The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1897-11-02
An Echo of Antietam.

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the proprietor were in the Confederate
army-"Rebs'' of a pronounced type
both. One served in the cavalry the
other, Henry, then about twenty,
formed n Of ''StoDewalI" Jackson's
stiff.
We all know that after the fearful
butchery of Antietam was over-fear
full because so useless, because SO want
ing in result-McC lellan remained mac.
tive during the whole of September Is,
facing Lees army, with more fresh
troops under him than the whole rebel
army amounted to. On the night of
the 1Ssh-19Gh Lee forded the Potomac
without molesting and marched his
weary troops back into Virginia.
Jackson went with him and, of course,
Colonel Douglas also. Lse remained
near the ford for some time, little fear.
ing the Federal army, to give the much
needed rest to his men.
Douglass determined to get at least
a look at his home before the army
moved southwark; so one day be
rode attended by q single orderly only,
to the high ground opposite the old
homestead. He was 80 near that he
could see his father walking in the
garden, but between the river and the
hsuse was scattered a force of about
so cavalrymen boys in Blue"-
guarding the ferry that, in peaceful
times, carried the farmer over to Old
"Virginny." But the temptation was
stronger than the cavalrymen, and
down the hill strobe Douglass until he
stood at the edge of the river. His
uniform soon attracted the soldiers,
and one of them called across to know
what he wanted.
That's my home up there, and I
just come to take a last look at it."
Come across" cried the sergeant in
command; you needn't be afraid"
But Douglas sense of military duty
prevailed, and he hesitated. The ferry
boat was, of course, on their side; so
one of the blue coats said, we'll come
over and get you" The sergeant
formed a part of the crew; on landing
ne said to Douglas:
You want to see your father and
mother again, do you3"
"Of course I do" replied Douglas.
That's all right" added the soldier,
I'll give you my word of honor you
shan't be taken prisoner. I'm in COM
mand over there"
why, where r all your ofcersH'
asked D Douglass, in surprise.
"Oh, they're up at Sharpsburg hay
ing a big dinner; it's not likely any of
them will be about for a long time
yet"
It was too late to retreat, had he
wished to, and Douglas saw no reason
to doubt the sincerity OF his compan
ions. On the way across the sergeant
said:
The folks here told me old Mr..
Douglas has two sons with you fellows.
One's in the cavalry and the others on
5Gonewall Jackson's staff. 1 guess
you'r8 thai one, amt you9"
Douglas acknowledged the correct
bers Cf the First New York Cavalry,
for that it tured out to be, had gath,
cred at the landing, and gave an
amused greeting to the young "R9b."
Nov you go right up to the house
and see your folks" said the sergeant.
Il guess no good cause could be hurt
by a fellow going to see his father and
mother"
But Douglas hesitated at tempting
Providence too far, and replied, II
think 1 had better not go up. Won't
you send a man there and let my peo-
pie know 1 am here9"
It'll do that" the sergeant said,
land I'll put a man on guard to warn
you if any officer comes"
The 'Reb" and his Yankee enter
tanners chatted pleasantly enough IN
TIL Mr.. and Mrs. Douglas appeared;
then the soldiers, those deadly enemies
of but q yesterdays war, hardened
and cruel in the crimson hour Of bat
tle' silently rose, one after another,
and walked quietly away, out of sight,
out Of hearing. When Douglas had
said his last goodbye, he called the
sergeant and thanked him warmly for
his unusual kindness, but the soldier
only laughed, and said that it vas
nothing. Douglas took a piece of pa
per out of his note book, wrote a few
words on it, and, handing it to the
sergeant, said: