The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1884-02-14
The Rebel Yell in Court.

A singularly dramatic incident oc.
Cured Friday, near midnight, in the
Superior Court room at Waynesboro,
during the:trial of the Rogers brothers,
for the killing of the Symes-father and
son. The killing occurred at McBean's
station in October last. Eminent coun-
.sel;bad been engaged by the prosecution
and defense, for both parties we're prom
inent and wealthy. Major w. F. Gary,
Hon. J. G. @. Black and Judge Lovett
appeared for the State; Hon. II. D. D.
Twiggs, Colonel John D. Ashton, Colo
mel j. J. Jones, Judge Ell. II. Perry and
Mr.. H. Clay Foster for the defense. The
evidence closed and the speaking began
Friday morning, continuing all during
the day. From the speeches already
made, and the eminent counsel yet to ap.
pear, it became evident about dark that
one of the most remarkable forensic dis
plays ever known in Georgia had been
begun. When the court assembled after
tea, the seats and the aisles within the
bar were crowded with ladies, while with
out dense throng of men filled up the
auditorium. 1t was before this assembly
that Mr.. Twiggs began his argument at
8 o'clock. Twiggs is an eloquent speak.
or, practiced in and noted for oratorical
graces. In the course of his three hours
address, he at one time referred in the
most feeling manner to the courage and
devotion of woman. The hour, the oc-
casion, the audience and the dim light,
from which the rapt faces were bent upon
him, all combined to form surrounding
we'll calculated to inspire the orator to
his greatest effort. He closed his address
upon women as follows:
cat the battle of Gettysburg General
Pickett was ordered to begin the charge
which was to make him famous. As he
went into the terrible battle, his young
bride on horseback followed him. When
the hail of death was beating down men
on all sides. and the plunging shot and
shell mingled their fierce screams with
the moans and cries of the -mangled,
Pickett suddenly found himself in the
presence of his wife. In an agony oi
fear for her safety, he cried out to her as
she sat cool and collected as veteran,
60 back Go back For Gods sake, 60
to the rearp No. replied the devoted
woman, in the hour Of danger wife's
place is at her husbands side"
At this moment through the court
room there rang out one wild thrilling
cry, which nearly lifted the excited
throng to its feet. 1t was the old Rebel
"yell," heard upon a hundred battle
fields and never to be forgotten. A deep
silence followed. All eyes we're turned
toward the outer circle. Then Judge
Roney's cold voice was heard bidding the
Sheriff to arrest the offender. A man
was seen lodging in the crowd, and the
Judge said:
"The man who is leaving is probably
the one wanted"
"No, judge" exclaimed a voice slowly,
"I am the mani!
The speaker stood in the aisle with
folded arms, quietly viewing the Bench.
III shall have to fine you $40, then, for
disturbing the court p
every we'll, your Honor; J. will pay
the fne," said the man without moving,
"but meant no disrespect; l was Con-
federate soldier at Gettysburg, and just
could not keep from hollering !'
The ladies present sprang to their feet,
and almost instantly the money was
made up and paid to the Clerk. The in-
voluntary yell of the old soldier was an
irresistible tribute to womanhood. Had
the fine been ten times as large he would
not have sufIered.-Macon Telegraph.