The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-02-04
From Tuscumhin f,hant.r.

tennessee River, the Federal gunboats came up the river to Tuscumbia Land ins. One cannot at this late date con csive of the panic that prevailed when the news was received. The wildcat rumors spread like wildfre. gaining in intensity or excitement as they were repeated, many of the citizens leaving the city. by any and ekery mode of safety in the more remote sections of me county, portions of which arc mountainous. As we lived on the mountains. quite a number of our friends from Tuscumbia and the valley came to us for refuge, among them ? widow and her maiden daughter. Hay. ing hack they threw their belongings lnto It in the most rapid, if not most approved style. tieing up in sheets and blankets, whatever came to hand. silk dresses, rubber over-shoes. velvet cloaks and rough dry clothing. hone- made soap. literally marking their route by the number of articles drop- ped from their conveyance as they fled, scissors. gloves, spools of thread and paLIs or Knitting. cotton yarn, that un- wound as they fled. and the hack roll ed on. At another home a large num- Der Of persons sought shelter when they received much kindness and sym- pathy. Next morning the patriotic hostess gave to her guests the free dom and hospitality of her home, say ing that she must go to Tuscumbia to help our boys in the defense of the town, saying. T can mould bullets. make bandages and nurse the wound ed, while they do the fighting. But next day the gunboats left without firing shot or she'll and the absentees returned to their homes. On another occasion, when the name of Forrest sent thrill of dismay to the Federal troops and feeling of security that help was close at hand to those living in that section. Twas a dark, rainy morn ing. and even nature seemed in sympa- thy with our sorrowing people and had no cause to wear her bright smiles. when midway between Leighton and Tuscumbia, heavy cannonading was heard. No one had an idea that the Confederate troops were near, until the firing began. From old La Grange hill pretty good view could be had of the valley. for miles around. Every one was in the greatest excitement as to the firing, when an old citizen came along afoot, he had always managed to keep out of the army. A lady called to him, ito come in out of the rain As he entered the porch she asked, in a voice tremulous with alarm MT C. what in the world does this firing mean and where is it?" Well, Miss H." said he. 'T don't exactly know, but from the best information I kin git l think the Yankees are going from one plantation to another killing all the niggers. This was an eloquent speech for the old man and the lady had a hard time in hiding smile, not wishing to hurt his feelings by appearing unap- preciative of the information The shower soon passed and Mir, c. took his departure for the blacksmith's shop, congregating place for old and young. The firing was when. General Forrest with thirty cavalry drove back 3,OOC Yankees, who had three pieces of ar tillery. I think this fighting is given in history as the battle if vinson's Lane On January 1st, 1865, one of the coldest and brightest days I ever saw, snow six inches deep. sun shining brightly all day but no melting of snow or lee, but alas within all was dark and hopeless, every heart burdened with deep gloom. As we were seated at the breakfast table servant came in with the announcement, the Yankees are coming they are on College Hill" Very soon our yard was full of stragglers of the negro brigade Two white cor porals came to the house. stating they were d guard sent for our protection, and that we would have to feed them while on duty. Also that two were sent to each house We gave them breakfast add at their request filled their canteen with molasses. They left, saying they would soon return. Instead of returning they went their way rejoicing to another place where they were given dinner, going to an- other place for supper. telling the same story. In the meantime our place was overrun with armed negroes One of them with musket in hand came into my fathers room, where the fam D. h1eH with ffpnudenT
 agger. seating himself and said:
 ow are you. old man?" Father
 mly said. How are you, boy?"
 he negro replied, Whats dat you
 me? You used to could call me boy,
 can't do 1t now" Father said.