xt75x63b053n https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt75x63b053n/data/mets.xml Young, Lot D., b. 1842. 1918  books b92-52-26953729 English Courier-Journal Job Printing Company, : [Louisville : Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Young, Lot D., b. 1842. United States History Civil War, 1861-1865 Personal      narratives, Confederate. United States History Civil War, 1861-1865 Regimental    histories Confederate States of America. Army. Kentucky Brigade,      First. History. Reminiscences of a soldier of the Orphan brigade  / by Lieut. L.D. Young. text Reminiscences of a soldier of the Orphan brigade  / by Lieut. L.D. Young. 1918 2002 true xt75x63b053n section xt75x63b053n 



















U



By LIEUT. L. D. YOUNG,...-.Paris, Kentucky



Reminiscences of a

   Soldier of the

Orphan Brigade

 








Reminiscences of a Soldier



of the Orphan



Brigade



By LIEUT. L. D. YOUNG
  Paris, Kentucky

 























                       I





To THOSE WHO WORE THE GRAY AND TO THEIR CHILDREN
      AND CHILDREN'S CHILDREN, THIS BOOKLET
                  IS DEDICATED.

 


















  The Richard Hawes Chapter of the Daughters
of the Confederacy warmly recommends Col. L.
D. Young's "Reminiscences of the Orphan Bri-
gade" as a most worthy addition to the literature
of the South.
  It is an interesting recital of the author's per-
sonal experiences and contains much valuable
historic information.
  The Chapter commends Mr. Young, a splendid
Christian gentleman-a gallant Confederate sol-
dier-to all lovers of history-and especially to
the brave soldiers of the present great war.

 











             THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.
     By Prof. N. S. Shaler of the Federal Army.

Eighteen hundred and sixty-one:
There in the echo of Sumter's gun
Marches the host of the Orphan Brigade,
Lit by their banners, in hope's best arrayed.
Five thousand strong, never legion hath borne
Might as this bears it forth in that morn:
Hastings and Crecy, Naseby, Dunbar,
Cowpens and Yorktown, Thousand Years' War,
Is writ on their hearts as onward afar
They shout to the roar of their drums.

Eighteen hundred and sixty-two:
Well have they paid to the earth its due.
Close up, steady! the half are yet here
And all of the might, for the living bear
The dead in their hearts over Shiloh's field-
Rich, 0 God, is thy harvest's yield!
Wlhere faith swings the sickle, trust binds the sheaves,
To the roll of the surging drums.

Eighteen hundred and sixty-three:
Barring Sherman's march to the sea-
Shorn to a thousand; face to the foe
Back, ever back, but stubborn and slow.
Nineteen hundred wounds they take
In that service of Hell, yet the hills they shake
With the roar of their charge as onward they go
To the roar of their throbbing drums.

Eighteen hundred and sixty-four:
Their banners are tattered, and scarce twelve score,
Battered and wearied and seared and old,
Stay by the staves where the Orphans hold
Firm as a rock when the surges break-
Shield of a land where men die for His sake,
For the sake of the brothers whom they have laid low,
To the roll of their muffled drums.

Eighteen hundred and sixty-five:
The Devil is dead and the Lord is alive,
In the earth that springs where the heroes sleep,
And in love new born where the stricken weep.
That legion hath marched past the setting of sun:
Beaten nay, victors: the realms they have won
Are the hearts of men who forever shall hear
The throb of their far-off drums.


 






INTRODUCTION.



