The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-08-12

A BATTLEFIELD FRIENDSHIP.
The Sequel to an Act of Humanity Performed
in the Midst of Deadly Strife.
uDecial to the Indianapolis Journa.

epecial to the Indianapolis Journal
VIECENNEs. Ind, Aug Thames Fletcher.
ex-rebel soldier. is dying at his home five miles
south of this city. His illness is quick con-
sumption. Flstsher came to this county sever
al years ago under very peculiar circumstances
The meeting between him and Joe Dalby. a
Union soldier. was very affecting, a never-to-be
forgotten scene. Joe Dalby was a gallant mem
Der of the Fourteenth Indians Volunteers
which won such fame for bravery and eallantry
and gained the honorable distinction of the
Gibraltar brigade at the bloody battle Of An
tietam, Sept IL. 1862 Jim Fletcher wore
the gray aud enlisted at the outbreak Of
the rebellion in dashing regiment Of
Virginia cavalry. One day, few years ago. a
stranger, tall and handsome. with bright. inteli-
gent face and piercing black eyes, appeared near
the st. Thomas Church, fve miles south of this
city. and inquired for Joe Dalby. He had bat
one Leg the other having been taken off close to
the hip. He was directed to the homo Of Mr.
Dalby, who was found surrounded by several
friends who mad happened to collect in front OF
his humbls residence. The stranger rode up to
the crowd and ''eyed" the group an instant and
addressed Mr.. Dalby. "f am looking for man
named Dalby.n said the man, "he was . member
Of tie Fourteenth Indiana Infantry. Are you
the mani"
THAT is my name.r sasd Dalby, not little
surprised at the unexpected arrival Of the
stranger.
'My name is James Fletcher, said the man,
soldier. but fought on the other side. In the
hard fought battle ~ = 81 W.ld-rnass Nav D.
1864. nv thigh was shattered by . she'll The
confederates were repulsed and was left lying
where l fell II was 10: sns 7 was dying of
thirst aud loss Of blood. Besides. was in dan
ger Of being tramped by the Onion artillery
that was dsshing TO the front A young man
wearing the blue saw me. paused and bent down
over me. asked for water, and he gave me .
drink from his own canteeu. Tearing bandsRe
from the dead body Of Q comrade, he bound up
my wounded leg. He dragged me to the root OF
big tree aud leaned me against its trunk He
then gave me his canteen and started to leave
me. / asked him his name; he replied hastily.
up his musket and dashed after his
regiment. That man saved my life and that
drink OF water was the sweetest draught ever
drank. was at last rescued and taken to the
hospital. have never forgotten my friend and
preservsr, and have used every means to find
you, for / know you are the man. heard Of
you while passing through the city. and have
driven out hero to find you. am the rebel boy
you nau compassion on, saiQ MT. fletcDer, al
most overcome with emotion. while the tears
trickled down his cheeks. Tears were binding
the eyes Of Dalby as be listened. dumfounded.
to the well-remembered scene. which he had
often related to his friends, little expecting that
he would ever see the wounded man alive. The
meeting between them was affecting that
there were no dry eyes in the crowd. The
stranger found q friend in the man whose
patriotism lad made him an enemy.
Mr.. Fletcher was taken in the house and
treated as a distinguished guest. He remained
several days with Mr. Daily. A friendship grew
up stronger than that Of brothers 1t was
finally decided that Fletcher must come to Indi-
ana to reside. A little cottsgs near by was
rented, and he sent for his wife, who lived In
Texas. She came, and for years the families
have lived near each other, while the closest
friendship has existed between them. Daby
assisted his crippled neehbor. They became
partners in little transactions on the farm. They
drove to the city each week together in order to
do their tH.ding, sell their grain. etc.. their i'm
timacy being so marked to produce universal
comment The evenings were spent in an ex-
change of friendly visits between the families.
Dalbys children grew up and called Fletcher
Uncle jim" Dalby's entire family
stantly at the bedside of Uncle Jim. and few
patients are ever nursed with more tender care
than that which is being shown Uncle Jim.