The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1899-03-09
Two Soldiers

HOM1NG east few weeks ago over
u the prairies Of one of our magnifi-
cent new states formed an acquaint-
ance with fne-loodng gentlemen Of
the old Virginia school. Gentlemanly
and courteous-a typical southerner-
who told me one Of the prettiest stoqieo
] have heard in long time. Here IL
the story:
"When I was young man I served
during the war in Virginia regiment
in the confederate army. and surren-
dered with Gen. Leo at Appomattox.
enlisted in the valley Of Virginia dur
ing the first month Of the war and
served in the stonewsll brigade and d.
vision TO It's end. One night after the
second days fight in the seven days
battles was on picket duty in hollow
between two heavily wooded hills.
"As the opposing lines of videttes
were very close together, was careful
to keep quiet until learned the cause
of the noise. I didn't have to wait long,
a. footsteps oame nearer and nearer
until only the width of the broken TO-
hage of the tree behind which l stood
separated me from the maker of the
racket; then quietly crept around
with bayonet hxed and gun on cock in
the direction of the sound. Proceeding
half Q dozen steps, I came face to face
with union soldier. He was walking
along carelessly with his gun on his
shoulder, and I never saw fellow more
sstonished than he was when I. with
bayonet pressed almost against his
breast, commanded him to halt. Drop
that gunl Hands up. Yank!' COM
manded.
"'By thunGerl' he exclaimed after he
had dropped his Enfield. You're .
Johnny. amt you"
"T am confederate soldier said l.
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, tranrping around here like
a horse in brush heap? Everybody
within 100 yards could hear you thrash
ing about. You're not a picket, are
your
"'No,' said he, 4 stole about camp on
q foraging expedition. l haven't had
bite since yesterday morning. You fel-
lows scooped our grub you know, and
] am nearly starved.
'Starved2' said I. I've got q little
M I,pos, Il iv, l. 4
vide,' throwing of my haversack. sit
down and try 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
stop to his apologies we struck up a
conversation He told me his name, and
said that his people lived near Column
bus, o., where before the war had been
somewhat acquainted. In short time
we were on the best Of terms, 90 much
20 that ! leaned my gun against
broken branch and sat down beside
him determined, If possible, to get
him back safe within his own lines, but
before could do 20 the officer Of the
guard came up with the relief.
Where did you get your Yankr
aid 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. - we
walked toward camp. win they ssnd me
70 Libby. do you thinlc3'
Keep quiet,''I replied. 'and follow
me-. Dent open your lps 70 anybody
you may meet I'll do ths bsst ] eaa
for you.'
oeWe got inside the HnAs without
& S6sstson pest ? sentsy Who knew me.