The Southern herald., 1899-04-21

N0MING east few weeks ago over
u the prairies of one Of our magnifi-
cent new states | formed an acquaint-
ance with fire-looking gentlemen OF
the old Virginia school. Gentlemanly
and courteous-a typical southerner-
who told me one of the prettiest stories
| have heard in long time. Here is
the story:
when | was a young man served
during the war in Virginia regiment
in the confederate army. and surren-
dered with Gen. Lee at Appomattox. l
enlisted in the valley of Virginia dur
ing the first month of the war and
served in the Stonewall brigade and d.
vision TO its end. One night after the
second days fight in the seven days
battles was on picket dutyin hollow
between two heavily wooded hills.
"As the opposing lines of videttes
were very close together, was careful
to keep quiet until l learned the cause
of the noise. / didn't have to wait long,
as footsteps came nearer and nearer
until only the width of the broken TO-
liage of the tree behind which | stood
separated me from the maker of the
racket; then quietly l crept around
with bayonet fixed and gun on cock in
the direction of the sound. Proceeding
half dozen steps, l came face to face
with union soldier He was walking
along carelessly with his gun on his
shoulder and never saw fellow more
astonished than he was when /, with
bayonet pressed almost against his
breast, commanded him to halt. Drop
that gun! Hands up, Yank!' COM
manded.
by thunder!' he exclaimed after he
had dropped his Enfield. You're
Johnny, amt you"
L am a confederate soldier said !,
and you are my prisoner
"'Prisoner! Right here inside of our
own lines! What does this mean?' he
queried.
"'You're outside, and not inside, Of
your lines, Yank, and you're inside our
picket line. What were you trying to
do, anyway, tramping around here like
a horse in brush heap? Everybody
within 100 yards could hear you thrash
ing about. You're not a picket, are
you?'
"'No,' said he, 4 stole about camp on
a foraging expedition. l haven't had
bite since yesterday morning. You fel-
lows scooped our grub you know, and
l am nearly starved
"'Starved?' said I. I've got little
cornbread in my grub sack, and I'll d.
vidc,' throwing off my haversack. sit
down and try a reb's short rations,'
My invitation was accepted with avid
ity, and my prisoner dived into that old
grub bag ravenously.
"By this time had become interested
in my prisoner, and after putting q
stop to his apologies we struck up a
conversation. He told me his name, and
said that his people lived near Colum-
bus, o., where before the war had been
somewhat acquainted. In a short time
we were on the best of terms, so much
so that I leaned my gun against
broken branch and sat down beside
him. 1 determined, if possible, to get
him back safe within his own lines, but
before l could do so the officer of the
guard came up with the relief.
Where did you get your Yank"
said he.
Captured him back there, saidI
Take him with you and turn him
over said he, and passed on after post
ing my relief.
Johnnie said my prisoner, as we
walked toward camp, will they send me
to Libby, do you think?'
Keep quiet replied, and follow
me. Don't open your lips to anybody
you may meet. I'll de-. the best can
for YOU
1--WE got inside the lines without
question past sentry who knew me,