                     CHAPTER I.
   It is for the amusement and entertainment of the thou-
sands of young Kentuckians now enlisted beneath the
Stars and Stripes in the world cataclysm of war for the
cause of humanity and righteousness that these recollec-
tions and reminiscences are published. The author believ-
ing they will enable the "boys" to pass what might other-
wise be at times lonesome and monotonous hours.
   And while refused by the Secretary of War (by reason
of age) the opportunity to participate in the great struggle
now raging, it is his province now only to watch their
career, to pray for them and their success, for their suc-
cessful and triumphant return.
   And by reason of his experience as a soldier he can
enter into fully their aspirations and ambitions and share
their hopes, rejoice in their victories and their triumphs.
He understands the dread suspense of the impending con-
flict, the thrill and shock of battle, the victorious shout,
the gloom and chagrin of defeat, the pangs of hunger and
suffering from wounds and disease-for he has seen war
in all its horrors.
   And he knows that when the supreme moment comes
that Kentucky blood will assert itself; that her traditional
honor will be upheld, her renown glorified anew.
   He knows that these inspirations will insure steadi-
ness of step, strength of arm and force of stroke.
   He rejoices that the ever assertive blood of the Anglo-
Saxon flows through the veins of these young Ken-
tuckians, ready at all times and under all circumstances
to be dedicated to the cause of humanity and righteous-
ness.
   As will be readily seen, at the time of the writing of
these chapters, there was no thought of the great war in



5

 




THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



which the world is now engulfed and it was mainly a work
of pastime and personal satisfaction that they were then
written and published. But the suggestion has been made
that if published in suitable form for distribution and
donated by friends to the Kentucky boys now in service
that it might be appreciated by the boys "over there,"
some of whom are doubtless the sons or grandsons of those
who composed this little band of "immortals" and who
contributed so much to Kentucky's history in the unfortu-
nate fratricidal conflict of almost sixty years ago. Thank
God that the animosities of that unhappy period have
long since been banished, and there is now but one
thought, one aim, animating the hearts and minds of these
sons and grandsons, viz., the overthrow of autocracy and
the avenging of the outrages of the Huns-and a readjust-
ment and regeneration of the relationship and affairs of
men.
   In the changed conditions that confront us today we
see the history of the Commonwealth being absorbed by
the Nation and almost imperceptibly blended into a
Nationalized, Americanized whole.
   And whatever of history the sons of the Commonwealth
achieve in the great war will be accredited to the nation
America, and not Kentucky. And recognizing this unifica-
tion as a fixed policy of our government, the writer takes
advantage of the opportunity in this little booklet (lest
we forget) to individualize and compliment the magnif-
icent record of that little band of Kentuckians, known
in history as the "Orphan Brigade" and whose achieve-
ments form one of the most brilliant chapters in the his-
tory of the State and Nation. Hence the publication of
this booklet. The writer does not for a moment stop to
criticise the wisdom of this change (from the volunteer
to the conscript system) and he hopes he may be pardoned
for expressing pride in Kentucky's unexcelled past his-
tory. Henceforth it will not be what Kentucky or Ohio
accomplished-in war, but what the Nation, unified Amer-



6

 




THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



ica, accomplished. It will now be "liberty enlightening"
and leading the world.

  Then let the battle rage and onward move,
  Count not the cost nor falter in the breach,
  God, the Great Commander, wields the righteous wand,
  And bids you His Love the tyrant teach.

  When that shall have been accomplished (should the
author be living) he will be tempted to exclaim in the lan-
guage of old Moses when from Mt. Nebo he beheld the
land of Canaan and exclaimed "Now Lord, I am ready."
   In writing these recollections and reminiscences he has
aimed as much as possible to avoid aspersions, reflectione
and criticisms and confine himself to a personal knowl-
edge, which, of course, was more or less limited, because
of the restricted sphere of his activities and operations.
But he assures the "boys" that his stories, while not
classic, are substantially true. He could not afford to,
at his advanced age, attempt to misrepresent or deceive,
and he hopes the reader will excuse any irregularities in
the order of publication in book form for, as previously
stated, that was not originally contemplated.
   In comparing conditions and surroundings of that day
with those of the soldier of today, we find them so rad-
ically different as to be incomparable. And for this the
soldier of today should be truly thankful, since in the
case of these isolated Kentuckians-none of whom could
communicate with friends and receive a message or word
of cheer from the dear ones at home, circumstances today
are so very, very different. And while you are called upon
to meet and face many and more trying dangers, because
of the new and more modern instruments of war, you are
in many ways much better provided for than were your
sires and grandsires. Now when sick or wounded you
have every attention that modern skill and science can
command. You have also the angelic help and ministra-
tions of that greatest of all help and comfort, the Red



