Goldsboro weekly argus. [volume] (Goldsboro, N.C.) 1885-1909, 1901-06-27
AFTER NEAR 40 YEARS.
A Letter That Explains Itself,
Which Will Be Read With
General Interest.

home and is ore of our most sub
stantial and progro rossivo citizens,
is one of the little boys referred
to in the letter below which he re-
ceived last week, and which we
persuaded from him for publica-
ton. The other hoy was the late
VIM. Potts, of Washington, N. G:
Framingham, June IS, 1901.
To George E. Orabtree,
DEAR S1R:-In 1862 the regiment
of q. S. troops of which I was a
member was for short time station
ed at Washington, n, c.. While we
were there, became very much in
terested and somewhat acquainted
with two little lads who daily visit
ed our camp. They were well dress
ed and with good manners. and L
was always glad to see their bright
faces with us. George was II years
of age and William was 9 years.
Their full names were George Evans
Crabtree and William A. Potts, as
have them. George was good talker
and was not slow to advance and to
defend the Southern Cause"
Some of my comrades styled him
"red hot little rebel" althoufh with
a kindly spirit, I admired George
for Fo1 fO1
good nature and correct manner.
No vulgar or profane words escaped,
neither did he become angry.
William was a quiet boy with a
sweet, pleasant face. In my leisure
moments I sometimes made Souve-
Mrs from beef bones etc. One day
just before we left Washington, Of
fered each of the boys finger ring,
George was sure they were made
from the bones of soldiers; but I con-
vinced him that it was not so and
the rings were kept by them. This
story may be very mysterious to
you and you may wonder how I can
recall these things which happened
nearly forty years ago. During my
service I kept diary and noted
many incidents which I should not
have remembered otherwise.
In this instance drew in the mar
gin of the pages rough sketch ef
my two interesting little friends.
After I had two little boys, also
two little daughters, I used to take
them upon my knees and tell them
the story of the Southern Boys"
George and William.
So you can see I could not forget,
if 7 would, indeed would not, Your
presence was to me like CLEAN of
sunshine amid the gloom Of our
army life.
Ever since the close of the cruel
war, I have often thought of them,
but until a few weeks ago had
known nothing of them. I learned
that William Potts was still living
in Washington. I wrote him some
what as above and have just receiv
ed a very XII d letter from z NJ
Potts with the sad information that
William died abuot ten years ago.
The let er speaks of " illiam as a
brother, but I cannot determine
whether Z. M. p. is a brother or sis
ter. It did not give any account of
Williams success in life. l know
the war made many changes. bu
I hope that George and William
were saved from disaster and hard
ship. The above litter also stated
that Geo. T.. Crabtree resided in
Goldsboro. and I have written these
lines hoping they may reach my lit
tie friend of years ago. Although
you must b a man Of middle life,
shall always remember you as I
little lad am an old man, Lavlnt
lived three score aud ten ears, ~ .
If I have transgressed the laws O
etq 1ette and of customs, and socie
ty rules in this communication will
you, I am sure you will over ook it
do not wish to be unreasonable
nor inq1isitive, but 1 hope to hea
from you, and to know how you ano
William have Jared in life's strug
giles.
Very truly yours,
A. q, CoRNE4>