Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1898-11-23
HONEST JOHN AND RARE RAN.
J. J. Laffcrty In the Richmond Christian
Advocate

J. Randolph Tucker. They were apart,
the distance of the poles IN their social
manners, yet near in the integrity OF
character. Letcher had been the war
Governor Of Virginia and Congressman.
He was called "honest John Letcher."
The word "honest" meant the man.
He had no duplicity nor cowardice.
Men knew "where Letcher stood" "
His huge head was hairless. An &C.
zema infamed his bare pate and strong
face. The discoloration gave occasion
for political partisans to make merry.
1 knew how false their insinuations.
He cared nothing for their SANDER
utterly Indifferent. His State papers
were virile. His moral courage was
unquestioned. Like all men of noble
instincts, his heart was tender. A help
less fellow in the clutches of the law
could reckon on Letcher to defend him.
He was without malace.
He told me that during his career in
Congress no Southern mas was ever
suspected Of any connection with q
"deal," except once. A member from
Florida, in regard to certain swamp
lands, did not seem above suspicion,
though there was no conviction. He
was not allowed to associate with the
members from his section. Not long
ago / saw a sentence from a speech In
New England. "lhe Southern man
was a rebel, took his toddy, not churchly
when in wrath, but it was worth your
life to suggest mutual steal to him. "
Governor Letcher's residence was
burned TO the ground by General Hun
ter in his raid up the Valley. A guard
was put around the house. Mrs Letch-
er was assured that the property would
be protected. Without a moments
mott ce soldiers poured into every room
They drew open the drawers and
drenched the contents with oil. Mrs.
L etcher asked to save her lettle chill
dren's clothing. Not garment was
allowed to be removed General Az
Grill told Governor Letcher after the
war that the burning YVES to destroy al.
his papers. AS the war was beginning,
Governor Letcher received many COM
nunications from army and navy men
fri endly to the South. They remained
in the North and they did not wish
their letters to compromise them. L
h card the name Of two or three, who
like Stanton, were fercely for the
South at the Start, but changed.
1 made n note of Governor Letcher's
account Of carrying the information OF
Jacksons victories, near Port Republic
in The Valley of Virginia to President
Davis. 1t is remembered Jackson was
retreating up the Valley with hope Of
escaping into a gap of the Blue Ridge.
Two armies were pursuing him. One
pressing him along the turnpike run
ming through Winchester, Harrison
burg, Staunton, etc. He was encumb-
cred with four miles of wagons, mainly
captured from General Banks IN the
lower Valley. He had to pause and
fight General Fremont's pursuing
force. At Harrisonburg he left the
pike and headed for Browns Gap in
the Blue Ridge. But General Shields
was forging ahead to get between him
and the mountain. Jackson came in
sight Of the hamlet OF Port Republic
on the Shenandoah, pressed by FIRE.
mont,
Shields was between Jackson and the
mountain. The river separated him
and the Confederates. Jackson faced
about and whipped Fremont at the
Dunkard Church. Major Hartman, OF
Jackson's army, hurried dispatch to
Governor Letcher announcing the vic
tory. Letcher walked over to the
Presidents house. There was crowd
attending levee. Mr.. Davis aud his
Secretary of War treated the news as
doubtful-very improbable. They said
that Jackson had been retreating for
a hun bred niles and the best they
could hope for him was refuge in the
Blue Ridge. They questioned if that
VISA possible, but as to battle and de-
feat OF the enemy, that was on its very |
face n fctiCn. Letcher told MIR. DAVIS
that he knew Hartman and was sure
he would not send him wild rumor.
As either Mr.. Davis nor the war de-
partment heard word from Jackson
the story Of success seemed an idle
rumor. Letcher said Hartman was
friend and therefore likely TO send the
news Mr.. Davis declined to credit the