The National tribune., 1900-07-05
HUMANITY AS A WAR ELEMENT.
A Story Told TO Demonstrate Its vaIue-Border War
By H. H. MOORE, D.D.

tailed to gather the fruit, and as the sun
was going down the wag ons, loaded to theiI
utmost capacity, came into camp, were
posted in different localities, and then foi
about 20 minutes 1T literally rained peaches
till about 60 bushels fell. A number OF
soldiers were heard to say; II like this; the
Chaplain is our friend; he only wants that
We should be decent"
On its return the brigade captured a
prominent farmer by the name Of Harris,
with arms in his hands, rallying his neigh
bors TO impede its advance. Closely guard
ed, he was taken along TO West Port. The
Chaplain rode up TO the front gate of the
Harris mansion and asked to see Mrs.
Harris. She came to the gate. be dis
mounted and said:
you are aware, Mrs. Harris, that your
husband is a prisoner of war. He will be
taken TO West Port, and we expect to reach
the place tonight. There has been going
on between the armies what call murder
the killing OF prisoners, and If a case has
occurred within couple of days your nus
band is in great danger. / am determined
this bloody business shall cease, and need
your help. Tomorrow morning take
some lady friend into your buggy and drive
TO West Port You will reach the place at
noon. Call at the Chaplain's tent, and
he will arrange the rest. Good day, and
peace be with you"
The lady arrived on time, and was
properly cared for. The Chaplain had
already seen the General and arranged for
an interview at 1:30 o'clock. Mrs. Harris
was a highly-educated Kentucky lady,
and appreciated the kindly spirit in which
she was received by the General. After
explaining to her the situation, and chaTg-
ing upon MiSSourianS the beginning OF the
killing of prisoners of war, he said:
Mrs. Harris, go home in peace. Tell
your people they must stop killing my men;
hold
prisoners of war, and if they do not / will
shoot two of their men for every one they
kill of mine. Your husband is safe for the
time being, and will fare as well as my sol
diers. You can serve your husband in no
other way as well as you can by turning
missionary and pleading the cause of
humanity. Report wherever you go the
words you hear me speak.
Have you met your husband?"
81 have not"
chaplain, escort Mrs. Harris TO her
husbands quarters, and see that she wants
nothing while she remains in camp"
In manner the General was kindly, but
concise.
Early the next morning Mrs Harris left
for home. AS she bade the Chaplain good
by she said:
"I shall ever prize highly my visit to this
camp. From my husbands lips | have
learned of the kind usage he has received,
and never did receive more polite treat
ment than by all the officers and soldiers |
have met here"
After this eventno more military murders
were committed on the border.
Harris remained with the brigade about
two months. He enjoyed the reading of
all the newspapers that came into the
camp For the first time he came to under
stand the significance of the doctrine of
States rights, and the object of the rebellion
the establishment of confederacy of
independent States, with slavery AS the
cornerstone of each. Having been a
thorough-going Henry Clay Whig, his
Judgment revolted both from the one and
from the other proposition. He was man
OF brains. and his convictions We're decided,
clear and strong. In argument his fellow
prisoners were but children. By all parties
Mr.. Harris had become very much respected;
he was thoroughly trusted, aud as result
his confinement was not very close.
The General soon did not fail TO see that
Harris could be of use to his country at
home among his neighbors. He gave him
a horse, saddle and bride, sold him TO go
home. care for his family, and save his
country as best he could. As he left camp
there was a general handshaking and
many expressions of good wishes. From
first to last during his confinement he
heard not word from aEy one intended to
wound his feelings.
Some months after this event campaign
ing brought the Kansas troops near the
residence of Harris, where they camped for
the night Whilst the boys" wore getting
ready for the night suddenly great shout
was heard among them. A gentleman ON
horseback seemed TO be the csnter of at
traction. and soon everybody INV that
they were receiving call from their former
prisoner. A more hearty greeting We
de:it,t If he ever received or one more highly
enjoyed.
Some months later Gen. Price ,-eated
disturbance in Missouri and the Army of
the Border was ordered to defend q certain
point which brought it at night near its
former camping ground AS the sun was
going down the boys" heard In the distance
martial music, and whilst wondering what
it could signify they saw small flag on
which they recognized the Stars and Stripes
rising over ridge. As small body
about 25-of armed men advanced, the
boys" recognized their prisoner, now Capt.
Harris, in command Of squad of home
guards
Humanity in no way disqualifies man
for being a soldier. Had Harris approach
ed the Kansas troops under the STARS and
Bars" the men who hailed him with every
demonstration Of giadness would have
riddied him with bullets.