Edgefield County, South Carolina - The whole text, 1897 (part 11 of 11)

As soon as the brigade reached the South Side Railroad it halted, and formed a line of battle. Hastily piling up som,e rails as a protection from the advancing foe, which was a welcome cover to the hard pressed sharp-shooters, we fell in with the brigade as we found it, but not long to rest, for soon the enemy emerged from the woods into the open field in a splendid line of infantry to charge a little remnant of men. As they advanced across an open field they were allowed to come within easy range of our rifles. It then seemed that ever}^ man was determined to make his shots count, for after two or three volleys the enemy fell back in disorder to the woods from where they came. Receiving reinforcements, rapidly formed and moved to our left, and with their overwhelming forces we were compelled to retreat in disorder.

After crossing the railroad in the direction of the Appomattox River, I came up with the Color-Bearer of the Fourteenth South Carolina Regiment, and around him were about twentyfive men of the First, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Regiments. Not having time to consult as to the better way of safety, we moved hastily on to the Appoiuattox River, thinking we might cross and join EongstreeL's Corps, which was thought to be retreating up the river from Richmond. Finding the river considerably swollen and no way of crossing, we made our way up the river as best we could. Night coming on, we la\' our wornout selves down to sleep, and a glorious sleep it was, such as we had not had in several nights. Next morning we were up earh% ate a scanty breakfast, and continued to move v.yi the river, thinking perhaps we might find some waj' of escape. On reaching a hill we found the enemy had gotton ahead of us, and that v^e must soon be made prisoners We then collected around the Color-Bearer, and determined to conceal the colors of the Fourteenth South Carolina Regiment. Then I, assisted by two others, raised a large, flat rock, ujider which our Color-Bearer placed the colors of the Fourteenth Regiment.

Captain W. L. Delph, now of Augusta, Ga. , recently informed me that a gentleman by the name of Bunch, from the lower part of this State, was sent back to Virginia after the colors of the First South Carolina Regiment, which were placed with the colors of the Fourteenth South Carolina Regiment, under the same rock, and that Bunch also got the colors of the Fourteenth Regiment. If so, where are they? Any information respecting them will be thankfully received.

South Carolina Volunteers

Dear Sir: The casualties of my company were published when you were editor of the Advertiser, A. Simkins, D. R. Durisoe, and E. Keese, proprietors. I would like to say something about my dear old captain's gallantry on this bloody occasion, but incompetency will not allovv- me.

The first day of July this year falls on Wednesday, the same day of the week and the month on which was fought the bloody battle of Gettysburg, the most eventful and disastrous battle of the war. I have in my .scrap book a clipping from the Edgefield Advertiser of 1863, giving the casualties of our company in that battle. I copy the list of killed and Vv'ounded. Ponder over the list, dear old survivors and comrades, and remember the dear bo3-s who fell on this memorable day.

"\\'ounded. - Ivieutenant S. Cogburn, foot severe; Sergeant J. C. Buzzard, arm severe; Corporal J. N. Werts, shoulder slight; Corporal W. D. Gradick, thigh severe; W. H. Ouzts, head slight; privates A. B. Adams, back severe; W. H. W. Adams, leg severe; R. D. Amaker, head slight; John L. Doby, thigh severe; Joshua Edwards, thigh slight; John Faulkner, head and shoulder severe; T. B. Harvey, leg slight; Whit Harvley, neck severe; James Harling, thigh severe; Rufus Harling, face severe; Allen King, left arm amputated; B. W. Mason, thigh severe; Martin Ouzts, thigh severe; Franklin Ouzts, leg slight; George Ouzts, head mortally; I^arkin Rice, side slight; B. M. Timmerman, hand slight; Edward Timmerman, face severe; G. M. Timmerman, head slight; Geo. Taylor, shocked with shell; James Taylor, back slight; R. S. Towles, leg severe; A. C. Werts, arm slight.

This was the most disastrous battle of the war to our company. Its casualties on that day were equal to all the rest from that time to the close of the war. As well as my memory serves me, we went into the battle with 43 men. Thirty-seven were killed and wounded, onl}' six being able to march back to old Virginia. Well do I remember our orders from the brave Query, "Hold your fire men and close in on the enemy."

Rufus Harling History Of The Company

For the following brief sketch of the history of Company "K," Fourteenth Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, I am indebted to the graphic pen of Mr. Rufus Harling, who was a member of the company:

Company K was organized in 1861, under command of the following officers: D. C. Tompkins, Captain; O. W. Allen, First Lieutenant; W. L- Stevens, Second Lieutenant; Jos. H. Allen, Third Lieutenant.

Count}' commonly known as the "Dutch Settlement," situated on old Sleepy Creek, whose fore-parents were from the "Old Country" - there were no aristocrats among them. They owned but few slaves, but were sturdy yeomen, and did their own work. Always had plenty of "hog and hominy" at home, as the result of their own labor. Their time for schooling was from Januar}' till planting time; and from laying by till gathering time. Their chief amusements were going to corn-shuckings, log-rollings, and quiltings: but the happiest time for them was when on Christmas eve, with their "little brown jug," they went serenading, and "ate, drank, and were merr}'," till Christmas was over. Karly in i86r some of them began to go to Edgefield Court House, and there they heard some of the fier}' speeches about the "infernal Yankees" trying to rob us of our rights. They saw other men called "Minute Men" wearing a badge, commonh' known as a cockade. Some of them got a badge and wore it home, it being looked upon by many with amazement, as being something ver}^ honorable to wear the red cockade. Soon thereafter this company was formed and organized. Being supplied with the general parapharnalia which go to make up a soldier's outfit, they were bid by their dear mothers and wives to go to the front and to do their duty for their country.

Soon letters came from the dear boys from the Camp of Instruction at Pole Cat. Next came letters from Pocotaligo, saj'ing "we are expecting a fight soon," and, as was expected, the Yankees landed and a fight occurred, in which this company took part. After the battle was over two privates of this company went out on the battle field and captured a prisoner, the first captured in South Carolina. These two privates, Lemuel Harling and Russell Rhodes, went through the war and are still living, August, 1S92. Really some of these men thought the war was about over, as they had whipped the Yankees; but the}^ soon learned that they had turned up in Virginia and that they must go there.

I, being at that time a fifteen-year-old bo}-, at home, trying to help my father make bread and meat fDr these men, will leave the history of Company "K" blank up to April 12th, 1S63.

During all this time I was miserable for fear the war would terminate before I would take a hand in the struggle. I could hear of the battles of Manassas and around Richmond, all resulting in victories for the Confederates. I then would have been glad to have heard of a defeat, because I thought it would prolong the struggle and give me an opportunity to take a hand. After awhile the welcome news came that Captain Stevens and Lieutenant Allen were at home on furlough and would return to the arm}' early in 1863. Being anxious to return with them I feared my father would not let me go, as he had already sent four sons to the front. Besides, being only seventeen years of age, which \\as unfavorable to me.

