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About The banner of the South. (Augusta, Ga.) 1868-1870 | View Entire Issue (April 9, 1870)
—— I ' —— ’' " " *'*'* VOL. 111. A Stream That Hurries By. BY GERALD GRIFFIN. I. The stream that hurries by yon fixed shore Returns no more; The wind that dries at morn yon dewy lawn Breathes and is gone ; Those withered flowers to Summer’s ri pening glow No more shall blow; Those fallen leaves that strew yon garden bed For aye are dead, n. Os laugh, of jest, of mirth, of pleasure past, Nothing shall last; On shore, on sea, on hill, on vale, on plain ; Naught shall remain; Os all for which poor mortals vainly mourn, Naught shall return; Life hath his hour in Heaven and earth beneath, And so hath Death. hi. Not all the chains that clank iu Eastern clime Can fetter time; For all the phials in the doctor’s store Youth comes no more; To drug on age's wrinkled cheek renews Li fo’s early hues; Not ail the tears that pious mourners shed Can wake the dead. iv. For all Spring gives, and Winter takes again, We g. ieve in vain; Vainly for sunshine fled, and joys gone by. . , We heave the sigh ; On, ever on, with unexhausted breath, Time hastes to death; Even with each word we speak a mo ment flies, Is born and dies. v. If thus, through lesser Nature’s Em pire wide Nothing abide—- If wind, and wave, and leaf, and sun, and flower, Have each their hour— Ee walks on ice whose dallying spirit clings To earthly things; And ho alone is wise whose well-taught love Is fix’d above, vi. a ruths firm as bright, but oft to mortal ear Chilling and dear; Uarsh as the raven’s croak the sounds that tell Os pleasure’s knell; i ray, reader, that at least the minstrel’s strain Not all be vain; * IL,J when thou bend’st to God the sup pliant knee Remember me. Cornhiil Magazine. bistening at a keyhole is said to be !,r ‘ v ate earing. .- cause a man who keeps sheep is a ty plif rd, makes it no reason that a man WI,J k’ct ps cows is a coward. ;i you would look spruce in your old ' do not pine in your youth. ‘loots polished inside is displayed on ,l m Virginia city. A New York paper prints what it (a o French telegrams from Spain. GEISTERAE lee AT THE “WILDERNESS” BY R. C. , OF “HOOD’S TEXAS BRIGADE.” An humble participant in the late war, I take upon myself the liberty of seeking in your columns a brief space for the purpose of mentioning and preserving fromfrerror, an important incident of the late contest —which deserves to occupy one of the brightest pages upon our country’s history. I come prepared to state what I saw and what I heard, and not what was reported to me through many mouths—l shall be brief—for were my pen able, no ornamentation from it, could add to the glory and grandeur of the main fact that I shall state. That Gen. R. E. Lee exposed his life during the battle of the “Wilderness,” May 6th, 1864, is generally known to the Southern people—hut the truth of the affair has never, to my knowledge, been given—l have read accounts, both in prose and poetry, of Gen. Lee’s noble conduct on the eventful 6th of May—but however near to the truth of the case— and were written, perhaps, by some who “snuffed the battle from afar,*’ and gathered their records from those who fled the face of danger—the truth is this. In the fall of 1863, Gen. Longstreet, with two divisions of his corps, (Hood’s and McLaws’) was ordered to Georgia to reinforce Gen. Bragg. This we did, and participated iu the battle of “Chicka inauga,” after which we were ordered to Knoxville, Tennesse to lay siege to the place, and j?hich was done without suc cess. In the latter part of April 1864, Gen. Longstreet found himself and corps in the vicinity of Bristol, ou the Virginia and Tennessee line. About May Ist, 1864, we took up the line of March, and were transported* to Cobham station, on the Virginia Central Railroad, near Charlottesville. At this place new clothing, guns, bayonets, ammunition and ampie provisions were issued to our corps, and we were reviewed by Generals Lee and Longstreet. At that time our corps contained only the two divisions that Longstreet took with him to Geor gia. During our stay in Georgia and Tennessee, Gen. Hood was made a Lieutenant General, and Major Gen. Field assigned iu his place. Maj. Gen. McLaws was removed and Brig. Gen. Kershaw, of South Carolina, made a Major General in his stead, and my old brigade, “Texas,” was placed under Brig. Gen. Jno. Gregg, of Texas—vice Brig. Gen. Robertson. We look up the line of march from Cobham station about the 2nd or 3rd of May—which, I now forget—and con tinued on a steady march until the night of the sth, going into camp about 7 or Bp. m. Late in the evening of the sth we heard the report of cannon, were informed that we were near Gen. Lee's army. We did not know at the time that the grand battle of the “Wilderness” had begun on the sth, and merely deem ed the report of cannon “a feeling of the enemy’s position.” At this time, as I had been for several months, 1 was act ing on Gen. Gregg’s staff as courier— and in a position to see and know all that I have, or may hereafter re late. By 3 a. m., on the morning of the 6th, the long roil beat, the men were aroused, under arms, and the march soon began. We moved steadily on, though rather at a rapid pace, with the “Texas Brigade” leading the van of Gen. Field's division. By daylight, or perhaps a little later, we had reached the turnpike known as the “Fredericksburg Turnpike.” By day light the boom of cannon, and the dis tant rattle of small aims, were borne ! upon the breeze, and knowing that the AUGrTTSTLA., GLA_., -AYPRII, 9, 1870. two armies