The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-06-02

preets vou at the threshold in response to the
arst gentle tap on the door, there is an air OF
free cordislity which is really refreshing ano
exhilaratng.
Late one beautiful afternoon last Summer
was stroliing along under the graceful shades
of the waving elms on New York avenue in
Washington. and is occurred TO me that wonld
psy nv respects to the President OF the Ma
ffonal Farmers Alliance, Col. l.. L. Poik, VINO
occupied a large and comfortable, though
plainly furnished, suite OF rooms near by. he
is an iGdefa;igsble worker, and l knew from
lis habit that his Office hours having expired,
would end him at his table in his room. Sure
enough, there he was as usual, with letters
papers ctr. piled up around him. Presrming
upon his well-known genial disposition ana
that warm hearted hospitality FOR which Norm
CsroliniaHs arc distinguished wherever found,
seated myself without hesitation IN response
10 his polite request.
Lying eli the table. and Immediately before
him, was ar object which st once fastened my
attention and plunged me into deepest
thought 1t was an officers sword-beit, winch
evidently had seen much rough service. It
was greatly faded and worn, and as glanced
at il, the terrible drama of horrible war I'M
folded itself 10 me. Was it a belt that he him
self wore through that terrible struggle?
Placing ny hand upon it, ! found my answer
in the buckle as well as the material OF which
1t was made. The buckle was of United States
Army regulation pattern, with the eagle, the
stars. and a scroll with the words: "E. pluribus
Tnum."
said: "ColoneI. it has been IS years since
the war ended, but this old belt looks like war
Will you pardon me for asking you what you
are doing with il? 1t is not Confederate
belt"
The Colonel, smiling pleasantly. said in re-
spouse. as he laid his hand upon the belt:
a. Il 1. Of fbr;fTino intnraeA
10 me, and / never look upon it except with
emotions OF mingled sadness and pleasure.
have lust returned from my home in North
Carolina, and brought this belt to send to
young friend of mine in New York City"
His manner and tone, no less than bis words,
excited my curiosity, and / insisted that be
should take time to give me Its history.
Laying aside his pen, and placing his arms
ou the table, and fixing his eye on the belt, he
said:
"Tbat belt to me, Is inseparably associated
With ore OF the most remarkable campaigns of
our wal. 1t was the campaign which began
Oh Sunday, the 18th day of June, 1864, when
Gen. Early's Corps. then occupying the Me-
chanicsSile turnpike, four miles north of Rich
Snond, received marching orders and filed away
from Lees army, and marched TO the defense
OF Lynchburg, which was seriously threatened
By the approach of Gen. Hunter, of the Union
army. Crowded as was that great Valley cam
psign with exciting events, from this date till
the latter part OF November. when Early
Corps was called to rejoiu Gen. Lees forces at
Petersburg, there WAS no period Of il fuller Of
Interesting and thrilling detail than the 80
Gays occupied BIZ our march from Lynchburg
r. the northern gates Of Washington. These
could be able to relate to you, if had my little
old soldiers diary with minuteness. March
ing at the rate OF from % to % miles per day,
through mountain gorges and open fields, with
tie direct and reflected rays of the Summers
spn pouring upon US in pursuit of the retreat