On Sunday, the 12th of April, 1S63, father and myself went to church at .Ivittle Steven's Creek. There we met Captain W. L. Stevens and lyieutenant Jim Allen, who informed us that they would leave next morning for Virginia. After a short conversation father took Lieutenant Allen aside, and I heard him say: "Jini, take care of my boy," and at the same time wiping his eyes with his handkerchief. Lieutenant Allen said: "Plave your boy to meet us at Chappells to-morrow morning." We returned home and heartily ate dinner. Mother soon got my bundle ready, which consisted of two suits of clothes, needles, and darning thread, and plenty of victuals, well cooked, to last me a week. About 3 o'clock father had two horses saddled and at the gate, one for me and one for the servant, who was to take me to the neighborhood of Ninety-Six, so as to be convenient to take the train next morning for Columbia. I did but little sleeping for fear the train would leave me; but I was there in good time, and as soon as the train rolled up I got aboard for the first time, still holding to my bundle. As the train moved off I looked to see the last of the negro and the horses. Then for the first time tears came to my eyes, because it first dawned upon me that I was in realit}' leaving home and all that was dear to me, perhaps never more to return. When we reached Ch'appells, Captain Stevens and Lieutenant Allen boarded the train. I then felt perfectly safe. It was but a few hours run from there to Coiumbla, the Capital of the State, which I had never before seen. We .spent the night there; next morning took the train for Charlotte, N. C; changed cars there for Raleigh; then Weldon; there to Petersburg, Virginia; from there to Richmond, where we spent the night. Next day boarded the train for Guinea Station, which ended our journey on the train. We then set out to fnid the Fourteenth South CaroUna Regiment, which was camped at a place called Camp Gregg. It took its name from the biave General Gregg, who was killed at Fredericksburg in 1862. He was Brigadier-General and was commanding the First, Eleventh, Twelftli, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth South Carolina Regiments. x'Vfter three miles' walk we found our Company "K" in high spirits, flushed with the victory gained at Fredericksburg. This was April i8th, 1S63, that I spent my first night in camp. Next day my name was enrolled as a member of Company ''K," and with the regiment I went to do picket duty on the Rappahannock. Remained on picket twenty -four hours - was then relieved and we returned to camp. We did r.ot remain there three da\'S, for about the 25th of April, early in the morning, the sullen booming of cannon in the direction of Fredericksburg v;as a signal that the enemy were crossing the river.

Soon everything was astir. Orders had been issued to be ready with three days' rations to move at a moment's notice. Soon the long roll began to beat, and the hurried orders were to "fall in." We moved in the direction of Fredericksburg, and soon learned that Joe Hooker had crossed the river in heavy force. Before night set in we were in line of battle fronting the enemy, awaiting their advance. We remained fronting them for two days without anj- fighting, save a fevv' artillery shots exchanged at long range. Early in the morning about the last of April orders came to move again. We learned the enemy had made a feint at Fredericksburg and had crossed the river about twelve miles higher up. We found them strongl}^ fortilied at a place called Chanceliorsville. We bivouacked in front of them the first night, and about 9 o'clock next morning, being a part of General Jackson's command, we moved off as though we were on the retreat, but before sunset we found ourselves completely in rear of the enemy, whipping them most desperately and putting them in wild confusion. Night coming on, and General Jackson being mortally wounded, put a stop to the career of his victorious troops until the next morning.

At daylight we advanced again under command of J. E. B: Stuart, who was singing, "Old Joe Hooker, get out of the Wilderness!" and the boys shouting: "Remember Jackson!" It seemed that every man bent forward and did his whole dut}-. The enemy was moved from their strong breastworks into the tangled thickets of the wilderness, and such destruction I hopa never to see again. Men fell almost in heaps. The woods being dry, caught fire from the bursting of shells, and I saw many men with every remnant of clothing burnt off, presenting the most sickening appearance imaginable - this being a memorable picture of the first Sabbath in May, 1863.

Night coming on, the enemy having been whipped, both seemed content to remain quiet - but there was not much sleep for fear of a surprise. The next day it began to rain and continued to do so all day. No regular engagement took place, - only sharp picket firing. By the next morning the enemy had recrossed the river, leaving many thousands of their dead in the hands of the victorious Confederates. We all returned to Camp Gregg, leaving many of our brave boys and messmates sleeping their last sleep. We remained in camp perhaps a month unmolested. Durin.: this time Company "K" was getting in fresh troops from the hospital and other sources, until we about regained our loss at Chancellorsville.

About the first of June the booming of cannon was again heard in the direction of Fredericksburg. Couriers again began to dart up to our Field Oftlccrs' tent with dispatches. Many men began to pack up to move, even without further orders. vSoon the long roll beat again and we took up the march towards Fredericksburg. We were now leaving Camp Gregg never more to return to it.

Soon we found ourselves occupying the same ground as formerly fronting the enemy at Fredericksburg. W^e remained there several days. The enemy were at ba)^ and did not advance. It seemed that Gen. Lee got restless for a fight and moved his army around the right wing of Hooker's, and of course the enemy withdrew from Fredericksburg. We moved on for several days without coming in contact with them. We found ourselves on the borders of the Potomac River, and it was then even known by the privates that another great battle would be fought north of the Potomac. The whole army

Grossed over, the bands playing: "Maryland, my Maryland!" The troops were in the highest spirits - flushed by the victory they had won at Chaneellorsville. Shouting and yelling almost continually, the}' did not seem to think of defeat.

We still moved north - had not as yet seen the foe. We then found we had marched through Maryland and were in Pennsylvania. We rested for a da}' or so and then moved again. Across the Blue Ridge Mountains, and then we bivouacked in the Cumberland Valley. And sad, sad indeed that it was the last before the last sleep of so many of our brave bo3-s.

Early in the morning of July ist we vrere ordered to "fall in," and we hastily moved in the direction of Gettysburg. It was not long before we heard an occasional roar of the cannon, and it then became known that our advance lines had at last found the enemy, and that we, too, would soon be engaged in battle. As we came nearer the more constant and rapid could the firing be heard. About 10 o'clock we came in sight of the enemy. Without halting we filed out of the road to the right and formed line of battle in the edge of the roads. There we saw the wounded who had been engaged with the enemy returning - some stating the}' had been cut up badly and a great many had been captured. Col. Perrin commanded McGowan's brigade, to which the Fourteenth South Carolina belonged. Col. J. M. Brown commanding the Regiment, ordered the Regiment to lie down until other Regiments could form on our left. We could see the eneni}^ just in the edge of the town behind a strong rock fence waiting for us to advance. The ground over which we had to advance was open - nothing to shield us from the shot of the enemy. At the word "Attention" vre formed in open field, in plain view of the enem}'. The orders were, "hold your fire men, and close in with the enemy." We advanced in-splendid oi'der and when in 200 yards of the enemy they opened a terrific fire on us with both artillery and musketry, sending the mis.siles of death into our faces and plowing great gaps through our ranks. Still we obeyed orders to hold our fire. We advanced - filling up the space made by our fallen, and when we had gotten within about fifty yards where the enemy were posted, our lines wavered, caused by filling up the spaces, and it now seemed that our thill lines were destined to almost complete annihilation. We were fired upon from right, left, and centre, and to retreat would have been complete destruction. Just at this time Col. Perrin, seeing our situation, came charging through our lines and at a time when it seemed that no living being could escape the thick flying missiles of death. But the brave Colonel dashed along our thin lines, waving and pointing his sword at the enemy. The men redoubled their resolutions and made a dash for and captured the rock fence. The enemy fled in disorder. Tlien came our time for sending the death-dealing shots into their broken ranks, - equally as they had of pouring it into our unfortunate faces as we had advanced.