were immediately facing each other, we recognized that a grand battle had begun, and we would soon be called upon to act well our part. Reach ing the turnpike, we took the direction leading to Fredericksburg, and before going very far not only was our speed accelerated, but Gen. Kershaw’s division (the other division of our corps) occupied the pike side and side with us, and thus situated, the two divisions moved rapid ly down the pike in the direction of the firing—the men of separate commands mingling one with another. When moving down this pike, the sun rose beautifully, but to the notice of all had a deep, red color, aDd the brave Gen. Gregg, upon seeing this, remarked to those who were riding near him, “there is the sun of Austerlitz”—prophecy that found verification] ere it sunk to rest among the sombre shades of night. The nearer our steps led us towards the fir ing, the diu of battle became louder and more terrible.—Faster and faster our columns moved on to the scene of con flict, until wo were almost at a double quick. Directly horsemen came dashing to and fro; aids were cantering about; ambulances containing the wounded went flying to the rear; litters with their unfortunate burdens were moving to wards the hospitals; stragglers without number were flocking back with tales of distress, annihilation and defeat—all these signs betokened that bloody and desperate work was going on, and that too not many yards distant. A half mile more, and by 6 o’clock, we found oursel ves upon the scene. Both of our divis ions mingled together in one mass upon the turnpike. Asa part of this narrative, I will give the situation of affairs as we found them upon our arrival at the scene and a short or imperfect idea of the ground. The position where we found ourselves upon being halted, was near the brink of a hill which gradually sloped down for the distance of 200 yards, where immedia tely began the dense undergrowth known as the wilderness. The turnpike led over and down this hill and continued on into the wilderness. Immediately at the turn of the hill, where the turnpike or plank-road passed, hasty breastworks were partially constructed and under construction; and along these were strewn a body of stragglers that had been rallied, as well as some half dozen pieces of artillery that were playing upon the dense wildernes below. Near this hasty defense we found, upon our arrival, our loved commander-in-chief. Gen. Lee, Gen. Longstreet, their staffs, and body guards. I have often seen Gen. Lee, but never did I see him so excited, so disturb ed—never did anxiety or care manifest itself before so plainly upon his counte nance. if I mistake not he wag almost moved to tears—if in error, others share it with me, and his voice was anxious and tremulous. And well, kind reader, may his anxiety have been great. The evening before, Gen. A. P. Hill, with the divisions of Generals Wilcox and Heath, had met the enemy upon the ground before us, and night found them victorious. That night, (May sth,) supposing the enemy demoralized and fleeing, they placed their pickets but a stone’s throw in advance of the line of battle, and laid aside their accoutrements and arms, at least such is my latter day information. But be this as it may, they were attacked next morning, at break of day, unawares, and unprepared, and ere many blows were struck, the great body of Gen. Hill’s two divisions were in lull fight—and an overwhelming and victorious enemy had only a handful of brave souls who dared stay their advance. On they came, and by 6 or 7 a. m., at which time our corps (Longstreet’s) came upon the scene, the enemy were not far from the lull before described—mid unless checked would soon possess it, be out ol the wilderness, and prepared to strike us a death blow. The other divisions of Gen. Hill's corps, (Gen. Andersons’s, for some rea son, had not arrived as soon as was ex pected. Here let me say that if in aught written I have done any injustice to the brave men who composed Gen. Hill’s corps, it is not so intended. That their conduct on that day was natural from the circumstances, we cannot deny. I will also state here, that since that battle I have learned that when our corps set out that morning, (May 6th,) at 3 a. m., we were on a flank movement, and that Gen. Hill being attacked and rou ted, the flank movement was abandoned in order that this position might be relieved. As we stood upon this hill, Lee exci ted and in close consultation with Long street—our batteries tliunder into the Wilderness below', the roar of musketry from the undergrowth below—our men retreating in a disorganized mass, and the Yankees pressing on and within musket shot, almost, of the hill upon which stood our idolized chief, indeed was an exciting time, and the emergency called for immediate and determined ac tion upon the part of the Confederate General. Lee was equal to the hour. Action must not be delayed, for in less than five minutes the enemy would be upon the hill. Longstreet’s corps as it then stood in one mingled mass upon the plank road, could not be thrown in, and time must be allowed for it to re form, and place itself in line of battle. The cannon thundered, musketry rolled, stragglers were fleeing, couriers riding here*and there in post-haste, minnies be gan to sing, the dying and wounded were jolted by the flying ambulances, and tilling the road-side, adding to the ex citement the teror of death. The “Texas brigade,” was in front of Fields’ divis ion—while “Humphrey’s brigade” of Mississippians led the van of Kershaw’s division. The consulation ended. Gen. Gregg and Gen. Humphrey