Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1893-06-24

/, E@-se-zsa t. - J 81 place in the col
a A...-E umns OF the Iead-
: ::::::: 49,: !: ::::::;::,:;: :: :: !:
failed to see any mention of the sim
pie story which [ am about to re-
pate, which, while it is not wholly
destitute Of pathos, will at the same
time serve toillustrate most forciblv
the undercurrent OF genuine relig-
ious sentiment and personal pietv
that .pervadod all ranks and conditions
Of the men engaged III that fratrlcldal
strifc-an undercurrent none the less
deep and strong that the surface was
stained with the blood of brothers and
strewn with the wrecks Of war-the
| diving and the dead
In was in the early spring Of 1882,
when the Federal forces, under Major.
| General b, were advancing on that
memorable campaign in the valley OF
Virginia. Every foot of ground, from
the Potomac to Staunton, had already
been fought over-at one time occu-
pied by Federal hosts, at another by
| Confederate.
| General b had advanced his
lines as far as Middletown, in the upper
valley and beyond. while the Confcd-
crate army, under General j, was
occupying the Luray valley, near
| Staunton and Harrisonburg-m made IA
nous in history by the not far distant
battle field Of Port Republic
1t was one of those calm, quiet Sun
lay mornings, suggestive rather of
peace on earth and good will to men
than of the. fiery passions born of war
and bloodshed, when General B
rode out from his headquarters in the
town, accompanied by his personal
staff, on a short tour of reconnaissance.
1t was u slightly pageant that we'll ap-
pointed band, with their bright sabres
flashing in the sunlight, aud their gaily
cnparisonel steeds impatient of the
control of bit and bride.
An hour rapid ride through field
and wood brought them III sight of a
small country church, nestled away
Just within the vestibules of a forest,
| with lis modest splre still pointing
heavenwarl1 having not yet had the
desecrating hand Of war laid upon it.
As the cavaicade approached they
became aware OF the fact that q con
ra.s..lun had assembled, and that the
e,lcea hal already commenced.
Co.i.lus.ing that he was still by
-s>ersl miles within his picket
lines, General B ordered s
halt, and after a brief consultation
NTH his officers, and the statfoning O
four sentries commanding all the ap
proaches to the building, the Who'll,
rayalcade dismounted, and lesvins
hsir horses in charge Of their order
lies, proceeded in body to IL,
church.
The beautiful morning service-tn'
distinguishing feature OF Eplscora
worship was just ending as this m
expected accession to the congregation
entered
The organ was pealing Jorth its al
nost human cry Of Jesus, Saviour Q
g4y -os,, let ne 10 Thy bosom :iv.
=. quietly and with mos, r,-pectta I,
,9l-lauitv, this small hut disti sta9lL1 :
band OF officers took their seats.
Small as vas that little countr,
church. there were numbers Of emp,
pews. ana those that were occupie,
were occupied me es,iy by women an'
children, with small contingent c
gray-halred men
There was most noticeable absenc
CT men vorshipers-only two Q. thre
old men with whitehed locks, an
three others, two young men and
manly boy who had seen scarcely fou,
teen summers, al. three dressed !
Confederate uniform.
The nomentary ripple Of exciteme-
occasioned by SO unlooked-ioz $ prel