The Oakes times. [volume] (Oakes, N.D.) 1906-current, 1907-08-15

0AGASA W OS oSIVSO Oue SSdLeU u6ESSll
at the piano and gave us lively
march. AS Josh Billings says. /
cheered her with my hands and called
for Dixie which she very promptly
rendered.
From Emporia to Petersburg rode
over the A. G. L. the old Weldon rail-
road which our cavalry and the Fifth
corps tore up in December of '64 pas
sing through Reames Station where
the Second Corps were struck in flank
and doubled up by A. P. Hills corps in
August '64. I spent one week in
Petersburg an6 vicinity, roaming over
the old battlefield and camp grounds.
This is when you can realize the poetry
and appropriateness of the old song,
''Tenting on the Old Camp Grounds!''
What memories come thronging over
you of the time, the faces you will
never more see. I visited F'armville
and Cumberland, another old camp
ground. To show you how some of
them teach the young in regard to the
war, I will give you an incident of my
visit here. While waiting for break
fast little girl, perhaps eight years
old, picked some flowers and climb
to my lap placed them in the button
hole of my coat. After jabbering
awhile in her childish way she found
out / was Yankee, so she gave me a
little history Of the war as she is
taught. saying the Yankees were to
blame for slavery as they first sold
slaves to the south, that the southern
people never stole for General Lee
told them not to, but the Yankee did
and much more. Said if did not be-
lieve her she would get her book and
show me, but the funny part was when
she stopped in her talk and looking up
in my face said: 81 do not know but
I am hurting your feelings. - had to
smile but told her I liked to hear her
talk, wish could spell SO as to give
the sound of R as they do. Many Of
the sounds they give to some Of the
letters is soft and musical.
Must tell you of one other little in
cident Of my Farmville trip. Was
riding on mixed train stopping at a
station some time the only lady pas
senger left the train. Finding no one
to meet her she had to take seat in
the waiting room. While she was not
what you would call pretty, yet there
was something about her that at
traeted me, SO begging her pardon for
intruding, told her I was from the
north, visiting the country the first time
since the war and anxious to learn
about the country. She entered into
conversation without much reserve,
and, yet we'll, she was just nice, using
the southern dialect. She gave me
quite an account Of herself and of the
country. When someone came for her
] almost wanted to kick him from the
platform. When she bid me goodbye,
she said: II have enjoyed our talk
mighty we'll" She was true type
of the Southern girl opened hearted,
generous and lively. The station was
called Sunnyside. I think named for
her, but just think of it? One of the
fair sex enjoying talk with old Deacon
Hicks! Well I did any way, and her
bright smile haunts me still.
Well, I like the country in Southern
Virginia very much. Wish could
live here. The pleasure of my visit
was very much marred. by the sudden
illness and death Of the wife of my
friend, Mr.. Joe William. They are
beautiful Christian people. l mourned
almost as l would for one of my own
kin. I went down the historic James
from Richmond to Norfolk. passed
City Point, the headquarters of
General Grant, and where we took
boat for home, when discharged from
the army, just forty-two years ago.
What a happy lot of boys. Where are
they all now7 Not many to answer
here on this side of theriver.
Did not spend much time at the
Expo. Did not think there was much
more to see or learn than at the Min
nesota State Fair. Visited Fort Mon
roe on whose parapets were mounted
guns that could sink vessels ten miles
at sea. Came to New York by boat.
Did not enjoy the ride very much as
my stomach tried to keep time with
the motion Of the boat. About the
next trip this same boat landed her
passengers at her wharf with fire in
her hold, causing loss Of $15, 900 and
unknown to them.
Did not stop long in New York.
Visited the Battery and Central Park.
This is the most beautiful place I ever
saw-shaded walks, drives, lakes,
fountains. deep ravines, statues, play
grounds, terraces just lovely.
I left New York by the Lehigh!
Valley, called the picturesque route,