7

 




THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



Cross, and many other sources of help and aid that the
soldiers of the past did not have.
    So that while the dangers may be greater, the casual-
ties more numerous, relief has multiplied proportionately.
And you are today soldiers engaged in war which has the
same meaning it has always had. Because of the gloom
and sorrow that now enshrouds the world, it would be
well if we could forget the past-for the events of today
are but a portrayal of the past, a renewal of man's "inhu-
manity to man." But it has been so decreed by Him who
"moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform, Who
plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm."
   And let us hope-as many believe-that out of "Much
tribulation cometh great joy." If it were not for a great
and wise purpose, how could it be It is God's will and
submission to His will is man's only choice.

  So let your spirits as they rise and fall,
  Ever cling to the Faith that Right will prevail,
  That God will be with you to the end and is all in all,
  And no foeman, freedom's banner shall assail.

  It is at the instance of the Richard Hawes Chapter of
the U. D. C. chiefly that the writer of these recollections
and reminiscences has collected and published them.
   If in contributing this history of experiences and recol-
lections he shall give in any degree pleasure and furnish
entertainment to the "dear Kentucky boys" over the seas
he shall feel happy to have had that privilege and oppor-
tunity.
   He assures them that none more sincerely, more
prayerfully hopes for their safe and triumphant return.
He knows that this triumph will be the grandest chapter
in the world's history and that America will have played
her part gloriously in the grand tragedy.
   Oh! that he could be one of the actors!
   Then will the dark and gloomy days of your absence
hallowed by the blood of your lost comrades be made



8

 




THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



glorious by a triumphant return, the like of which the
world has never before seen nor never will see again.
   Then will every hilltop and mountain peak blaze with
the bonfires of a glorious greeting.
   Then will the dear old mother's heart thrill with joy
and happiness, then will the old father say "Welcome!
Welcome! my dear boy, I knew you would come." Then
too will she who promised, watched, hoped and prayed
be found seeking the opportunity to say "I am now ready
to redeem my promise."
   Then will the old soldier (God permitting him to live)
who dedicates these lines extend the glad hand of greet-
ing to the noble boys of his acquaintance and say, "well
done ye noble sons! I rejoice in your achievements, your
victories, your triumphs.
   "Welcome, thrice welcome, and again welcome, God
smiles and the land is yours. Let justice and righteous-
ness prevail now, henceforth and forever."
   It is conceivable that forty or fifty years hence some
of these soldier boys now participating in the great war
will find themselves wandering over these fields upon
which the greatest tragedies in the world's history are now
being enacted, and it is in full comprehension (because
of similar experiences) that the writer can extend the
imaginations of the mind to that time.
   It will be for him, who may be so fortunate, a glorious
day, a thrilling and inspiring reminiscence. To be one of
the actors in this stupendous tragedy in the history and
affairs of the world; to see, to participate in and realize
these grand events is to see things that have heretofore
seemed impossible, or inconceivable.
   But the times are full of wonders and amazements,
and things are happening faster and faster day by day.
   If the early history of the writer, read before the U.
D. C.'s, contains matter that would seem more appropriate
for a novel, because of its romantic character he justifies
himself by saying that "youth is full of romance" and he



9

 




10              THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.

believes, yea he knows, that many a brave boy today feels
the impulse and touch of these thoughts and suggestions
-and not alone the soldier boy, but the modest, timid,
retiring maiden whose heart quavered when she said good-
bye.


