Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-12-07
THE sApoEsT WAR STORY.
Declared to Be That Of the Returning
Soldier kiIIed by His Eather.


1.-THE saddest war story that ever
occurred has never been fully told so
far as know" said a man who fol-
lowed Lee to the surrender at Appo-
mattox 81 believe that Mrs. Chest
nut in her Diary from Dixie made
brief mention of the incident.
II had forgotten 1t until I read the
book. Then 1t came back to me as
heard 1t from one who was at the fu-
neral. The man who told 1t died
twenty years ago.
'"The soldier had enlisted in Geor-
gia from his home, where his father
remained undisturbed during the
struggle. The young man had fought
through the war without a scratch,
save a slight wound which had left
him slightly deaf. This afiiction he
had never referred to in any OF his
letters.
After the surrender he communi-
Gated with his father, saying he
would reach home on or about cer-
tain date. Travel then was uncertain
and he was not positive as to when
he would arrive.
His father prepared to receive
him. Believing that his son would
come as promised, he arranged a
spread such as the conditions of his
surroundings at that time would per-
NIT. He had brought out his best
plate that had been secreted for
long time, and with gold which had
been exhumed he bought such delica-
cies and substantials as the southern
market afforded.
"As many Of the old time neighbors
as were living In the vicinity were in
vited to the Homecoming of the re-
turning soldier. The ex-Confederate
arrived on the old plantation the
night before the earliest date he had
mentioned in his last letter. It was
late and his father and the family had
retired.
"The only creature on the old place
that seemed to be awake was a dog.
AS the soldier entered the gate Of the
grounds the dog began barking.
"The sound aroused the owner Of
the manor. The country was overrun
at the time with stragglers, some of
whom had not hesitated to commit
burglary.
1.-THE father of the returning boy
arose. He stood in his doorway with
his shotgun and challenged the ap-
preaching stranger. as he supposed.
'The young man being deaf made
no reply, but continued on his way.
The man in the doorway raised his
gun and fired. The stranger fell
dead.
"The father summoned his family
and the few remaining servants of the
plantation. An investigation was
held and the tragic truth was reveal
ed.
THE father, Of course, was incon-
solable. He returned to his house
while the servants carried the Iifeless
form of his boy to the home that had
been awaiting his coming. .-ss.---,+ I'-'---
1.-THE next day the invited guests be-
gan to arrive. The father had given
orders that the tragedy should not be
mentioned until he himself told 1t.
II do not recall what explanation
was made to the guests as to the abb
sence Of him whom they were to hon.
or. But after the repast they were
told, and then filed past the dead.
THE body was wrapped in the flag
for which the brave young man had
fought. The community was used to
funerals. Every private burial ground
had a grave made by the unhappy
war. But no funeral like this had
ever taken place in the vicinity, and I
doubt II It ever had a counterpart In
any state, north or south. I hope
not. NEW York Sun.