University of South Carolina Libraries
& Wn ?t?nj. Narrative of the Battle on the 25th of June, 1864. BY JAMK8 A. HOYT, CO. C, I?. 8. 8. Thirty-one yeara ago io-day there whh nn impromptu bat lie m Staun ton Hi vet* II ridge, on the Richmond and J)iuivi)le Railroad. Tills wan the ouly line of 1 ail way thou open tor ihu traupporlution of soldiers anil supplies lo Loo's army, which was concentrated around Richmond and l'elorsbuig. Tho Federal cavalry had been raiding along the railroads between Wilming ton and Wcldon. N. C, and communi cation had been slopped betWi 00 Woldon ond Petersburg, Va The out'ook was quite serious und gloomy, nn the main hone ami dependence for the continuance of the struggle on the port of the Con federates* lay hi the preservation of I his single line of rail way intact. The destruction of nn important brid;-o at such a juncture would havo soriously embarrassed the situation of Lee ami his gallant hosts, who were confronting the enemy around Petersburg au I muiiilatning the line of defouco itt the capital of the Confederacy. The demolition of the railroad bridge over Staunlon River would rneon an easy and un obstructed match of the enemy on to Danville, Where the destruction of an other important bridge over the Dan River would surely follow. Resides, I he town of Danville wan the entrepot lor nruiy supplies, ami there were immense stores being gathered I here at this very lime. A repulse of Um enemy at Staunten Rner meant the preservation of Danville and its valuable interest-*. This would keen Lee and his army in security und repose so far as their base of supplies was concerned. General Sheridan had begun (he execution of a grand campaign with his strong force of ? avalry. lie had been engaged for several Weeks in an expedition which had for its object the destruction of Gordousvi|le, Charlottes** ville and Lynehburg, so as to threaten Lee from the rear. This imposing piece of strategy was foiled by Iho quick movements ami vigorous action of General Hampton, who was placed in command of the cavalry after the death of Stuart. He had defeated Sheridan in the brilliant* engagement at Trevllian's Station on the llihof June, which gave a decisive check to the Federal commander. A cavalry expedition under Genends Wilson and Kautz was then organized by the Federal commander to operate against the railroads south of the Appomatlox, which force set out on the evening of the 2ist of June. Fitzhugh Lee's division ofcnvalr tfent in pursuit of iho onemy an l came up with Wilson near Dinwiddie t'. IL, where Lee was re pulsed, but he struck tVilson the next day near Wottaway 11. IL, and gained such a victory over him that Wilson withdrew from his front, forming a junction with Kautz on the Richmond and Danville Railroad. From this point ol juneti in, (lie Federals hastened towards the bridge over StrAinton River, which was guarded by a bat talion of home guards under the com mand of Capt. R. L. Farinholt, of the Virginia reserve mililia. This much by way of preface to an account of the batile at Staunlon River. Let me further premise by saying that so far as my knowledge goes no detailed statement of this engagement has ever been written, and thai I am led to undertake it now by a curious coincidence. A Iriend of mine several months ago was ruinag Ing among some old newspapers in a vacant warehouse in West. Greenville, and he came across a tile of " The Daily Soulhern Guardian," published in Columbia, S. C, by the lamented Chns. 1*. Pelham. He discovered (ho fact that one of the copies contained a letter written by me from the hos pital at Danville, Va., on the 4th of July, LS(?4, which made a brief state ment of the facts connected with the light on the 20lh of lime at Stmnion River, ami to which was appended u partial list of the men under my com mand in (hat engagement. In justice to the gallant soldiers who made the light, I doiermiiihd to put together the tacts and incidents which illustrated their persdhal daring and fidelity to tho Lost Cause under most trying circumstances, and in the 1'ice of fear ful odds. I have chosoti the ill?I anniversary of the fight to jot down these memories, and will be compelled . to appt*?.' more or less egotistical in giving this account, for it was my lortliue lo he second in command when' the fighting look place. After ?he battles of the Wilderness And Spottsylvania, 1 was sent to t lie Jackson Hospital in Richmond on account of general dehUity, being in exceedingly poor health. I wan as signed to the Georgia division of Che hospital with a number of other of ficers from South Carolina, as our division was tilled with wounded of ficers and men from Hngood's brigade. It so happened that my cousin, Dr. NV. I>. Hoyt, now of Koine, (in., was the surgeon in charge of the division, ami in i week or ten days ho directed mo to go with a sick and wounded detachment he was sending to the hosnital in Columbia, 8. C. I wan not reluctant to obey tho ordo ?, and on (reaching Colombia was hot long in procuring n permit to visit my fnthcr'H home in Laurens, whoro 1 recruited under the tender cure of my \ mother for two weeks, gaining a good deal of strength in thai time. After the expiration of my hospital furlough, I repotted to llie surgeon in charge at Columbia, anil requested to he dis (barged and sent hack to the army, as tho news every day indicated iictivc movements around Petersburg, where 'he ommnml to which I belonged (Palmetto Sharp Shooters) was then Hintioie d. The surgeon remonstrated ? with Mie, and urged that my improve ment was only vmporaiy, or at least that my health was not permanently recovered, and he proffeied an ex tension of my leave for a return to Laurens. This was respectfully* de clined, and upon my request a dis charge was made out on ?Sunday morn log, June lllth, in time for me to reach the Washington Street Methodist Church, and tlnd a seat in the gallery to hear the commencement sermon of the Columbia Female College from that prince of orators, Bishop George F. Pierce, whom I had met the year before at Greensboro, Ga. It was a gland effort, and the thought upper most in my mind, with that discharge in my pocket, was whether I would