The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1888-08-16

sanguine hopes realized. He now sleeps
in the churcbyard at Smyrna, whose
location is close to the S. V. R. R.
Unconsciously he built an enduring
monument to his memory.
Isolation proved to be a defense for
Anderson gainst the invading foe dur.
ing the lat war, but not against plum.
dering inclrsion after Lees surrender.
In 1865, May 1, Gen. Brown, with 10000
men, entered our town. It was generally
thought to be part of Sherman's COM
mand, aud that Brown was an assumed
name. However, 1t will always be
denominated Browns raid. They first
broke into cellar where fine wines and
brandies had been deposited for safety,
by a wealthy importing firm Of Charles.
ton, S. @. The yells, screams and shrieks
of the infuriated mob running wildly
and shooting Unfortunately filed the
air. Mr.. Browns house was soon filed
with the furious demoniacs. They would
mount him on a horse, threatening to
carry him off and hang him, demanding
of his family gold for q ransom. His
little daughter vas crazed with frig ht
and screamed, "Papa, papa; oh my
papa p The heartless wretches would
then allow him to dismount, only though
to threaten him with other forms of vio-
lence. A man of less powers of will and
endurance would have surrendered to
their demands. About this time, fortu.
nately for him, they found his bonds and
other concealed valuables. They spent
the next day iD destroying property,
threatening 10 burn the town, and incit.
ing negroes to insurrection. Grave
apprehensions we're entertained that the
latter catastrophe might occur, as negroes
from miles around had collected here in
highly excited condition. Doubtless
visions of gold foated in bewildering
splendor before the eyes of these yandals,
as part of the machinery of the Confed.
ate Government had been brought across
the mountains to Anderson, and being
disappointed, in their chagrin esteemed
citizens were ignominiously hanged until
black in the face, and then rehapged
because they would not unfold supposed
hidden treasures. Very unexpectedly,
shortly after dark, the diabolical com.
mander, whatever his name may be, with
his command took up their line of march
toward the Savannah River. That night,
if possible, was more distressing than the
preceding one. The heartrending and
tragic scenes are iudelibly photographed
on my memory. a gang of the com.
mand remained behind for weeks aftera
wards, whose lair was in the swamps
committing depredatiopa and terrorizing
the country around.
The late Judge Orr, Ex Governor
Perry and others advised Mr.. Brown, to
make an inventory of his loss. They
thought that all who had property
destroyed would some day get remunera-
tiou by the United States Government,
as it was not the fortune of war, but done
by men, after the war, belonging to the
United States Army. We should have
carefully prepared and authentic history
of the raid preserved in some accessible
form.
Mr.. Brown was given to hospitality.
His house was notably open at all times,
and strangers we're made at once to feel
at home under his roof. During the war
he was an active friend of the refugees.
The colored people called him their
friend, and during his prolonged conffne-
ment, they demonstrated their apprecia-
ton by many little acts of kindness.
Before the war he had amassed con-
siderable fortune, and though he was
quite advanced in years, he was ener.
getic and active. His friends would go
to him for advice in their entangled
business affairs. The widow and orphan
and homeless ever found in him friend.
In 1860 he opened McDufie Street, with
his own means, from "Sunnyside" This
residence) to "shockle ferry" road. 1t
was proposed, at that time, to change the
name to "Bro@n Street," but the var
became all absorbing, and home enter.
prises were suspended. Since the war he
has opened several other streets aud
Others remain to be cut through his land.
His companions had nearly all de-
parted, and he fingered almost alone in
later generation, which knew him not
in his more vigorous days. he was. con
fined to his room for several months
before he died. DR.. Frierson, in his
remarks at bis funeral, very truly said
"He was q philosopher" He bore his
4
long and tedious confinement to his room
with calmness and fortitude. From the
first of his illness, it was his constant
prayer that he might not become impa-
tient or troublesome. he never muir.
INJURED, but maintained quiet cheerful.
ness throughout his long confinement.
1t was during the stormy period of rs,
when all hearts and hands we're interest.
ed, and engaged in the overthrow of
Radical Rule, MIR. Brown was literally
borne to the carriage that conveyed him
to the polls to cast his vote for Hampton.
He would often remark "IfI can only
live to see my State redeemed, will die
happy" He made no response when
the news reached him that Hampton was
elected Governor, but shortly afterward
he said: "I will sleep now" DR.. Brown,
who stood by his bedside, called to him !:
"Fatherl Father n but his freed spirit
had reachedthe other shore, and his eyes
had opened upon visions mortals are not
permitted to see. I believe he conveyed
the glad tidings-the redemption of our