 







                    CHAPTER II.
  (An address delivered at Paris, Ky., June 26, 1916.)
Madame President, Ladies, Daughters of the Confederacy:
   I have several times promised your ex-president, Mrs.
Leer, that I would furnish her with a brief history of my
observations and experiences as a soldier, and have so far
failed; but will now, ere it is too late, try to comply with
this promise.
   But for the life of me I cannot see how I shall comply
with this request without (seemingly at least) appearing
in the role of one given to self praise or eulogy, and, mod-
est man that I am, I hesitate; this will explain why I have
been so long complying with your request, and shall con-
stitute my apology.
   The history of Kentucky Confederates was in most
instances very similar and their duties likewise similar.
All were imbued with the spirit of patriotism and love
for the cause in which they had engaged, each determined
to do whatever he could to promote and advance the cause
in which he was enlisted. In this I claim to have done
no more than other Kentucky soldiers who fought under
the "Stars and Bars."
   And yet there may be some incidents, some experiences
in my history so different from others as to make them
somewhat interesting by contrast, and as others have
kindly furnished you with a history of their experience,
you may be somewhat interested in making comparisons.
   Now, so far as relates to my history as a real soldier,
the beginning of that career was on the 8th of September,
1861. On the 22d of January following I was twenty
years old-quite a youth you are ready to say. But I had
been a soldier almost two years, being a charter membei-
of that little band of "Sunday" soldiers-the "Flat Rock
Grays"-and which constituted an integral part of what



(11)

 




12              THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.

was known at that time as the Kentucky "State Guard."
    This little company of citizen soldiers were in their
conceit and imagination very important and consequen-
tial fellows. Invited to all the noted gatherings and pub-
lic affairs of the day, dressed in gaudy and flashy uniforms
and flying plumes, filled with pride and conceit, they did
not know they were nursing their pride against the day
of wrath. One only of two now living, I look back upon
those days and scenes of youthful pride and ambition, with
a feeling of awe and reminiscence, and wonder why and
wherefore have I been spared through the labyrinth of
time elapsed and for what, alas! I am wondering.
   The most of the "Grays" left home for the scenes of
the war in August, but I had not completed my arrange-
ments and did not reach "Camp Burnett," Tennessee,
until September 7. Now the most trying and impressing
circumstances' of these preparations was the last "good-
bye" to my dear old mother and sweetheart, both of whom
survived the war; the dear old mother greeting me on my
return in a manner I shall leave to the imagination of you
ladies to describe. I was her "baby" and had been
mourned as lost more than once. But the sweetheart in
the meantime had become the wife of another and gone
to a distant state to make her home. Oh! the fickleness of
woman and the uicertainties of war. Pardon me, ladies,
I mean no reflection, but it hurts to this day; yet God in
His wisdom and goodness knows I forgave her. Perhaps
schoolday love is remembered and still lingers in the heart
of some of those I am addressing, then she, at least, can
appreciate this sentiment.
   The 6th of September found me in this town (Paris,
Ky.), where I began preparations for the life of a soldier,
by substituting my "pumps" for "Brogans," which I knew
would be more suitable, really indispensable for a soldier
on the march over rough and rugged roads. I sent back
home my pumps and horse, the latter afterward con-
fiscated and appropriated by the Yanks. Now I am sure

 




THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



my brogans presented a striking and ludicrous contrast
to my "clawhammer" blue broadcloth and gold buttons,
and to which I shall have occasion to refer again. But I
was going to the war and why should I care for comment
or criticism That night found me in Louisville, a shy,
cringing guest of the old Louisville Hotel, my brogans
giving me more concern than anything else, being in such
striking contrast to my clawhammer broadcloth and gold
buttons. I recall the scenes of that night and next morn-
ing with a distinctness that makes me almost shudder to
this day. If it were possible for you ladies to imagine the
excitement of those days, filled with the thousands of excit-
ing rumors that were heard every hour in the day, turn in
whatever direction you might, and the clangor and prep-
aration for war, you might have some idea of, and appre-
ciate, my predicament. A solitary country boy, who had
seen but little of the world, on his road South in quest of
Southern rights on the field of battle. Were it not fraught
with fearful recollections it would now seem ridiculous.
But the night was spent, not in sleep, but in wild imagin-
ings as to the outcome on the morrow and what the morn-
ing would develop. Morning came and with reddened
eyes and unsteady step, I came down the winding stairs
of the old hotel, my mind filled with fearful misgivings.
Going up to the office shyly I began instinctively to turn
the leaves of the register; imagine my surprise when I read
the names of Generals WV. T. Sherman, L. J. Rousseau,
Major Anderson of Fort Sumter fame and other Federal
officers, aides and orderlies, who were stopping there; that
humbug Kentucky "neutrality" no longer being observed.
I was now almost ready to call on the Lord to save me.
But my fears were intensified when a gentleman of middle
age, whom I had noticed eyeing me closely, walked across
the room, putting his hand on my shoulder and asked me
to a corner of the room. "Angels and ministers of grace
defend me"-in the hands of a detective. I'm gone now!
Noticing my look of fear and trepidation, he said, "Com-



