was husrying in
the direction of the depot.
Our preparations were expedited by
the bursting of q bombshell, which so
completely demoralized us all that the
subsequent packing was rather on the
unique order. For instance, q pair of
chickens which were in the stove being
roasted for dinner, were taken of and
iammed into jar clled with preserves !;
/. handsome Grape veil found week
afterwards tucked in bag OF meal ;
knives and forks were huddled in among
bonnets and laces, and everything else
was done in the same peculiar, warike
style.
NV servants all proved faithful in this
emergency, with tie exception of g
bright mulattress, who showed unmis.
taxable signs of disaf1ection, laughing
Historically whenever the report of gun
was heard and acting in most unusual
manner. It WAS impossible to gain her
attention in any way. Observing this,
and learning that it might demoraize the
others, who were doing all in their power
7 -aI - 81
tel-piece, took down my pistol, and
cy, am still your mistress, and as such
demand respectful obedience from YOU
If the Yankees take the city and you
prefer going with them to remaining
with me, you are at perfect liberty TO 60
but now you must obey me-"
Looking first at me and then at the
pistol she excepted the situation tempo.
rarily, but made her way to the enemy
the next day.
During the afternoon Col. VIM. John.
son, then president of the Charlotte and
Columbia Road, sent me word that if
desired to leave the city he would retain
place for me in his special car but
still entertained hope in the ability of
our army to repulse the foe, who were
even then laundering at our very gates.
This hope, however, was soon dispelled
by the bursting of shell, thrown from
the enemy's batteries just outside of the
city.
Jumping into wagon in which our
goods were thrown helter-skelter, we
made our way to the depot in the midst
Of the cursing and shouting of the team
sters, who were hurrying the army trains
to the rear. This, with the lurid light
from burning buildings in the back.
ground, that seemed to reach to the very
heavens, produced pandemonium which
only the Inferno of Dante could equal.
FLYING FROM THE FEDERALs.
Reaching the depot everything was
hustle anu confusion. Hundreds were
seeking admission TO the already we'll
filled cars. Husbands looking for wives
and wives calling for husbands, and
children screaming in alright at the glare
of the flames.
The Presidents car was small coach,
attached to the rear of the train. In this
we found several friends already seated,
who greeted US in sad. distracted man.
ner. ~
The passengers on this train, which
was the last of sixteen already ahead of
us, were an odd mixture, consisting of
the Governor of the State, several ex.
Governors, the treasury department,
which had been removed from Richmond
to Columbia, number of colored pris.
oners and company of galvanized
Yankees" as deserters from the Union
army were then called.
We felt that "touch of nature which
makes the whole world akin" Each
was leaving home and friends behind, for
we were all refugees, going forward TO an
untried future in which there seemed
little happiness in store. As the train
pushed out from the depot the young
ladies Of the treasury department struck
up "Home, Sweet Home." Everybody
on the train Joined in the song, and there
was scarcely dry eye in the company.
When near Winnsboro' we came to q
standstill, the train just ahead OF US hav.
ing jumped the track, and we were com.
PEELED to remain quiet until it was re.
stored to it's position.
Every one on the car, worn out by the
fatigue and anxiety Of the day, was fast
asleep except myself. My baby being
restless kept me awake. Soon heard in
the distance sounds that resembled the
approach of another train, although ii
was understood that ours was the last
which would leave the city. The sound
grew nearer and more distinct, and there
was now no doubt but that another train
was right upon ps.
Quick as . fash the thought came to
me about the "signal light" aud ar ling
my husband, who sat next to me, i'd,
Quick, for Gods sake, take that candle
and wave It in front of the door, for
something tells me that the signal light
is out"
It was the work of minute, but that
minute saved hundreds of lives. In an
instant sharp whistle sounded upon the
still night air, and the approaching train
stopped only few feet from us. .
The engineer entered our car as pale
as death, Saying, "in Gods name where
is the brakeman and why was there no
signal light? If IL had not been for that
little light which some one waved, you'd
all have been in eternity by this time, go
you may thank the one who waved it fol
your lives"
NO." said I, "thank the baby, fc. Il
she hadn't wakened me none of us would
have heard your train"
In the morning, before we were ready
70 start again on our journey, Major
Robinson, of Winnsboro, played the par
2 Oh our good angel, and sent us donatioI
9 OF bisGuits and coffee, which were tht
only things. that stood between us ant
: starvation. Biscuits aud coffee will never
90 eaten again. with such relish.
UNIQUE HOMES IN CHESTER.
"A Arrf nj ~ ~ ss,.r oil thf