ever enjoy such a privilege again, for every bout* the air grew heavier with the reports of impending battles in Virginia. I The train lell at midnight, and I wem via Kiugville to Wilmington, N. C, as lite most direct route to Peters burg. My recollection \* that the journey to Wilmington was not com pleted until Tuesday morning, owing to delays at Kiugville ami Florence. Hut there wat? even a greater delay at Wilmington, for the railroad between there and Woldon was being threaten ed with the Fedoral cavalry, ami so wo waited for trains to be sent out. I had nn Interview with Gen. Martin, who was commanding the post, and he gave me a permit to go on the liisl train, with the understanding ihat 1 would take command of furloughcd and convnl8cent soldiers who might be on the train, in case the enemy was to attack the train. The engineer and conductor felt sure that we would oucourter Iho Federals, and more than once during the slow and cautious ride we discmharked at their instance, when I would place the men on the Opposite side of the railroad track, with the ears as a sort of breastwork, ami await iho coming of the raiders, who did not appear during the day. When we reached Golds'>oro in the afternoon the news was received that the Federals had sevoied all communi cation with Welder, and that we must take a train for Greensboro and Dan ville. The party was being anginen led all the time, and when*we reached Danville on Thursday night there wero foily or flftv ollicers ami men who felt thoniselves in some way under orders to follow my lead. At Dan ville tlie news was even more exciting, as rumors were (lying thick and fast that the Federals wero destroying the rail mad beyond Rurkesville, which would further dclfty our progiess. Theie was an old hotel used as a Way side Hospital not far from the depot, and thither went a tired and hungry set of soldiers, who wero thankful to get shelter for the balance of the night. Early in the morning we were sum. nioucd to breakfast, and the noble women of Danville were on hand to aid in feeding the men who were, un consciously to themselves, expected to defend the place against disaster. The building had a veranda the entire length for two stories, and after breakfast I was on the upper gallery, with a portfolio which now lies before ine a.id was soon engaged in \\ riling letters. One was already finished to my mother, telling of the mishaps since we parted, and I was writing another to a young lady in South Carolina, indulging in hopes for the future, when several soldiers came to interrupt me. The cause of this Interruption was soon explained, which was simply that an officer had been sent by the com mandment of the post, Col. lt. B. Withers, to enrol nil the enlisted men for the purpo.se of taking them to some point on the railroad in the direction of Richmond, where-it was expected to meet the enemy. Nearly all these men had been in tiie army from fne start, and it did not take them long to lind out I hat the officer designated was totally inexperienced, which caus ed them to inquire whether he had been at the fron!. His answer revealed 'he fact that he had never smelt powder on the battle-field, and the object of coniin; to me was 10 obtain an intercession with the Com mandant on their behalf. I will not enter into the particulars but will only say that several hours were lost in con vincing Col. Withers that these men were entitled to better consideration on account of past services, ami that it was an injustice fol bun to place lhem under command of one who wits evi dently unlit for the position. Finally, it was tlecided upon my suggest ion that an officer from auothei Slate should be put in charge, and that the rest of us should go along. This arrangement was no! carried out, however, as this officer relinquished the command and insisted upon my taking charge. Every train brought additions to the force while we were waiting in Danville, ami an entire company of detailed men from Richmond, under command of Copt. Hiddick arrived a short time before we left. 'icy had been down to Andersonvillc viMi a lot of prisoners and were anxicus to reach Richmond. dipt. Riddick re quested that his company be joined to otiis, and this was agreed to. The two companies numbered not over n hundred und iifty men, und at 4 o'clock on Friday ui'lornnon, Jane 24th, we left Danville in box earn with arms, ammunition and radons furnished by Col. Withers, who had become re conciled tr> the situation. We were directed to report to Capt. Farin holl, and he was advised of our coming. Between eight and nine o'clock the train hulled near the bridge over Htaunton Iliver, forty-eight indes from Dan vibe. Themen wero marched ut once to a place for bivouac, and with the starry heavens for a canopy they were soon asleep. I'held a briel conforeiico with Capt. I i rinholt. and he informed me that the Federal* wore not' expected until the next day. when it was his pui pose to defend the bridge from the sou'.hside, where ho had two pieces of artillery mounted In a fort overlooking the river, with which he confidently ex pected to repulse tho enemy across the stream. He also told mo that there wan an ofllcei on the other side of the bridge, who had oi part of his own command, and with whom he differed as to the proper defence of the bi idge. This information was gladly received, for my impressions already wero against tho plans of tho commandant, and I decided to investigate the matter without delay tho next morning. Soon after daylight I started across tho bridge, and as It was covered the way was dark. I had gone only a few steps when an officer met me, and inquired after my purpose in cross-ng the bridge. Upon staling that my object was to meet with Col. Colcman, he gavo me a cordial grasp ol tho hand, and said that he was Henry E. Cole mau. of the 12th] N. C. I soon learned that Ins mother lived in the neighborhood, ami that ho was on a wounded furlough. Iii?? head wac bandaged from a wound received at Spotisylvnnia, and he had tendered his services for this occas on to Capt. Karinholt. Ho was satisfied (hat tho Fedeiuls could reach there during the day nud would expect to burn the bridge, which