Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1910-08-04

the ignoble treatment, noticed that
the abusive language was being cur
tailed. His men and the insulted Of
f1cers began to look about for the
cause of the soothing effect.
A tall young officer, Major Murray,
whose manly bearing graced the gray
he wore, was out on the platforms al
most before the train came up to the
rude stations. 1t was his considera-
ton, his sense of justice, that made
the progress of the northern soldiers
endurable.
Exchange restored the soldiers to
their own army and war with its dire
effect swept on through the south and
sent its misery into the north. At last
its dreadful story closed, but one of
its fearful sequels was the lost health
of the northern wife.
General Eggleston, with the belief
that the southland possessed the
climate and conditions that would re-
store his wife, bought plantation in
Lowndes county, Mississippi, just
about fourteen miles from the town,
Columbus, where two years before he
had been held prisoner of war.
No member of his family came In
for more solicitous interest in the
moving southwark than did Charlie"
a beautiful chestnutbrown Kentucky
horse Born in the Bluegrass and
reared on the generals place in south
ern Ohio, this horse had carried him
through the war.
On one of the days when General
Eggleston had gone into town he was
greeted by a gentleman whose very
familiar face refused to be matched
with any name his memory held.
For a moment his acquaintance
waited for him to recall his name.
II see, General Eggleston, you have
forgotten me. Do you remember q
trip you took in cattle car down
here?"
"Forgotteni Remember! 1t was at
once the worst and the best journey
ever took. There was an officer in
charge of us whose manly treatment
and consideration I count one of the
finest evidences Of southern chivalry
l have ever seen. He was Major Muir
ray"
The gentleman who listened flushed
at the sincere words, and said, as he
took off his hat:
"Modesty makes me hesitate to ask
you to look at me closely, general,
but"
Major Murray" And the two
shook hands with fervor.
and you are at home on a visit?"
the general asked, after Major Murray
had explained that Columbus had
been his home till after the war.
ION a forced visit, general. My
business demands my attention in
Texas, but l am barred out by the
quarantine. No trains are allowed to
run"
why not ride through, MAORI"
was the practical interruption.
"You see, sir, 1t would take a very
good horse to stand the journey, and I
had saved only enough to take me
home by rail-"
With a cordiality that came directly
from his heart, General Eggleston in
vited the man whose kindness to him
had been so invaluable in another day
to be his guest.
The next day Charlie, saddled and
bridled, the majors bags across his
shoulders, was looking at the fearful
group and at the general for the ex-
PLANTATION.
General Eggleston spoke to his
guest:
1T is a small return for your favor
to me and my men, but it will serve
your present need. Charlie has car
ried me through many hard places,
and will take you to your journeys
end The horse is yours, major; do
with him as you will. ] have no fear
for his future You see, | have known
his new owner in the past. Good luck
and a safe Journeys"