The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1906-09-14
A Pathetic War Story.

During the fierce and bloody battle
of Perryvllle, which is remembered by
many of the older residents of Bour-
bon county, pathetic incident is re-
called which seems like fairy story,
as 1T came to climax in a most re-
markable manner. Many deeds of valor
have been told to the rising generation
by those who saw the cannon belch
forth their deadly missiles, and faced
the unceaSing fire of the enemy, and
many of them are remarkable.
Rev. John Bruce was told the story
that follows by an old soldier who was
Confederate follower, but never re-
peated 1T to anyone until recently,
when an incident of war brought to his
memory this story that he heard the
old soldier tell many years ago.
1t was on the last night of the fight
ing. The Confederate guard had been
formed for picket duty, and one post
was so open to the enemy and the
SharpshOOters that it was conceded by
all to be sacrifice of a life for SOL
der who drew it. After a consultation
among the men it was decided to cast
lots and see who would be the victim
of Yankee Sharpshooter. The duty
fell to gallant young Kentuckian, who
had run away from home to JOIN the
Southern cause. He was a perfect
specimen of manhood, and was known
to possess a magnificent voice. Having
been reared in a Christian home, he
was early taught the good old songs,
and afte' making his will and arrang-
ing with his comrades to take care of
his personal matters, he went on duty
that evening, singing the grand old
song, Jesus, Lover of Ny Soul" All
through the lonely night, when the bull
I lets were flying every now and then
from the rifles of the sharpshooters, he
kept up his song, that had been taught
him in childhood. Next morning he
walked into camp (and his comrades
were surprised to find him alive.
About ten years after the close Of
the war a large excursion boat was ply
ing along the placid Potomac river. In
a crowd of women stood fine looking
man, entertaining them with his mag
nifcent voice. A little way off sat
another man reading a newspaper. The
singer all at once struck up the old
song, "JeSuS, Lover of My Soul. - The
reader listened moment; there was
something in that voice that reminded
MIN VI NclJ - SOilC n.y. AIICI SiIC SlIlSGI
had finished, he walked to where the
gay crowd was seated, and, grasping
the man by the hand. asked, Were
you in the Confederate army?" Eyes, F."
replied the singer. Were you at the
battle of Perryville?" II was" he
replied, growing more interested.
Then )" said the speaker, "that song
you were just singing saved your life,
for it was those sweet strains that
made my trusty rifle drop from my
shoulder when you were on picket duty,
and l was sharpshooter on the other
side appointed to get the soldier OH
duty at that post out of the way. 1t
was beautiful moonlight night in
October, and when | heard you come
on duty singing that old song | could
hardly keep my courage up. Just as l
was preparing to send a well-aimed
shot, your voice rang out, Cover my
defenseless head with the shadow of
Thy Wing 1t was too much for me,
and, unloading my gun, | returned to
the command. l have never related
the story until now, but your voice re-
turned to me in way that have
never heard since that memorable
night. -
Women's skirts are great deal like
hiChW9Vnan ThnU would oocc nm