Soon the town of Gett3'sburg was in our possession. Mc- Gowan's brigade, under the command of the bra^^e Perrin, had won the day. I ut at a great sacrifice. At least one-half his command had been killed or vrounded and was compelled to halt. Had anotl:er as equalh^ good brigade then come up to follow the piu'suit of the flying enemy, the three days battle at Gett3 sburg would l:ave ended in a complete victory to the Confederates.

Just here let me say in honor to the brave Colo!:el Perrin, that his dashing through our lines at its most critical period, was the most daring and gallant act I have ever seen executed. And to him your humble writer gi\-es credit for the victorywon on the first da}" of July at Gettysburg. He was complimented bj" Gen. Lee and on the field made Brigadier-General.

I will now close my chapter and give the record of Company "K" from Dutch settlement, which belonged to the Fourteenth South Carolina Regiment. It was then commanded b}" Capt. J. H. Allen, and, as well as I remember, the strength of his company at Gettysburg was 43; and I am in possession of the list of casualties sent by him to the Edgefield Advertiser. It read thus: killed, 6; wounded, 29; missing, 2; total, 37 - leaving only 6 to march back in ranks to Virginia. Besides the 6 killed, I remember 3, at least, died of their wounds at the Field Hospital in less than 26 hours.

The above casualties will .show something of the severity of the battle of Gettysburg. But this little remnant of Company "K" safel}' retreated with the Armj- of Virginia, and finall}^ winter- quartered in 1S63, at Orange Court House, on the banks

During the winter our company recruited to almost its former strength, and we afterwards took part in all the important battles under Gen. Lee. There were the Battle of the Wilderness, Battle of the Horseshoe or Spottsylvania C. H., Noel's Station, Second Cold Harbor, Ridley's Shops, Deep Bottom, New >.Iarket Heights, around Petersburg, Jones' House, Reams' Station, Hatcher's Run, and on the South Side Railroad at Trevillian Station. But in all these close regular engagements Company "K's" losses did not exceed that of the battle of Gettysburg.

.The small remnant of this compan}- surrendered at Appomattox under command of Captain W. S. Allen. Then, in their well-worn old uniforms, came to their homes on Sleep}^ Creek without a penny with which to begin the battle of life. But they had not forgotten their form.er occupations, and any one visiting them now would not find men of fine dress, but sit down to dine with them you would be filled with home-raised ham and plenty of other good things to make any one content and happy.

Dear reader, the writer of this is qtiietly and comfortably at home, with his wife and little boys, striving to serve the Master in remembrance of His goodness to me, arid praying that I may meet my dear unfortunate comrades gone before.

Mrs. Lucinda Horne

Tlie History of Edgefield cannot be complete without some notice of Mrs. L,ucinda Home, and I feel that I could never forgive myself were I to send this book into the world without her name in it.

In 186 1 Cornelius Home and his wife Lucinda were living in Edgefield County near Kirksey's. They had only one child, William F. Home, who was grown up. Husband and .son both enlisted in Company "K," Fourteenth South Carolina Volunteers, and as they had no home or other children, and her whole life being wrapped up in the lives of her husband and son, she also volunteered and went to the front with them. She remained with them until the close of the war, undergoing all the hardships incident to a soldier's life. She was loved and respected by every member of McGo%Yan's Brigade. She was wdth her husband and son in all of General Jackson's hard marches always on hand when the regiment went into camp and prepared their scanty meals. When in winterquarters she took in washing besides her own, thus making some money, which added to their supplies. Her husband and son wore cleaner clothes and which were nicely patched by her industry through her love for them. Always just before a battle she would find out where the field hospital would be and she was always there to minister to the wounded and dying. "I remember," writes Mr. Rufus Harling to me, "while we were in line of battle near Petersburg in September, 1864, w^e had a fight at a place called Jones' Farm, and in this battle her son William was wounded, and then the kind hearted mother was ready to \yait on her only son. She went with him to the hospital in Richmond and nursed him so as to be able to return home with him. Her son lived, I think, about 12 years after the war and then died of the wound received at the battle of Jones' Farm. After the son's death she travelled with her husband in a small covered wagon, peddling until just before her death, which was early in March, 1896.

"Mrs. Home met with a reunion of the old Fourteenth Regiment at Greenwood, S. C, in August, 1S91, and she was unanimously elected an honorarj' member of the same (the Veterans Association) and was carried to dinner by our old surviving Colonel J. N. Brown. I have often thought that had it not been for this good woman I might have been numbered with the many whose bones have been left in Virginia, as she gave me some good soup when I was sick, which seenied to revive me after a spell of sickness."

In their journeys through the country this loving and devoted couple, w^hom only death could part, sometimes ran great risks from high water. On one occ?.sion they undertook to cross Half Way Swamp Creek when the water was too deep and they came very near drowning. Providentially the}' escaped with their lives and but little damage to their goods.

This couple, whose love and devotion to each other no words can express, were scarcely ever apart from the beginning of the war until the death of Mrs. Home.

"She was liuried at Chestnut Hill beside the son she followed so faithfull}- throughout the war. She was eighty-two 3'ears old, and has left her husband behind to mourn her loss."

After the war Mr. and Mrs. Home and their son were living happily together when the son was so unfortunate as to be thrown by a mule he was riding, and the fall so injured his wound as to cause his death. The son had married some time before his death.

I feel that this brief record has not done justice to this heroic woman's career, but I have not the material to write more, and I could not do less.

