Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1912-06-08


pie forth on the breeze. the story OF
Barbara Fritchie, as written in the
beautiful poem of John Greenleai
Whittier, Is known and loved, though
many questioned, and in fact. emphat.
leally denied. the truth OF the Incl
dent related. There has been a good
deal of dispute about my little poem, .
writes whittier in a personal letter
but If there was any mistake in the
details, there was none In my estimate
of her noble character. her loyalty
and patriotism" and as teaching such
beautiful qualities. the poem has be
come classic throughout our schools
The Whittier poem fellows closely
the story as conveyed 10 the poet, in q
letter written to him in 1868, by Mrs
D. T.. N. Southworth, the well-known
novelist, giving a version current at
the time, and generally believed. il
has, however been my good fortune
at this late date to learn the story told
by Dame Barbara. herself, to thf
niece of her husband. who attended
her in her last illness, and who, tired
of the controversy, which has wageC
ever since, has consented to its pub
LEGATION, and adds that she is willing
to take an affidavit to It. .
AS It Happened in the Beginning
Barbara was but ten years old when
the great struggle for American indie
pendence began, and fifteen years OF
age when it ended. Old enough to
realize the momentous question that
was convulsing her country, young
enough to imbibe the ardent spirit OF
patriotism that inspired that heroic
struggle, what wonder that she grew
to womanhood with a passionate love
for the flag that had waved through
all that mighty conflict, and of which
one of her own townsmen had SO in.
spiringly written.
Now when age had lain its heavy
hand upon her. and the raven hair
had turned to grey, came men who
would rift asunder that Union she
had seen cemented with the blood OF
her childhood friends Could such q
one see any reason or justice in an in
ternecine war? And yet Dame Bar
bara did not knowingly, at first, wave
the star-spangled banner at the Con
federate soldiers.
A niece had gone to see her aunt
that morning, and told her that it was
said 'the troops" would pass through
the town that day. Later the same
small maid ran in, in much excitement
and called OUT:
Aunt F'ritchie, the troops are com
ing"
Behold The Flag!
To the loyal old lady the troops
meant only one army, the Northern
and when she heard The sound OF
marching feet, she arose. and taking a
small silk flag which she had removed
from it's staff. and hidden in her Bible
for safe-keeping, she stepped out up
on the porch. and waved it at the pass
ing men. Instantly murmur arose
and an officer riding up to the porch
said kindly:
Granny you had better take your
flag in the house"
81 won't do it! | won't do it," said
the old lady childshly; and then be
cor,iLg aware FIR the first time that 1t
was the men in grey that were pass
ing she deflantly shook the flag at
them.
The excitement in the ranks now
increased, and threatening murmurs
arose, so that another officer left the
line. and said to her.
"Old woman, put that flag away, OF
you may get in trouble"
81 WON'T" she replied, and repeat
I'd her action. Angry shouts arose
from the men, and third officer ap
preaching the porch sternly said
eff you don't stop that, you'll have
that flag shot out of your hand"
The first officer, who had remained
throughout this scene thereupon
turned to the last speaker, and ex
claimed angerIy:
IL you Marin d HAIR Z! utT Htdui III
shoot you like dog"
The Boys in Blue
Following closely the Confederate
army, came the Union troops, who
gazed in wonder at the venerable wo
man as she stood at the window of heI
little home proudly waving the flag
that had already done such noble
service. There was great excitement
in the ranks, and it is said that scores
left the line and crowding to her
porch, asked her name and how old
she was. General Reno, riding up
held a conversation with her, and ask
ed her to give him the flag. This she
refused, but presented 70 him a larg
err one. When two days afterward
General Reno was killed at the battle
of South Mountain, the Gag was found
on his person and was sent with his
body to his relatives IN Massachu
sets, who treasure it TO this day. She