Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1899-04-28
Two Soldiers

N0MING cast few weeks ago over
the prairies OF one Of our magnifi-
cent new states / formed an acquaint-
ance with a fine-looling gentlemen of
the old Virginia school. Gentlemanly
and courteous-a typical southerner-
who told me one of the prettiest stories
! have heard in n long time. Here is
the story:
"When / was young man | served
during the war in Virginia regiment
in the confederate army, and surren-
dered with Gen. Lee at Appomattox. I
enlisted in the valley of Virginia dur
Jug the first month of the war and
served in the Stonewall brigade and di-
vision TO it's 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 chose together, was careful
to keep quiet until 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 crept around
with bayonet fixed and gun ON cock in
the direction of the sound. Proceeding
half dozen steps, 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 has
breast. commanded him to halt. Drop
that gun Hands up, Iankn ! COM
manded.
"'By thunder!' he exclaimed after he
had dropped his Enfield, You're a
Johuy, amt your
az am a confederate soldier said !,
and you are my prisoner.
"Prisoner! Right here inside of our
own lines! What does this mean" he
queried.
"'Youre 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
horse ip brush heap? Everybody
within 100 yards could hear you thrash
ing about. You're not picket, arc
you"
"'No.' said he, Il stole about camp on
n foraging expedition. haven't had a
bite since yesterday morning. You fel
lows scooped our grub you know, and
] am nearly starved.
"'Starved?' said !. I've got little
cornbread in my grub sack, and I'll di'
vide,' throwing off my haversack. Sit
down and try reb's short rations.
NV invitation was accepted with avid
ity, and my prisoner dived into that ole
grub bag ravenously.
"By this time had become interested
in my prisoner, and after putting q
stop to his apologies we struck up q
conversation. He told me his name, anc
said that his people lived mean Column
bus, O.. where before the war | had beer
somewhat acquainted. In short time
we were on the best of terms, so mucl
so that / leaned my gun against
broken branch and sat down beside
him. | determined, If possible, to ge'
him back safe within his OWN lines, bu
before could do so the officer OF tht
guard came up with the relief.
"Nyhere did you get your 1ank?
said he.
"'Captured him back there, said !,
"'Take him with you and turn hin
over said he, and passed on after post
ing my relief
"'Johnnie, said my prisoner, as W.
walked toward camp, will they send mi
to Libby, do you think%
"Keep quiet replied, and follov
me. Don't open your lips to anybody
YOU may meet. III do the best cal
for you
"We got inside the lines without
question past a sentry who knew me