could easily be done if there were no troops on the north side to prevent it. He had taken about 150 I militia, old men and boys, and had been cntroiichiug his position during the night, hut it was very slow work The result of our conversation was that I agreed to tako my command across the river,|unless Capt. Farinholt seriously objected to their going, and join with Col. Coleinan in what was tho only practicable defence of the biidge. I found no difficulty in making tho transfer, und when a scant break fast was finished the two companies were marched across. The militia under Col. Coletnun were evidently much rejoiced to have reinforcements come to their assistance, especially when they recognized that the new comers were old soldiers. It was de cided that my two companies should take position on the right of the biidge, while the militia should occupy the left of our entrenchmentP. Let me describe Iho configuration of the ground on the noith side of the ri?er, so as to give a better idea 01 the strength of our position as well as its peril. Hoanokc station was within half a mile of the bridge, and the railroad track w.is without a curve between them. From a steep embankment at the bridgo, lising eight or ten feet above the level grouud, the track grad ually came nearer to the level until at I he station there was no grading at all. On the right or east side of the nil road, looking northwards, thore was a piece of meadow land, a hundred yards wide running to the creek which emp tied hero into the river. This creek ran parallel to the railroad, and kept the same distance from it, so that the meadow was one hundred yards wide and eight hundred yards long. A ditch ran across the meadow from the rail road culvert to the creek, not more than seventy-five yaids in front of my line. On the opposite side of the rail road the ground w<ts uneven and irreg ular, and the river made a bend above the. bridge, so that there was very little chance to manoeiiver troops on that side, as llioy would be i" a narrow de file, with every advantage in favor of the Confederates. Just in tho roar of the sbil ion I here was a succession of h.lls, upon which we posted pickets early in the morning, and it was from these hills in the afternoon that the Federal artillery poured shot and shell iu and around the bridge until it was anything besides comfortable to be within range- Our slender and hastily constructed earthworks formed a semi, circle, with tho biidge as the centre, and each end resting upon the river bank. There was no possible chance of being Hanked in this position, but theie was also no avenue of ret real. Failure meant the capture of every man. ntnl this was impressed upon all. Soon afler the liuo was established and the men had been put to work in throwing up dirt with their bayo nets, Col. Cole'nan and myself with a few picked men went on a reconiiois sance three or four miles up the rail road, using an engine and a passenger coach which came that morning from Danville. This was a valuable incident of ihe day, tor we learned that tho enemy was leisurely advancing, de stroying the railroad track, burning trestles and depots, and looking for ward to an easy victory when they reached the bridge over Stuumon River, and an unmolested march on to Danville, It was further ascertained that Gen. W. H. F. l.ee, with his division of cavalry, was only a few hours in the rear of Gen. Wilson, and thai a stubborn defence of the bridge would enable Lee to overtake him. After leaving some bogus dispatches where they would likely fall into the bonds of t.'.e. enemy, and urgent mes sages to be handed (ion. Lee when he passed that way, the reconnoissauce WIVs ended, ami we returned to Iho bridge with encouraging words for our little band of 800. The hou.-s grew slowly, (lie h. at was intense, ami the men v> ere suffering from thirst and hunger. The creek water did not satisfy ihem, and the rations were growing scarce and unpalatable. They gathered undo the bridge, and Ihe old soldiers regaled tho militia with grewsonic tales of war as they had seen it. ( amp jokes and breezy soin>s fol lowed until 4 o'clock in tho afternoon, when the sharp crack of a ritle on the hills brought every one to his place along tho line, find in >i few minutes some of our \ ideltes were seen coming in haste to join us. The enemy was almost m sight, und the lirsi courier to arrive, said they were very numerous. The advance guard of (Jen. Wilson quickly diove in the balance of our pickets, oxcopt two or three who wore cut ',ff, and who concealed themselves in the woods until the light was over. It was not very long until the en emy hegau to appear upon the hills. Their artillery was soon uulimlicred, and only a few moments elapsed until shells were bursting all around us. They undertook to get the range of the bridge, lind one gun was evi dently trying to shoot into the end of the bridge, meeting with success now and 11ii-11. The squadrons of cavalry were Hying in every direction, and tho whole earth ?eemed to he alive with horses and riders. Cavalry always did excite me with the tramping of horses and the clauging of sabres, bul t'.^so, things were not very destructive to . fe, and so I felt more serious when it wits apparent that this Hying around mennt that the cavalrymen wero dismounting for a close conflict with us. Tho shell iug was still furious and growing more noplcasnnt every momonl. To'add to the discomfort of the situation, our | own Inexperienced nrtillery on the southside hegnn to respond to the compliments scut iorlh from Ihe-op posite hills, and insload of using shot and shell with the expectation of reaching the enemy, the gunners put I iu graoo and canister which fell all around us. I sent private Fenlon, of the Maryland aitillery, wuh u mes sage to the coinniandaiit no the other Hide. He went across the bridge un der the tire of the enemy's guns to stop ' tho tiring of our own artillery, and I watched his redcap with a great deal of interest as he omerged from (he bridge and ascended the hill to the fort. My instructions wore for him to ask the privilege of directing the guns against the enemy, Had in default thereof to eeaee firing