were ordered to form their brigades iu line of battle, which was quickie done, and we found ourselves near the brow of the hill, Gregg on the left—Humphrey on the right. “Gen. Gregg prepare to move,” was the order from Gen. L. About this time, Gen. Lee, with his staff, rode up to Gen, Gregg—“ General what brigade is this?” said Lee. “The Texas brigade,” was General G’s reply. “I am glad to see it,” said Lee. “When you go in there, I wish you to give those men the cold steel—they will stand and tire all day, and never move unless you charge them,” “That is my experience,” replied the brave Gregg. By this time an aid from General Longstreet rode up and repeat ed the order, “advance your command, Gen. Gregg.” And now comes the point upon which the interest of this “o’er true tale” hangs. “Attention Texas Brigade.” was rung upon the morning air, by Gen. Gregg, “the eyes of Gen eral Lee are upon you, forward, march.” Scarce had we moved a step, when Gen. Lee, iu froot of the whole command, raised himself in his stirrups, uncovered his grey hairs, and with an earnest vet anxious voice, exclaimed above the din and confusion of the hour, “Texans al ways move them.” Reader, for near four years I followed the fortunes of the Virginia army, heard saw and experienc ed much that saddened the heart or ap pealed in one form or another to human passions, but never before im my life time or since, did 1 ever witness such a scene as was enacted when Lee pro nounced these words, with the appealing look that he gave A yell rent the air that must have been heard for miles around, aud but few eyes in that old brigade of veterans and heroes of many a bloody field was undimmed by honest, heart-felt tears. Leonard Gee, a courier to Gen. Gregg, and riding by my side, with tears coursing down his cheeks and yellsissuing from his throat exclaimed, “I would charge hell itself for that old man.” It was not, what Gen. Lee said J that infused and excited the men, as his tone and look, which each one of us knew were borne of the danger of the hour. With jell after yell wo moved for ward, passed the brow of the hill, and moved down the declivity towards the undergrowth—a distance in all not ex ceeding 200 yards. After moving over half the ground we all saw that Gen. Lee was following us into battle—care and anxiety upon his countenance—refusing to come back at the request and advice of his staff. If I recollect correctly, the brigade halted when they discovered Gen. Lee’s inteution, and all eyes were turned upou him. Five and six of his staff would gather around him, seize him his arms, bis horse’s reins, but he shook them oft’ and moved forward. Thus did he continue until just before we reached the undergrowth, not. how ever, until the balls began to fill and whistle through the air. Seeing that we would do all that men could do to retrieve the misfortuues of the hour, accepting the advice of his staff, and hearkening to the protest of his advancing soldiers, he at last turned round aud rode back to a position on the hill. We reached the 1 undergrowth—en tered it with a yell, and in less than 100 yards came face to face with the advanc ing, triumphant, and sanguine foe—con fronted only by a few brave ;souls who could only fire and yield their ground . The enemy were at least five or six to one of us, and death seemed to be our portion. With only 15 or 20 paces se parating us, the contest waxed hot aud deadlier. We gave a cheer aud tried a charge, but with our handful of men our only success was to rush up to them, shoot them down, and shove them back some 10 or 15 yards. For 25 minutes we held them steady—-not a foot didthev ad vance and at the expiration of that time morethan half of our brave fellows lay around us dead, dying and wounded, and the few survivors could stand it no longer. By order of Gen. Gregg, wliO'C manly form was seen wherever danger gloried most —1 bore the order to the sth and Ist Texas, to fall back in order. Al’ter|retreating some 50 yards, a most deafening yell was borne upon the breeze, and ere we were prepared to realize its cause, Gen. Longstreet’s corps came sweeping by us, reformed, aud re inforced by Gen. Anderson’s division, and with a valor that stands unrivaled swept everything before them for three long miles —driving, in that long charge, the yankees from four difterent| lines of breastworks that they had thrown up in their rear. The “Battle of the Wilder ness” was won—-all other fighting by the enemy that day aud next was to prevent defeat from terminating in destruction. A gentleman in Alabama, iu exerting himself one day, felt a sudden pain, and fearing his iternal machinery had been thrown out of gear, sent for a negro on his plantation, who made some preten tions to medical skill, to prescribe for him The negro having investigated the case, prepared and administered a dose to his patient, with the utmost con fidence of a speedy cure. No relief be ing experienced, however, the gentle mau sent for a physician, when on arriv ing inquired of the negro what mediciue he had given his master. Bob promptly responded, “Rosin and alum, sir.” “What did you give them for?” con tinued the doctor. “Why,” replied Bob, “the alum to draw the parts together, and de rosin to sodder uin.” The pa tient eventually recovered. Why don't you trade with me? said a close-fisted tradesman to a friend the other day. The rep!. was characteris tic: You have never isked me sir. I have looked a‘l through the papers for an invitation in the shape of an advertise ment, and found none. I never go where I am not invited. Actors are people vvno live by apper anees. O.
