The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1901-12-11

overcoat or more than one blanket
There were but few who in their secre,
hearts did not forcsee the rapidly ap.
preaching end
But the mcrciful author of our be
ing has implanted in each soul sccc
which terminates and flowers in def
ance of every obstacle. Men can bear
up surprisingly when associated in
misfortune, and We had faith in that
leader who never had failed us. We
believed that General Lee would not
permit us to be sacrificed when the
struggle became hopeless and SO long
as nc remained there were thousands
who resolved to adhere to him. But
had chance shot killed him any time
during that winter it is uncertain
whether any other general could have
held the army together, so evident
was the desperation Of the situation
and so great was their confidence in
him.
| Several weeks before Christmas some
good hearted person, probably wo-
man, suggested that Virginia give a
dinncr-a real old-fashioned Christ
mas dinner to the army Of Northern
Virginia. The few newspapers that
remained gave hearty support to the
proposal, and it was theme in many
bomb proofs and picket holes. 1t be-
came resolved upon, and we werc told
that we should have an old time, "be-
fore the war;" dinner, such as the
high-bred, hospitable gentry Of cole
Fcrginy never tires," used to set be-
fore their guests.
Sunday, the 25th of December,
1864, was an ideal day to be the ami
versary Of the Nativity. Clear, yet
not cold, nature seemed in ympathy
with the blessed time. The sun came
up and the first day for many months
looked upon the armies who were not
carrying on the work Of death 1t
seemed as though each had agreed to
suspend their deadly efforts for one
day. a head could appear for Sec
ond or two above the parapet and in
full sight Of the enemy and not have
dozen minnie balls fred at it. Both
sides soon discovered that the orders
to fire ut an enemy whenever in sight
were being disobeyed. The men had
suspended their work without being
so ordered and in few minutes they
we're passing in full sight of each
other, shouting the compliments Of
the season, giving invitations to cross
over and take o drink, to come to din
ner, to come back into the Union, to
come over and get plug of tobacco
and other amenities, which were a
singular contrast to the aaperities Of
war. Several times group of three
or four from each side would dash out
from the trenches in spite Of the com-
mands of the officers and meet mid
way, have rapid exchange of drinks,
tobacco and other objects. To visi-
tor ignorant Of war it would have ap-
peared Incredible that the mon thus
fraternizipg had been trying to kill
each other for years. Some time
after noon Yankee who was very
tipsy staggered up to the trenches oc-
cupied by the Thirty. fifth Narth Caro-
lima regiment, and after trying in vain
to climb over, begged to be helped.
He was pulled across and was soon
asleep. This seemed to be getting
too strong, and upon its being report
ed to General Ransom, he ordered the
man to be sent back as soon as posi-
bic and rife to be fired, but not at
the enemy. The Forty-ninth regi-
ment was nearest the generals bomb
proof, and accordingly rife was dis
charged upward from it. This was
the first shot that had broken tho
peacefulness Of the day in the writer 8
hearing. was in the trenches when
it was fred, and instantly every man
who had been exposing himself was
out of sight Of an enemy. Perfect
silence followed. Everyone, not
knowing the cause Of the single dis
charge, expected something much more
important to succeed. But the quiet
was profound until the explanation
circulated through the Confederate
lines. When Bob Phifer. OF Com
pany D, Thirty-fifth North Carolina
regiment, reared his burly form above
the parapet and called out, .Say,
Yank. let's talk some more. Bring q
drink to. the picket holes and I'll carry
some tobacco" the answer came from
q soldier in blue, who also showed
himself. t'No. some Of Won Johnn;es