The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-07-10
SHERMAN'S HUNS PASSED
ALONG TRAILS OF BLOOD
Smoking Homes and Sacked Mansions in Rear
of Army That Entered Carolina During
Last Weeks of War.

The evening Of the 22nd Of Feb
fuary, 1865. a vanguard of Sherman's
army rode down to Rocky Mount
Ferry. presumably to look out for a
crossing of Catawba River. A number
of gentlemen, including Dr.. Ira s
Scott. John A. Duncan. Robert a.
Ford. Of Fairfield District. and Drs.
Tom and Robert McDow, OF Kershaw,
were in camp on the Lancaster side
of the river trying to save their stock
from the Yankees. We were encamp-
cd just on the side opposite the power
house. built at the mouth Of Rocky
Creek. We had an excellent position
from a high hill to observe an enemy
coming from the direction OF Wins
boro. Just before nIghtfall hundreds
of troops marched over. occupying the
hills for miles westward. and struck
camp. 1t was evident the army would
cross at the ferry, and Drs. McDow.
Scott. and Mr.. Ford proposed retreat
Duncan. Peay and two negroes and
myself to dodge the Yankees the best
we could
After these men left us we were
naturally lonesome and turned our
thoughts to the best route to hide our
selves We slept that night on a
higher hill just about one-halr of
into camp, and Tor miles westward
every hill was dotted with campires
which shown like stars. and their
bands and drums made music that
doubtless inspired them with their
trembling and evil forebodings.
AT prowess and superiority, and up
with daylight next morning. Shermans
lniscreants could be seen just across
the river at Dr.. SCOTS quarter burn
ing the gin house and cotton, chasing
the chickens and hogs. impressing me-
boy of thirteen years. with awe
and war is hell"
Confederates Retire.
That night the Yankees began put
ting down their pontoon bridge, and
TO throw out picket lines. Their
movements precipitated our retreat
further up the river until evening.
when we were surrounded by swarms
OF the enemy, and finding bateau
we soon had the lock broken and
sought security by crossing over to
Pickett's Island. and after reaching
Foot's Cave felt pretty safe. (Foot,
horse thief who occupied this cave
years before. was hung by a mob.)
Rain began to fall in great torrents,
exaggerating our distress, for our
hiding place was on the bank of the
river and was being encroached upon
by the swollen stream. The high water
broke Sherman's pontoon bridge Just
below us and this added TO our dis
tress. for 1t kept Sherman's army from
getting away. His forces were divided
into two divisions on the opposite sides
OF the river for several days. and 1t is
said he and his men were not able to
conceal their fears of an attack on
their divided forces. 1t Is certain they
prepared with vigorous and hasty
prosecution the erection OF breast
works and the planting of cannon on
the eastern hills OF the river.
From the island above we were able
to watch their movements, and finally
saw some diminishing between Fed
erals and Rebels just after Sthe main
army had crossed the river, on the
Identical ground on which the battle
of Rocky Mount had been fought
nearly a century before. We could see
with our field glass, and very distinct
ly, the movements of Wleeler's and
Buffers men as they made a flank
movement along the northern slope of
the hills down the bank of Rocky
Creek. 1t was a great pity we did not
have a larger force when so much ad-
vantage from their fears and hedged
in position could have been had.
While on the island Crusold we de-
pended on the raging Catawba for our
safety from Shermans men. They were
on either side of us. but were unable
to get into the island. and on one oc-
casion we were thoroughly disconcert-
ed by number Of whistllng bullets
discharged at us. The bullets, /
thought. were mighty close, but my old
uncle, who was soldier. John Peay
(Whistler), said they We're high above,
30 guess the whistlinG nearby was a
deluslon.
Three Days Without Food.
For three days we We're without
sfood--had eaten our remnant of flour
and ham. and although the Yankees
still were on our home side. we at
tempted to cross the high water, and
island very cautiously. holding and
catching to the overhanging trees
along the bank. limb was holding
broke with a snap. and this gave our
boat a. rapid turn, which capsized the
bateau and VIC were thrown into the
river. but saved ourselves by swim
ming: with the exception of losing my
hat. We returned to the cave for an
other night,
We managed to catch the boat a
little distance down the stream by {
low bending tree. Next evening W.
made more successful ATTEMPT +
reach the other shore and after reach
Au6 rlCh6NlS FQuuAlSIs iAOh6tJ dn0 w
ed, we begged for something to eat
and Uncle Simon Pickett, an old negro
who had received a severe hayonet
would by one Of sherman's men, ant
who afterward died from the effects
of the wound, gave us a tray of canned
peas, which was seized with evtdtty
and after enjoying the glorious repas
we moved on and spent the night witt
Mrs. M. z, Gnyden, who was great,
deranged. induced by fright of TIL
Federais. The poor lady's hands an.
arms We're severely cut By being thrus
through the wtndowpaneE. She wa
better next morning and we hurrie
on home, All along the way we wit
messed ashes and silent lone chimney
Of defenceless homes, Our fears wer
greatly relieved when we reached GU
honla to find our house had not me
the Same fate Home folks were glae
pf course. to greet us and full OF start
ing things to relate about Sherman
( Tell. II,
Federal Barbarities.