The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1905-07-26
Heroes Meet Again.

full and historic old town, little scene
was enacted that arrested the atten-
tion of the onlcokers and swelled their
hearts with such emotions as to bring
tears to the eye. Simply the meeting
of two old soldiers who had fought to.
gether and loved each other in the
days Of the COS, and had met for the
FIRST time since the fate of battle sepa-
rated them 40 years ago, only this,
nothing more, and yet, how pathetic!
When the bugle blast Of war was
| sounded, aud the South demanded the
service Of her sons, among those who
volunteered from this county in her
defence were William Hart and Abe
Gilchrist, boys then, gloryiug in their
lusty youth aud strength, their eyes
cleaning with the light of patriotism.
Not 80 yesterday, for then their walk
was uncertain aud slow. Time, with
its sunshine and shadows, had wrought
its changes.
Although they have both always
lived in the county, by some fatality
yesterday was the first time they had
met since the war. Unexpectedly
they came face to face. First stare
"a pause-then mutual recognition;
then heart to heart they clasped each
other in loving embrace and wept for
Joy. No affectation there, nature was
playing its part, they just oouldn't
help it.
When self-control was regained Mr..
Har: spoke first, "Why Abe said
he, ;'the last time l saw you, you
were giving poor Oscar Sheppard a
drink Of water when he lay dying on
the battlefield Of Trevillian Station"
The story was pathetic one, and
shows as true as it is that:
"Full many howeri is born to blush
unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert
air.
So it is true that many an act of the
private soldier during that bloody
drama had it been known would have
placed his name among the heroes
mentioned in history. Abe Gilchrist'a
heroic deed should be given to the
world.
| At Trevilliap Station, the company
to which Mr.. Hart, the gallant Shep
pard, and Gilohrist belonged, was
commanded to charge the enemy, the
command was executed with dashipe
bravery and oonspicuoue success, the
enemy being driven from its strong
hold. They soon, however, rallied
and made a counter charge 80 strong
and fierce as to compel retreat Of ths
Confederate forces. During this re
treat young Sheppard fell mortally
wou nded, Gilchrist saw him fall, ant
Immediately sprang to his side, ant
began to administer to his wants.
The dying man called for water
Gilchrist reached for his canteen ant
placed it to his lips. At this time th,
enemy came rushing down upon them
A number Of the retreating compan!
called Gilohrist's attention to the fact
urging him to come on, that if he re
mained he would certainly be killed O.
captured. ''No," replied the big
: hearted brave ~Gilchrist, II will no
leave him, even though it cost me m!
life," and there, with his head pill
lowed upon the bosom OF his faithful
friend, the life blood of Sheppard eb
bed away.
"There was lack of woman nursing,
There was dearth Of woman tear
But the loyal Gilohrist RENAME,
, with him and he it was who carried t
his loved ones the last words of tn
dying Sheppard. AS a result of hi
unselfsh devotion and heroic act
Gilchrist was captured and underwcn
the hardships of prison life until tn
; very last days of the war.
I mentioned the incident to Mrs
Sheppard, the venerable mother of ex
Governor Sheppard, and kinsman 0
Oscar, and she told me that but fo
Abe Gilchrist the family would neve
have known what fate had befalle
Oscar, who, she remarked, was q
brave and noble boy as ever tough
under the Southern GLOSS.
, After several hours Of experienc
telling, the two old soldiers parted
, with the avowed purpose that the,
: would not let as many years lapse a
, formerly, before meeting again. =
. News and Courier.
Captured by Fitzhugh Lee.