The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1908-09-25
HAMPTON LEGION SKETCHES.

GuS UluSl tld11S0Nl1OA1S.
HAMPTON LEGION SKETCHES.
The First Furlough Granted for a
Recruit.
Edited by B. H. league, Aiken, S. c.
The State.
Ny brother, S. NJ. Walton of Edge
field district, volunteered in Capt. NJ.
NJ. Gary's Company B, Hampton's S
legion, when this was organized in
1861. In April, 1868, B. E. Nichol-
son was captain, Gary being promot-
ed to colonel Of the regiment. About
this time the war department issued
an order to grant a furlough Of 30
days to every soldier in ranks who
obtained a recruit for his command.
Ny brother had been in service two
years and in every engagement that
the legion had participated in and
was color bearer Of the regiment at
the time. He had the honor and good
luck at the bloody battle Of Sharps-
burg to rescue the flag after several
bearers had been shot down and
bring it safely out Of the fight. Capt.
Nicholson being at home on furlough
at the time I am writing Of, I went
to see him and told him that was
not quite old enough to 60 into SER
vice, but that if he would be sure to
give my brother furlough I would
join the legion anyhow as my BROTH
er's recruit. The captain agreed to
do so and when he returned to the
army I accompanied him.
We found the legion near Suffolk,
Va, the Yankees in the town and our
forces outside in line Of battle. Capt.
Nicholson Immediately reported to
Col. Gary on arrival and stated his
agreement with me. The colonel read
ily consented and issued al order for
the furloueh. Il was soon in the
hands Of my brother and he on his
way home for 80 days. Oh, those
blissful furlouch lays at home. when
we were heroes in the eyes Of the
girls and the recipients Of every
good thing imaginable from the
hands Of the old people. And how
we hated the shortness Of the time
and had to return to duty. corn
bread and bacon. after devouring the
box of substantial edibles we always
took back with us. [ was the first
recruit to the legion that furlough
was granted on-if not the first IN
Gen. Lees army. It appealed 50
forcibly to Col. Gary that he forth
with issued reeimental orders urging
the men to obtain recruits and get
furloughs. Many availed themselves
of, this privilege and the legion was
greatly strengthened by the coming
tG it of fresh, new men.
I could write many interesting ex-
perienceS during the term Of my SOL
diering from April, '63. to April. IS,
two solid years Of excitement and
hardships common ITO us then. but
space forbids. Yet, I will detail my
feelings and experience as a 16-year-
old boy the first time under fire:
The first day I was in camp [ heard
the older soldiers euying some Of the
Younger ones as to how they had act
ed in recent engagement with the
enemy. 7 just thought could not
stand such euyin@: but my brother
told me when he left me for home to
put on 4 bold fi'nn; and stick to my
! cUI)iUlll. Ie I!eAi va, wv N'Ilil l't'I4IS'7
of the legion were sent on picket duty,
one being my company. When this
detachment got to the skirmish line
the other company went into the
rifle pits, while ours was put in re-
serve in body Of woods near at hand
and convenient to a railroad cut. AS
the relieving Of the pickets by the
other company was 1akin" place the
Yankees commenced 70 throw solid
balls and shells a1 IL. This stirred
rs rn and he MHn II nur company
! lid about nr"cr;:- "r::>it;r"HN;v - get
ting into tilaT railroad cu.. I thought
to myself now IS the time for me ia
show off my bravery, but for fact