Company I. Twenty-Fourth Regiment

Roll of Company "I," Twenty-fourth Regiment, vSouth Carolina Volunteers. I am indebted to Rev. E. Capers, Colonel commanding Twent^'-fourth Regiment, for kindly copying and sending me this roll:

Company K, Twenty-Fourth Regiment

Roll of Company "K," Twenty-fourth Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, prepared by Lieutenant R. A. Cochran, commanding company at surrender at Greensboro, N. C, 1865:

S. vS. Tomkins, Captain; resigned i852. T. C. Morgan, Captain; promoted to Lieutenant Colonel; severely wounded at Calhoun and Decatur; surrendered at Greensboro. Jas. A. Dozier, First Lieutenant; resigned 1S62. F. \V. Andrews, Second Lieutenant; severely v/ounded at Nashville; promoted to First Lieutenant. G. W. Talbert, vSecond Lieutenant; re- ,signed 1863. J. E. Morgan, Second Lieutenant; killed at Cbickamauga while attempting to rally a Georgia regiment. T. M. Seigler, Second Lieutenant; surrendered at Greensboro; promoted to First Lieutenant. R. M. Winn, Second Lieutenant; killed in batth at Peach Tree Creek. R. A. Cochran, Second Lieutenant; in command ofCompanyKat surrender; twice wounded; promoted to First Lieutenant. G. McWeaver, First Sergeant; lost a leg at Peach Tree Creek. J. A. Reynolds, First Sergeant; surrendered at Greensboro. G. W. Burton, Sergeant; severely wounded at Secessionville; P. M. Williams, Sergeant; transferred to Gregg's Cavalry. W. E. Hobbs, Sergeant; killed at Atlanta 1864. J. E. Holmes, Sergeant; surrendered at Greensboro. G. W. Andrews, Sergeant; severely wounded at Decatur; surrendered at Greensboro. L. H. Kemp, Corporal; surrendered at Greensboro. P. H. Strom, Corporal; surrendered at Greensboro. H. S. Seigler, Corporal; killed at Jonesborougli, Ga. W. W. McDowell, Corporal; wounded at Franklin.

Commissioned, officers, 9; non-commissioned officers, 11; privates, 73; total rank and file, 93. Killed in battle, 11; died of wounds, 2; died in hospital, 12; died at home on furlough, i; died in camp, 2; total deaths, 28. Wounded not mortal, 14; deserted, 4.

Company F, Twenty-Seventh Regiment Infantry

Roll of Company "F," Twenty-seventh Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers - Infantry. I find the following names from Edgefield in this regiment, which I give with casualties:

Jacob Staubs, age 31, Third Sergeant; killed in battle at Cold Harbor June 6th, 1S64. Jacob Boozer, age 21, Fourth Sergeant; died of disease at Danville September 5th, 1S64; named in official reports for gallantry. W. L. Stone, age 40^ First Corporal, died of disease at home July 4th, 1863. T. G. Attaway, age 23, Third Corporal.

William Page, age 19, (from Company "B"); J. A. Attaway, age 19, wounded at Pocotaligo and died of his wound at home December 21 st, 1862; T. J. Bladon, age 35; J. W. D. Bowen, age 25, wounded at Petersburg; J. T. Bryant, age 25; C. W. Burder, age 17; Wesley Cockerill, age 24; George De- Loach, age 24, captured Weldon R. R. ; Caleb DeLoach, age 20; Allen DelyOach, age 29; William DelyOach, age 23, killed in battle Weldon R. R. August 21st, 1864; Milledge DelvOach, age 18; John Dean, age 37, transferred to Second Artillcy; W. T. Fulmer, age 20; J. PL Goodman, age 37, wounded at Drewry's Bluff; H. W. Griffith, age 35; P. B. McDaniel, age 37, killed in battle at Pocotaligo October 22nd, 1862; B. L,. Murrell, age 19; D. Proctor, age 20; Ezekiel Rutland, age 16, transferred to Second Artillery; James Smith, age 25; George W. Seay, age 25, wounded in the trenches at Richmond June, 1864, and died at Richmond June 30th, 1864; G. W. Turner, age 21, transferred; J. P. Weaver, age 16, killed in battle at Drewry's Bluff May i6th, 1864; W. S. Wightman, age 17. Total - 28 in Company F and i in Company B.

"N. B. - Companj' G, Twenty-seventh Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, was Company C, Battalion South Carolina Volunteers, commanded by Major Joseph x^bnc}'. The Charleston Battalion, South Carolina Volunteers, and Abney's Battalion, South Carolina Volunteers, w^ere united in 1863, and formed the Twenty-Seventh Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers."

Henr}' Buist was Captain of Company "G," which was made up of men from different parts of the State, lyaurens, Spartanburg, Union, Orangeburg, Charleston, &c., but none from Edgefield.

Company E, Seventh Regiment Cavalry

The following were in Companj^ "C," Holcombe Legion, commanded by Captain J. R. Spearman, which company was merged in Company "E," Seventh Cavalry:

Company I, Second Cavalry

M. C. Butler, Captain; promoted Colonel August, 1861, afterwards Brigadier-General. J. J. Bunch, Captain; left after reorganization April, 1862. T. H. Clark, Captain; wounded at Culpepper, Va. ; served through war. Joseph Crafton, First Eieutenant; left after reorganization April, 1862. P. M. Butler, First Lieutenant; wounded at Culpepper; served through VN-ar. M. A. Markert, vSecond Lieutenant; served through the Vv'ar. James M. Lanham, vSecond Lieutenant from June, i86r, to January, 1862. R. G. Fleming, Second Lieutenant, Richland, from January to April, 1S62. John R. Tolbert. Second Lieutenant, Abbeville; wounded at Culpepper,

W. J. Adams, George B. Addison; John F. Bates, died at Green Pond, S. C. - disease - detailed as Ordinance Sergeant; Andrew Bates, killed at John's Island, S.C., July 5th, 1863; J. Wesley Barr, discharged 1862, (The originator of Barr's legion); D. C. Bullock, W. N. Burnett, Harrison Butler; O. N. Butler, transferred to M. C. Butler's staff, dead; Sampson Butler, died at Martinsburg, Va., disease; Seth G. Butler, G. B. Blocker; ISIoses Bruce, killed in battle at John's Island, S. C, July 5th, 1864; James P. Bryan; Wm. H. Bolton, killed at John's Island in battle; C. A. Cheatham, wounded at Catawba River, dead; Wm. H. Cogburn; Randall Croft, transferred 1862 to Sixth Regiment of Cavalry, dead; J. F. Cole, transferred to Quarter Master's department, dead; John A. Crawford, dead; R. F. Coleman; Geo. M. Crafton, dead; Robt. J. Crafton; Thomas M. Crafton, killed at John's Island, 5th July, 1S64, in battle; Reuben P. DeLoach, Elijah Dorn, John B. Etheredge, Isaac Edwards; Joab Edwards, transferred 1863;

Wade Hampton, Jr., promoted on General J. E. Johnston's Staff, dead; Preston T. Hampton, promoted on General Wade Hampton's Staff and killed; J. P. Hamilton, Greene Hamilton, Lewis E. Holmes, W. A. Hamlee, E. N. Henderson, T. J. Hibier, M. B. Johnson, John D. Johnson, M. W. Johnson, Jesse Jay; D. P. Eagrone, commissioned assistant Surgeon; John W. Lagrone, dead; Walter W. Eanliam, John S. I, yon; Joshua McKie, discharged in iS6i; John W. Mays, killed in battle at John's Island, July 5th, 1864; E. A. Mims, Abney Minis, R. F. Matthews, E. G. Morgan, D. F. McEwen, H. E. Mealing; James P. Moss, died of wounds received at Malvern Hill; E. V. Mobley; J. E- Nicholson, discharged; Serene Parkman, James G. Prim, James W. Quarles, James H. Ross, Samuel E- Roper, Hugh H. Scott; George W. Talbert, dead; James FT. Taylor, killed in battle at John's Island; Mack Toney, N. D. Timmerman; T. W. Vaughan, died at home, sickness; M. B. Ward, transferred, dead; F. R. Warren. Total from Edgefield rank and file, 103; killed in battle - all at John's Island, 7; died of wounds, 3; died of disease, 7; total, 17.

