The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1901-11-20

couple VI HourS intervening between
them. Of the first, l find this ac-
count in book recently published by
John Sargent Wise, entitled "The End
Of an Era" John Sargent Wise is tive
son of Henry ~. Wise, once prominen,
in our national politics.
Governor Of Virginia in the latter
'fifties," he was subsequently brig
adler general in the Confederate SER
vice. Though in 1865 but youth Of
IS, john S. Wise was hot Confedcr-
ate, and had already been wounded in
battle. at the time now in question
he chanced to have been sent by jeff
crson Davis, then on his way from
Richmond to Danvillc, with despatch
es to Lee; and, while seeking Lees
headquarters, he came, in the early
morning Of April 8, across his father,
Governor and General Wise, in biv-
ouac with his brigade. The father
was then nearly GO years of age, but
the son found him lying on the ground
asleep among his men. A typical
Southern 'fre- eater of the extreme
type, Henry A. Wise was an out and
out Secessionist and Confederate.
Aroused by his son from his uneasy
slumbcr, almost tho first wish he ex-
pressed was to see General Lee, and
he inquired impetuously Of his where
abouts. The son knew where the
Confederate headquarters were, and
the Two started together to go to them.
John S. Wise has described vividly
the aspect of affairs as they passed
along. "The roads and fields were
filled with stragglers. They moved
looking behind them, as if they ex-
pected to be attacked and harried by
a pursuing foe. Generalization, pan
'c, abandonment Of ell hopc appeared
on every hand. Wagons we're rolling
along without any order or system.
Caissons and timber chests, without
commanding officers, seemed to be
floating aimlessly upon tide of disor-
ganization. Rising to his full height,
casting glance around him like
that OF an eagle, and sweeping the ho-
rizou with his long arm and bony fore
tnger, my father exclaimed This is
the end. 1t is impossible to convey
al idea of the agony and the bitter
ness of his words and gestures. Then
follows description Of the Interview
which ensued:
I'VE found General Lee on the rear
portico Of the house that have men
toned. He had washed his face in a
tin basin and stood drying his beard
with coarse towel as we approached.
General Lee" exclaimed my father,
"my poor, brave men are lying on
yonder hill more dead than alive. For
more THAI week they have been
fighting day and night without food,
aud, by God, sir, they shall not move
another step until somebody gives
them something to eat.
Come in, general, said General
Lee, soothingly. They deserve
something to eat, and shall have it;
and meanwhile you shall share my
breakfast He disarmed everything
like defiance by his frankness.
"lt was but few moments, nowev-
or. before my father launched forth in
a fresh denunciation Of the conduct of
General Bushrod johnson in the en-
gagemen. OF the 9th. I am satisfied
that General Lee felt as he did; but,
assuming on air of mock severity, he
said. General, are you aware that you
are liable to court martial and execu-
tion for insubordination and disre.
spect toward your commanding off :
cer?'
My father looked at him with lift.
ed eyebrow and flashing eyes and ex-
claimed: Shot! You cant afford 20
shoot the men who 6ght for cursipg
those who ran away. Shot! 1 wiah
you would shoot me. If you don t
somc Yankee probably will within the
next twenty-four hours
Growing more serious, General Lee
inquired what be thought of the situ-
alton.
| 'Si,uation?' said the bold old man i,
There is is no situation! Nothing
remains, General Lee, but to put your
poor men on your poor mules aud send
them hcme in time for spring plowing.
This army is hopelessly whipped and
is fast becoming demoralized. These
men have already endured more than
flesh and blood could stand, and say
to you, sir, emphatically, that to pro-
long the struggle is murder, and the
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