The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1901-02-15

We had scarcely tied our horses
before word was circulated that Gen
eral Robert E. Lee (who was then
on tour of inspection looking after
the coast defence) was coming. In
less time than it takes to tell it Capt.
McKissick had his men drawn up in
line to welcome and give the greatest
living man on the continent three
cheers as he passed. The other
troops did likewise and as the general
and his escort rode by the Confeder-
ates greeted them with rounds after
rounds of applause that made the
piney woods ring for miles around.
The next morning the booming of
cannon aud the bursting Of shells
from, the gunboats in Edisto inlet
made US feel that we were soon to
be initiated into active service. The
bugle sounded SADDLE up" and the
command in few minutes was in
line and the men were counted off
by whole numbers beginning on the
right" Presently 1t. Camp Frost.
acting adjutant, came dashing down
the line mounted on fiue iron grey
charger, dividing the column into
platoons as follows: l and 10 on
right and left of 1st platoon; II
and 80 on right and left of End
platoon; 33 and 48 on right and left
of 3rd platoon; 40 and GA on right
and left of 4th platoon; IS and 80 on
right and left of 5th platoon; 81 and
p6fGataSon; 6fG tan;;: 1irs and fig on right and
left of 9th platoon, etc. Capt. Walsh
gave the command "By platoons,
right half wheel-march," and the
whole column, as if it were one vast
machine made up of men and horses,
moved as if automatically. The next
command was "form fours," and the
line was counter marched in column
of fours. The "Claremont troops
Capt. Walsh, of Sumter, was in front
next the s'Newberry Rangers
Capt. Spearman, of Newbery; mex
the "McKissick Ransers"-Capt. L
G. McKissiok, of Union; while tn
"Congaree Cavalries Capt. Fowler
of Columbia, brought up the rear
AS the column was being counter
marched the troops could look int
each others faces and almost read tn
character of the men with whom
they were now associated in a mill
tary family. This brought immens
cheering from the troops, togethee
with ali kinds of congratulations, tn
ore from the other. While all thl
was going on the Holcomb Legio
Infantry, WHICH had bivouaced o
the opposite side Of the road fro
the cavalry, were drawn up in liz
) ready to march. AS the cavall
! passed the infantry presented arm
3 On the right of the infantry was Il
e artillery. The men wore their r.
n caps and taatefully made uniforr
0 and with their guns were in readine
h to Join the procession when their tir
7, came. AS we'll as I can now reme'
n Der there were four guns beloning
l. the battery. 1t was beautiful 81
D bath morning, and just as the no
II of the column reached the village
IN Adams Run, through which we B
es to pass, on our way to White Poi
I'd the church going people made tn
lg appearance on the streets. i
III ladies wore home made dresses Q
US the children were attired in the go
e- material-all tastefully and arti
rs cally made.
sp The situation to us was an ano'
ho lous one. Far to the front and +
lse we could see nothing but arr
er- soldiers marching to meet q comr
evenly, while the peaceful Worship
m of Almighty God were gathering
yht in His house to worship Him in
MS beauty of holiness. AS the COLI
of marched past the church buiit
the our ear caught the sound OF that
wn. soul-stirring melodious hymn