Company K, Second Regiment Artillery

Roll of Company "K," Second Regiment Artillery, Eamar's, as furnished me by Captain P. B. Waters, January 24th, 1893, written b,v him from memory:

Additional Names

There were several from Eaurens County who were members of this company, but their names are not given here. Perhaps they should be, as they were in an Edgefield company, but Edgefield should have credit only for the men who wbnt from that county.

This company was enlisted in August, 1S61, and went into service at Camp Butler, near Aiken. After the organizationthe command was transferred to Fort Johnson, on James Island, and served in the defence of Charleston until the evacuation of that city in February, 1S65. The company was the nucleus of Colonel T. G. I^amar's Battalion and subsequent regiment, the Second of Artillery. In the battle of Secessionville - the capture of the Isaac P. Smith, a Federal gunboat, and in other engagements and skirmishes on James Island - this command was an active participant. After the evacuation of Charleston, which city this command had held safe from the enemy for four long 3'ears b}' arduous labor on her defences and exhausting exposure, night after night, under an almost continual fire of the enemies guns, the command was attached to the army of General Johnston and served as infantry until the surrender. There was no finer body nor better drilled company in the Arinj^ of the South. The company suffered heavy loss in the battles of Averysboro and Bentonville in North Carolina. This Veteran conniiand surrendered with General Joe Johnston at Greensboro, N. C, in 1865.

The Citadel Academy

In Colonel J. P. Thomas' History of tl:e South Carolina Military Academy, I find the name of J. A. Crooker, from Edgefield, as a graduate in 1850; Civil En.gineer; Adjutant Twenty-second vSouth Carolina Volunteers in 1862; Lieutenant Twenty-seventh South Carolina Volunteers in 1863, in what compau}' is not stated. He was not, however, in either Companj' F or B; or if he was he is not so marked as from Edgefield.

E. J. Walker, from Edgefild, graduated in 1851; law\"er in Georgia: Captaiii Georgia Volunteers in 1S61; Coloi:el of Georgia Regiment, and was severely wounded at Manassas Gap in 1863.

E. Croft, Edgefield, graduated in 1856; planter in Edgefield District; Captain in Fourteenth PvCgiment, South Carolina Volunteers, in 1861; in battles around Richmond and Fredericksburg, and skirmishes; severel}" wounded at battle of Cold Harbor; promoted Major; severely wounded at battle of Gett5'sburg; promoted Lieutenant Colonel Fourteenth Regiment. After the war lawyer at Greenville Court House; Trial Justice; member of Board of Visitors South Carolina ^Military Academy; died in 1892.

- A. J. Norris, Edgefield, graduated with distinction in 1S60; Instructor in Citadel x^cademy, resigned April, 1861; Captai:i Confederate States Army 1S6I; resigned December, 1862; Professor Belles Letters and History, A. A., and Second Lieutenant Battalion Cadets. After the war lawj-er at Edgefield; President of the Bank; President of the Factory.

P. S. Norris, graduated with distinction in 1864; Lieutenant and Assistant Profes.sor in Hillsboro Military Academy, N. C. ; merchant in 1872; died in 1874.

A very interesting chapter might be given here of the services of the cadets of the Military Academy during the War of Secession, but that chapter belongs to the general history of the State, and it is perhaps enough to insert here what Major J. B. White says, closing his report of the operations of the Battalion of State Cadets from November, 1864, to April, 1865:

"I regret to report the deaths of the following cadets, all of whom died from diseases induced by the exposure and hardship of service, viz.: R. F. Nichols and John Culbreath, Company A, [Culbreath was from Edgefield] ; G. O. Buck, T. A. Johnson, and R. Noble, of Company B." John Culbreath died at home.

James Y. Culbreath, now a lawyer at Newberry, brother to John, was at that time also a cadet in the Academy, and was several times .sent ^s a guard with prisoners to Andersonville.

Major White thus closes: "I would take this opportunity to express my obligations to the officers under my command for the zeal, ability, and alacrity with which the}- discharged their duties, nor can I fail to call your attention to those young but noble sons of our beloved State, the Cadets of the Military Academy of South Carolina. Upon the battlefield, in camp, on the march, on picket, or working upon defences, they were ready for every emergenc}^, manifesting at all times, and under the most trj'ing circumstances, a manly and soldierly aspect, not finding fault wdth those in authority-, but doing their duty cheerfully and well. ' ' with ail account of the services of the cadets from the beginning of the war to the close - services honorable to themselves, to the Academy, and to the State. Mention has been made here, if we mistake not, of all the officers, graduates, and cadets who were from Edgefield. Less I could not do, and more is beyond the scope of this work.

The Confederate Flag

It is with great pleasure that I am able to introduce among the rolls of the Confederate soldiers from Kdgefield a poem (see page 471) on the Confederate flag. The author of the poem is a daughter of the late Colonel Louis T. Wigfall, of Texas, who was born at Edgefield. Some years before Secession Colonel Wigfall moved to Texas and was Confederate States Senator from that State during the four years of struggle and trial.

Of liis career in life I know but little, but I was very deeply impressed by reading a speech he made while in the Confederate Senate. I think the speech was on a resolution to suspend the operation of the writ of habeas corpus; and Colonel Wigfall opposed with all the zeal and strength of a great mind the passage of the resolution. He showed with all the energy possible the evil effects that would follow and vvhat a horrible thing it was to take away at one stroke all the rights of a citizen and all the rights of the States and reduce the whole country to the condition of a militar\' despotism and subject to the arbitrary will of one man.

In a notice of the Haltiwanger family on page 395 it is said that the father of Jacob Haltiwanger, w'ho was born March 30th, 1 7S5, came from German}^ and that he took an active part in the colonial struggle for Independence. He was indeed an ardent Whig and fought bravely for the success of the cause which he so ardently espoused.

solciier illustrating the narrow escape he had from captivity or death, and perhaps both. On one occasion the party of Whigs to which he belonged had been attacked, routed, and dispersed. In making his escape he ran through a field which had been onkv recently cleared and there were many piles of brush in the field. Into one of the.se piles of brush he was able to crawl and hide himself without being seen b}" the enemy. The Tories, however, knew that he was of the part}^ for he had been .'-een, and they knew that he was l3'ing somewhere about hidden in the brush. They made a diligent search, even surrounded the pile in which he was concealed and thrust their svv'ords into the brush, b}' some of which thrusts he was severely cut; but he had fortitude enough to bear the pain without crying out. And so he escaped without serious hurt.

