Stranica 161 [161]
OCR
HISTORIC GARDENS OF VIRGINIA wounded soldier, then a paroled prisoner within the Northern lines, and to say to him how much he regretted he could not have that soldier with him to share in the glory which he felt would crown his efforts. The other incident was on the 12th of May, 1864, when General Stuart received his mortal wound at the battle of Yellow Tavern, a few miles south of Hickory Hill. Ihe soldier above referred to led General Stuart’s right wing on that fatal day. When the battle opened, the wife of the soldier brought a chair, placed it between two pillars of the south marble porch and sat all day listening to the volleys of musketry and the sound of cannon. When evening fell, she knew by the approaching sounds of the conflict that the day had gone against the Confederates. In the dusk she saw approaching the body-servant, whose duty was to carry the fresh horse in when it was needed, and she recognized him as well as the horse he was leading. She ran to the fence and upbraided him, asking where his master was. The reply was, ‘Miss Lucy, I don’ know; the white mens all runned and I runned too." It is due to the memory of this faithful servant, however, to say that he did not tarry, but, endeavoring to ascertain where the Confederate troops had rallied, duly reported under fire with the fresh horse, though it must be admitted rather late. Many gallant gentlemen and gentle ladies have graced many a glad and happy hour in this glorious old garden. Many boys and girls have shared their joys and sorrows in it in the past, and it ts fondly hoped many more will in the future bring to it the sunshine of their charming presence and merry laughter. : Henry TAYLOR WICKHAM. [98 |
