The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1895-09-23
A STORY FOR THE VETERANS.

Inc Olie gray Nft1iNhS -
during the past week showed In many
ways their patriotism and good fellowship
To see these brave men, as they walked
arm in arm over the old battlehelds. 1t was
difficult to realize that generation ago
they had faced one another in many
deadly fight on those same red hills.
But even when the struggle for Atlanta
was at its height the soldiers in the two
armies sometimes showed a brotherly
spirit.
Months before the siege a gallant young
federal officer. Captain Johnson, of Iowa,
was seriously wounded in an engagement IN
north Georgia. He was brought TO Allan
ia by the confederates and sent TO = hospl-
tai, where he received the best Of care.
The confederate surgeons were not long IN
finding out that the poor fellow was not
likely to recover, and his condition excited
their sympathy. Ills spine was injured
and it was impossible for him to leave his
bed.
A number of officers talked with the cap
tain, and he bright and brave and
patient, that they took a strong liking to
him. But what was to be his fateE II
would have been cruel to send him to An
dersonville, and he could not get the proper
comforts in a military hospital. lie could
not be exchanged and in fact could not
stand a long journey.
The confederate officers put their heads
together and under a flag of truce a con-
sultation was held with some of the federal
officers. Finally, arrangements were made
to pass Captain Johnson's mother through
the lines, and in few days sweet-faccd,
Iniddle-ared woman left her home in Iowa
and was safely passed through the armies
of sherman and Johnston.
She cordially received in Atlanta by
the confederate officers and many citizens
Immediately took an active interest in her
plans. She was wei provided
with money, and after she had
rented little cottage her wounded son
was turned over to her to die or be
nursed back to health If possible.
The devoted little woman took charge Of
the wreck of once strong man, and all
through the spring and summer she gave
him her tendcTcst care. Everybody took
an interest In Mrs Johnson and the can
tain, and the strangers we're made to feel
that they were surrounded by friends.
In the meantime sherman was within
cannon shot of the city and his big guns
and bursting shells made the days and
nights Eldeous and dangerous.
the little cottage escaped tho flaming
bombs and the mother and her son wait
ed for they knew not what
Mrs. Johnson and the captain bad been
treated with such Kindness by the con-
federates and the citizens that they looked
forward almost sadly to the inevitable
capture of Atlanta by the federals.
one sultry September evening an officer
called at the Johnson cottage.
Il have only a moment 10 spare, he
said but ] thought you would like 10
know that Sherman's troops wili garrison
the city tomorrow
Mrs. johnson and the invalid expressed
their surprise, but they hardly knew
whether They We're glad or disappointed
By tho news.
so / viii tell you both Eoodby" contjn-
ued the visitor. and / hope that tile cap-
tain viii speedily recover and let mo hear
from him
They shook hands aud the officer depart
ed with heartfelt blessings from his two
friends, who watched him with fearful
eyes.
IL was a night of tumult and thunderous
explosions. but the Johasons knew the
meaning of il all ana ia the morning il
soon became evident that the coufcGcrates
had evacuated the town.
\ few more hours of waiting and General
Slocums corps marched in, ANA i'm a short
time Atlanta was a union city under mar
Sal law.
Mrs Johnson sent q MESSAGE to head
quarters, and during the day several iowa
officers called at III" cottage. After thar
tho TWO We're supplied with every shln-
they needed, including the services of a
surgeon.
IN inc course OF month the captain
was "pie 70 travel reclining on couch
@Hd ne anu ms mother returned 70 their
4'oi'ie ~ 'i' Lar northwest.
- "' '"'i'i 0a7s' i''' "eeilE = '4s
- - ''c Si'S,' anu oit"n wondered
~" tie captain "aa 4afed on ms Journey
hoiHe anu afterwards
Nly curiosity was unexpectedly Eratitied
lew years ago ny a paraGraph ln a
newspaper copied from an iowa c0ntcn2-
PoidI+'
ooH % remember It's exact words now
but y called attention 70 the remarkable
ease oi captain Johnson, who had been
wounded IN tine spine and captured hE Tho
concentrates IN the Atlanta campaign The
afticle spoke OF the prisoners hut lraai-
ment' toI3 the story OF his mothers "trip
throuEh the lines aud went on % sag that
the SUFFERER had been confined go ans bed
Tor twenty-five years during which time
ms mother had been las constant ANA de-
voted nurse.
! laid the paper down and rubbed the
moisture from my eyes. How one touch OF
nature makes us an kin!
That was six years ago ana Stree then
"a 80 '1>Ni t'ti - sly must ' INV @s'tt-