Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1908-02-21


at whose base the Potomac flows,
stands the old Maryland manor of the
Douglas family. In that fateful year,
1862, the two sons of the proprietor
were in the Confederate army-"Rebs''
Of pronounced type both One serv-
ed In the cavalry; the other, Henry,
then about twenty, formed one of
"Stonewall" Jacksons staff.
We all know that after the fearful
butchery of Antetam was over-fear-
full because 50 useless because so want
ing in Mcclellan remained in
active during the whole of Sept Is.
facing Lees army, with more fresh
troops under him than the whole rebel
army amounted to, On the night of
the lSth-19th Lee forded the Potomac
without molestation and marched his
weary troops back into Virginia Jack
son went with him and, OF course. Col
Douglas also. Lee remained near the
ford for some time, little fearing the
Federal army, to give the much-needed
rest to his men.
look at his home before the army NOV
ed southwark: so one day he rode, at
tended by single orderly only, To the
high ground opposite the old home
stead He was so near that he could
see his father walking in the gard n.
but between the river and the house
was scattered force of about 80 cav
alrymen, Boys In Blue" guarding the
ferry that, In peaceful times, carried
the ~armer over TO old "yirglnny." But
the temptation was stronger than the
cayalrymen, and down the Hill strobe
Douglas until he stood at the edge of
the river. His uniform soon attracted
the soldiers, and one of them called
across to know what he wanted.
That's my home up there, and just
came to take last look at it,
Come across, cried the sergeant I'm
command; you needn't be afraid
But Douglas sense of military duty
prevailed, and he hesitated. The fer
ryboat was, of course, on their side 4;
so one of the blue coats said, wen
go over and get you" The sergeant
formed part of the crew: on landing
he said to Douglas:
You want to see your father and
mother again, do your"
aCg course do replied Douglas.
That's all right" added the soldier,
"I'll give you my word of honor you
shan't be taken prisoner I'm in com
mand over there"
Why, where are all your officers 2
asked Douglass In surprise.
"Oh, they're up at Sharpsburg hav-
ing a big dinner; it's not likely any of
| them will be about for a long time
yet"
| 1t was too late TO retreat had he
wished TO, and Douglas saw no reason
| to doubt the sincerity of his compan-
ions, On the way across the sergeant
said:
| THE folks here told me old Mr..
| Douglas had two sons with you fell
| lows. Ones In the cavalry and the
others on Stonewall Jackson's STAFF. |
| guess you're that one, amt your
Douglas acknowledged the correct
ness of his surmise. The other mem
bers of the First New York cavalry,
for that 1t turned out to be, had gath
cred at the landing and gave an anus.
! ed greeting TO the young ''Reb."
Now you go right up to the house
and see your folks said the sergeant.
II guess no good cause could be hurt
by fellow going to see his father and
mother"
But Douglas hesltated at tempting
| Providence too far, and replied. Il
think / had better not go up. Won't
you send man there and let my peo-
| pie know | am hereT'
I'm do that" the sergeant said,
"and III put man on guard to warn
You II any officer comes
The ''Reb' and his Yankee entertain.
ers chatted pleasantly enough until Mr..
and Mrs. Douglas appeared then the
soldiers, those deadly enemies Of but
yesterdays war, hardened and cruel
In the crimson hour Of battle, silent
~ rose, one after another. and walk
ed away, out of sight, out Of hearing.
When Dougias had said his last good
by. he called the sergeant and thank.
ed him warmly for his unusual kind
ness, but the soldier only laughed.
and said that it was nothing. Doug
las took a piece Of paper out Of
his note book. wrote a few words on
It. and, handing IT to the sergeant
said:
IF ever you are captured by Cen
Jackson. you get that paper to him or
one Of his stan and | promise that
you will be liberated inside Of TWEEN
ty-four hours, for / shall tell them
how you have treated me as soon as
I get back"
Say, Colonel" remarked one Of the
soldiers, write me the same kind OF
paper, too
Douglas laughed. and soon each man
had an accident policy against the