This reminds me of a storj'' very much like it in the Annals of Newberry (page 595), where it is related that the house of a Mr. Townsend was burned and he barely escaped with his life. He had just time to hide himself without having been .seen by his enemies in a pile of brush near the house. While the house was burning the heat was so intense where he lay concealed as to-be almost unbearable. In fact, it is said that his back was blistered by the intense heat. But he was enabled to bear it, and so escaped with his life. This incident occurred, I think, in the upper part of Edgefield, that part which now forms part of the new County of Greenwoorl.

Descendants of both these men are now living in Saluda and adjoining counties, and I have no doubt that many of them are known to each other, but they may not know of the facts here related until they read them in this book.

Butler And Farley

General Maury tells a stor3^ worthy of everlasting remembrance, about a South Carolina soldier, Colonel Haskell, whose arm was shattered so that amputation at the shoulder was necessary. The surgeon was about to administer chloroform when Haskell said: "Stop, doctor! You must have very little chloroform, since the enemy has declared it contraband of war. Is it not so?" "Yes, Colonel." "Then keep it for some poor soldier who needs it. I can do without." Another anecdote of a similar kind is thus related by General Maury:

General M. C. Butler, of vSouth Carolina, was seriously wounded and maimed for life at the battle of Brandy Station. He and a young captain named Farley had just come out of action in the early morning and were laughing together over some amusing incident they had noticed. At that moment a cannon ball came bounding at them. It struck Butler's leg above the ankle, tore through his horse, and cut off Farley's leg above the knee.

Down they all went. Butler began to stanch the blood with his handkerchief and advised Farley how to do the same. Captain Chestnut, Lieutenant Rhett, and other officers came running to Butler's help; but at that moment he observed that Farley's dying horse was struggling and seemed likely to crush its rider.

They did as they were bidden, and Farley was placed in a litter. He asked them to bring his leg and put it, too, in the litter. Then he said:

"Now, gentlemen, you have done all for me that is possible. I shall be dead in an hour. God bless you for your kindness. I bid you all an affectionate farewell. Go at once to Butler."

That evening Butler's leg was dressed in the hospital just as poor Farley breathed his last. The two men had never seen each other till that morning.

Troops For Florida

Our readers are informed that an express reached Governor McDuffie eight or ten daj's ago, requiring two regiments of men from the State, for the Florida service. A requisition of three companies was made upon this District. The Tenth Regiment was inimediately assembled, and it is highly gratifying for us to record that the draft was superceded b)' the prom^pt volunteering of the men. In all the Regiments more men tendered their services than were required and the officers of the respective companies were compelled to refuse many. And as strange as it may sound to the ears of some, it is nevertheless true, that we saw men with tears in their eyes, begging that they should be received. On Thursday last the three companies were assembled at this place by order of the Governor to be reviewed and ordered to their place of destination. A fine band of music attended from Hamburg, and never did we see at this place a larger throng of our citizens. His Excellency made a short, but animating address to the respective companies - he told them they were charged with the honor of vSouth Carolina, and said he had no fears that honor was safe. We looked at the officers and we looked at the men again and again, and we will venture to say without intending a boast that the volr.nteers of Edgefield, come what may, will nobly do their duty.

In the evening they took up the march to Aiken, under an escort of Captain Griffin's Troop of Cavalr}'. They are destined for Cliarleston, and finally, we understand, for Picalati, Florida.

It may he important to observe that a fund of upward of $5,000 was subscribed by our citizens for these trave volunteers - and that the ladies of our village, with a patriotism and public spirit highly commendable were most busily engaged up to the very moment of their departure, in the making of uniforms for Captain Jones' Company, of this Regiment and providing otherwise for their comfort.

After the above was in type a friend handed us the names of the "Hamburg Volunteers," which makes our list of volunteers from this District complete.

Hamburg Volunteers War With Mexico

I am proud and happy that I am able to introduce in this History of Edgefield the following documents, viz. : Abstract of the last muster roll of Captain Brooks, Company of old Ninety-Six Boys, Company D, Palmetto Regiment, showing all the casualties. lyCtter from the officers of the company to the Clerk of the Court accompanying the flag, under which it appears that io8 men w^ere enrolled, of whom only 28 returned with it from Mexico. The presentation of a sword to lyieutenant Joseph Abney by the Saluda (Tenth) Regiment, with the speeches on the occasion.

The whole, taken together, reads like a chapter from the old days of chivalry and romance. Copied and sent to me by John R. Abney, Esq., of New York.

Abstract of the last muster roll of Captain Brooks' Company of old Ninety-Six Boys (Company D, Palmetto Regiment,) showing all the casualties and changes which have occurred in said company during the Mexican Campaign:

John A. Addison, Leonard P. Andrews; Thomas Anderson, transferred from Company L to Company D; John W. Arnold, transferred from Compan)^ E to Company D; Willis Brannon, left sick in Hamburg, afterwards joined the regiment, never having heard of the order, discharging the sick left behind;

Kiixed In Battle

David Adams, Second Eieutenant, killed at Churubusco August 20th, 1847, promoted from First Sergeant to Second Eieutenant July 8th; Wm. Butler Blocker, Sergeant, killed at Garita de Belin September 13th, while in command of company; Eewellen Goode, Corporal, killed at Garita de Belin September 13th, 1847; Turner Crooker, private, killed at Garita de Belin September 13th, 1847; Henry Callahan, killed at Garita de Belin September 13th, 1847; Thomas M. Ej'les, killed at Garita de Belin September 13th, 1847; Mathew Martin, killed at Garita de Belin September 13th, 1847; Thomas F. Tillman, killed at Churubusco August 20th, 1847. Total, including Corporal Brooks, 9.

