The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1903-03-18

During the stormy days subsequent
to thcCivil War when the entire South
vas overrun by hordes Of Federal SOL
diers, there were many acts Of bravery
performed not only by the soldicry,
but by those whose Whitening locks
indicated they were past the age limit
for active service; but not withstand
ing this, the fire and enthusiasm of
youth still burned within their hearts.
The following incident is true in
every respect, and the particulars can
be authenticated by the writer. Sit
uated on q large tract of land, there
stood adjacent to one Of our noble
mountain streams a country mansion
whose portals were always open to the
passing stranger and erstwhile guest.
At the close of the Civil War this
homestead had given, as so many
others in our fair Southland had done,
a goodly number of brave sons to the
Lost Cause. Previous to the great
struggle there dwelt within these
walls happiness, good cheer, and all
that constitutes the pleasures and
joys of life, combined with the highest
social position, intelligence and
wealth.
The honored sire, Captain John
Maxwell, Of Pendleton, South Caro-
lima, owner Of the beautiful Seneca
home, was q true type of a Southern
gentleman. Hale, hearty and active,
he hsd sent with a warm throbbing
heart, but grave determination of pur-
pcec, noble SOM and sons-in-law to
offend the home of their beloved
:. untry, while he remained in the
homeland for the protection of his
household. Upon one occasion when
the blue coats" were engaged in
ruthless and frequent raids upon their
enemies property, they encountered
the old captain while out on a morn
ing's reconnoitre for the purpose Of
"epying out the land" Seated upon
his noble black charger who had borne
his master over hill aud dale, and
through winters stormy blasts and
summers torrid heat, he presented to
the astonished beholders a very unique
and striking figure. His erect form,
clad in q homemade suit covered with
q long, heavy overcoat, q soft. felt hat
shading his keen but kindly blue
eyes, his very figure breathing defiance
and energy, his hands firmly grasping
the reins Of his prancing steed, be sped
onward, throwing backward aver anon
menacing glanoes upon bis advancing
enemies, who, animated by such an
object of hatred, could but admire the
pluck and skill Of the rider as he gave
o loose rain to his faithful steed and
seemed to invite the coming race.
Noble Keowee, the brave horse,
tossed aloft his glossy name, and
champing his bit in eager haste he
stamped impatiently when his master
paused a second to view the supposed
impediment to his progress. Directly
ahead, in full view, there doomed up
an old fashioned rail fence, tall and
seemingly a formidable barrier 20 the
equestrian.
Seeing no way of escape, the Cap
tain, slightly raising his 1.-the form,
swept the landscape with a practiced
eye, aud nerving himself for the final
effort, urged his fiery steed { r q bold,
deep plunge, and clearing the ten
rail fence at bound, landed Sc
eurels on the green sward which
sloped downward to the low lands Of
the river bank. Glanoing defantly
over his shoulder and extending his
right hand. he fourished his old whip
in a variety Of curious and air-cutting
revolutions and shouted in o vibrant
voice: "Cetch me if you can't The
ringing tones possessed all the con-
eentrated Ere and enthusiasm of q
young and deuntless heart, and the
intelligent animal who bore his master
so we'll seemed to catch the spirit OF
his rider, ana covered himself" with
the honors of a well-fought victory.
On they sped, a weird and grotes-
que picture, the worthy captain gain
ing at every step the advantage Of his
pursuers who, not being able to leap
the barrier, dispersed in vsrious direc-
lions. Finally the remnant Of the
party being worn out with such rapid
and fruitless transit, espied the