Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-10-26
GEN. LEE IN 1851.
A Confederate Soldiers "Reminiscences ~
the southern Chief.


A Confederate Soldiers "Reminiscences Of
the southern chief.
met Gen. Lee first at his residence
in Franklin street, Richmond, in 1851.
His face was clearly shaver except a
very full black mustache. He was tall
and slender and erect, and reminded me
Of a French officer Of the highest type.
thought him then the most imposing
man had ever seen. Before giving the
interview would like TO give little Of
nv own history which led up 10 II.
was on the college campus at Hamp-
den Sidney, Va, in May, 1861, with
number Of students atplay, when Pres
ident Atkinson, who had Just returned
from Farmville, rode up and said:
young gentlemen, northern troops
have crossed the Potomac into Virginia
at Alexandria. Ellsworth's zouaves
tore down the Virginia flag on jack
sons hotel. jackson shot Ellsworth and
the zouaves have killed Jacksonville
war has begun" The boys raised and
heard for the first time the rebel
yell" II was arranged that afternoon
that the students OF the college and
theological seminary should form n
company with DIR. Atkinson as captain.
The company was ordered first to
Richmond, and soon after, with Col.
John Pcgram, To Rich Mountain in the
wilds Of West Virginia. AtRich Noun
tain we were attacked by Gen. McClel-
Ian in front and by Gen. Rosecrans in
the rear, and after severe engagement
the lIampden Sidney boys were surren.
dered by Col. Pcgram to Gen. McClcl-
Ian, who treated them very kindly,
parolcd them and told them to 20 back
10 college and finish their studies.
|, however, made my escape without
being paroled. was sick when the
surrender took place. The next day
typhoid fever set in and was sent to
private house Here / met IA federal
sergeant who engaged for fifty dollars
in gold in advance, to take me out of
the lines Before day the next morn
ing he was at the house, and, taking
me in his arms, laid me in the bottom
Of his wagon and covered mo with hay.
lie then drove me to the outer picket
post, where there was great excitement
and anger, owing to the fact that two
OF their men had just been shot by
"bushwhackers." As we drove up they
were breathing out threatenings and
slaughter against confederates. One
Of them jumped up on the front seat
and asked the sergeant where he was
going lie said: "Foraging," What
had he in his wagon? lie said Moth
ing" After n few pleasant words the
sergeant said he must go on. lie then
drove over into the woods, and, taking
me in his arms, laid me down, express,
ing the greatest regret at leaving me
there in the woods ito die" Cutting
Off one of my buttons as a mcmcnto,
and kissing me on the check, he drove
away. The thought OF escape and free
dom was far superior to disease. sat
-walled-lcaped for joy
came up with confederate wagon,
took the cars at Staunton and reached
Manassas in time to witness the close
of the first battle of Bull Run.
After had served for some time in
Mosby's independent command, known
to the federals as 'guerrillas," | was
offered the adjutancy of n regularly
organized regiment. The question
then arose whether, as my company
was paroled, had right to go into
service before IL was exchanged. The
question was referred to Gen II. H.
Lee, whom | sought in Richmond, II
was on Sunday morning. Gen. Ice
was In his parlor. When | was stating
my case he interrupted me by saying
that this seemed TO be Il matter OF
business. Its my rule never to tran
sact matters of business on the Lord,
day, except in cases of necessity OF
mercy" told him that had to leave
the city next morning at six o'clock
and he then allowed me to proceed
Though had been received in kindly
and courteous manner, yet felt all tn,
time that Gen. Lee was preoccupied
Now and then he seemed engaged II
deep thought. When had stated my
case he directed me to repeat it, saying
that he had not been listening to me
This | refused to do, expressing regre
that had intruded upon him in I
an