Eemons Abney, died on march to Perote August 8th, 1847; Malachi Bettis, died at Puebla August ist, 1847; John A. Blankenship, died at Vera Cruz June, 1847; William H. Cobb, died at Puebla June 3rd, 1847; Nathan DeEoach, died at Puebla June 3rd, 1847; Wm. B. Davis, recruit, died at Jalapa May, 1848; James Duncan, died at Vera Cruz December i6th, 1847; James Fitzsimmous, transferred from Company H to Company D - died or deserted at San Angel 12th January, 1847; John T. Gassaway, died at Puebla September 8th, 1847; Julius N. Glover, died at San Angel September 20th, 1847; Jesse Hill, at Puebla September i5tli, 1847; Reub. Jarral, at Atlanta January 14th, 1846; Bolivar Jones, at Puebla July

Vincent Cogburn, Sergeant, discharged on certificate of disabilit}^ November 1st, 1847; Lewis Covar, Corporal, discharged on certificate of disability June ist, 1847; Christopher Ardis, private, discharged on certificate June 25th, 1847, at Puebla, by substitute; James M. Addison, on certificate of disability at Puebla December 2nd, 1847; Henry W. Barham, by general order from Washington April 26th, 1847; Joshua Broome, by surgeon's certificate of disability November 27th, 1847; Anthony Delorea, on pension certificate October 27th, 1847; James D. Davis, on certificate of disability at Puebla October 30th, 1847; Joseph H. Gassaway, on certificate of disability at Puebla November 2nd, 1847; Wm. T. G afford, on certificate of disability at Puebla I S47; Benj. Gill, on certificate of disability at Puebla December 30th, 1847; John Gill, by general order from Washington April 26th, 1847; Joel P. Hill, on certificate of disability at Perote November 2nd, 1847; Anderson Howard, on certificate of disability at City of Mexico December 7th, 1847; Joseph A. Jones, on certificate of disability at Puebla December 2nd, 1847; Thomas G. Key, by order of Secretar}^ of War at San Angel March loth, 1848; James C. Lark, by substitute at City of Mexico December 7th, 1847; Wm. E. Murphy, certificate of disability at Mexico November 27th, 1847; Frederick Morgan, discharged on disability at Mexico December 27th, 1847; Joseph C. Payne, on account of mental incapacity at Griffin January 8th; Erancis Posey, on pension certificate at Mexico October 27th, 1847; Christopher Pryor, by general order from Washington at Hamburg April 26th, 1S47; Pickens B. Ryan, by general order from Washington at Hambn-rg April 27th, 1847; Jeff Whitaker, on pension certificate at Mexico October 27th, 1847. Total, 22.

Transferred

John C. Simkins, Sergeant, promoted to First L,ieiitenant Twelfth Infantry July, 1847; Whitfield B. Brooks, promoted to Second I^ieutenant Twelfth Infantry October, 1S47, died of wound received in Battle Churubusco October, 1S47.

Letter From The Officers Accompanying The Flag

We subjoin a letter from the officers of the Company of "Ninety-Six Boys" to Thos. G. Bacon, Esq. It will be seen that these gentlemen have deposited the company flag for safe keeping in the office of the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas. Under this flag 108 men were enrolled, and only 28 returned with it from Mexico.

Dear Sir: As the representafives of Company "D," "Ninety-Six Boys," Palmetto Regiment, we have the honor to place into your keeping and that of your successors in office, the accompanying "battle flag," presented to our corps by one of our own fair countrywomen and baptized in the purest of Carolina's best blood.

Jos. Abnfy E. B. Weaver

We present it to the people of Edgefield District as a voucher of the patriotism and gallantry of her children, devouth' hoping that mild vizaged peace will long permit it to remain a district record, and in full confidence that should South Carolina be called again to the field it will have "a place in the picture." Respectfully your ob't serv'ts, P. S. BROOKS. WM. C. MORAGNE. JOS. ABNFY. E. B. WEAVER.

Presentation Of A Sword

To Lieutenant Joseph Abney, of the eld Ninety-Six Boys: The citizens of the Saluda Regiment, Edgefield, at their parade of the 31st ult., presented to the above named officer of the Palmetto Regiment, the sword which had been agreed upon at a previous meeting for that purpose. The sword is a highly finished one, from the Manufactory of Gregg & Haden, Charleston, with inscriptions denoting the cause and purpose of the gift. Col. Arthur SImkins, who was requested to act on the part of the regiment, accompanied the presentation with the following address:

Lieutenant Abney: I have the honor to discharge at this moment what is to me a very pleasing duty. I hold in my hand a sword intended by the citizens of your native regiment, as a mark of the high appreciation with which we have all regarded 3'our very handsome conduct during the recent war with Mexico. Permit me to say that many of your fellowcitizens, and especially your early associates, watched your individual progress through the perilous scenes to which that war gave rise, with much more than ordinary interest. It was expected, sir, that you would be found on all occasions fearlessly discharging the high duties of a soldier good and true, and these expectations (I speak not for any purpose of flattery) have been most fully realized. We have indeed been gratified to recognize in j-our name that of a worthy representative from Old Saluda, who bore himself wherever danger was most imminent with a gallantry equalled by few, surpassed by none. We were not disappointed in the confident belief we entertained from the beginning, that your generous enthusiasm could result in naught, but honor to yourself and to the "home of your nativity." That it has done so is doubtless, as it should be, a source of honest pride to you and is certainly cause of congratulation, to 3-our immediate fellow-citizens. As an evidence of our feelings towards you in this matter, I now, in behalf of the Saluda Regiment, deliver to j^ou this sword. Accept it, sir, in the sense in which it is meant to be given, as a brave soldier's guerdon. And if in the progress of the ill boding events which thicken around us. it shall become necessary to raise the cry "to arms for the defence of Southern rights," we know full well that this bright blade will be among the first to leap from its scabbard, obedient to the impulsive grasp of one who has already been tried and found faithful.

Sir: I receive through you, the representative of the Saluda Regiment, this elegant and costly sword, with the deepest feelings of gratitude. The handsome manner in which you have spoken the wishes and sentiments of your people, enhances if possible, the value of the gift.

This testimonial of the good will of "Old Saluda," the land famous for warriors and brave men, and this high, public manifestation of her appreciation of my services to the country, is the most grateful reward I could ask, for all the sufferings and privations I have endured in the camp and on the battle field. It is an offering, too, by the friends of my boyhood and by my father's friends - by those who knew me at an age when the mind has no concealment, and who have a right to know me better than all others could know. I have the honor this day, and it is my glory and pride to receive from the associates of my early ^'outh, and from those who have observed me from the cradle, "the plaudit of well done thou good and faithful servant." In the sincerity of tny nature, I thank you - I thank you all for your uniform kindness in all the trials and difficulties of my life. In sickness, in aftliction and in battle, your warm sympathies have ever animated my heart and invigorated m}' feeble body. Without this, sir, I should not have been spared by providence to meet with you on an occasion so full of feeling and interest.

My absence from home was attended b}- every anguish that the body or the mind could bear. Health was a blessing, by the inscrutable will of Heaven, wholly denied me; and the wounds inflicted b}' the enemy had scarcely ceased to bleed, when m}^ bosom was made desolate by the intelligence of the death of an only parent, of one of the kindest and noblest and best of mothers. Though it may indulge somewhat too fondly, yet the heart must speak. She was the embodiment of all the loveliness, affection, purit}', and dignity of woman; and to be a solace and an honor to her declining years, had been the chief aim and ambition of my life; and when she was so suddenly torn from me, I felt that the great object for which I lived and labored had been removed. The prospect before me was as blank as despair, as dark as the grave.

You must pardon me for alluding to a subject that you can only contemplate with pain, but which I dwell upon with melancholy fondness. It was suggested by the presence of my old neighbors who know so well how to appreciate the warmth of my feelings.

