Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-05


Sharpsburg. the Union forces also used the
Martz residence as hospital Mrs. Martz
had about 200 chickens. These were appro-
priated and used as nourishing food for the
wounded Union soldiers. Her sheets ana
other bedding were torn into strips and
used as bandages. Even her mattress COW
erings were used for similar purposes, the
feathers being dumped in the yard.
when returned to my wrecked home"
said Mrs Martz, ut looked like slaughter
house, and have never received penny
from the government for the damages"
Grateful for Favor.
A venerable peach grower whose home,
two-story frame structure. was located
short distance west Of the Mountain House.
the battle of South Mountain said he would
ever feel grateful to a confederate major
who visited his home on the night before
the fight. The major was accompanied by
another officer. They asked for supper
and proffered confederate money to pay for
the repast. The farmers wife prepared for
them hot biscuits, coffee, eggs and bacon.
After partaking heartily Of the food the
major showed his gratitude by giving the
farmer information and advice which proba-
bly, saved the lives of himself and family.
The major said the farmer had better vacate
his premises before daylight.
Your dwelling" he continued, lis be-
tween the two opposing lines, and at the
crack of day tomorrow there will be h
In this vicinity. You have treated me kind
ly, tonight. now take a friends advice and
get away from here. bag and baggage, at
once"
The two officers then left the house and
the farmer watched them disappear in the
gloom in the direction Of the confederate
line where the confederates were sleeping
on their arms ready for the fray at day
break. The farmer hitched his horses to
wagon loaded with his more valuable pos
the following day the farmer heard the
rattle of musketry as the battle waxed
warmer. Then the firing died away in the
direction of Boonsboro and Sharpsburg, and
he knew the confederates had retreated.
That evening he returned to his mountain
home to find it badly wrecked. Musket
balls fired by both armies and cannon shot
fired by the southerners had riddled the
building. Had the farmer and his family re-
manned there until the fight opened at day
light they would probably have persisted.
II treasure the confederate money given
me by that major in payment for his sup
reminders Of our narrow escape from
DEATH"
A Pathetic Incident.
Mr. Washington Reeder, who died re-
Gently at his home on the Baltimore and
pathetic incident which occurred during
the retreat of General Lees forces. While
walking along the pike he came across
wounded confederate sitting by the road
side and propped against tree, where he
had been left by his comrades. He had a
bullet wound in the leg, the missile having
severed an artery. small stream Of blood
trickled from his wounded member and
formed little pool in the road. Mr.. Reed
er asked him If he was not afraid he would
bleed to death.
Maybe will" replied the wounded SOL
der, who was scarcely more than seven
teen years of age.
PLEASE get me a drink OF water; am
furnishing"
Reeder went to the spring about half
mile distant, and when he returned with
the water the boy soldier was dead. His
eyes were open and staring. In one hand
he held a small Bible, in the other a
daguerreotype of a venerable woman-his
mother in far-away Dixie, perhaps.
AS the confederates were retreating from
South mountain to Sharpsburg they had
been without rations for about twenty
four hours. The surrounding fields were
filled with waving corn. These fields were
raided, with results similar to those which
follow grasshopper invasion in Kansas.
The confederates eagerly devoured the
green ears of corn green fruit and what
ever else in the vegetable or fruit line that
came to hand. This in large measure &C
counts for the large sick and mortality re
ports of the Army Of Northern Virginia
which followed the Maryland campaign.
Prevalent Superstitions.
Many of the residents in the vicinity Of
South mountain are superstitious as re-
CARDS the battle ground which General
Reynolds and so many brave men gave up
their lives. Certain places on the noun
tain are reputed to be haunted by the
ghosts of the men in blue and gray. The
natives tell wierd stories of the uncanny
scenes they claim enacted there dur
ing the candle light hours.
The dry well in which hundreds of con-
federates were buried is a spot particu-
larly dreaded. Some Of the mountaineers
saw that about midnight clouds of gray
smoke arise from the WELL. finally becom-
ing bank Of fire. One thing is certain,
some of the natives will not cross South
mountain after nightfan for love or
money.