altogether. In tho meanwhile the dismounted I cavalry were getting into buttle array. The lines were formed near the sta tion, and they began to move in our direction. Evidently it was tho inten tion of the ene'T.y to crush our small force at once with superior numbers. Column alter column was massed in the meadow and then sent forward; The ground was being covered very rapidly by the advancing hosts, mid the dead silence which prevailed along my line as they got nearer must have deceived them. My orders were for evei\ man to keep Oil the ground he hind the breastworks, which wore only two or three feet high, and when Ihe first line of iho c.ioniy had crossed the dlieli in our front, the command would bo given t.0 uFiroI" As al ready stated this dlieh was not more Ihan seventy-live yards in our front, and when lhe men rose with the rebel yell and ponied a volley into (h? ranks of the enemy, ihero was great con sternation and a hasty retreat. The battle was jollied hi desperate earnest, and when the Federals ic covered from their surprise there was a rally of the scattered forces prepara tory to another charge. The troops were massed even more closely (hau before, and their movements seemed quicker and more determined, hut the fatal ditch was an obstruction which they never pissed again. Out men reserved their lire once more, but they were growing impatient, and did not wait to see whether the Federals would attempt another crossing of the ditch The second charge was repulsed with equal gallantry, showing a deter mined resistance on our side, but it required longer time and heavier dr ing to drive them back. Then follow ed a logger interval between the charges, bul for the third time the ef fort was made by the serried ranks of Ihe enemy to press forward to I lie goal of their ambition. no far as they could sec there was no impression be ing made on our line, and they wore no nearer the capture of the bridge than when they lirst came in sight of it. Tliis thin" charge was resisted as before, and with equal success. The sun was going behind ihe hills, but as yet there was no sign that Oon, W. II. F. Lee hud reached (he enemy's rear. His appearance on the scene would mean ielief for our little band, as we knew that with tin coining of night the Federals would have the ad vantage, for they could easily make approaches to our line by digging rille pits, ami by this means hem us in on three sides. Daylight was important for the solution of Ihe problem, and when Ihe Federals gathered for (he fourth charge there were misgivings as to the result. On they came, however, ami they were met with a galling lire of musketry watch giew even more turious as their lines came nearer. It was during this charge that Lee and his division struck (he rear guard of the Federals, and they were given an opportunity of lighting in opposite di rections. Only one result could ensue from this state of things, which was their ha.siy and immediate withdrawal fvom our front, and preparation began for a sudden retreat. The road leading down Ihe river was in their possession, and it was soon Idled will) a moving caravan of wagons, ambulance' and troops. Their artillery on the bids was turned the other way to prevent the advance of Lee, and under the covoi of a rapid liie from I heir guns the rollout was speedily entered upon. It was a time of suspense and anxiety with us, for wo did not Know with certainty that Lee's command was in reality on hand, or whether it was only a small detachmon*. which had caused the en emy to forsake our front. The sun h id gone down, and the shadows were thicK with the smoke of battle. When it grew dusk there was pi ?Sit lye and unequivocal relief, because one of our videites came with the welcome tidings that the Federals were gone and that Leo was occupying the giouud around the station. The long, long day was ended, and the victory was ours I INCIDENTS OK THE KIOHT. This account might be extended In definitely With personal incidents and reminiscences. Only a few will be given, however. Col, Henry K. Cole man, to whom the credit of the on* gage'v.ent is chiefly due, exhibited tint highest qualities of a soldier. lie Was self-reliant, admirably poised in man ner, and quick to take advantage of circumstances. I was wounded rather fill ly in the light, and was cat ricd un der tin', biidge, protected by the abut* incut. (Jol. COlomnn ?t once suggest ed ttuit hu would take immediate com -, mitnd ol my end of (he line, while he would pass the word along Ihe (reaches that 1 was in charge of tin left uing, and this was done. He came and Blood in front of me, where I was ly ing on the ground, and was receiving such attention as the surgeon could give me, when I saw that he was .in curring great risk in remaining there any longer, ns the minie halls were, whistling by every moment, and he appeared UUCOnciOUS of the fact. 1 cautioned him to Step back one or two paces, but his reply showed that he did not appreciate tho danger, and ill another miuulo he was brought to the ground within a few foot of mo. A hull hud gono through the knee, and ho was disabled like myself. His stratagem had ended so far as as the exchange of commands was concerned, and we ha 1 to lind another expedient, which was to direct the fight joimly through the young man who had been made Adjutant of the command. His name was Lieut. ('. I). Humphreys, of the 1st Florida battal ion, and he had been detailed from my company. After Col. Colctnuu was wounded, Lieut. Humphreys most gallantly met the responsibility upon him, and in connection with the other ofllcers faithfully executed every ordei issued from the disabled headquarters under the bridge. My First Lieuten ant was J. <J. Moon, Go, F., L?h Miss., and In- urns detailed to act as .Mm ,ii \ . while Lieut. Hull, of the 61st Virginia, insisted upon using a musket, (/'apt. Riddick showed splen bid nerve iu the tight, and received a severe tlesh wound before the engage ment was over. The thro principal otlicers being wounded, it is high praise that the men deserve for their unflinching fidelity to the cud of the fight. Gathered from every quarter of the Confederacy, ana belonging to all arms of the set vice, strangers to each other and serving under oflicets who had never hum before, this hot eroge nous command did not quail for nn in stant, and displayed iure intrepidity and steadfast courage. Lach man was actuated by a feeling ot his own responsibility for the successful termination of the tight, and no'army that ever ?rod the earth has produced a brave** uand than ihe .'100 who silVOO the day' at SUtuiiton Kivor. Tim csi i mat cd strength of the Federals was 2,000 tuen, but (Jen. Wilson icported a much smaller num ber as being actually engaged. Their loss in killed and wounded was,not less than .'