13

 




THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



pose yourself young man, I am your friend-the shoes
you wear (Oh, the tell-tale shoes! Why didn't I keep my
pumps) lead me to believe you meditate joining the army,
and if I am not mistaken you are aiming to go South to
join the Confederates." I was now halting between two
opinions; was he aiming to have me commit myself, or
was he really a friend But proceeding, he said, "It is
but natural you should suspect me, but I am your friend
nevertheless, and am here to advise and assist young men
like you in getting through the lines (a somewhat calmer
feeling came over me now) and you will have to be very
cautious, for I fear your brogans are a tell-tale (I had
already realized THAT). You see," said, he, "excitement
is running high and almost everybody is under suspicion,
myself with others." I ventured to ask his name, which
he readily gave me as Captain Coffee of Tennessee, to me
a very singular name.
  Feeling sure of his man and continuing, he said, "The
train that leaves here this morning will likely be the last
for the state line (and sure enough it was) and you will
find excitement running high at the station; they have
guards to examine all passengers and their baggage, and
when you reach the station go straight to the ticket office,
secure your ticket and go to the rear of the train. Go in
and take the first vacant seat and for Heaven's sake, if
possible, hide your brogans, for I fear they may tell on
you." I had by this time become thoroughly convinced
that he was really my friend and decided to take his
advice.
   But now the climax to the situation was, as I thought,
about to be reached. Looking toward the winding stairs
I saw coming down them (Coffee told me who they were)
dressed in their gaudy regimentals (the regulation blue
and gold lace), Generals W. T. Sherman and L. J. Rous-
seau, side by side, arm in arm, behind them the short,
chubby figure of Major Anderson of Fort Sumter fame
and some other prominent officers whose names I have



14

 



THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



forgotten, accompanied by their staff officers and order-
lies. A "pretty kettle of fish" for me to be caught with-I
thought. They passed into the dining room immediately.
I shall never forget the hook-nose, lank, lean and hungry
look of General Sherman, reminding me of Julius Caesar's
description of Cassius. Later on I was often reminded of
this incident, when Sherman was pushing us through
Georgia, toward the sea in the celebrated campaign of '64.
I was then almost wicked enough to wish that I had at
this time and there ended his career. But, exchanging a
few more words with Capt. Coffee, I called for my satchel
and took the "bus" for the station; arriving there I acted
upon the advice of my new made friend and adviser.
Quickly procuring my ticket and entering the car, I
secured the rear seat and with fear and trembling
attempted to hide my brogans by setting my satchel on
them. (We had no suit cases then.) This was a morning
of wonderful excitement in the station for it was the last
train to leave Louisville for the State line and Memphis.
There were thousands of people there crowding every avail-
able foot of space-excitement ran high. The train guards
or inspectors-fully armed-were busy examining pas-
sengers and their baggage. My heart almost leaped from
my bosom as they came down the aisle. But just before
they reached the rear of the car the bell rang and the train
started. The guards rushed for the door, leaving me and
one or two others unquestioned and unmolested. Like
"Paul, when he reached the three taverns," I thanked God
and took courage. I doubt if the old station ever before
or since saw such excitement and heard such a shout as
went up from the people therein assembled as the train
pulled out for Dixie. Many of these people were Southern
sympathizers and wished us Godspeed and a safe journey.
   That evening I joined my schoolboy friends and soldier
comrades, the "Flat Rock Grays," in Camp Burnett, Ten-
nessee, the Grays dropping their name and acquiring the
letter "HI" in the regimental formation of that celebrated



