The Columbus journal., 1898-05-04


most heroic incidents of the war Of the
rebellion occurred on the first day Of
the battle Of Gettysburg" SAID Judge
Thomas J. Nackey Of South Carolina
q few evenings ago.
Lee never intended to give hattie at
that point. where the Federals held
vantage ground, but was drawn into
the battle by a question Of shoes. This
last point may seem strange, but 1t Is
nevertheless true. Pettisrew's North
Carolina division Was barefooted and
sot permission to 20 into the town OF
Gettysburg and get I supply OF shoes.
The soldiers there met 4 federal force
and became engaged hotly. Each side
REINFORCED heavily. and the battle
ended with decided advantage on the
part Of the Coniederates. who hold the
Geld.
As General John B. Gordon's bri-
gade was advancing. during the heat of
the battle, he saw . federal general ly-
ing wounded and apparently dying
right In the path. He dismounted, and
raising the head Of the wounded officer,
which lay in . hollow. placed q KNAPP
sack beneath It. He then gave him
some water and whisky to revive him.
He inquired who he was and was in
swered:
81 am General Francis Barlow OF
New York.
What can I do for you. general?'
ssked General Gordon. Have you
any last wish to intrust to me!'
Please take . package of letters
from the breast pocket Of my coat
said Barlow, in q weakened voice.
General Gordon did 50.
Now, eaid Barlow, I beg Of you
to read one to me, for they are from
my wife and l wish her words to be the
last ] shall ever hear
while the shot and shell were plow-
ing up the ground, General Gordon
read aloud the letter OF q noble, patri-
otfc woman to her dying husband.
when he had finished reading I: Gener-
al Barlow requested him to tear ND all
the letters, as he did not wish them to
be profaned BY the eyes Of strangers.
General Gordon bade him goodbye
and hurried forward to ovsrtake his
command. He then sent q Aax NJ
truce by messenger to General Meade
at his headquarters. The messenger
was Informed where Mrs. Barlow
might be found. On receiving General
Cordon's note she hastened to her hus-
band on the field Of battle under nre.
She found him. and. under careful
he recovered health and
strength.
General Gordon and the brave on.
Ger whom he succored on the Reld of
met again about fifteen
years after the date Of the incident I
have related. Gordon was then a
United States senator from Georgia
and Barlow was attorney general of
The state Of New York. At a dinner
given by Mr.. Potter, . representative in
from New York. q gentleman
VAS introduced to Gordon as General
Barlow Of New York city.
Gordon seaEned him closely and
observed:
WAS General Barlow, the brave
soldier Of the union army. who was
killed At Gettysburg. related to you.
sir?'
Though not with literal fidelity to !
historic truth, yes. sir. very cloeely re- |
ated.' was the prompt reply. 4 am the
General Barlow who vas killed at |
Gettysburg. and recognize in you the
General Gordon whoze soldiers killed |
me-
Upon that announcement they gave !
ach other such cordial proofs Of mu-
ual esteem as served to illustrate that
70 hands clasp 20 warmly, at least
mon. Americans. as those that have
heathed the sword. after having drawn
in battle.
This incident serves to emblazon the
ruth Of General Lamar's utterance In
lfs speech upon the death Of Senator
,harles Sumner. delivered In the house
4 Representatives. when he said:
know one another, and you
FIN love one another"