(00, equal to our whole number, as our men buried "/?*> of their dead tint nekl day. Not a prisone?- was taken on either side. Our total loss was'80 alliccrs and men, and live oul of eight officers were wounded, tux tuen were killed, one of them an Episcopal min ister ot the neighborhood, who had volunteered for the light under Col. Colcmnn. It was a brother-in-law of Uoleinau's, a country physich?!), who acted as surgeon of the command, but I cannot recall his name. Private W. .J. Sims, Co. K., ldtll Miss., was severely wounded in the chest \y,hile performing a daring act undoi my immodiato orders. lie w is a lall, handsome young fellow, not more than nineteen \ car* old, und I hud been attracted towards him from the outset, lie came to me after 1 was wounded und sai?i that there were two men crawling through the hushes along ilie railroad embankment, and asked me what to do. His belief was that tiny were trying to reach the bridge for Ihe purpose of setting lire lo it. ..s he saw that each one had in his hand a paekage. My answer was to shoot them, and he quickly stepped back lo toe position from which he had seen them, then raised his gun and Hred, but did r.ol step down. Throwing his gun in proper position to re-load and keeping his eye Upon the Federals, .Suns was about lo rain the charge when a ball entered his chest and he fell backwards, but was caught by a comrade. Ho came at once to my side, and said, " I have done whe* you told me, but I am a dead man." As he lay there, growing more pallid every moment, he begged 1110 to write his mother, and say lo her that he was shot while obeying my order in the discharge of ins duly as a Confederate soldier. The youth who was acting as my orderly wrote down his words and took his mother's address for me. The surgeon said that Sims was aio.tally wounded, but I insisted that he r iv ivery attention lo linn, vhaihig will, him the slender supply of stimulants on hand. The next morning Sims was taken to Danville along with the rest of us, and in a few weeks he was given a furlough to visit his mother and tell Ihe story for himself. OFFICKR8 AND 1M11VATKS. It has always been a matter of sincere regret that an accurate list of the furloughod and convaleuconi soldiers under my command was not kept by me, but every veteran will understand how easy it was to neglect such a thing, It was an unusual event, it is true, and yet it was not the only time in the campaign of 1804 that men going home on furlough or returning from hospital were engaged in battle on the way. One of the men wlu> was with me. at Slauntou Ktver, and who is now an estimable ciiizen of Anderson Comity, William .J. Stevenson, of Co. FM2miS. C. Hilles, had the rare and un expected experience of taking part in an engjgeinent between Petersburg and Woldoll only a few weeks before, as he was going home on furlough, and he did a soldier's duly on both occasions without receiving a scratch, lie literally fought his way home and back to the army. H?ing wounded so severely, 1 had no opportunity of perfecting ihe list aftei the light was over, and adding the names of men who joined me only as the enemy came in sight, for this was also line. The soldiers arriving in Danville idler WO let I ami who wen; alt'le. for duly weie pen! forward by the commandant, and i squad of them came just as we were preparing to engage the enemy. So vet id of tuem belonged to the Hampton Legion, aud among them was another friend of mine from Anderson County, Iho late Pelor H. Brown, who with tho others crossed the bridge while il was under a raking lire from the artillery. l?ppend heiewilh the list as it was printed in the Southern Guardian : First Lieut, J. G. JMooiv, (Jo. F, 18th Miss. Second Lieut. C. I). Humphreys, 1st Fla. Battalion. Third Lieut. Hal!, ?lst Vit, First Sorgt., .lames C. Dullose, Co, G, 2nd Ca. Sergt. Murray, compauy and regi ment not known. Sergt. \V. J. Stevenson, Co. F, 2nd S. C. Hilles. Privates .1. c. McClendttu, Co, II, 27th Ga; W. J. Sims, Co. K, 18th Miss \ u. McCarmell, Co. c, 6th s. c ; J. W. Gilbert, Co. K, 10th Ga ; J. M. .lames, Co. K, -.'nil Go : E. It. LaWSOt), C(?. K, 48rd Teiin ; G< Dennis, (,v, c, 7th s. C ; li. Ilertrand, Co. II,Olli Li ; H. 11. Willingham, Co. D, 8011) (in; W. II. l.ippiti and \V. L. Galloway, Co. D, (Jobb Legion cavalry ; (?. (?. JohnsonunJ.). A. Dlckson.Co. L, Cobb Legion, e;<valry ; (). Bonner, Co. 1), 44th Ga; .1. >l. Penton, aitlllery, Maryland Line; II. c. Glisson,Co. A, :inl Ga ; C. ft. Kchols, Co. A, I8lll Miss -, G. McGarlty, Co. B. 24lhGa; 1). 1). Kleekley, Co. K, 20tl) S. C ; A. MeKeron, Co. b\ 12th <?a ; J, C. Kelly, Co. II, 25th S. C ; A. iL Tanner, Co. P, 40thGa;.F. Gicgory, Co; 11. 20th S. 0 ; J. T. Kason, Co. L, 17th Miss j G. M. Agee, Co. II, ?lst Va ; W. M. I Ayr s, Co. II, ?lst Va ; W. M. Knssell, i Co. F, 44th N. C ; .1. A. Johns, Co. 