Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-11-02
a "REMINISCENCES OF THE WAR.
Experiences of One Whose Home was
on DebatabIe Ground.
Written TOR the Morning Neaos.

Written TOR the W0raing Neacs.
Living, as we did, on debatable land
during the slate unpleasantness, our
experience was lively and varied-not
varied, however, in the way of loss, as the
visits Of friend or foe were equally disas-
troUs to our larder, poultry yard, dairy,
and stable-with this difference, that we
would gladly have divided our last crust
with the Confederates, while, upon the
other party in the conflict, our hospitality
was grudgingly bestowed.
Our farm extended for some distance
on each side Of the turnpike road from
WarrentOn to Manassas road which
was perfect highway for the troops of
both armies-alOng which the Confederate
army fell back from Manassas and POpe's
command retreated to Manassas in 1862,
quickly pursued by ID. II. Hips division.
To give you an idea of the life we led
and the stirring scenes we witnessed,
will briefly describe the events of a single
day. We aWOke one morning to find our
selves surrounded by a large force of Con-
federate cavalry, commanded by Gen. j.
E. B. Stewart in person. He had come to
recOnnoitre the enemy's position, as a
general advance of the Federal army was
expected. Later in the morning a scout
that Federal cavalry was advancing in
force. Gen. Stewart fell back a mile to
draw them on, and also to await a signal
from Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, who was also
making a reconnaissance on the line Of the
railroad just few miles across the coun-
try from Stewart.
When the dinner hour arrived, our
friends were out of sight, and we were 10
the midst of the enemy-the stars and
VX~q Z h0 rr-bg
arts flag had been planted in the early
morning. While the hot dinner was
smoking on the table, and while the Yam
KEGS were enjoying the hospitality they de-
manded as right, the awful sullen sound
was heard of cannon fired. One of the
younger members of the family sprang
up, eXclaimiDg eagerly: "Fitz Lee!"
"Fitz Lee~ The Yankees lett
in haste, and stood not on
need to make haste, for Fitzhugh Lee
was in their rear, Stewart in front of
them, and in less time than lean describe
it, the well known Confederate ''yell" was
heard, and Stewart came charging down
the turnpike. The Federals made no fight
of any account, but put spurs to their
horses, and we nOn-cOmbatahts on the
piazza enjoyed seeing the race. In the
melee several Yankees were killed Just at
ly buried the next day. That night our
house was headquarters again for Stewart,
ROsser and other officers, and the COnfed-
crate flag was again hOisted in the front
yard. Col. Mosby, of guerrilla nOtoriety,
made our debateable land the scene of fire.
quent raids and skirmishes.
In one of the skirmishes the celebrated
scout vas badly wounded himself, and
his command forced to retreat. He rode
with his mon q IOpp a Q ba 0O11Id elf r1n0u
his horse, then sought refuge in the house
OF friendly farmer, who scarcely had
time to assist him into the family room
before the alarm was given, ''the Yankees
are comingW In a few moments more
they had surrounded and W ere searching
the house. Mosby hurriedly asked his
host not to betray his real name, but
merely to say she was one of Mosby'S
men," When the soldiers entered the room
MOsby was lying on the floor feigning to be
dead, and he might we'll have been taken
for corpse, so limp and pale he was from
loss of blood. With most remarkable
fortitude he endured their rough hand
ling as one past sensibility, and they left
the room convinced they had found naUght
in their search but one poor, dead Con-
federate.
After the Yankees rode off Mosby tar
ried but long enough to have his wound
dressed and to take refreshment, when he
was carried back to the Confederate lines
for recovery. Had the Federals discov-
cred his identity he would have been
hung, and he knew they threatened him
with that fate.
After a midnight raid upon some I'M
suspecting camp, | have seen him with
his men galloping back to their mountain
Businesses, and soon the Yankees would
come dashing up, in hot pursuit, with
drawn sabres, and would search the
house in the most thorough and business
like manner, opening cupboards and bu-
reau drawers in their zeal TO find a ''dodg-
ing rebel,' while the Confederates them
selves were speeding away on their fleet
horses to the security of the mountains.
II