Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1888-02-10
otonewall Jackson's Colporter Talks.
IFron the Religious HeraI.

[From the Religious Herald.
Rev. G. F. Fry of Augusta county some
times refers to himself as Gen. Jackson's
colporter. His eyes took on added bright
ness, and his face was radiant, as we spoke
of the relations he sustained, for time, to
a man whose fame has reached to the ends
of the earth. We asked him to give the
readers of the "Religious Herald" some of
his recollections of Stonewall jackson, and
here is his reply:
"When I met Stonewall jackson at Win
chester battle was imminent, and / was
refused an interview; but seeing him come
riding down the line, I waited until he
came near to me. He gave me cordial
welcome and invited me to his headquar-
tiers, and gave me pass at pleasure. say
ing that could now pass out and through
the lines at any time, with my Bibles,
books and tracts. - He seemed delighted
that our Colportage Board had sent mis-
sionary colporters to the army. The pass
given me is now in my possession, and gold
could not buy it. After the death of Gen.
jackson, Gen. Ewell succeeded in command
"a similar pass was given me, which
carried till the close OF the war.
I met Stonewall jackson often during
the war, and he always recognized me and
invited me to his quarters. His kindness
was such that I almost forgot was in the
presence of such a great and good man.
When the army was retreating up the VAL
ley, very much demoralized officers and
soldiers asked, where is jackson going
is he taking us to the Blue Ridge to fortlfy
there! We went into camp at Harrison
burg. I travelled mile or more to spend
the night with my esteemed friend, Wash
ington Jones. The next morning found
the army wagons were going the direction
of Port Republic. l mounted my horse to
90 on with them. I had not proceeded far
before I saw some lady friends at their
yard-gate, ali anxiety about where the
army was going. In a few minutes 1 Saw
Gen. jackson coming near me on foot, all
alone, leading his horse. AS soon as he
came near me and gave the usual saluta-
ton, he mounted his horse and we rode on
together, uninterrupted but twice-once
for only minute or two by Quartermaster
Hartman. Our conversation turned upon
the wounded after the battle at Mcdowell,
| Col. M. G.. Harnan, Capt Dabney and
Capt. Humfries, all of the SD virginia
| (thc last one yet living), were wounded. l
| spent the night waiting on those tnree,
and others as 1 could. Gen. jackson asked
me whether these officers showed any signs
| of penitence after being wounded. l re-
piled that could not see that they were
penitent. Many thanks were rendered me
during the night for my attention given
them and others. Geu. jackson seemed
exceedingly anxious to hear that his men
were becoming Christians. He spoke SO
tenderly of his men, and wished SO much
| that they were Christians.
Before we separated, told him I would
go to my house and see my family, as had
been away some time and was now 50 near,
that would return again soon. To this he
gave his hearty approval, and said he hoped
to see me again soon. AS I was about to
leave him he said, with deep emotion ::
what an awful thing it is to think that so
many men will soon be hurled into eterni-
ty unprepared! The battle of Port Repub-
lie was then near at hand. We rode down
by ourselves in slow walk till we reached
Mr. PeIkey's, as though no danger was
near Never shall I forget the kindness and
attention paid me by otonewall Jackson"