'A, SHh 1^ ; G. M. Lanfotd, Co. A, 5th S. 0 ; B. Nelson, Co. P, Uth N. C ; J. M. Jon. . Co. 21st N. (' ; J. Baker. Co. A, 8th Confederate Cavalry ; J. C. Gafford, Col G, ?lli Texas"; J. T. Willhouse, Co. G, 1st Texas ; K. Robinson, Co C, Davis Legion, cavalry ; J. T. Minix, Co K, 49th Ga ; J. Wise, Co. A, ?9ih Ga ; L G. McKenzie, Co. II, 1st Texas ; J. C. Harris, Co. A, ?th N. C ; W. X. Dodd, Co. D, 17th Miss. This list includes only forty-six names, which was the enrolment made at Danville, perhaps, at the outset. From twenty live lo thirty others were added ns already indicated. Georgia heads the list with 15 lueu, one third of those named here. In closing this sketch, let me refer once more <o Col. Coleman, whom I did not meet for twenty years alter Ihe light at .Staunlon River. It was at a hotel table in Columbia, and a ft iend introduced me to the geuliemau on my left, who proved lo lie Col. Coleman. His greeting was still warmer and more cordial -ban at Ihe meet inn on the biidge, and we talked over the inci dents of which I have been writing, lie was in the employ of the Richmond, and Danville at that lime as a civil engineer, and afterwards held an im portant position at Washington, I). <j., where wc met again in 1888. He call ed at ihe hotel dining my abseuc", ami left bis card With a message that he would come again, hui I did not wail for him, and in going to his residence it [ so happened that wc passed each other Without recognition onlv a short dis tance from his home. In answer lo my ring ? f the door bell, a young lady came to the door and greeted me by name, which quite surprised me. It was his daughter, who recognized me by a description he had given the fitnlly. His health was then failing, and in a few years he was summoned to join Ihe innumerable caravan who have gone before. Henry K. Coleman was every ineh a soldier,and impressed me with his high qualities as a gentle man. Peace loins ashes ! Greenville* 8 C, .htuc 1805. IM ?MANCH IN URAL LI FW. A Greenville Youhk Muh Forecloses u MoriKiiKO Voluntarily UIVCll Co llilll 'l'WeiltV Vcai's AKU. Tue marriage of Mr. Stan more Brooks Townes, son of Prof. A. S. Towuth, of (jie?nville, is tho stquel 10 a romauceof surpassing interest, which is thuH described by tho Atlanta Con stitution : At high noon yesterday tho marri age of Miss Fanny K< si Atkinson to Mr. Stan more Brooks Towues occurred in Kirkwooil, (Ja , at the pretty little cottage which is to be the ftruire homo of tho happy couple. Tue ceremony was performed by Rev. A. C. Ward. It wus u wedding of which there is a romance that very fe?' of their friends know of, but which has seldom boon equaled in life or liction. It is a romance that makes a pretty and interesting story. Tho story is one that goes hack nearly twenty-two years and concluded with the wedding yesterday. A little more than twenty years a?ro Professor A. S. Townes was teaching school as principal in Madison, Oa. In the same school was a teacher who after ward married Rev. Mr. Atkiuson. When sue was stiil teaching the minister of tho town proposed to her The young woman confided in the wife of Professor Townes and usked her advice. The wedding occurred and soon a little one came to bless tho happy home. Tho baby was named Fanny Uosu. When little Miss Funny Rosa was a year old. Mrs. Atkinson de termined upon a peculiar proceeding. Tho little hoy oT Professor und Mrs. Townes was ut that time two years old. She loved the little fellow and upon one. occasion hud helped nurse him through a serious illness. She gave bur little girl to him in writing uud the two hud their pictures tuken together. On the back of tho photo* graph the gift, was recorded in dupli cate. In a few months Professor Townes moved to South Carolina and there taught school at one of the colleges. When the little boy became a young man of twenty be was entrusted with some business matters by his father. Tim business took him to F.asloy, S. 0., whero be stopped ut the principal hotel at that place. It so happened that Miss Atkinson was stopping there with some friends for the summer. She looked on tho register and saw the name of Townes and inquired who it was, as she thought it might be the professor. To her great surprise she discovered it was a young man. She then told il friend of the story of her babyhood and this friend determined thut they should meet. When they separated it was for three years, young Townes going to the Columbian university to study law. During that time, however, he wrote to Miss Atkinson and in one of his letters said that he was going to claim her. as he had a deed to her. At the end of three years he graduated und Came to Atluuta and began the practice of law. This was two years ago. In tho meantime Miss Atkinson wiw teaching school at tho Crow street I seiiool. ilor resignation was sent in , to the h.iaril of eilueation thin year to take effect at tin- end of tin; Just term. The resignation wus accepted with regret, but it was understood that it was final. Professor and Mrs. Townes wore present at the ooreiuony, as was Mrs. Atkinson, Ik r husband having died some years iigo. It was truly a wedding which culmi nated an unusual romance. a Smallpox Curb?a euro of smallpox und BOai'let fever which Mm; lie v. Adirondack Murray claims to be infallible as fate, is composed of one grain of sulphate of /.inc. one grain of digitalis (commonly known us foxglove) and a half teaspoonful of sugar. This is to be thoroughly mixed with two teo*)|>OOUfula of water und four ounces of water added. Tho dose for adults is one teaspoonful every hour, and for Children smuller doses according to age. Murray writes : The medicine is harmless and is recommended by the bust schools in Paris. 1 have cured my children of scarlet fever and others of smallpox when the doctors said the I patients must die. blither diseuse, ! under this treatment, will disappear 1 in twelve hours. If the countries would compel their physicians to use it. there would bo no noed of pest* hOUBCP." Inflamed itching, burning, crusty and scaly skin and scalp of infants soothed und cured by Johnson s Orion tal Soap. Sold by Carpenter Bros., Greenville, S. C. ?The way to success is to follow tho path Indicated by the next duty. CHAIRMAN 1RBY SPEAKS. THK OKUANIKKI) |)K!*I OCIt ACY MUST NOT 1)1 V 11)10. Ho Say? ihn Twcmj-Oiio Hope lo Control tho Constitutional Conven tion. The following Interview with Sana* tor Irby, chairman of the Stale Deum eratic executive committee, bag boon published in tho Piedmont deadlight: " Tho mask is oil aud 1 thank God for It. Reformers have been wasting time with such men as Williams, Gou zales, Llemphill and other unti leaders, thinking thes-3 Cousorvatives wore honest in their efforts to bring about peace and unit-,'. Their Object was to get control of the convention in the in terest of corporations by deception and treachery. Tillmuu said thin und left them. Tnis tore the musk from their faces. Thereupon they meet in Co lumbia aud voluntarily desert the Democratic party and resolve to orgu ni/.o one of their own, and Mr. Cursou, their ehuii im n, of what was hoped a defunct organization, proceeds formal ly to carry out their instructions. This is barefaced lodependouttsu) with all that word means. 