You have been pleased to speak in kind and complimentary terms of my conduct in battle, and of my bearing in all the appalling and exciting scenes of the great campaign of General Scott. In every situation in which I was called upon to act, I did endeavor faithfully to discharge my duty as a soldier, and as a citizen of our great Republic. I could scarcely have done less than I did do.

How could I have failed to fight while representing the honor of my country, the character of my State, the spirit of my District and the renowned courage of the people of m}' birth-place? When we were children, we were taught to revere the honored scars of our fathers, received in the achievement of our national Independence - we were taught their tales of suffering, and their heroic fortitude was ever present to our minds. If I had passed through the world without bearing on my body some evidence of my devotion to the Union, I should have felt that I had not completed my whole task - that I was unequal to those who went before me.

By an accident in the transmission of the orders for raising the Palmetto Regiment, this portion of the District was deprived of an opportunity of bearing her full share in the dangers of the war, and as one of the few^ young soldiers she had in battle, I was impelled bj^ every feeling to endeavor to perform the part of a man. Do you think, sir, that you could have shrunk from danger or death, when you were the proud representative of the spirit of the gallant men who are now around us - when you were the champion of the noble regiment formed on my left? No, sir, deeply alive to the responsibility of your position, and animated by that high spirit which God has given you, you could have felt no fear in dis-

If I had been disposed to protect myself from the hazards of the fight, the brilliant examples of the j-oung men whom you did send to the field, would have shamed my weakness, and would have raised me above my fears. Of the twelve heroic spirits besides him you honor to-day, who v»'ent from 3-our midst to vindicate our national rights, one-fourth were slain in battle, and of the remaining number, there were only two that passed unscathed through the perilous conflicts in which they were engaged; and I am sure that those two, in the hour of strife, never retired for a moment from their posts. I say it with pleasure and with pride, that some one from Saluda was amongst the foremost in the trench in every engagement of the war. On that blood3' day when the mettle of South Carolina was taxed to its utmost - when the spirit of death walked through the field, and when our glorious Palmetto floated so gallantly amid the tumult and blaze of battle - if 3'ou had witnessed the behaviour of your boys, you would have been proud to call them your children. Though I was the humblest amongst them, I have reason to declare to you that the}' were ever wnth the first in tne onset. I had determined, and I think we had all determined, never to let our banner fall. We would have preferred to perish under the flag, which bore on its folds t!ie blended ensigns of our State and Union.

But, sir, the great and honored leader of the Palmetto Regiment was born and brought up only a few miles from where I now stand, and was constantl}' before us, a model of virtue and courage worth}" of the proudest days of Greece and Rome. Whilst he was bleeding in the field, how could a man of the Tenth Regiment refuse to bleed? Whilst he was cheering his gallant men to the charge, who could have been a laggard? If I could have faltered for an instant in the contest, whilst ni}' noble commander was dying by the hand of the enemy, I would have been no son of yours - no son of "Saluda."

I reiterate to you my thanks for this most appropriate mark of the approbation of my fellow citizens. It is the richest reward that could have been bestowed upon one whose efforts to serve you have been feeble, but sincere. I requested the committee who consulted me in regard to it, to have an eye mainly to the metal and temper of the blade. My wishes have been fully complied with. I shall preserve this sword with sacred care, and if it should become necessary, I will try to use it well in the defence of my country - in the defence of our own institutions, and to the vindication of justice and honor.

The serious and respectful attention of the large assembly indicated even more forcibly than the loud shouts of applause raised by a thousand voices at the close of the ceremony, that the transaction was regarded by all much more as a matter of feeling than of form.

Siuce I began to write the Histor}^ of Edgefield the County has been shorn of its fair proportions. I congratulated it upon the loss of Hamburg, but I do not congratulate it upon the loss of that portion which has been cut oif and named Saluda County. The people of Saluda may be greatly benefited, indeed. I hope they may, but Edgefield's loss is very great. There is no finer region of country in the State than that which lies on Big Saluda, and which is traversed by I,ittle Saluda and Red Bank and other streams.

I give here the Ordinance establishing the County of Saluda, and close the History of Edgefield with the beginning of the history of Saluda:

Section i. That a new judicial and election county, which shall be known as Saluda County, shall be formed and is hereby authorised to be formed with the following boundaries, to wit: Beginning at the centre of Big Saluda River at a. point opposite the corner of Edgefield and Eexington Counties, thence the Edgefield and Eexington line to the corner of Eexington and Aiken Counties, thence the Edgefield and Aiken line to a point three miles North of where the public road crosses said line near Lybrand's old mill, thence a straight line to ten mile post on public highway leading from Edgefield to Columbia near the residence of J. W. E- Bartley, thence a straight line to the junction of the public road leading from Pleasant Lane with the Long Cane road near William Lott's, thence by the Long Cane road to Matt Mathis' Cross Roads, thence a straight line to Owdom's Post Office, thence a straight line to Little Red School House near Dr. Landrum's old place, thence a straight Hne to a point on the Northwestern Hne of Pine Grove Township one mile North of Double Bridges, thence along the Northwestern boundary of Pine Grove Township to the point on the old Charleston and Cambridge road where it crosses Halfway Swamp Creek, thence down the middle of Halfway Svx^amp Creek to a point in the middle of Saluda River the mouth of said creek, thence down the middle of Big Saluda River to the initial point; and the territory embraced within the said lines shall be known as the County of Saluda.

Mr. G. D. Tillman, as we have .seen, was a membv^r of the Convention of 1865, which framed a constitution, which never became the organic law, as the State had not then passed through the throes of Revolution and Reconstruction. Are we throu.;h yet?

The upper part of Edgefiel' above Saluda Count}- was cut off, joined to a part of Abbeville, and made into the County of Greenwood, with County Seat at Greenwood, January, 1897.

A Parting Word

It is with a feeling of sadness, not unmingled with a sense of relief, that I close my labors on the Historj' of Edgefield. The work is not perfect, no human production is, nor can be. Still I hope that I have done .something to perpetuate the memory of some events and facts in history which should not be forgotten. And I hope that the work wall not be altogether unacceptable to those for whom it was written - the children of old Edgefield, whether at home or abroad.

It is easy to find fault with any work, for faults do exist in all. I can find defects in the plot and in the execution of Milton's Paradise L,ost, though it is impossible for me to write a poem equal to that immortal work. And so with all the productions of all writers who have ever lived. He is a ver}' vain and conceited individual who thinks that what he has done is so very nearl}^ perfect as to be above criticism. At the same time the critic, when he sees a defect in the w-ork of a writer or other artist, unless he knows the work is evil in purpose and intent, should endeavor to put himself in the place of the writer and consider whether he could have done any better. Where the purpose of the book is evil no castigation can be too severe.

Children of Edgefield, it may be that this is the last work, historical or other, that you will ever see from my pen. If it should be so, let us in love and peace greet each other with hail and farewell !