15

 




THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



regiment commanded by Col. Robert P. Trabue and known
as the Fourth Kentucky, C. S. A. That night I slept in
camp for the first time as to what I dreamed I am unable
to say-it might have been of the sweetheart. The next
day was spent in getting acquainted with the dear fellows
whose comradeship I was to have and share for the next
four years. Here began the experiences of the real sol-
dier, that was to include some of the most momentous
events in American history. Only one day, however, was
spent in Burnett, for that night orders came for those com-
panies that had been supplied with arms to break camp
early next morning and take the train for Bowling Green
-to "invade Kentucky." The companies without arms,
among which was Company H, was to repair to Nash-
ville where we procured arms, joining the rest of the regi-
ment a few weeks later at Bowling Green.
   I have told you of the beginning, now it is proper and
altogether pertinent that I should refer to some of the
closing scenes of my career as a soldier. But I am here
leaving a gap in my history, the most important part of it,
which will be found in other parts of this little book.
   Having received my furlough at Jonesboro, where I
was wounded on August 31, 1864, the following six months
were spent in hospitals; first at Barnesville, later at Ma-
con and then Cuthbert, Ga., and later still at Eufaula,
Ala. I had as companions in hospital experiences three
other Kentuckians, Captain E. F. Spears of this city,
Paris, whom you all know to have been a gentleman of
the highest honor and noblest emotions-a gentleman-
Oh, how I loved him; and Lieutenants Hanks and Eales,
noble fellows and companionable comrades. Here were
formed ties of friendship-that death alone could sever.
   But having sufficiently recovered from my wound, I
decided the last of March that I would make an effort to
reach my command (the Orphan Brigade) now engaged
in a desperate effort to stay the progress of Sherman's
devastating columns now operating in South Carolina.



16

 




THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



The "Orphans" in the meantime and during my absence
had been converted into cavalry. I was still on crutches
and bidding Eufaula friends good-bye (with regret) I
started once more for the front.
   The times were now fraught with gloomy forebodings
and misgivings, excitement running high. The South was
in tears, terror stricken-the Confederacy surely and rap-
idly was reeling to her doom. General Wilson's cavalry
was raiding through Alabama and Georgia with but little
opposition, destroying the railroads and almost every-
thing else of value as they moved across the country.
   On the train I had very distinguished company in the
person of General "Bob" Toombs, who commanded the
Georgia militia, a, mythical organization of the times, and
Mrs. L. Q. C. Lamar of Mississippi, whose husband was
afterward a member of Cleveland's Cabinet. I was very
much impressed with the remarkable personality of this
lady and felt sorry for her and her family of seven chil-
dren, fleeing terror stricken from the raiders. Pande-
monium seemed to reign supreme among these fleeing
refugees, the air being literally alive with all sorts of
rumors about the depredations and atrocities of the raid-
ers. Numerous delays occurred to the train, everybody
on board fearing the raiders and anxious to move on.
General Toombs, excited and worried at these delays,
determined to take charge of the situation and see that
the train moved on. With a navy revolver in each hand
he leaped from the train and with an oath that meant
business said he would see that the train moved on-
which it did rather promptly, the General taking due
credit to himself for its moving, which the passengers
willingly accorded him. Inquiring who this moving spirit
was, I was told that it was General "Bob" Toombs (by
this name, "Bob" Toombs, he was known throughout the
United States). Instantly there flashed into my mind the
celebrated speech he made in the United States Senate,
in which he said that "erelong he expected to call the roll



17

 




THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



of his slaves beneath the shadow of Bunker Hill Monu-
ment"-and which speech did more to fire the hearts of
the North than almost anything said or done prior to the
war.
   But finally we reached Macon-where I had been in
the hospital-and on the afternoon of the second day after
our arrival, Wilson's cavalry took possession of the city.
That night some of the fiends, that are to be found in
every army, applied the torch to the home of Senator
Howell Cobb, the Lanier Hotel and a number of other
prominent buildings. I could realize the excitement from
the Confederate hospital on College Hill, which overlooks
the city, and which was terrifying and appalling beyond
anything I had ever before seen. The shrieks and cries of
the women and children almost unnerved me. Woe of
woes! Horror of horrors! I thought.
   But I must do General Wilson the honor to say that
he did not order or approve of this fiendish piece of work,
for he did all in his power to prevent and stop it; and but
for his efforts the city would no doubt have been com-
pletely destroyed.
   Of course I abandoned my attempt to join the old boys
of the "Orphan Brigade." I was now a prisoner, every-
thing lost (save honor), gloom and chaos were everywhere.
Obtaining a parole from the Federal officer in command
(something new), I decided to join my comrades Knox
and Harp, each of whom, like myself, had been put out of
business by wounds received sometime before and who
were sojourning with a friend in the country near For-
sythe, intending to counsel with them as to the best course
to be pursued next. Having enjoyed the hospitality of our
host and his good wife for several days, Knox and myself
decided to go down to Augusta for a last and final parting
with the remnant of these dear "old boys" of the "Orphan
Brigade" whom we learned were to be paroled in that
city. We soon learned upon our arrival in the city that
General Lewis and staff would arrive next morning. Next



is

 





THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



morning the General and staff rode through the city, the
most sorrowful and forlorn looking men my eyes ever
looked upon; it was enough to make a savage weep. The
cause for which we had so long fought, sacrificed and suf-
fered, lost, everything lost, God and the world apparently
against us, without country, without home or hope, the
old family being broken up and separated forever, our very
souls sinking within us, gloom and sorrow overhanging
the world; what would' we do; what could we do Learn-
ing from General Lewis that the remnant of the little band
of immortals who had contributed so much to the history
and renown of Kentucky in the great conflict would be
paroled at Washington, some twenty miles from Augusta,
Knox and myself proceeded to that place for a last and
final farewell.
   The associations of almost four years of the bloodiest
war in modern times up to that day were here, to be for-
ever broken up. The eyes that gleamed defiance in the
battles' rage were now filled with tears of sorrow at part-
ing. The hand that knew no trembling in the bloody
onslaught now wavered and trembled-the hour for the
last parting had arrived, the long struggle ended forever
-good-bye, John; farewell, Henry; it is all over and all is
lost, ended at last; good-bye, boys; good-bye.
   Are their deeds worth recording, worth remembering
It is for you, dear ladies, rather than men, to say whether
it shall be done or not, and in what way. I am content
to leave it to you, knowing that it will be well and faith-
fully done.
   Resuming the closing scenes of my experiences at
Washington and the final sad leave-taking of these dear
old "Orphans," I must revert to my friend and well wisher
(as he proved to be), General Toombs.
   The Confederate Government had saved from the ruin
that befell and overtook it several thousand dollars in coin



19

 




THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.



and which was being transported across the country,
whither, no one seemed to know-in charge of a certain
major.
    Now Washington was the home of my hero of the train
incident. The powers that were left decided to distribute
a part of this coin among the faithful veterans who were
being paroled at this point. The cavalry, who did not
enlist until later in '62, receiving 26, in some instances
more, while the Orphans received as their share only 3.50,
a very unfair and inequitable distribution, character of
service and time being considered. The cavalry in this,
as in some other instances, receiving the lion's share and
getting the most of the good things that fell to the lot of
the "pooh" soldier.  This money consisted mainly of
"double eagles," three of which fell to the remnant of my
company. The perplexing question now was how could
we divide this money. The matter was finally settled by
the boys commissioning me to go down into the town (a
mile or more away) to see if I could exchange it for
smaller coins. Still on crutches, I finally consented, but it
was a task. Going into town and from home to home-
all business houses long since closed-I at last stagger