The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1897-12-16
An Echo Of AntiGta0.

Sharpsburg, on the summit Of slope
at whose base the Potomac flows
stands the old Maryland manor of the
Douglass family. In that fateful year
lS62, the two sons of the proprietor
we're in the Confederate army -"Rebs'
ola pronounced type both. One served
in the cavalry the other, Henry, then
about twenty, formed one of "Stone
wall 'Jackson's staff.
we all know that after the fearful
butchery OF Antietam was over, fearful
because so useless, because 80 wanting
in result-McClellan remained inactive
facing Lees army, with more fresh
troops under him than the whole rebel
army amounted to. On the night OF
the lSth-l9th Lee fordcd the Potomac
without mOlestatiOn and marched bis
weary troops back into Virginia.
Jackson won't with him and of course,
Colonel Douglas also. Lee remained
near the ford for some time, little fear
ing the Federal army, to give the muc h
needed rest to his men.
Doug lass determined to get at least
q look at his home before the army
moved southwark SO one day he rode
attended ny single orderly only, to
the high ground opposite the old home
see his father walking in the garden,
but between the river and the house
was scattered force of about so
cavalrymen-" Boys in Blue "-guard-
ing the ferry that, in peaceful times,
carried the farmer over to Old "Vir-
ginny." 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
just come to take a last look at it,"
Come across" cried the sergeant
In command you needn't be afraid"
But Douglass 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
he said to Douglass
You want to sec your father and
mother again, do you ?"
"Of course do," replicd Douglass.
"Tbats all right" added the
soldier. Pll give you my word of honor
you shan't be taken prisoner Pm in
command over there.'
ny, WucFe arc I'LL your OllcerS
asked Douglass, in surprise.
"Oh, they're up at Sharpsbarg hay
ing a big dinner it's not likely any Of
them will be about for u long time
yct.'
It was too late to retreat, had he
wished to, and Douglass 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..
Douglass has two sons with you fellows
Ones in the cavalry and the others on
Stonewall Jackson's stat1. | guess
you're that one, amt you?"
Douglass acknowledged the correct.
ness Of his surmise. The other men,
bcrs Of the First New York Cavalry,
for that it turned out to be, had gath
cred at the landing, and gave an
amused greeting to the young "Reb.'
Now you go right up to the house
and see your folks" said the sergeant.
Il guess no good cause could be hurt
by fellow going to see his father and
mother"
But Douglass hesitatcd at tempting
Providence too far, and replied, 81
think had better not go up. Won't
you send man there and let my peo-
pie know am here :"
"pll do that" the sergeant said :,
and p'l put a man on guard to warn
you if any ilcer comes"
The "Reb" and his Yankee enter
tainers chatted pleasantly enough un-
til Mr.. and Mrs. Douglass appeared ::
then the soldiers, those deadly enemies
OF but a yesterdays war, hardened and
cruel in the crimson hour of battle.
silently rose, one after another, and
walked quietly away, ont OF sight, out
of hearing. When Douglass had said
his last goodbye, he called the SER
geant and thanked him warmly for his
unusual Kindness but the soldier only
laughed, and said that it was nothing.
Douglass took piece of paper out of
his note book, wrote @ few words on
Mt, and, handing it to the sergeant,
said:
IF ever you are captured by General
jackson, you get that paper to him or
one Of his staff and | promise that you
will be liberated inside of twenty-four
hours, for l shall tell them how you
have treated me as soon as | get back"
Say, Colonel" remarked one Of the
soldiers, write me the same kind of q
paper, too
Doug lass laughed, and soon each
man had an accident policy against
the dreaded "Stonewall" Jackson
After shaking hands with his host,
Douglass was ferried across again, and
as he stepped ashore the "Yanks u
gave the plucky young "Itob" Il hearty
cheer that was heard by the old couple
in the manor house and recognized as
o signal that all was we'll with their
boy
The soldiers then strolleG up to the
house and asked Mrs. Douglass to show
them photograph of her son. She
handed them one in civil dress. but
that was not what they wanted. "Why
madam" said one, don't be afraid Ol
US; you saw how we treated him.
Then trusting them perfectly she
brought out from its hiding place her
treasure-her boy in full uniform. The
rough troopers passed it from hand tc
hand, delighted, and after a good look
returned it to the mother
When the affair was reported to the
officer commanding the cavalry he
laughed and remarked that, having