The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1894-09-28
A Realistic War Story.
BY GEORGE b. FORBES.

There is much unwritten history
concerning the late war, which, if it
could be gathered together, would be
of great interest and display in bright
colors the chivalry and valor of the
American soldiers. Some time in the
early thirties pioneer from the State
of Connecticut moved South, almost
upon the frontiers of the Indian Ter
riUory and began life as farmer. He
was intelligent, of classical cduca-
ti0n and of general and l0vablc
character. In the course of time he
brought his young bride from her
northern home. They readily became
accustomed to southern ideas and in-
sttution and by industry and an ap-
plication to such pursuits as fell to
the lot of a farmer in those days,
became not only slave owners, but
possessed OF large means. Three boys
were born to them, who were the
pride and joy of their home. The
elder soon after receiving high
school education was sent North ia
complete his education some three
years prior to the beginning of the
late war.
When the war came on this son en-
listed in the Union army, writing his
father that the three years inter
course with northern friends and his
own convictions, after mature
thought, decided that secession and
slavery were both wrong and he felt
it his duty to go to the front.
During the long struggle they would
hear from him occasionally, but never
a line would the father write him
and he forbade his household holding
any communication with him, for the
family had become thoroughly south
ern in their feelings and the blow was
too much for the father, but the faith
ful and loving mother always had
some excuse to make for him.
Not long after this the other two
boys enlisted in the Confederate army
in tie same regiment, but in different
companies. BY their gallantry and
bravery and by such casualties as
war will bring about, they each be-
came captains. After many cam
paingns and many hard-fought battles
the elder brother was promoted in the
Union army and was serving as a
staff officer. In the summer of 1865
the two younger brothers learned OF
his promotion and position and that
he was serving in the army opposing
them. being intimate with them
and serving in the same army, though
in separate branch OF the service,
saw much of them and learned much
OF their anxiety concerning the fate
OF their brother after every battle.
The trying and hard struggle went on
and in the latter part Of 1854 we had
one of the most sangulnary battles OF
the war.
The fight commenced in the early
afternoon and was not finished
until way late into the night. We
had driven the enemy from three
strong lines of breastworks and the
carnage was fearful to look upon, as !
saw 1t early the next morning Just as
the sun began to gild the horizon on
that chill December morn.
was In the saddle early, riding
over the field OF battle to see II any of
my comrades were upon the field with
the dead and the dying. With head
bowed and with a heart swelling with
tears, l was startled by the cry Of my
youngest friend, with the tears even
In his tremulous voice as he cried out:
"Oh, Dick, here is Bob" With tears
streaming down his face he stopped
down and stroked the cold white
cheeks with the tender love Of, a
mother, wiping the cold froth from
his face and hands. AS his brother
came up he looked up to him and said +;
1T will break mothers and fathers
hearts," As l look back upon the
scene after these long years OF peace
and can see that rigid form In blue,