The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1898-07-13
SAVED A FOES LIFE,
Strange Incident of Generals Gordon and
BARLOW at Gettysburg.

"A most pathetic as we'll as one Of
the most heroic incidents of the Civil
war occurred on the first day of the
battle OF Gettysburg" said Judge
Thomas J. Mackey, of South Carolina,
few evenings ago.
''Lee never intended to give battle
at that point, where the Federals held
vantage ground, but was drawn into
the battle by question of shoes.
This last point may seem strange, but
it is, nevertheless, true. Pettigrew's
North Carolina division was bare
footed, and got permission to go into
the town of Gettysburg to get sup
ply of shoes from the stores. The
soldiers there met Federal force and
became engaged hotly. Each side re-
inforced heavily. and the battle ended
with decided advantage on the part
of the confederates, who held the
field.
GAS General John B. Gordon's
brigade was advancing during the heat
of 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 a
knapsack beneath it. He then gave
him some water and whisky to revive
him. He inquired who he was, and
was answered:
"I am General Francis Barlow, of
New York.
"'What can 1 do for you, General?'
asked 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 weakened voice.
General Gordon did so.
"'Now,' said Barlow. 4 beg Of
you to read one to me, for they are
from my wife, and 1 wish her words
to be the last shall hear
"While the shot and shell were
plowing up the ground General Cor
don read aloud the letter of a noble,
patriotic woman to her dying hus-
band. When he had finished reading
it General Barlow requested him to
tear up all the letters, as he did not
wish them to be profaned by the eyes
of strangers.
General Gordon babe him good-by
and hurried forward to overtake his
command. He then sent flag of
truce by messenger to General Meade
to his headquarters. The messenger
was informed where Mrs. Barlow
might be found. On receiving Gen
eral Gordon's note she fastened to her
husband on the field of battle under
fire. She found him, and, under care
full nursing, he recovered health and
strength.
General Gordon and the brave Off
Ger whom he succored or the field of
Gettysburg met again about fifteen
years after the date of the incident 1
have related. Gordon was then
United States Senator from Georgia
and Barlow was Attorney General of
the State of New York. At dinner
given by Mr.. Potter, a representative
in Congress from New York, a gentle
man was introduced to Gordon as
General Barlow, of New York City.
Gordon scanned 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 closely
related, was the promptreply. 4 am
the General Barlow who was killed at
Gettysburg, and 1 recognize in you
the General Gordon whose soldiers
killed me-
"Upun that announcement they
gave each otker such cordial proofs OF
mutual esteem as served to illustrate
that no hands clasp so warmly, at least
among Americans, as those that have
sheathed the sword, after having
drawn it in battle.
''Tbis incident serves to emblazon
the truth of General Lamar's utter.
ance in his speech upon the death OF
Senator Charles Sumner, delivered in
the House of Representatives, when
be said: Americans know one another
and you will love one another. ~
Washington Post.
Vanilla brings into Mexico a million