The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-08-26

BOUT thirty years ago, the writer
II spent a few days in Philadelphia,
and while there met a number of
Union veterans.
At that time the war with it's stirring
Incidents was much more discussed than
at the present day; consequently many
anecdotes and recolleetions were ex-
changed during the long evenings, one of
which. by a manned relic, especially in
terested me.
Yes" he said, Il met Pelham twice.
the first time under unfortunate circum-
stances.
you know l was with my regiment in
the Seven Days battles before Richmond
In one of the hottest Of these engage
ments our command was badly cut up
and to make matters worse, l was cap
tured.
IL was taken to field headquarters of
the rebel general, Stuart pardon me, per-
haps l should say Confederate, but 1t is
not important; just say the great soldier
and you'll get the idea.
THE general received me courteously,
asked me my name, rank, command, etc.
but expressed no regret at my misfor-
tune; he felt none; his business was TO
kill and capture the enemy, and II Jeb
Stuart was not ALWAYS attending TO ousi-
ness, I fail to remember the occasion.
''While talking with me- an orderly rode
up with a dispatch, which was evidently
welcome, as a pleased smile illumined the
generals features.
"'Call Pelham he ordered.
"a youth entered. Pelham, Pelham,
thought l; I've heard of Stuarts arth-
leryman, but what boy Is this?
Pelham my boy said Stuart. ac-
cept my sincere congratulations. General
Lee wishes me to say that in his opin-
ion, the mastery handling of your guns
today contributed in no small measure to
our success; also that a majors commas
sion will reach you tomorrow
WE'LL l was astounded There stood
the young man, embarrassed, blushing
give you my word, gentlemen. | thought
the whole thing cruel joke, with our
young friend the butt
But the news quickly got out, and the
way those rebels of all arms crowded
around and cheered the young officer
soon convinced me that the incident was
genuine.
However, Pelham was not the only
lucky one In the confusion, I was left
alone for a moment and improved the OPP
portunity by quickly slipping away and
hiding in a nearby swamp, and after
lodging about those oozy marshes all
night. rejoined my command
'eThe occurrence impressed me pro-
foundly.
'In spite of the enthusiasm of the Con-
federates, I could hardly believe 1t was
Justified, and kept asking myself, Can
this boy fight?
INV question was soon answered-an-
swered by the boy himself He delivered
It at the cannons mouth, and 1t was con-
vincing.
1--WE were soon at Manassas with Pope
The genius of Lee, and the executive
ability of Jackson made short work of our
1ot. md
in blood under the crushing defeat adj
ministered him upon the historic battle
field of a year before and the Confed-
crates headed straight for Maryland.
The authorities at Washington finally
saw the necessity of having soldier at
the army's head. and Mcclellan was ask
ed to save the capital.
'JJnder the energetic action of the
abest organizer developed by the war, an
adequate, well-equipped army faced Lee
at Antietam and here Mcclellan decided
with his $4,000 veterans to walk over Lee
and his 10000. But Jackson and Stuart
were both on the ground, and-the walk
ing was difficult.
"All day the fierce conflict ragged. Meth
er seemed to gain any special advantage
until late in the afternoon. when our
troops seemed about to flank the reb-
els; but at this critical moment A. Z.
Till. who had the knack of being where
pers Ferry, and blocked our game. leav-
ing the conflict one of the clearest ex-
emples of drawn battle on record.
Lee began his retrograde movement.
Withour superior force the task of drlv-
ing the southsrners into the Potomac
seemed feasible. and the effort was indus
triousIy essayed for several days, but Pei
HAMS guns were always in our front, and
every time their bronze mouths opened,
blood flowed. Stuart's guns were admir-
ably handled all through Lees retreat,
and it is hardly too much to say they
saved the army, which finally reached the
Virginia side in safety
But we didn't give up pressing the
rebels. and one evening just before sun
set. Pelham was forced to bay in Fau-
quer, and the problem of fight or sur
render was presented. He solved the ques-
ton with CHARACTERISTIC decision, by taxi
ing an excellent position upon slight
eminence, and put on his fighting clothes.
Our Immediately available force con-
sisted of the -th New York Col. F. COM
handing. and our own regiment led. that
day, by Major d. OF course. Col. F.. as
ranking officer directed operations 1t