1 can't see in faco of this hOW honest, loyal. Reform Democrats can utllliate with them. In truth, tho action of mis committee releases every Reformer in counties v here an ugrcotneut bad been mude. " If these agreements uro curried ullt und lliin Independent F.xocutive Committee succeeds in muny countlo> as they purpose. Mien with the help tUey expect to get on tho pleu ol peace and unity from counties in which they huve agreed, they will certainly cou Irol that convention. For Instance, they uro going to muke u clean cut open light in uuu.y counties. They may pretend to agree in Kichlund and Charleston and other counties, and tin. so agreements will he repudiated on election day as sure as the suu shines and anli Democrats olooted. 1 can uume, but perhaps it would he better not to do it at this time, on nigh counties that they think they will surely eui ry to aggregate seventy-two votes by the use of tho negro. Then if they can pick up nine from K.lge liold, Aikcn, Marion, Lexington and Abbeville, they will have a uiiij u ity of the convention. This has boon their game all along, and corporations have been at tho bottom of the whole business. I "A* long us they pretended (aud I kuosv it wus mere pretense) lo st.iy in p.u ty lines 1 could not attuek tuoin Now led by G?nzlies, with such lieu* tenuuls us Williums und Guriiugton. in open buttlo with the organized Demoeruey. it is my duty to fight them us such. If our people divide with them they can make up their minds for these political beneficiaries lo vote with the Independents and the nig gers as soon us the convention is orga nized. Thoy cannot be trusted. Otllou and control of the State is what ihey want and nothing less will ever sat sfy them. Thoy want control of tho con vention to undo and destroy every thing that has beeu done since 1S!)0 and disfranchise enough poor and illiterate Democrats to give tho rich man conti ol of South Caro lina for all time to come. This is plain talk, but I mean every word I say. ?' The very idea of the poor men of Liurens voting for some peaoo-crying independents to keep them from de serting their people, who will go to Columbia and join in witli the other Independent Democrats to take a.vay their political rights forever and place them upon an i quality with the nig ger, is farcical. Our people are not fools and they will prove thin when tho propel time comes. We are for principle. If they can beat us wo will yield. It we beat them BOluobody eise will have to yield. It is no use to dis guise it any longer. Toe issue is sim ple. The organized Democracy and the white man vs. Iudepcndentisni ai d the nigger. We are ready for the light, and I have no fears of the re sult." ''Senator, from what you say, tho Democrats will assume that you think the Gouzales crowd have deserted the Democratic party." "That is just what I mean. If you will read this address, which was evi dently written by Kditor Williams, you will bo convinced thai thoy have Jellboratoly surrendered all claims to Democracy. It is addressed to the ?'People of South Carolina" and not to the Demoratio parly of the State. The '"people" include not only ne groes, but Republicans, with whom I have believed that there has been an understanding for more than It year. The address noes not contain the word Democrat, und it purposely ignores the general primary ordered By the Democratic Committee, while Mr. lion/ales in their organ (Tho State) urges its foilowerd in Keforin counties lo make lurins with the Kofnrmors. That is the reason why the resolution to stay out of t Ins Deinoeratie prilliury wus not carried. This, was done to fool Reformers in such eounlies us Ab beville und lOdgctiold. They are ut lempting to use a double bai rolled gun on ut?make an Independent straight tight in close, counties ami expect Democrats to compromise with then, in strong It doi in uouolios. If this is not so, why did the members of the conference or anti committee applaud so vigorously the speech of Mr. (Jar ?ngton, editor of tho Spartunburg Herald, who long ago withdrew pi b licly from tho Democratic parly 'i They are Democrats in Keforin conn tics where they can't elect a delegate, ana uuti Democrats in nigger or ant1 counties. " We are not children ami cannot he fooled in any such way. However, wo inu.-t he up und doing. Tho conven tion must be carried by a decisive ma jority. Wo would bo in dauger witn a margin of tweiity-ti vc, for there ai'0 always men who s.-e new light after tin y are sworn in otllCO." < ? ? ? Ca? The- l-Yench Broad, In North Caro linu, was called by tho Indiana Took yesto, '? tlit: Iittlo roarer." It received its present name from tho early Bot? tiers, who called it so on account of its width at i.mi place, and because the country to the west was then claimed by the h'reneb. ?Of the thirty-two Secretaries of State who have hold olltoo sinoo the organization of the Government, four have (lied while in oftioe, Hugh S. Hoguro of South Carolina: Abel P. Upshur, of Virginia; Daniel Webster, of Massachusetts, and WaltorQ. Grcsh am, of I ndiana. Recommend Johnson's Magnetic Oil for rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains. I bruises, lame back, it quickly relieves pain. Carpenter Bros., Greenville, s. 0. h'its, dizziness, hysteria, wakcful ness, bad dreams and softening of the brain quickly cured by Magnetic Ner vine. Sold by Carpenter Bros., Green* villo, s. C. Don't be talked into having an operu I tlon as it may cost you your life. I Japanese I'ilo Cure Is guaranteed to euro you by Carpenter Bros., Green vlllo, S. C. TUB WKEKliY Oltot? HtMiKriN. The Condition Slightly I in pro vi<l Dur ingiho Week twitltotf June?ftth. Crops generally , made satisfactory growth during the week, although tho weather conditions were not alto gether favorable, at In many places it was altogether too dry for pluot