Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-11-13
A nERo1NE
or 1854

the courage Of . physically weak and
delicate woman when she is aroused
to q sense Of injustice to herself or
to those dependent upon her for pro
lection, occurred In the autumn OF
1864. -....-
My father was fighting for the cause
Of the confederacy in the Tennessee
army, and the plantation was left In
charge OF my young mother. who was
ably assisted in conducting the plant
Ing interests by an elderly negro slave
whose name was Cornelius. For tie
reason that he was the husband OF
the children's black "Mammie' we
were taught to call him "Pappie."
1t was a bright and beautiful day
early In the month of November. The
air was crisp, and we children were
huddled together about the nursery
fire busiiy engaged with our doll
babies, while our mother sat near
the window. occupied with some
needlework.
Suddenly we were all startled by
loud knocking upon the door. stimuli
taneously with the entrance OF
"Pappie." His countenance wore an
expression of alarm. and he was In
such an excited state he could scarce
~ speak. Come. quick. Miss Fannie!
Two men have took Fannie Ellsler, an
are 'guine out de yard wild her.. ltried
to stop 'em, an dey said dey had
orders to press her into de service.
tole 'em to wait till could see you.
an let EN- show you dey 'thority for
taking her, an dey jess lifted dey
coat tails and tapped dey pistols an
said dat wus 'thority 'nuff fer me"
Fannie Ellsler was a beautiful gray
mare, my mothers saddle horse. She
was saddled and hitched to a rack in
the yard every morning for my moth
er's use in riding about the plantation.
On this occasion she was in her accus-
toned place awaiting my mothers
pleasure. when the passing men spied
her and decided to make q transfer Of
ownership.
My mother fastened to the hall
door and arrived in time to see the
men close the gate. turn to the left
and ride of down the road, leading the
beautiful mare that had been divest-
ed Of the sidesaddle.
For an instant she stood still, closed
her eyes. placed her left hand over
them in an attitude Of thought. and
then turned quickly. "Pappie!" she
said, get your masters gun from the
rack, and follow me- Now prove your
self a good soldier and obey your
superior officer Don't be afraid. No
matter what l tell you to do, obey
my command instantly"
While speaking she too. from hook
on the waIl brace Of pistols. buckled
them about her waist, threw shawl
over her shoulders, caught up a sun
bonnet from the rack, and passing out
at the rear door she met Uncle Charles.
the gardener. who had come eager to
know what Miss Fannie was 'gwine
ter do bout Fannie Ellsler.''
Here. Uncle Charles" my mother
spoke hurriedly, handing him one Of
the pistols, take this. follow me and
Pappie. and when l tell you to use it.
shoot"
She fastened out at the back gate,
followed by her two TRUSTEES. intending
to intercept the men As they passed
the road running beyond the orchard.
She stationed Pappie and Uncle
Charles behind the tall picket fence,
and, opening the gate, stepped into
the road just as the men came up.
Stop there. please! That mare is
my property. and I wish you to leave
her here"
Surprised, the men drew rein and
answer Madam, We have orders to
press into the confederate service all
horses and mules that We think suit
able for the use OF the armies
Yes, l know: but l would like to
see the documents containing these
orders"
Suppose decline to show that
document vas the defiant an
swer.
Then you can't have my mare. I
insist on seeing your authority before
you go one step further"
With all the insolence imaginable
the man treated my mother to the in
dignity Of a repetition OF his conduct
to Pappie. and. lifting his coat tail. he
tapped his pistol and replied: This
Is my authority, madam!"
And this 10 my authority for or
dering you to hitch my mare to that
gate post and ride ON"
With these words my mother leceled
her pistol at him and called: Come.
Pappie and Uncle Charles! When I
give you the order. shoot. And shoot to
KIN both Of these rascals!".
With a dosged, co~ardiy air tho
man leading Fannie Ells!er dismount-
ed. Ny mother than commanded him
to deposit his pistols on the groSad.