The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1894-11-14
A DELAYED REPORT.
MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA.
An After-Dinner Toast That Was In
terrupted by Gen. Sherman.

When tho national convention OF lnvyers
met In the west some years ago, MIR, Du
Bignon was sent to represent Georgia. his
native state. Being one Of the rising young
men In his region, he was also invited to
respond to the toast, "The Young Manhood
OF the South" at the large banque. 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 line. and the toast-master had
pronounced in distinct tones the title OF the
toast, and added that Mr.. Fleming Du Bignon,
OF Georgia, would reply.
The lawyer rose slowly glnncins as he did
so down the long double line OF expectant,
polite, upturned faces, smiling at him, en-
couragng him to proceed.
His "piece" was all clearly In mind; he re-
membered every planned gesture, every turn
and point he proposed to make.
"Gentlemen OF the bar;' he began, q"
General sherman" delightedly broke in
the toast master, and "Shermanr' ''Sher-
man. was echoed all down the table, which
saw dozens OF men rise to their feet to
greet the great soldier-lawyer as he entered
the room.
Gen. sherman had promised to attend this
convention but had been detained by other
engagements until this late h our, and his ad-
vent was hailed with burst OF welcome as
he advanced down to his vacant chair Every
quite hubbub.
When 1t finally subeidei the toastma.ter
turned again to the young Georgian and
said:
"wnl Mr.. Bgnon now proceed with
the toast, The Young Manhood Of the
South?"
The Georgian sat for an instant dazed.
He was young and the excitement breaking
Into his speech had "1oored" him.
What was he going to do? What was he
going to sayp Every line OF his prepared
toast had left him. every bit Of his plan OF
thought had deserted him. To stand there
confined dullard; to be unable to respond to
the toast that involved all his patriotism,
when that speech was intended to show the
norlherners Just what the southerners
could do and be. 1t was humiliating; It was
agonzing.
All this, however did not occupy the space
OF time II takes to tell 1t. 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 second and saw Gen,
Sherman's face looking at him with interest.
The silence was appalling! He felt that every
one was thinking Poor fellow he dosen't
know what to say"
In quiet tone, In which, however he felt
quiyer, he commenced:
"Gentlemen, am confoundedl The ad-
vent OF so noted warrior as Gen. Sherman
has made me forget every word OF my
speech"-the men all looked anxious and in
terested--"but think you can scarcely won.
der ut my confusion. Georgians are 80 used
to the fact of Gen. sherman following
them that 1t is enough to simply paralyze any
one OF them to be asked to follow the gem
eral." There was pause for an instant over
the young fellows audacity, and then the
room rang with appreciative applause Of his
excellent wit.
Man loanal nvar ,bair ,>Io1a. ..a -,
atcly fixed themselves into attitudes of in
terest; they at once perceived that, at least,
an original young chapw was going to speak
MIR. Du Bgnon felt the personal magnetism
he had excited reflect on himself, and con.
tinued with more assurance.
He said that he would tell a story about
the young manhood OF the south; the very
young manhood, including his first impress
sions Of Gen. Sherman.
The time was the civil war, the place Mil.
legdeville, Ga, 81 was only 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 early
In the morning "Sherman Is coming! 1t in.
creased from whisper to frightened shout.
The old negroes who were at home left the
field and plow and gathered in their cabins
exactly as II 1t had been said "The judgment
day Is coming" People stood irresolute in
the street, not knowing what to do. whether
~ was b'st W Ro NWuttt. Even tue cnlck-
ems and cows seemed to understand that por-
tentous phrase that was filling the air
SHERMAN is comingr'
"And later on, he came. Soldiers and
horses, they began to Ill the little town and
the peoples houses, and fear was the pre-.
vailing element.
II insisted that the Shetland pony and my
brothers pet rooster must be saved. Nv
mother equally insisted that must stay in
the house, for II not the soldiers would carry
me away. l was made n prisoner, but
owned window, and when saw one Of the
soldiers go under our house and catch the
rooster and wiring its neck, was certain my
pony would go next. So, jumping out OF the
window. ran to the soldier, and, publlng
up my fist, cried; "Dog-gone you, old Yankee.
ifyou take that pony, I'll reportyou to Gen.
Sherman" He stopped for an instant, and
then continued, courteousy; General. no
did take my pony, and this is my flrst oppor-
tunity to report to you."
Mr.. Du Bignon, OF Georgia. won the day.
Men cheered him as he took his seat for his
cleyerness, and Gen. Sherman, jumping. up,
said; "Will someone present me to the young
REBEL" "-"Detroit Free Press"