The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1902-03-26

~ 10 'OI "I al ScHCloliJ huo" "
Nirginians that the two sisters Of
Gen. George II. Thomas. the III ,tin-
guishcd Union commander, arc still
living at the old family sea in South
ampton County, in the house ia which
he and they were born.
Miss Judith, the elder of the sis
tcrs, is now nearly 80 years old; her
sister, Miss Anne, is probably ten
years her junior. The plantation is
worked by tenants and the rentals en-
able the laC:cs to live in comfortable
manner. Each Of the women is fine
type of the womanhood of Virginia.
Those who have visited them in the
old home come away admiring the
stately courtesy Of the ladies, but sad
dened by the pathos of their lives,
forever manifest.
The life story Of the sisters and
their brother sounds like fction-one
OF those Southern romanccs in which
there is the dazzling CLEAN Of glory
across the gloom of sorrow that will
always last. For in this story is the
love Of woman that made the soldier
forget his country and draw sword
against his people; the patriotism Of
sisters SO strong and so stern that it
made them forever disown and deny
the soldier brother who was the pride
Of the proud family; there is in it a
pride which cnnoblcs and pathos
which makes to flow the founts of
ru-est sympathy.
70 his sisters Gen. Thomas died on
q It April day when he decided to
Lont with the enemies Of his State.
He was appointed to West Point from
Virginia, of course, and his bravery
and skill in the war with Mexico had
won him a splendid sword, presented
by the people Of his county. He was
regarded by those who were forming
the new govcrnm ent as one who you'd
render most powerful aid in the con-
test Of arms all saw would be neces-
sary to it's establishment. The Times
printed few days ago letter from
Gen. Thomas to Governor Letchor de-
clining to accept the position Of chief
OF ordnance under the Virginia gov
ernment. But the concluding portion
of that letter indicated very clearly
that it was the intention of General
Thomas to give. up his commission
in the army of the United States
an case Virginia seeded from the
Union.
There will always be something of
mystery connected with the decision
of Gen. Thomas to fight against his
State. There is not the slightest
doubt that at one time he was deter.
mined to renounce his allegiance to
the old flag and enter tho service Of
the Confederaoy. A relative of Gen.
Jos. E. Johnston recently told me an
interesting story in connection with
the attitude of Gen. Thomas towards
the Confederaoy at the beginning Of
the war. The story was told him by
johnston, and it is believed that it
has never before been printed. Just
about the time Virginia seeded from
the Union General, then Colonel
Johnston and General, then Major,
Thomas were in Washington. In
conversation regarding the general
outlook, and the duty Of Virginians in
the old army, Gen. Johnston said that
he and Gen. Thomas were agreed that
it was the duty of every son Of the
Old Dominion who held commission
in the army Of the United States to
offer his services to his native State,
although her soldiers were to fight
against the Stars and Stripes. Finally
the two officers agreed that on Tues
day of the following weak the two
would 60 to the war department to-
.gether and resign their commissions.
Gen. Thomas told Gen. Johnston that
he had to go to New York or business
but would return in time to keep his
Gen. Thomas went over to New
York. Fitz Lee met him in that city,
and has frequently told little story
in connection with the meeting. Gen.
Thomas married a Northern lady,
probably Philadelphian. Gen. Lee
called to see them at their hotel.o
He had already made up his mind
to resign and enter the service of Vir-
ginia. AS a matter Of fact, he did so
in day or two. On taking leave of
his fellow officer and wife Gen. Lee
remarked:
"Well, Major, I suppose will see