The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1906-01-03
WAR STORIES.
a Reminiscence Of General Lee.
Lucy K. Buck in Augusta Chronicle,

| Lucy II. DUCK IN
Messrs. Editors Now, when the
character of Gen. Robert +, Lee i. 40
generally discussed, some interest
may attach to the following personal
"reminiscences, which illustrated his
graceful tact and adaptability to sur.
rcundinga.
1t was the summer Of 1864, just
after the battle of Gettysburg, when
the oontending armies retiring from
the field were running an exciting
race, each trying to be first in reach
ing Richmond. Meade had thrown
forward detachment across the
river east OF the Blue Ridge, hoping
to intercept Lee, who had moved
,cross the west Of the mountain and
was aiming to reach the south through
Chester's Gap, q pass just mile or
two east Of the little town Of Front
Royal. And no one could doubt the
anxiety which the Southern leader
| must have felt for the success Of his
| race.
That July afternoon much excite
| ment was created in Front Royal by
the report that Gen. Lee, with his
army, was falling back to the valley,
and was even then crossing the Shen-
nandoah river just mile north Of the
town.
lily father, having An acquaintance
upon the generals staff, rode out to
meet them and offered to lead them by
short cut through the field to our
home, whore they could stretch their
cramped limbs and drink fresh butter.
milk while waiting for the main body
OF the troops to come up.
shall never forget my fret sight of
the grand old chief as he stood on The
portico surrounded By his officers, q
tall commanding figure, clad in dusty,
travel-staiued gray, but with court
ly, dignifieo bearing that would have
entitled him to distinction anywhere,
And the face, earnest and careworn,
but kind and benevolent f. i.s ex-
preston, was the face Of a father
rather than that OF q warrior, I
thought.
Upon being introduced to me by my
father, he, in turn presented each
msmhe: ef bis STAG; then seating
himself upon q bench made room for
me beside him, saying: Come, my
daughter, sit by me while am rest.
ing, that we may have little talk"
and then began to discuss SUBJECTS
which he knew would interest my
eirlish mini.
When l tried to express my pleas.
ure at seeing him, he replied with
rather sad smile: "Ah, my child, I
wish I was better worth your regard.
There" pointing to his officers,
"see those gallant young rebels, they
arc worth looking at" "' =.
In compliance with a request for
sou1hern songs, my sister ard I plsy.
cd and sang for him while be stood BIZ
the piano aud listened with as much
courteous interest as il his heart had
rea'y been in the; music and not
with his brave troops wadipg the
Shenandoah and straining every
nerve to reach the desired goal in
time. That he was on the alert one
could tell by his quick glance through
window toward the road where the
column of gray came marching on, but
that was all. =" -. -. :. -. =.
As We sang: - - - - -
"But the God of David still
Guides the pebble with his will, +.
There are giants yet to kill, ).
Wrongs unahriven.' il..:.1.:>' =.
he bowed his head and muirmursd
softly: "True, most true,'' n 5>,] : :
When he had enriched our al.
buns, with his autographs he rose
TO take his leave, saying as he did
30: ;!;.i -. =. 80. T.; :].H ~. !.
II wiah We were leaving you to
peace and happiness. and I do hope
the next soldiers who como: will NOT
annoy you very much = Then turn
ing to my sister and myself, with i
twinkle 10 his eyes, he added: :'tAnd
be sute. little daughters, you do not
let any OF those handsome young
ysukeea carry you away" Is A 5s,s3 :&,t,.5
Passing out to the lawn his quick
eye noted under the aspen tteesa q lit-
tie carriage In which my baby brother
lay fast asleep. He stepped quickly
% the side Of il and bending down, gd
pressed his bearded lips to she little