The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-10-30
SHERMAN AND DUBIGNoN.
How the Young Georgian Reported the
Loss of His Pet PONY.
From the New York Press.


From the New York Press.
When the national convention of lawyers
met in the west some years ago, Mr.. du
Bignon was sent to represent Georgia, his
native state. Being one of the rising
young men of his region, he was also in
vited to respond to the toast, THE Young
Manhood of the South" at the large ban
quet to be given.
The young lawyer prepared his reply
with care, feeling he had done his best
which was all the bar could expect of him.
His toast was the tenth in line and the
toast master had pronounced in distinct
| tones the title Of the toast and added
that Mi. Fleming duBignon of Georgia
would reply
The lawyer rose slowly to his feet glanc-
ing as he did so down the long double
line of eXpectant polite, upturned faces
smiling at him, encouraging him to pro-
ceed
Gentlemen of the bar" he began,
L"
Gen. Sherman delightedly broke in
the toast master, and Sherman "Sher-
man. was echoed all down the table,
which saw dozens of men stand to their
feet to greet the great soldier-lawyer as
he entered the room.
General Sherman had promised to attend
this convention, but had been detained by
other engagements until this late hour,
and his advent was hailed with burst of
welcome as he advanced down to his va
cant chair. Every one was shaking hands
with him, creating quite hu3bub.
When it finally subsidized the toast master
turned again to the young Georgia and
/ said:
"Wiu Mr.. duBignon now proceed with
the toast, THE Young Manhood of the
South"
The Georgian sat for an instant dazed
He was young and the excitement break
ing into his speech had 'hoored" him.
What was he going to do? What was
he going to say? Every line OF his pre-
pared toast had left him, every bit of his
plan of thought had deserted him. To
stand there confirmed dullard; to be UNI
able to respond to the toast that involved
all his patriotism when that speech was
fntende to show the northerners just what
the southerners could do and be! 1t was
humiliating; it was agnozing.
All this, however did not occupy the
space Of time it takes to tell it, 1t flashed
through his brain like lightning, and even
during the latter part of these thoughts
he was rising mechanically to his feet
He stood still for a second and saw Gen.
Sherman's face looking at him with IN
terest The silence was appalling! He
felt that every one was thinking, Poor
fellow, he doesn't know what to say"
In a quiet tone, in which, however, he
felt CULVER, he commenced:
Gentlemen, l am confounded The dd
vent of so noted a warrior as Gen. Sher-
man has made me forget every word of
my speeCh'-the men all looked anxious
and Interested but 1 think you can
scarcely wonder at my confusion. GeCr-
gians are so used to the fact of Gen Sher-
man following them, that it is enough to
simply paralyze one of them to be asked
to follow the general There was a pause
for an instant over the young fellows
audacity, and then the room rang with
appreciative applause of his excellent
wit.
Men leaned over their plates and i'm
mediately fixed themselves into attitudes
of interest; they at once perceived that
at least, an original young chap was go
ing to speak
Mr. du Bignon felt the personal mag
netism he had excited reflect on himself,
and continued with more assurance.
He said that he would tell story about
the young manhood of the south; the very
young manhood, including his first i'm
pressions of Gen. sherman.
The time was the civil war, the place
Milledgeville, Ga II was only a little
shaver" he started, staying at home
taking care of my mother and younger
brother All the men had gone to war.
The cry started in the morning Sherman
to a heightened shout The old negroes
who were at home left the field and pillow
and gathered i'm their cabins exactly as II
it had been said The judgment day is
comingr People stood irresolute in the
street not knowing what to do or whether
it was best to go anywhere. Even the
chickens and cows seemed to under
stand that portentous phrase that was fill
ing the air Sherman Is coming
And later on, he came. Soldiers and
horses they began to fill the little town
and the peoples houses, and fear was the
prevailing element.
Il insisted that my Shetland pony and
my brothers pet rooster must be saved
NV mother equally insisted that ! was to
stay in the house, for If not the soldiers
would carry me away. ] was made "A
prisoner, but owned a window. and when
saw one Of the soldiers 20 under our
house and catch the rooster and wiring
its neck, ] was certain my pony would
go next. So, jumping out Of the window.
I ran 30 the soldier. and doubling up my
fist. cried: 'Dog-gone you, old Yankee, N
you take that pony ri report you 10 Gen.
Sherman. " Re stopped for an instant,
ana then continued. courteously: Cen
eral, he aid take my pony, and this is
my FIRST opportunity 20 report 10 you"
Mr. duBignon OF Georgia won the day.
Men chcered him ~ he took his seat for
his cleverncss. and Gen. sherman, Jump
ing up. said: win some one present me
10 the young rebei?"
Gus De smith-By the way. Hostetter.
have you two flyes Tor a tcn'
IfOatrfter--i have.