Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1890-02-28
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SOLDIER AND CHRISTIAN.
HENRY WARD BEECHER'S BROTHER
IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
how He Conquered a Planter and Recon
structed a Communicable Bravery in
the Face of DanSer-InterestinG Remin-
iscences of Troublous Times.
Especial Correspondence


Especial Correspondence
SuMGERvILLE, s. c., Feb. III have
reached one Of the most interesting places in
the Palmetto state. 1t is not only the resort
of many Of the residents of Charleston who
seek retirement from the heat of the city,
but famous retreat for consumptive persons
from the north, and others who are afflicted
with diseases Of the lungs for which the piny
wood atmosphere OF the region proves, in
many cases, a sovereign cure. Instead Of
writing about the locality, however interest
ing the subject might be made, the oppor-
tunity has been afforded me by one of the
old residents to relate some pleasing reninis-
cences connected with Col. James G Beecher,
a brother of Henry Ward Beecher, who was
in command at this point soon after the war
and took an active part in the process of re-
construction.
''The negroes OF our sectionn said the old
planter ''were in q lawless and thoroughly
uncomfortable condition during the first year
after the war, and matters finally reached
such pass that I was selected by my neigh
bors 10 90 down 10 the headquarters of Col.
Beecher, then in Summerville, and ask his
protection. Contrary to my expectations, he
received me most kindly, saying: 4 am not
only pleased TO see you, but for long time
have been anxious to meet a representative
man from your part Of South Carolina, in
order to learn the true state of existing af-
fairs Describing the situation, / suggested
the propriety OF sending guard to our To-
cality.
Certainly he replied, you shall have
one at once, and | will accompany it in per-
son. We will start at daylight tomorrow
morning. But added Col. BeecEer, have
you any hotel where | can secure accommo-
dation for myself, men and horsesn | re-
piled: Unfortunately we have no hotel.
colonel, but as you are going in the interest
Of our people, [ shall be pleased to entertain
you in my own mansion
"'You are very kind he answered, but
l made up my mind when | crossed the Sa-
vannah river that l would partake of no
hospitality in this state without paying for
it.. Well then,' said I, we will meet on
that ground; II is contrary to my wishes,
but if you insist you can pay me III your own
way and regard my hospitality as merely a
matter Of business.
''These terms he accepted, and at dawn Of
the following day We started.
Arriving at spring in shady wood about
noon, | suggested that we should alight for
lunch. We had scarcely opened our provis-
ions when party of four, all old friends and
neighbors of mine, rode up, guns in hand.
and joined u.s. IN an instant Col Beecher's
expression changed, and his hand went to his
pistol Observing the motion, laughingly
remarked: Give yourself no uneaSiness, col
nnel This is is not ambush. These gen.
tlemen are the Nimrods of our section. They
are out only for days sport, nothing more,
and | viii pledge my life for yours as long as
you are my guest Then we all shook hands,
and an hour Of conversation followed, III
which we forgot the soldier and his mission
and enjoyed companionshIp with one of the
most charming gentlemen it has ever been
my privilege TO meet.
"On reaching home introduced him to my
daughter, who looked with surprise, if not
distrust, upon the blue coated officer; but.
after little while, She too, yielded to his
gentle ways, and the man who had it i'll his
power to do good or evil was made to feel at
home with all the eGrnestness OF a Carolina
welcome.
up to that time the prayer for the presi
dent of the United States had been omitted
from tho Episcopal service. Col Beecher,
knowing this, said to me on the ensuing
Saturday: 4 am Christian and dislike to
gregation; bat / have my orders here from
headquarters to close any church that refuses
TO pray for the president do not like TO
ask your rector to meet me in q public place, |
and my presence in his house might be equal |
ly disagreeable, 50 | ask your permission to |
write him a note inviting him to call here
1t was readily accorded, the meeting took |
place, and then and there, whatever diff |
fal.n of nriu tnI lSru
torily disposed of that on the following day
the regular prayer for the president was |
used for the first time since the war Tact,
good sense and Christian gentleness had ac-
complished the change without a Shock to |
any ones sensibilities and the practice after |
ward prevailed. 1t is a forcible illustration
of the character of the man.
"One day l said to him: Col Beecher, will |
you tell me how a gentleman of your culture |
and refinement came to be connected with a
negro regiment! Yes was his reply, 1T |
was purely an accident Just al that time 1 |
was laboring under great mental excitement.
Some Of my personal affairs were out of |
JOINT, and feeling almost desperate, when the
president rendered me the command of a
negro regiment accepted it promptly and
have since tried to do my duty as a soldier |
and man. Besides, as a Beecher, could |
not decline such a commission on account of /
color
subsequently an officer who had fought
his regiment told me he had never seen a
Drawer man than Col. Beechev He said that
on one occasion, when Beecher was riding at
the head Of his troops, right into the jaws of
death as it We're, The Confederate shar@oshoot-
ers took deliberate aim at him, for he had
snatched the colors from the color sergeant
and was waving them over his head, but he
seemed TO bear charmed life, for not a bull
let touched him.
Il shall never forget the day on which he
babe us adieu, for he had become an interest
Tag member of our household. Upon leaving
tina plantation he said while warmly grasp
ing my hands: SC J.. \, l have not forgot
ten our UNDERSTANDING when l came here
but your hasrtality has been so elegant and
YOU have entertained me AMI mine in so
courtly manner that | cannot place money
in your hands Is q compensation. You must
permit me TO show my appreciation in some
other way l replied: DO as you please,
sir. have placed my house at your disposal
and trust the enjoyment of our intercourse
has been mutual He replied in compli-
Inentary terms and we parted.
A few days later an army wagon drove
Ap to The back OF the house, accompanied by
"A squad of men, ana groceries enough were
TO last US for several months.
Coffee, tea, lard, sugar, -four. hams and
many articles OF luxury 10 which We had
been strangers during greater part Of the
war constituted the welcome gift, for many
Of them could not even then be purchased