Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1899-02-09

the south side of the railroad and some
large trees on the north side, behind
which they had concealed themselves.
This made it imprudent to follow them
up further, as we did not know what
force might be there, but We kept up
skirmishing fire on them, which was
returned at first spiritedly. One ofour
men was shot in the head and killed.
He was young man, Marylander,
and good soldier. His name and
company l have forgotten. 1t was now
IL o'clock. The firing of the Yankees
behind the trees and old houses had
very much lessened, though on our
side it was kept up. All firing in the
direction Of the army had ceased about
an hour. At this time the Yankees
exhibited white flag, perhaps white
handkerchief, and advanced toward us.
He was met by one Of our men. All
firing ceased. The two men returned
to their respective commands. We all
felt anxious to know the object Of the
flag. We were soon informed that it
was to let US know that General Lee
had surrendered. and asked that We
would cease firing at them. We were
ordered to keep our places, but not to
fire on them unless they first shot al
us. 1t was now about 1l.30 o'clock.
Everything was very quiet. We kept
our places, sadly musing over the tu-
ture. We remained here till 2 .. m,
when we were told to leave as quietly
as possible. With sad hearts and tear
full eyes we mounted our horses and
rode to Lynchburg, where we were
very kindly received by the citizens,
and all our bodily wants very hospita-
bly, attended to. While the citizens
were crushed to the earth in grief,
they Wed with each other in their acts
Of kindness to us.
I think this was the saddest day Of
my life. The future, 0, how dark
My country, what Of hope is there of
the future? Thanks be to God, who
has brought from great gloom and
darkness so much light and JOY to our
hearts.
From Lynchburg l made my way
home, and surrendered in Staunton
about two weeks afterwards. 1t is, as
you say, now nearly twenty.six years
since these memorable events occurred,
and others may have very different
impressions Of them. feel very GER
tain. | know that the last shots fired
at Appomattox c. H. when General
Lee surrendered were delivered by our
command, unless there was some fight
ing after 2 clock of that day, Of which
there is no mention by any one
I was greatly stirred up by the re-
ceipt of your kind letter, and have
summoned up before my minds eye
every member of that noble band of
men, composed of Company F, and in
deed of all our command that so deep
ly impressed me during the war. The
Southern army was composed of the
truest and best men of the Southern
States, but no command of the South
ern army comprised more patriotic
and nobler men than the First Vir-
ginia Cavalry.
l can think of them only as they
appeared twenty-six yeaas ago, Time
has taken away many and made great
changes in the personal appearance of
those that are left, but l know their
hearts are as true as ever. The South
ern soldiers of my community are the
best law-abiding, most influential and
prosperous citizens Of the land.
| must close. l fear l have wearied
you. When l write to a soldier | am
like young man writing to his sweet
heart-do not know when to stop.
Will be glad to hear from you. With
sincere esteem, one of your old COM
mand, B. NJ. ELLIS.