Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1896-02-01

as unfit for food and was thrown out
there. The poor fellows found it and
picked it carefully up and cut away
unsound parts and sat down to eat
the rest. They also picked off the
ground every bit of the salt and put it
in their haversacks. Here and there
were seated groups of them and our
men on the ground engagedin friendly
games of cards, or in some argument.
Our men exchanged with them sugar,
salt, and coffee for tobacco the only
thing that seemed plentiful with them.
became engaged in conversation
with very gentlemanly sergeant of
a South Carolina infantry regiment
told him that having heard and read
SO much of their great chief-Stone-
wall Jackson-now that l had chance
! wished could see him. He replied
that if would walk up to the top of
the hill with him he would take me to
spot where could get good sight
of him when he and his staff marched
in. In the meantime the Harpers
Ferry garrison had been formed into
double line along the crest of the
Heights in order to the formalities of
surrender and parole. They were
eleven thousand strong, and the line
extended quite distance along the
Heights behind Bolivar. The right
Of the line rested where the road from
Halltown crossed the Heights. l
walked with my friend to the side Of
this road at the top of the hill, and
found there Colonel Ford and staff,
awaiting the arrival of Jackson and
staff. We walked close enough to
hear what might be said, as well as
see the parties. We had not long to
wait. General Stonewall Jackson and
staff came in, and halted quite near to
where we were standing. l had a
good look at all of them. After the
salutations aud introductions were
over, Colonel Ford remarked
General Jackson. you see the Unit
ed States forces drawn up in line for
surrender"
eyes, sir" quietly said General
Jackson.
When the formalities of surrender
were completed, Colonel Ford said
General Jackson, my officers and
men have heard so much about you,
that, having the chance, they want to
see you. They will consider it a great
kindness on your part if you will ride
along the line SO that they may see
you
Colonel Ford, ;" General Jackson
replied, 81 feel much flattered at the
desire on the part of your officers and
men to see me, but really feel lcath
to grant your request. l feel reluct-
ance in doing so because of my worn
and faded uniform, my rusty boots,
and my generally unkempt appear
ance. Owing to these facts, dislike
to ride along in front of your we'll
dressed men. have had no change
of clothing for six weeks, and as to
the hat l have on, it was only the 9th
er day that l stopped in the village of
Birkettsville, Maryland, to have a
shoe put on my horse, and while there
squad of your cavalry dashed into
the place and came near capturing me.
In the melee lost my hat, and tEis
old SLOUGH l obtained along the road
from farmer who had compassion on
ME. I hope therefore you will excuse
me for declining to do as you desire. 4"
mo, General" returned Colonel
Ford, 81 must continue to request
that you will crafty my men by do
ing what have asked. They will
make every allowance for your de-
ficiencies in toilet. So please do not
di,appoint them"
We'll, Colonel Ford, l will ride
once along the line to please you and
your men,"
Thank you, General"
While General Jackson was engaged
in riding along the line some of his
staff remained on the spot, among
them Colonel Fitzhugh Lee, the
nephew of General Lee, He drew
flask from side pocket and, handing
it to Colonel Ford, remarked
Colonel Ford, let's drink to the
memory OF the late United States"
could not hear the remark the col
onel made. but he declined the offer.
When General Jackson returned, he
and his staff took leave and galloped
off to the aid of Lee at Antietam, leav-
ing General d. H. Hill to complete
the parole and follow as soon as he
could. thanked my companion for
his great kindness and attention to
me, and l returned to our quarters in
Bolivar. While standing there an
officer of Maryland infantry regi-
ment stopped and offered me a drink
from a flask. | thanked him, but de-
clined. He said, II guess you think
we are Rebel - OF -" said.
mo, don't think of anybody by the
epithet you have used just now"
"Well' returned he, I'VE are just
what said. We are Stonewall Jack
sons men, and we are going to con-
quer. We will conquer by this, .
There he pulled New Testament
from his pocket showing many signs
of use this is Stonewall Jackson's
chart. You won't have drink? Well,
good by and off he went
A comrade and myself became en-
gagged in conversation with a group Of
Georgia men, one of whom asked us