Stranica 380 [380]
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THE POTOMAC AND RAPPAHANNOCK
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loved to tell stories of the past and always began his tales by
saying, “He had more recollections than he could remember.”’
He loved to boast that “Ole Muissis’ flowers was so sweet you
could smell ’em a mile away—yjest as soon as you turn’d into
de abenue.”’
During the War Between the States, Gay Mont, from its com¬
manding position, narrowly escaped having a battery placed on the
hill. This would have made it a target for the gunboats which
shelled Port Royal and vicinity. The officers sent to place the
battery desisted at the earnest entreaties of the women of the
family. Two of Mr. Bernard’s daughters remained at Gay Mont
with their faithful servants during the entire war, thus no doubt
saving the place from destruction. General Abercrombie, the Union
commander stationed in Port Royal, showed them great courtesy
and kindness. Many nights these young ladies sat in a low window
holding by the bridle their favorite horses, “Ariel” and ‘‘Empress, ”
to prevent them from being stolen. ‘hese horses were finally taken,
however, but were instantly released when the owners appeared
next day at headquarters and begged their return. General Aber¬
crombie then sent a special guard to protect Gay Mont from further
interference while the Northern troops remained in the neigh¬
borhood.
The Confederate ofhcers encamped around Fredericksburg—
General J. E. B. Stuart and his staff among them—were frequent
visitors at Gay Mont. General Stuart was very fond of a music
box in the library and would often enter the house unobserved and
announce his arrival by playing some familiar air. A chair much
scratched by his buttons was long kept as a souvenir of his visits.
Major Duncan McKin,, “the gallant Pelham,” and other officers
were dining at Gay Mont the evening before the Battle of Fred¬
ericksburg, when a courier arrived summoning them to _ head¬
quarters. So furious was the cannonading in that battle that the
big bell over the kitchen and the smaller servants’ bells which hung
outside the several windows, all rang while the battle was in
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