growth, and some km is. uotaoTy gardens, were praetieally ruined whore tho showers of the latter portion of tho weok Insutll dent. Of tho staple crops nothing eaa ho said but that they made u general but slow im pro emeut, more marked in cotton than in any other crop, but corn, tobacco, rice, melons und amber cane ail show gains. As to sections, crop-* are tho host iu Greenville, l'ickens, Uuiou, Lau? reu?, Newbjrry, Fair Held and por tions of Spartanbui g and York Comi ties, whore they are up to a high average condition, especially cotton; Wlliiamsburg county has apparently the poorest crops, and the prospects there aro characterized as gloomy. Grasshoppers, in large numbers, have apeured in the upper part of Nowborry county, and have boon most destructive to corn holds: the tobicoo worm is troublesome in portions of Florence county ; corn on low lands has been damaged s mie by worm iu Chesterfield county ; injury to cotton by lice is reported from Oraugeburg county. The totnperuture was from f> to 8 degrees below the uoruial ou tho lirst of tho wuok (18th), with exceptionally tow minimum temperatures, for this ?oiuioo, over tho western portions of the State ou tlio ISth und l!>th, tho days wore generally quite hot. Dur ing tho greater portions of the wook tho tompcruluro rungod slightly ahovo tho normal, making tho average for the week approximately seasonable, Thu highest temperature reported luring tho week was hi) on tho -2nd at Dlnckvillo; tho lowest reported was 52 on the 18th at Liberty, Green? ; v ille and Uheraw ; on the IDth at Mayflold and Greenvlllo. The mean temperature of the week for the State ?vas about 78.5, and the normal hj&fti the same period is approximately '?\*. The weather was Injuriously dry over a huge portion of the State until the 22nd (Saturday), when showers .vero quite general over the Western .iud neutral portions : by the 23rd ,Snndny.1, the showery conditions reached the oast, and on tho 24th (Monday), there were heavy showers in the central countu s, but it is not known at tue central ollice how gen oral or extended t!.. y were. On tho whole, tho rainfall of the week was not well distributed, many places bad enough while others hail barely Bullloloni to moisten the sur fnee, where soaking rain was needed. The showers were not, however, eon lined to any portion ol the Slate. In places gardens are greatly impaired, for want of rain, and grass for bay in the upper Savannah valley is also needing rain badly : corn was show ing a tendeuey to wilt. The rains that have fallen since the reports were rendered may have changed these conditions entirely. Ttio heaviest ruin full was reported from Stateburg, where 2..'1* inches fell on tho -'2d : on tho 23d 2.1!? fell >it C-amdon. The average of 2S re ports of rainfall for tho week is 0.72 (in this tho rains of Sunday are only partially represented, and the rains of Monday not at all j: the normal for the same period is approximately 1.25, being 1.50 in the (Custom portion and 1.00 in the central Western por tions. There were local high winds ac companying thunderstorms that were more or loss destructive to crops, but they were of limited oxtout. Tho sun-hine was generally exces sive, ranging.">'.? pur cent, of the pos sible at Hold, Greenville County, to 100 at Conway, Horry County. The average for the State was about 7* per cent. Cotton has steadily improved in condition, and is quite satisfactory generally, though it continues small, with some exceptions in the central and ICastorD counties, where its con dition is reported very poor und do teriorating. Tue plant bus started to make a fast growth, has a good color and fair stand. Early planting blos soming. Lice have about disappeared. Crop generally clean. Corn looks very promising over tho entire state, but tho stalk Is generally.. reported tobe low yet th lck> -^fairly planting being laid by.' Tye crop clean and well cultivated. During the middle of tho week the grounds became ' a* bard ami diy to plant stubble lands to corn, hut this work will be resumed now that ruins have fallen. Grasshoppers destroying corn in Nowberry county, and worms in Chesterfield. Wh out harvest Hearing completion with fairly satisfactory yields, being in many instances bettor than antici pated. Winter oats about all hat'vested with sotnewh it loss than an average yield. Spring oats are being cut and thoyiold generally poor. I'eas have improved greatly al though Holds that have ujcii sown Wlthlll the past, three weeks have been slow to crmlnato. Melon.- are doing well lately and promise a large crop. Tobacco is a very line crop gen erally, nut reports from Darlington county indicate that the dry WOUthel' injured the crop somewhat: worms nuinorous in portions of Florence county. Ulco is doing exceedingly Well and is in a satisfactory, condition whure evor its cultivation bus buun;attempted < in tho Stute / P? aches that are rip ning now arej gen. rally small and disappointing. 1t.^ is said the reason is that the trees ttl'O overloaded. This can bu reinodiod Oil I.der varh ties by freely culling each tree if needed. It is believed that the time, ami labor required would hu tvoll i'opuld. Gardons have heim seriously Im paiicd by tho dry weather, but, ItG, believed um entirely rained oxeopi in rar?' Instances. The favorable ralm of the last lew days will rovivo thoin to a great extent. ?Good farming pays hoeuiia*! it en ables the land In bear better crops in the future. Hundreds nl farmers who may have lost money one year lind that they may have made a profit the. next booauao the'r elf ?rts li.l n d> bring forth fruit until later. There is wealth in the soil that isslor.ul up for usedur | ing sueeessive seasons. I Ion. .1. I 'i OOtOI' K DOtt, who is now a col eflo professor at G. liter College, Ky., is to undertake the odltorshlpof a free silver coinage newspaper 1 In Louisville during the vacation days of tho school. If the new paper should not he sueeos-ifu! enough in these two or three months to insure permanency he will return to his duties as an edu cator. ?jj ? ? i ?? Johnson's Magnetic oil cures cramps and colic and internal neuralgia; 10 und 70 cents. Sold at Carpenter lb os., Greenville S. C.