The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-11-27

mis- DOyQOOQ, ne dC ldSG Aao Ee1Sleu AIS SOLn-
mission and determined that hnnceforth Bev-
erly Farms should bs his home. "And to
think of it," he added, "that have found on
the night of my arrival a Thanksgiving party
in Old Virginia brother-in-law turning to
Col. Hartley whom l have never seen and
this lovely niece Verify, We all have reason
to be thankful"
"But what's this, Kateg' continued the
captain, toying with curiousy wrought
locket which dangled among other ornaments
from girdle around her waist.
"That's trinket," replied Kate, that be-
longs to Uncle Robert, yonder. and l wear it
only by his permission. Tell the story, Uncle
Bob, for always love to hear it,"
"It is an incident of the war;" was the re-
joinder, land at O time like this one has no
right to recall sad memories or speak Of such
a thing rs battle and bloodshed." Urged by
the others, however, Uncle Robert proceed
ed: "After the assault on Pickett's division
at the battle of Gettysburg, among the pris.
oners who fell into the hands Of my regi-
ment was one in whom | became deeply in
terested He was large, handsome, brown
eyed man, native of this state, and, like
myself, major. Though desperately wound
ed, and with the chances of living all against
him, not q murmur of regret, save for bis
family, escaped bis lips. often visited him,
but each visit revealed the fact that his hours
were numbered. One morning while seated
by his bedside, he asked me to hand him his
faded, gray uniform which hung at the foot
of the cot did 30, and taking from
one of the pockets q knife, he request
ed me to rip place in the left breast
of his coat. There found a bit of paper
wrapped around small hard substance,
which on further examination proved to be
a little star "This," said he, looking at il
lovingly, Twas cut from the coat Of Gen
Stonewall jackson, my noble leader. 1t was
my fortune to be one of those who bore him
to the rear when he fell at Charlottesville
and when his coat was removed l cut this
star from his collar and placed it where you
have Just now found it-where it would al
ways be nearest my heart. returned to the
battlefield and fought as never fought be
fore. This souvenir / wish to leave with
you in order that you may sometimes think oi
the Virginia soldier you have befriended
And this" said he, taking the crumpled pa
per, "is the last leave of absence Gen. Jack
son ever gave me. Should you ever have ths
opportunity, send it to my wife" Before
another word was uttered change passed
over his face and he became unconscious
The next day he died. Shortly after that
was transferred to the Army Of the West
When the war ended had the two mementoe:
inclosed in the little casket that Kate nov
wears.
During this recital, more than one pair o.
ewes were moist, and the voice Of the manly
soldier himself, who recalled this episode
trembled as he reached forward and opening
the locket said: "See, here is the star o.
Stonewall jackson, and here the furlougt
signed by him permitting Maj. Albert Fair
fax to visit home for thirty days"
"Oh, poor husbandl" cried Margery, witt
a great sob, as she fell almost swooning II
the arms of her brother. Dorothy and Clare
assisted her from the room to her own cham
ber, where for time grief held its sway
But Margery was made Of stern stuff anc
had been too long the mistress Of her emo
tions to let them interfere with the happines
of such an hour as that, and when she re
Joined the company, the old calm was re
stored and there was not trace in the sweet
placid features Of the great heart ache sh
had undergone.
Approaching Major Hartley as she re
entered the room, she laid her hand in hi
and said: "You have been my good angel
and God has sent you here that might lool
upon the brave man who stood by that othe
brave man in his hour Of need, whom lovec
and have mourned by day and night Thanl
you, major, or Uncle Robert, as may nov
call you, and remember that this Thanksgiv
ing Of ours has broken down all barriers, ant
henceforth, in this house, there shall be NJ
north, no south, no east, no west-only on
grand union of hearts"
And they all said-amen
1t proved especially true in the case of Kat
and Gerald, for when another anniversar.
rolled around they sat at the same festiv
board as husband and wife. Uncle Rober
since that time has been frequent membe
Of the Beverly household, enjoying will
Capt Bainbridge the sports Of the season, ant
finding charm in the quiet companionship o
Margery, who never tires Of listening to tn
story of Gettysburg and the heroism of he
brave husband and his men.