Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1900-03-29
Two Soldiers


! COMING east a few weeks ago over
~ the prairies OF one of our magnifi-
cent new states / formed an acquaint-
ance with a fine-looking gentlemen of
the old Virginia school. Gentlemanly
and courteOus-a typical southeruer-
who told me one of the prettiest stories
| have heard in a long time, Here is
the story:
"WhCn l was a young man l served
during the war in a Virgins regiment
in the confederate army. and surren-
dered with Gen Lee at Appomattox.
enlisted in the valley of Virginia dur
ing the first month Of the war and
served in the Stonewall brigade and di-
vision to its end. One night after the
second days fight in the seven days
battles | was on picket dutyin a 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 bayoues fixed and gun on cock in
the direction OF the sound. Proceeding
half dozen steps, l came face to face
with q union soldier. He was walking
along carelessly with his gun on his
shoulder and never saw u fellow more
astonished than he was when |, with
bayonet pressed almost against his
breast, commanded him to halt, Drop
that gun! Hands up, Yankv l com
handed.
by thunder!' he exclaimed after he
had dropped his Enfield. You're a
Johnny, aim your
az am a confederate soldier said l.
and you are my prisoner
Prisoner! Right here inside Of our
own linesl What does this meau2' he
queried.
You're outside, and NOS inside, of
your lines, Yank, and you're inside our
picket line. What were you trying to
do, anyway, tnmping around here like
a horse in a 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
a foragiug expedition. haven't had a
bite since yesterday morning. You fell
lows scooped our grub you know, and
l am nearly starved.
'Starved2' said I. I've got a little
corubread in my grub sack, and I'll d.
ride throwing off my haVersack. Sit
down and try reb's short ratious.'
My invitation was accepted with avid
jty, and my prisoner dived into that old
grub bag raveuously.
"By this time had become interested
in my prisoner, and after putting a
stop TO his apologies we struck up
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 a short time
we were on the best OF terms, So much
50 that I leaned my gun against
broken branch and sat down beside
him | determined. II possible. to get
him back safe within his own lines. but
before / could do 80 the officer of the
guard came up with the relief.
Where did you ges your Yank?'
aid he.
Captured him back there saidI.
Take him with you and turn him
over said he, and passed on after post
ug my relief.
Johnnie said my prisoner. as we
walked toward camp, will they send me
10 Libby. do you think?'
Keep quiet / replied, and follow
me. Don't open your lips 10 anybody
-ou may meet. I'll do the best can
Tor you.' lf
I'VE got inside the lines without ,
question past . sentry who knew me,