The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1891-01-20
GE FOUGHT AT WINCHESTER.
An Old Confederate Soldier Found
Warm Friends.

Warm Friends.
In the case Of the state vs.. John
Stuart, indictment for larceny, the
prisoner appeared in the conrt room,
shuf1ing along, scarcely able to walk.
He wore soiled check shirt, q; verV
much worn suit, and battered hat.
Appearing as state witnesses were
two wall-dressed, sleek-looking men
who were determined to send the old
man to the penitentiary.
'sHas the prisoner any counsel"
asked Judge Phillips.
81 have nonc," answered Stuart. tl
am poor man and una ple to pay az
attorney"
The judge saw by the mans looks
that his was an unusual case, and
said: "Well, 60 on and tell yo1'
story"
"Well, sir, was in the Confederate
army, and at the battle of Winchester
l was shot through both hips. Since
then itslas been exceedingly hard for
me to support myself. I went to work
for this man last year upon his word
to board and clothe me, and to pay me
what my services were worth. During
that time he paid me 10 cents, with
which I bought tobacco. At the end
of eight months he refused to pay me
any money, and refused to give any
clothes, saying my services were
worthless. Then I went into his
wardrobe, took a suit of clothes to
hide my nakedness and left. He had
me indicted for larceny and l have
been in jail ever since" -
AS the old man finished a murmur
of indignation was heard throughout
the courtroom.
"You say you were shot at Winches-
ter?" asked Judge Phillips, who was
himself an officer in the splendid and
memorable charge. -.,. ..
"Yes, sir"
"Were you in the second charge to
the left, on the other side Of the
town."
The prisoners face frightened.
eyes," he said, 81 was there
Rhodes division-and was shot while
crossing the ravine just below the
hill"
The judge was certain that the ola
veteran was telling the truth, but to be
certain he called the states witness.
While this witness was giving in his
testimony, which was to the effect that
the Old mans story was about right,
but that he refused to pay him any
thing because his services were worth
less, Stuart leaned over to Solicitor
Settle. s:Mr. Settle," he said, "your
father and I were friends. lived in
Rockingham county, and your father
peFsuadcd me to ennst IN fSs eeaanaay--
! received my wound whil6 following
him. Since then it has been hard for
me TO keep out of the poorhouse."
By this time Judge Phillips and So
licitor Settle and everybody else in the
courtroom were satisfied that the old
soldier had been pitilessly prosecuted,
and the faces of the onlookers showed
the deepest pity and sympathy for the
uulOTLuIidLC Ul10 fsuO tilC UlASACSt LIZ
dignation for his employer.
"Mr. Solicitor" said the judge,
"change your bill Of indictment from
larceny to trespass." This was will
ingly done by Mr.. Settle.
"Now," he continued, Judgment is
suspended and the prisoner dis
ch;:sed." =..
Scarcely had the last words been
spoken before every man in the room
applauded, and great tears were roll
ing down the checks of strong men.
AS the old man who, half an hour be-
fore had been friendless, hobbled out
of the courtroom, hundreds Of men
drew round him to shake his hand.
One tewnsman volunteered to secure
him pension. MIR. Hollyfeld offered
him a position as miller, and in less
than five minutes purse was made up
to buy the old soldier suit Of clothes.