Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-11-21
A STORY OF GRANT.
Hi Ccnt,cncss and Courtesy to the Mother
OF Confederate Soldiers.


Hi Gcnt,cncss and Courtesy to the Mother
Of Confederate Soldiers
On a cold morning in February, 1904,
two or three miles from Richmond,
KY. along the Big I'LL pike in the di'
rection Of Cumberland gap, some men
were shooting at rabbit with pistols.
Suddenly union cavalryInan dashed
up to the party, eyed them carefully
and rode away. In moment the
officer and dozen others were seen
coming toward Richmond. A little be-
hind was another party Of perhaps q
dozen cavalrymen. One Of them was
evidently q general, but nothing was
said by either the soldiers or sports
men. A little way up the road is the
village OF Rogcrsville, where Jew
kept store lie said that the general
had halted long enough to purchase
and drink bottle Of Schiedam
schnapps, but the identity Of the gem
erbl was Bull uuhuOWh
At Big Hill, however, the problem
was solved. Big Hill is the dividing
line between the Bluegrass and the
Mountains and one Merritt Jones kept
there tavern for the accommodation
Of the travelling public. There were
then no railroads In this part Of the
state nearer than Lexington. Mr..
Jones and his sons were absent In the
confederate army, and his wife and
younger children kept the tavern.
Late In the afternoon Of the day DO.
fore cavalry officer had come hurried
ly up from the direction Of the Gap and
announced to the Jones household that
Gen. Grant was coming to spend the
night; that they must prepare for him
good supper, with all the silverwarc,
and to DO particular TO have nice
warm room ready for the general about
one hour from that timo In fact, tho
officer demanded the best Of everything
they had. Mrs Jones was III, and the
dictatoria manner Of the officer made
her exceedingly nervous She thought
OF her husband and sons In tho far.
away south, and feared that 1t would
not DO well with her should the union
lists discover her 10 DO rebel sympa.
thizer. Much disturbed she retired to
her room and bed, and directed the
to do the best they could for
the generals party.
In q few minutes the advance guard
OF eight or ten men arrived, and their
boisterous manner increased Mrs
Jones alarm. The hour was short and
Gen. Grant and staff came There was
D marked change,a all WIS quiet and or.
DERBY among the men; supper was soon
over, and the guests asleep When
Gem Grant arose next morning nice
breakfast awaited him. After break
last Gen. Grant asked Mrs, Jones little
laughter where her fathsr was. "Ile is
n the SOUTH" she answered. Where
ire your brothers, II you have any?"
lsked the general. "lhey are in the
confederate army" she replied. Then
where Is your mother?'' he asked
She's in her room, sick, said the lit
lie girl. "Can | SEQ her?' asked the
General, u wish to bid her good-by'
The door was opened, the little girl
cd the way, and Gen. Grant was in the
presence Of the mother Of several of
len. John II. Morgan's most gallant
Gen. Grant said to her. II am told
nat your husband and sons are In the
outh, and | want to say that | hope
hey may return in safety to you. !
IN sorry to find you sick, and hope
hat you may soon be we'll have or.
cred that our bill for the nights lodg-
ny be promptly paid you. You will