The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-06-12
A WILLING MARTYR.
The Amusing Letter Of Southern Belle to
Her Brother.

Correspondence Nashrale Enion.I
DECATUR, Ala. Feb. 20. 1865.
Please tell your fair readers who hold shares
In the underground mail line to Dixie 70 be a
little more careful with their carriers One Of
them was captured near Decatur last week.
who had quite cargo of rose-scented and gilt
edged missives and billet-deaux in his possess
sion, many of which are unfortunately doomed
20 waste their sweetness upon the hard-hearted
provost marshal. I give a true copy of one
OF the lot, and quite a spicy epistle il is. Tell
MARIE THAT the provost, in the fullness Of his
heart, has sent the original to brother Tom, and
thas he hopes for this act of galantry TO receive
an invitation to the wedding as also a number
OF good looking festive boys who have no OBJ
lection to be married to somebody on patriotic
principles.
NASHVILLE, January %, 1865.
Dear Brother Tom: wrote 70 you some six
months ago, and feel quite uneasy about yen,
as not a line has reached me since your letter
last June. / now repeat 70 you that matters
and things about here are getting worse every
day. You viii be astOnished to hear that your
friends OF the female denomination are dropping
OFT every day Yes, dropping too as willing
victims into the arms of the ruthless invader.
just think Of it, Ni0Ilie, the unc0nGuerabEc,
who used 10 parade that large BeauFegard
breastpin, and who used to sing Maryland
my Maryland" with so much pathos, was
married some four months ago to Federal
with but one bar on his shoulder SalIie VINO
used TO sleep with the Bonnie Blue Flag
under her pillow who looked dagrers and
pistols at the invaders; who would not speak to
her school mates v and c. because they
received and treated Federal officers with due
pOiIteness-She too is gOne-yes. married to
Federal with two bars. sue, the historical one.
who carried that glittering stiettO in her belt.
who was going 10 initiate Charlotte COrday and
sezn sr.,ee. - Il
she. too, has gone the way Of all flesh and
married an officer with that detestable eagle on
his shoulder. And, now, pull out your hand
kerchief and prepare for the worst my poor
brother Tom. Your old sweetheart, Anna, the
one to whom you dedicated your sweetest
verses, and whose melodious voice so often
mingled with yours in days0f yore; who defed
both generals and cOrpOraIs and the whole 18th
army corps; who was sent first South and then
North, but upon whose rebellious temperament
no climatic change could have the least in
fuenee-she, too, has hauled down the stars and
bars, and Is about 70 surrender at discretion.
l should not havebelIeved this, but to convince
myself passed her house the other night with
a gentleman who protects as during your
absence ON purpose to fad out the state Of her
political sentiments from her musical pro-
gramme.
Take il ike man, Tom for 7 must tell
you that heard very distinctly the words OF
Rally Refund the Flag" and the Union
Forever" sung in her best style with glorious
tenor voice mingling with IT.
Poor brother Toni You know considered
her always the very Gibraltar Of the South and
now, when sassurrenders 1 must think that the
ConIeGeraey has gone up You had better
come home Immediately ard look to your
interests in that quarter, as perhaps it may not
be too late yet TO produce q favorable change IN
your favor. Tell the boys down inDixie, if they
do not return soon they win not find a single
girl or widow below couscTIpt age IN these parts.
as the watehword now seems to be, Sllsrs qit5
pegt," which means Marry who cam Ny
principles are unchanged, and l am as true 70
the South as ever. We have . captain boarding
with US, merely by way Of protection, who
appears to be rather clever fellow for
Federal He takes q sly glance at me at table
sometimes. but of course l do not return it.
You know me tc0 rel for that. Let me hear
from You soon, and believe me, ever
Your loving sister. MARIE
p. 81. Do You think 1t would be q viola
ton Of my Southern principles 70 take an
occasional ride for my health with the captain
He has such nice horse and buggy. You
know there can be no possible harm in that.
p. S. I.-That inpertinent fellow actually
squeezed my hand as he helped ME out OF the
buggy this evening. We had such a delightful
ride / want you TO come home and protect
me, Tom, as l don't ike 70 live this way much
longer.
P. s. IIL-If ever should marry a Yankee,
tbut you know my principles too well for thatl
i would do it merely as the humble instrument
to avenge the wrongs Of my poor oppressed
country. Little peace should he find by day
or night. ThOrns should be planted IN his couch.
His dreams should be of HolofeFnus, and my
dry goods bill as long as the internal revenue
law.
P s. Iv.-Come home, brother Tom. and
take the amnesty oath for two months or
Whereabouts. I want 10 tell you a secret On
due consideration have come 70 the determine
ton TO make martyr Of myself! Yes, brother
Tom, I am going 10 marry on patriotic Prin-
eiPies.
Yours, truly, L'INCoNNU.