The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1902-08-13
Editor Atlanta Journal


cavalry, I wish to say that the sub
ject is by no means exhausted, but |
had hoped that others of the old gang
would take up the task. Many there
are more competent and worthy, but it
is only just to myself to say that none
can love more the men, their cause
and its memories than l.
In reading Of battles, sieges,
marches, hardships, ETC., the average
reader may be unduly impressed with
the horrors of war, and is apt to con-
clude that it is all tragedy, with no
place for comedy, but comedy plays its
part, and the average soldier is much
more inclined to mirLh than mourning.
Of course the hardships and sutferings
of our army were great, but Johnny
Reb wasted but little time in useless
repining and was usually able to ex-
tract some diversion from nearly every
situation, and as rule was equally
ready for fight or a frolic.
Having in my previous communica-
tions told about some Of the fighting
we did, suppose now vary the mono
tony and tell about some Of the fun
we had. would forget the darker
side of the picture if l could, but am
fond Of dwelling upon the lighter
side.
Most of your readers have probably
beard Of the great sham battle Of
J"hnstone' army on the retreat from
j. ,lton, but an amusing incident con-
A,cted Herewith I have never yet
seen published. There was present
thc wife Of General IIardce, and a
number of handsome and accomplished
ladies from Mobile. Among the lat
ter was one having q decided par tall
ty for certain major, who was an ac-
tive participant in the forefront of the
battle. She presently became uneasy
at the apparent dangerous position Of
her sweetheart, and in her excitement
exclaimed, ooh, just look at the Ma
jor Oh, the Major ouglt not to be
there!"
A ragged old cavalryman standing
near, and who was probably more ia
miliar with the majors fighting re-
cord than his fair champion, felt call
ed on TO reply: Don't you be uneasy,
Miss, if twas sure enough fight the
Mejor wouldn't be nowhere near
thar"
The young ladys indignation and
disgust can better be imagined than
described, and if look could have
killed, thee would have been dead
oavalryman then and there.
After the battle Of Chickamauga
our division (Martin' 81 was sent with
Longstreet on his Knoxville campaign,
and remained with him until both men
and horses were worn to frazzle.
Early in 1861 we were ordered to
Oxford, Ala, to recruit. This Sec
tion had suffered comparatively little
from the ravages of war, forage and
food were plenty, and after our severe
wiuter campaign in East Tennessee
seemed verify land Of milk and hon
ey. Many ladies visited the camp
almost daily, and picnics and parties
we're the order of the day.
The cavalryman favorite sport was
horse racing, but there the monotony
was varied. We were enca nped in
Chocoloco valley, in which lived
"Unole" Taylor DeArman, the breed.
er Of famcuy strain Of game chick
ems, and cook fighting soon became as
popular as horse racing had been.
The cOntagion spread until the officers
became infected, and then as usual, it
was the Alabama brigade on the one
side and Georgia brigade on the other.
The Alabamians had decidedly the ad-
vantage, in not only being able to get
the best of "Uncle" Taylor's cocks,
but also in having his friend, Bill
Taylor, a noted heller, to handle the
birds 10 the pit. The result vas that
Alabama soon had money to burn,
while Georgia went dead broke. Col.
Crews, commanding the Georgia bri-
gade, and his men were blue, while
General (now Senator) Morgan and his
Alahamians were exultant; and to
make it worse the Alabamians were
disposed TO Grub it in by tantalizing
H&he Georgians on every occasion.
At this stage Of the game Crews
went to Columb 9, and after consider
.-ahle delay and expense, secured q
coop Of fighting chickens Of celebra-
ted Georgia strain, and another big
main was arranged. The Georgians
Who were able sent home for more
funds, others borrowed from friends,