The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-04-15

space, were ordered to retire tu our old positions for the night.
 Monday we were detailed by General Beanresard to guard the rear while
 our little army held at bay for the
 entire day Buell. and Grant combined, and at sun down retired to Cortnth without pursuit, leaving Breckinrtdge
 to cover the rear: he was not attacked. Our company went into the battle for
 ty strong and lost seventeen. Early in the fight Captain sdcCain was se- verely wounded and I commanded the Company through the fight The back
 of my neck was scratched by a spin
 ter from shell and my sword belt
 and brooches were cut in two or three
 places by bullets. Chaplain Tichenor
 fought gallantly in my company and was wounded by spent ball l was struck with the Eallantry of Colonels Clanton and Farrow.
 More than forty years have passed
 since the terrible conflict. which con vulsed our beloved country from centre to circumference ended. And when one has reached the border line of mans allotted time, three score years ana ten, and tried so hard to forgive and l forget. still the knowledge of the jus tice of our cause asserts itself and Tn these later years when the patriotic. men and women are organizing socie- ties throughout the South to perpeuate and honor the cause for which our poble men and valiant youth gave up their lives, that the coming genera tions may imbibe the same spirit in spite of the many histories written and will be written to the contrary. So, in a reminiscent mood. I recall many incidents that occurred in the neigh borhood that during the war, was my home. This was in the beautiful valley of the Tennessee river near the | fnxxr oF
 l was born and reared. The mountains
 and valleys of this garden spot of Alabama were very dear to me, but the
 invasion of the enemy left us homeless
 and penniless and we were forced to seek a home elsewhere. Vividly do l recall many atrocities committed very near us. My husband was in the armX- with Forests cavalry. and, with my little ones, was domfciled with my widowed mother who had given up her son to go forth and fight for his rights.
 Near us lived a dear old man with his four motherless little daughters. He was the father of our honored and beloved State President-U. D. C.-Mrs. J. N. Thompson. He realized with the forethought characteristic of the man, the many revolting scenes and dan gers these precious girls would be sub jected to. so. with faithful servttor. Billy" he left his beautiful home with a caretaker and took them to place of refuge and safety. There they were placed in an excellent school where they received the splendid training and education which otherwise they would never have had. He with Billy boarded at the hotel near by. When peace was restorved they came home. But oh such a homecoming! The vandals had been there. They tore open wardrobes and trunks hunting for rebels They destroyed articles of oIo nf sacred to the loved ones far away. The mothers diary, treasured as voice of the past, was torn in frag- ments and scattered for miles through the woods. Oh the desolation caused by such ruthless hands! It wrings my heart, to recall these. things for they were our dear friends
 Another neighbor, whose palatial home was situated on the public high way. was using his influence and wealth in the cause of thesConfederacy, He knew his life and liberty were at stake If he remained at home. so he, too, with his two grown daughters. sought a place of safety in the far South. But the wife and mother loved her home, she would stay and protect it. faithful negro womanA volunteered to remain with her. When Sherman's army came and pitched their tents in the fine grove near the house. these two lonely women imprisoned themselves in the dressing room and there lived until all danger was passed. They saved their home. but what des- olatlon was wrought. Many incidents I could relate but some are too sacred and terrible to put before the public eye. What did the poor, helpless. un- protected women of our country do? Sit and lament over our calamities? No indeed! Unlike the birds of the air" we toiled and we spun--though noyices in the art. The old spinning wheel and disused loom were brought forth and many warm garment we sent to the poorly clad soldiers. We knit socks, gloves. sweaters and wis ors'' for their comfort. We could not buy goods for our dresses. but wove them and though not "arrayed like Solomon in all his glory" we were comfortable and proud of our handi- work. When regiment C: company were near us, and could by some means get hold of a bushel or two of meal. which we sifted and in the old fash toned oven, baked into toothsome "corn pone" which these hungry boys ate with relish. for 1t was far better than the parched corn that had oI.eh served for their morning meal, with it all. God watches over us. Never was there as little sickness in our community and the old chronic grum- blers, who could not get drugs to ease
 their aches and pains. made nerp teas
 
 After the terrible reconstruction days" our dear Southland is again prosperous and we have come forth, unscorched from the fiery ordeal, feel ing there was a providence In 1t all. We have forgiven.
 Can we forget?
 Manassas Junction, Va, Aug. 10, 1861. MT. P B. Waters, Greenville. Ala:
 Dear Father-I received your letter of the 6th inst, yesterday morning. Lieutenant Johnston also received one
 from you He requests me to say that
 he will answer it in day or two.
 Sends his kind regards. also receiv-
 ed letter from sister Had one' too' from Bob. which I will answer in a day or two I have not seen any of 
 Greatest Blessing to Women