Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-06-06

1t is more than probable that there
are more than one eX-Confederatc
soldier who remembered two gentle
women who came to the railway sta
ton at Alexandria, Va, during the
war between the states, when the Con-
federateS as prisoners were being TAX
en- north, and gave some little word of
cheer to the discouraged and unfortu-
nate wearers of the gray. If so, these
soldiers will be surprised to know that
Aunt Kate, as they lovingly called
Mrs. Kate Hooper, who was one of
these two angels of the Confederacy.
Mrs. Hooper was born in Centerville,
Va, and her ancestors were the old
pioneers of Fairfax county, the Tur-
legs, Cockerils and Stewards. In 1855
she was married to John Hooper and
moved to Alexandria, Va, where she
was residing at the outbreak of the
war. When Virginia seeded she gave
all her affection and sympathy to the
Confederacy and in ministering to the
wounded, cmaciatcd Confederate pris-
oners she showed that gentleness and
bravery for which southern women
are noted
Mrs. HoOper's Recollection.
"When the war broke out and Vir-
ginia seeded" said Mrs. Hooper in
telling her experience, "like every
other Virginian, I stood by my state,
but had no conception Of the horrors
of war until the first Bull Run battle.
Then we saw there was work for all
J. studied over what / could do. On
the next block from me lived James
Stewards sister. We met and talked
it over. We knew it required indom
table courage and much sacrifice, and
a task that men dare not do, so we,
Miss Sallie Stewart and /, said, Lord
here am I, send me- and from that
day until the close of the war we were
kept busy ministering to the sick ana
wounded soldier prisoners of war.
every day we went to Orange and
Alexandria depots to meet the pris-
oners brought through there. They
were often bare-footed, ragged and
destitute, and were always closely
guarded. The guards in many instan-
ces being surly and disposed to taunt
US, yet seldom would they deny US the
privilege of giving to the prisoners.
We clasped the hands of hundreds,
with a simple God bless YOU parted.
never to meet again. These men were
carried to prison and by that means
our names became known to others:
who wrote to US for clothing. Their.
came the problem. We were in cap
tured city, under martial law, only
eight miles from the capital. How
dare we try to relieve the suffering
and the wants of poor southern SOL
der who was asking US for assist.
ance? My nearest neighbor, Lawyer
Beach, was a prominent Union man
stated the case to him. His first
question was, do you realize you:
risk l assured him that I did to the
best of my knowledge of war. H
then told me if l would give him my
word of honor that l would put moth
ing in the clothing that was contrab'
and he would stand by me. He wen'
to Washington with men TO the powe!
behind the throne and by his influence
l obtained permission that he claimed
was unheard of in history. He Is
reaping his reward in heaven.
"Do not for one moment suppose We
were alone in our work. There werc
other ways employed. Of the many
of that grand old city Of Alexandria
who worked for those wearing thc
erey. the half will never be told.